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2. Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine: a position paper on innovation and digitalization in Personalized Medicine
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Beccia, Flavia, Di Marcantonio, Marzia, Causio, Francesco Andrea, Schleicher, Lena, Wang, Lili, Cadeddu, Chiara, Ricciardi, Walter, and Boccia, Stefania
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- 2024
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3. Evaluation of the usefulness of a paper–pencil group cognitive assessment for older adults in the community
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Daisuke Cho, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Susumu Ogawa, Tomoya Takahashi, Kenichiro Sato, Ai Iizuka, Momoko Kobayashi, Misako Yamauchi, Anna Kinai, Yan Li, and Yoshinori Fujiwara
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Dementia ,Cognitive decline ,Paper–pencil type group examination for cognitive assessment ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background As the older population increases, the need for early detection of cognitive decline is also increasing. In this study, we examined whether our paper–pencil type group examination for cognitive assessment (PAPLICA) could detect the effects of years of education and aging. Methods PAPLICA was conducted on 829 older people. The inclusion criteria were age 60 years or older and the ability to come to the event site alone. The exclusion criteria were participants with a medical or psychiatric disorder or dementia.One examiner conducted the test on a group of approximately 10–20 people in approximately 25 min. Participants were instructed on tackling the issues projected on the projector, and their answers were recorded in a response booklet. Results An independent sample t-test was performed for years of education, and ANCOVA was performed for aging. Among the test items included in PAPLICA, the Speed I and Letter fluency tests were unable to detect the effects of aging. Furthermore, the age at which the effect of aging manifests varies depending on the test item. For instance, a decline in scores in the Speed I and Picture ECR Free recall tests was observed in the 70–74 age group; for that of Word DRT, Picture ECR cued recall, and Similarity, in the 75–79 age group; for CFT, in the 80–84 age group, and for CLOX, the decline was observed in the 85 ≤ age group. Conclusions PAPLICA, similar to other neuropsychological tests, was able to detect the effects of years of education and aging. Future testing should be conducted on different demographics to identify the differences in patterns of cognitive decline.
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- 2023
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4. Integrating China in the International Consortium for Personalised Medicine: a position paper on innovation and digitalization in Personalized Medicine
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Flavia Beccia, Marzia Di Marcantonio, Francesco Andrea Causio, Lena Schleicher, Lili Wang, Chiara Cadeddu, Walter Ricciardi, and Stefania Boccia
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European Union ,China ,Big Data ,ICT solutions ,Innovation ,funding ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background The advent of Personalized Medicine (PM) holds significant promise in revolutionizing healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their data. However, its successful implementation requires the seamless integration of innovative technologies and presents formidable challenges in terms of sustainability. To tackle these challenges head-on, the International Consortium for Personalized Medicine (ICPerMed) was established, and the IC2PerMed project, as part of this consortium, seeks to foster collaboration between the European Union (EU) and China in the field of Personalized Medicine. Based on the results collected by the project, the objective of this study is to discern the key priorities for the implementation of Personalised Medicine concerning Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Big Data and digital solutions, with a particular emphasis on data management and protection. Methods A Delphi survey was conducted to gather expert’s consensus on the main priorities for actions on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Big Data and digital solutions in the field of Personalized Medicine. Results The survey identified seven priorities in the area of Big Data and digital solutions, including data interoperability, standards, security measures, and international partnerships. Additionally, twelve priorities were identified for the innovation-to-market process, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, need assessment, and value definition in resource allocation. Conclusions The effective implementation of new technologies in Personalized Medicine research and practice is essential for the advancement of healthcare systems in both the European and Chinese contexts. The identified priorities play a pivotal role in promoting the sustainability of health systems and driving innovation in the implementation of Personalized Medicine. Addressing challenges related to data interoperability, standards, security, international collaboration, cost-effectiveness, and value assessment is of utmost importance in order to propel the progress of Personalized Medicine in healthcare systems.
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- 2024
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5. The sleep justice study - a prospective cohort study assessing sleep as a cardiometabolic risk factor after incarceration: a protocol paper
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Elumn, Johanna E., Saeed, Gul Jana, Aminawung, Jenerius, Horton, Nadine, Lin, Hsiu‑Ju, Yaggi, H. Klar, and Wang, Emily A.
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- 2023
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6. The sleep justice study - a prospective cohort study assessing sleep as a cardiometabolic risk factor after incarceration: a protocol paper
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Johanna E. Elumn, Gul Jana Saeed, Jenerius Aminawung, Nadine Horton, Hsiu‑Ju Lin, H. Klar Yaggi, and Emily A. Wang
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Incarceration ,Sleep ,Cardiovascular risk ,Prospective cohort ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background An estimated 11 million individuals are released from U.S. jails and prisons each year. Individuals with a history of incarceration have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality compared to the general population, especially in the weeks following release from carceral facilities. Healthy sleep, associated with cardiovascular health, is an underexplored factor in the epidemiology of CVD in this population. Incarcerated people may have unique individual, environmental, and institutional policy-level reasons for being sleep deficient. The social and physical environment within carceral facilities and post-release housing may synergistically affect sleep, creating disparities in sleep and cardiovascular health. Since carceral facilities disproportionately house poor and minoritized groups, population-specific risk factors that impact sleep may also contribute to inequities in cardiovascular outcomes. Methods This study is ancillary to an ongoing prospective cohort recruiting 500 individuals with known cardiovascular risk factors within three months of release from incarceration, the Justice-Involved Individuals Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (JUSTICE) study. The Sleep Justice study will measure sleep health among participants at baseline and six months using three validated surveys: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the STOP-Bang, and the Brief Index of Sleep Control. In a subsample of 100 individuals, we will assess sleep over the course of one week using wrist actigraphy, a validated objective measure of sleep that collects data on rest-activity patterns, sleep, and ambient light levels. Using this data, we will estimate and compare sleep health and its association with CVD risk factor control in individuals recently released from carceral facilities. Discussion The incarceration of millions of poor and minoritized groups presents an urgent need to understand how incarceration affects CVD epidemiology. This study will improve our understanding of sleep health among people released from carceral facilities and its potential relationship to CVD risk factor control. Using subjective and objective measures of sleep will allow us to identify unique targets to improve sleep health and mitigate cardiovascular risk in an otherwise understudied population.
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- 2023
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7. Paper: violence, abuse and exploitation among trafficked women and girls: a mixed-methods study in Nigeria and Uganda
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Kiss, Ligia, Fotheringhame, David, Kyegombe, Nambusi, McAlpine, Alys, Abilio, Ludmila, Kyamulabi, Agnes, Walakira, Eddy J., Devries, Karen, and Tanton, Clare
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- 2022
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8. Replacing vaccine paper package inserts: a multi-country questionnaire study on the acceptability of an electronic replacement in different target groups
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Bamberger, Martina, De Loof, Hans, Marstboom, Charlotte, Oury, Stéphanie, Bonanni, Paolo, Launay, Odile, Kojouharova, Mira, and Van Damme, Pierre
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- 2022
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9. A general framework for selecting work participation outcomes in intervention studies among persons with health problems: a concept paper
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Ravinskaya, Margarita, Verbeek, Jos H., Langendam, Miranda W., Madan, Ira, Verstappen, Suzanne M. M., Kunz, Regina, Hulshof, Carel T. J., and Hoving, Jan L.
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- 2022
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10. A prospective cohort study examining exposure to incarceration and cardiovascular disease (Justice-Involved Individuals Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology – JUSTICE study): a protocol paper
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Howell, Benjamin A., Puglisi, Lisa B., Aminawung, Jenerius, Domingo, Kirsten Bibbins-, Elumn, Johanna, Gallagher, Colleen, Horton, Nadine, Kazi, Dhruv S., Krumholz, Harlan M., Lin, Hsiu-Ju, Roy, Brita, and Wang, Emily A.
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- 2022
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11. A general framework for selecting work participation outcomes in intervention studies among persons with health problems: a concept paper
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Margarita Ravinskaya, Jos H. Verbeek, Miranda W. Langendam, Ira Madan, Suzanne M. M. Verstappen, Regina Kunz, Carel T. J. Hulshof, and Jan L. Hoving
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Work participation ,Return to work ,Sick leave ,Employment ,Occupational functioning ,Work ability ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Work participation is important for health and can be considered as engagement in a major area of life which is of significance for most people, but it can also be thought of as fulfilling or discharging a role. Currently, academic research lacks a comprehensive classification of work participation outcomes. The International Classification of Functioning is the foremost model in defining work functioning and its counterpart work disability, but it does not provide a critical (core) set of outcomes. Standardizing the definitions and nomenclature used in the research of work participation would ensure that the outcomes of studies are comparable, and practitioners and guideline developers can better decide what works best. As work participation is a broad umbrella term including outcome categories which need unambiguous differentiation, a framework needs to be developed first. Aim To propose a framework which can be used to develop a generic core outcome set for work participation. Methods First, we performed a systematic literature search on the concept of (work) participation, views on how to measure it, and on existing classifications for outcome measurements. Next, we derived criteria for the framework and proposed a framework based on the criteria. Last, we applied the framework to six case studies as a proof of concept. Results Our literature search provided 2106 hits and we selected 59 studies for full-text analysis. Based on the literature and the developed criteria we propose four overarching outcome categories: (1) initiating employment, (2) having employment, (3) increasing or maintaining productivity at work, and (4) return to employment. These categories appeared feasible in our proof-of-concept assessment with six different case studies. Conclusion We propose to use the framework for work participation outcomes to develop a core outcome set for intervention studies to improve work participation.
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- 2022
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12. Paper: violence, abuse and exploitation among trafficked women and girls: a mixed-methods study in Nigeria and Uganda
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Ligia Kiss, David Fotheringhame, Nambusi Kyegombe, Alys McAlpine, Ludmila Abilio, Agnes Kyamulabi, Eddy J. Walakira, Karen Devries, and Clare Tanton
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Human trafficking ,Modern-slavery ,Violence ,Migration ,Africa ,Adolescents ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Africa is the global region where modern-slavery is most prevalent, especially among women and girls. Despite the severe health consequences of human trafficking, evidence on the risks and experiences of trafficked adolescents and young women is scarce for the region. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the intersections between violence, migration and exploitation among girls and young women identified as trafficking survivors in Nigeria and Uganda. Methods We conducted secondary analysis of the largest routine dataset on human trafficking survivors. We used descriptive statistics to report the experiences of female survivors younger than 25 years-old from Nigeria and Uganda. We also conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with adolescents identified as trafficked in both countries. We used thematic analysis to explore participants’ perceptions and experiences before, during and after the trafficking situation. Results Young female survivors of human trafficking in Nigeria and Uganda are exposed to a range of experiences of violence before migration, during transit and at destination. The qualitative data revealed that children and adolescents migrated to escape family poverty, violence and neglect. They had very low levels of education and most had their studies interrupted before migrating. Family members and close social contacts were the most common intermediaries for their migration. During transit, sexual violence and hunger were common, especially among Nigerians. Participants in both the quantitative and qualitative studies reported high levels of violence, deception, coercion, withheld wages and poor working conditions at destination. The adolescents interviewed in the qualitative study reported severe mental suffering, including suicide attempts. Only one reported the prosecution of perpetrators. Conclusions Our findings suggest that interventions to prevent or mitigate the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences can contribute to preventing the trafficking of adolescents in Nigeria and Uganda. These interventions include social protection mechanisms, universal access to education, social service referrals and education of parents and carers. Importantly, effective prevention also needs to address the systemic conditions that makes trafficking of female adolescents invisible, profitable and inconsequential for perpetrators.
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- 2022
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13. Replacing vaccine paper package inserts: a multi-country questionnaire study on the acceptability of an electronic replacement in different target groups
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Martina Bamberger, Hans De Loof, Charlotte Marstboom, Stéphanie Oury, Paolo Bonanni, Odile Launay, Mira Kojouharova, and Pierre Van Damme
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Vaccine ,Leaflet ,Patient health questionnaire ,Culturally appropriate technology ,Pregnancy ,Parents ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background In the European Union it is mandatory to include paper package leaflets (PPL) with all medicines, including vaccines, to inform the recipient. However, it is difficult to meet the necessity for localized PPLs in each of the 24 official European languages. Replacing PPLs with electronic versions offers many advantages including redistribution across nations, reduced storage space, accessibility by the visually impaired, easily updated information or the addition of video content. We wanted to assess the attitudes of patients (vaccine recipients or their parents) to the potential of replacing PPL with electronic versions. Methods We surveyed vaccinees or their parents in four European countries—Belgium, Italy, Bulgaria and France—for their actual use of vaccine PPLs and their opinions about switching to an electronic package leaflet. Our survey was conducted online because of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in 2518 responses to a questionnaire targeted at three specific groups with particular information needs: parents of young children, pregnant women and the elderly (≥ 60 years). Results Our main findings are that currently vaccine PPLs are rarely used and frequently unavailable for the vaccinee. Across the four countries surveyed 55–82% of vaccinees would accept an electronic version, as did 64% when there was an option to request a printout of the leaflet. Conclusions We found that switching to electronic versions of vaccine PPLs is an acceptable alternative for the public, potentially increasing the quality and amount of information reaching vaccinees while eliminating some barriers to redistribution of vaccines between countries.
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- 2022
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14. A prospective cohort study examining exposure to incarceration and cardiovascular disease (Justice-Involved Individuals Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology – JUSTICE study): a protocol paper
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Benjamin A. Howell, Lisa B. Puglisi, Jenerius Aminawung, Kirsten Bibbins- Domingo, Johanna Elumn, Colleen Gallagher, Nadine Horton, Dhruv S. Kazi, Harlan M. Krumholz, Hsiu-Ju Lin, Brita Roy, and Emily A. Wang
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Incarceration ,Prison ,Cardiovascular Disease ,Prospective Cohort Study ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background People who have been incarcerated have high rates of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and smoking, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of hospitalizations and mortality in this population. Despite this, little is known regarding what pathways mediate the association between incarceration exposure and increased rates of CVD morbidity and especially what incarceration specific factors are associated with this risk. The objective of this study is to better understand CVD risk in people exposed to incarceration and the pathways by which accumulate cardiovascular risk over time. Methods and Analysis The Justice-Involved Individuals Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (JUSTICE) study is a prospective cohort study of individuals released from incarceration with known cardiovascular risk factors. We are recruiting 500 individuals within three months after release from jail/prison. At baseline we are assessing traditional risk factors for CVD, including diet, exercise, and smoking, and exposure to incarceration-related policies, psychosocial stress, and self-efficacy. Cardiovascular risk factors are measured at baseline through point of care testing. We are following these individuals for the 12 months following the index release from incarceration with re-evaluation of psychosocial factors and clinical risk factors every 6 months. Using these data, we will estimate the direct and indirect latent effects of incarceration on cardiovascular risk factors and the paths via which these effects are mediated. We will also model the anticipated 10-year burden of CVD incidence, health care use, and mortality associated with incarceration. Discussion Our study will identify factors associated with CVD risk factor control among people released from incarceration. Our measurement of incarceration-related exposures, psychosocial factors, and clinical measures of cardiovascular risk will allow for identification of unique targets for intervention to modify CVD risk in this vulnerable population.
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- 2022
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15. National policies for the promotion of physical activity and healthy nutrition in the workplace context: a behaviour change wheel guided content analysis of policy papers in Finland
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Tuija Seppälä, Nelli Hankonen, Eveliina Korkiakangas, Johanna Ruusuvuori, and Jaana Laitinen
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Policy papers ,Health promotion ,Workplace ,Nutrition ,Physical activity ,Sedentary behaviour ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Health policy papers disseminate recommendations and guidelines for the development and implementation of health promotion interventions. Such documents have rarely been investigated with regard to their assumed mechanisms of action for changing behaviour. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy have been used to code behaviour change intervention descriptions, but to our knowledge such “retrofitting” of policy papers has not previously been reported. This study aims first to identify targets, mediators, and change strategies for physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviour change in Finnish policy papers on workplace health promotion, and second to assess the suitability of the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) approach for this purpose. Method We searched all national-level health policy papers effectual in Finland in August 2016 focusing on the promotion of PA and/or healthy nutrition in the workplace context (n = 6). Policy recommendations targeting employees’ nutrition and PA including sedentary behaviour (SB) were coded using BCW, TDF, and BCT Taxonomy. Results A total of 125 recommendations were coded in the six policy papers, and in two additional documents referenced by them. Psychological capability, physical opportunity, and social opportunity were frequently identified (22%, 31%, and 24%, respectively), whereas physical capability was almost completely absent (1%). Three TDF domains (knowledge, skills, and social influence) were observed in all papers. Multiple intervention functions and BCTs were identified in all papers but several recommendations were too vague to be coded reliably. Influencing individuals (46%) and changing the physical environment (44%) were recommended more frequently than influencing the social environment (10%). Conclusions The BCW approach appeared to be useful for analysing the content of health policy papers. Paying more attention to underlying assumptions regarding behavioural change processes may help to identify neglected aspects in current policy, and to develop interventions based on recommendations, thus helping to increase the impact of policy papers.
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- 2017
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16. Study protocol of a 4- parallel arm, superiority, community based cluster randomized controlled trial comparing paper and e-platform based interventions to improve accuracy of recall of last menstrual period (LMP) dates in rural Bangladesh
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Shumona Sharmin Salam, Nazia Binte Ali, Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman, Tazeen Tahsina, Md. Irteja Islam, Afrin Iqbal, Dewan Md. Emdadul Hoque, Samir Kumar Saha, and Shams El Arifeen
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Gestational age ,LMP ,Recall ,Preterm birth ,Bangladesh ,Mobile phone ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Gestational age (GA) is a key determinant of newborn survival and long-term impairment. Accurate estimation of GA facilitates timely provision of essential interventions to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Menstrual based dating, ultrasound based dating, and neonatal estimates are the primarily used methods for assessing GA; all of which have some strength and weaknesses that require critical consideration. Last menstrual period (LMP) is simple, low-cost self-reported information, recommended by the World Health Organization for estimating GA but has issues of recall mainly among poorer, less educated women and women with irregular menstruation, undiagnosed abortion, and spotting during early pregnancy. Several studies have noted that about 20–50% of women cannot accurately recall the date of LMP. The goal of this study is therefore to improve recall and reporting of LMP and by doing so increase the accuracy of LMP based GA assessment in a rural population of Bangladesh where antenatal care-seeking, availability and utilization of USG is low. Method We propose to conduct a 4- parallel arm, superiority, community based cluster randomized controlled trial comparing three interventions to improve recall of GA with a no intervention arm. The interventions include (i) counselling and a paper based calendar (ii) counselling and a cell phone based SMS alert system (iii) counselling and smart-phone application. The trial is being conducted among 3360 adolescent girls and recently married women in Mirzapur sub-district of Bangladesh. Discussion Enrolment of study participants continued from January 24, 2017 to March 29, 2017. Data collection and intervention implementation is ongoing and will end by February, 2019. Data analysis will measure efficacy of interventions in improving the recall of LMP date among enrolled participants. Results will be reported following CONSORT guideline. The innovative conventional & e-platform based interventions, if successful, can provide substantial evidence to scale-up in a low resource setting where m-Health initiatives are proliferating with active support from all sectors in policy and implementation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02944747. The trial has been registered before starting enrolment on 24 October 2016.
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- 2018
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17. ‘Boost Camp’, a universal school-based transdiagnostic prevention program targeting adolescent emotion regulation; evaluating the effectiveness by a clustered RCT: a protocol paper
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Brenda Volkaert, Laura Wante, Leentje Vervoort, and Caroline Braet
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Adolescents ,Emotion regulation ,School-based ,Prevention program ,Emotional wellbeing ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background The transition from childhood into adolescence can be considered as a critical developmental period. Moreover, adolescence is associated with a decreased use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies and an increased use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies increasing the risk of emotional problems. Targeting emotion regulation is therefore seen as an innovative prevention approach. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Boost camp, an innovative school-based prevention program targeting ER, on adolescents’ emotion regulation skills and emotional wellbeing. Also secondary outcomes and possible moderators will be included. Methods The aim is to reach 300 adolescents (16 class groups, 6 schools) in their first year of high school. A clustered Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) with two conditions, intervention (n = 150) and control (n = 150), will be set up. Adolescents in the intervention condition will receive 14 lessons over the course of 2 days, followed by Booster sessions, and will be compared with adolescents in a non-intervention control group. The outcomes will be measured by self-report questionnaires at baseline, immediately after Boost camp, and at three and 6 months follow-up. Discussion Data-collection is planned to be completed in May 2018. Data-analyses will be finished the end of 2018. The presented paper describes the Boost camp program and the clustered RCT design to evaluate its effectiveness. It is expected that Boost camp will have beneficial effects. If found effective, Boost camp will have the potential to increase adolescent’s ER and well-being, and reduce the risk to become adults in need. The trials is registered on the 13th of June 2017 in ISRCTN registry [ISRCTN68235634].
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- 2018
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18. Study protocol of a 4- parallel arm, superiority, community based cluster randomized controlled trial comparing paper and e-platform based interventions to improve accuracy of recall of last menstrual period (LMP) dates in rural Bangladesh
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Salam, Shumona Sharmin, Ali, Nazia Binte, Rahman, Ahmed Ehsanur, Tahsina, Tazeen, Islam, Md. Irteja, Iqbal, Afrin, Hoque, Dewan Md. Emdadul, Saha, Samir Kumar, and El Arifeen, Shams
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- 2018
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19. Evaluation of a physical activity intervention for new parents: protocol paper for a randomized trial
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Alison Quinlan, Ryan E. Rhodes, Mark R. Beauchamp, Danielle Symons Downs, Darren E. R. Warburton, and Chris M. Blanchard
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New parents ,Physical activity ,Planning ,Self-regulation ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Identifying critical life transitions in people’s physical activity behaviors may illuminate the most opportune intervention apertures for chronic disease prevention. A substantive evidence base now indicates that parenthood is one of these critical transition points for physical activity decline. This study will examine whether a brief theory-based intervention can prevent a decline in physical activity among new parents over 6 months following intervention. This study protocol represents the first dyad-based physical activity initiative in the parenthood literature involving both mothers and fathers; prior research has focused on only mothers or only fathers (albeit limited), and has shown only short-term changes in physical activity. This study will be investigating whether a theory-based physical activity intervention can maintain or improve moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity measured via accelerometry of new parents over a 6 month period following intervention compared to a control group. Methods This study is a 6-month longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Parents are measured at baseline (2 months postpartum) with two assessment points at 6 weeks (3.5 months postpartum) and 3 months (5 months postpartum) and a final follow-up assessment at 6 months (8 months postpartum). The content of the theory-based intervention was derived from the results of our prior longitudinal trial of new parents using an adapted theory of planned behavior framework to predict changes in physical activity. Results A total of 152 couples have been recruited to date. Sixteen couples dropped out after baseline and a total of 88 couples have completed their 6-month measures. Discussion If the intervention proves successful, couple-based physical activity promotion efforts among parents could be a promising avenue to pursue to help mitigate the declines of physical activity levels during parenthood. These findings could inform public health materials and practitioners. Trial registration This trial has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health on April 19, 2014. The registration ID is NCT02290808 .
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- 2017
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20. ‘Boost Camp’, a universal school-based transdiagnostic prevention program targeting adolescent emotion regulation; evaluating the effectiveness by a clustered RCT: a protocol paper
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Volkaert, Brenda, Wante, Laura, Vervoort, Leentje, and Braet, Caroline
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- 2018
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21. Rationale and protocol paper for the Healthy Active Peaceful Playgrounds for Youth (HAPPY) study
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Wayne Cotton, Dean Dudley, Kirsten Jackson, Matthew Winslade, and Janice Atkin
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Education ,Health ,Physical activity ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background A growing body of evidence suggest an association between physical activity levels and students psychological well-being. A number of research studies have evaluated playground interventions that aim to increase physical activity levels, decrease conflict and bullying, and improve students behaviour. The HAPPY Study will evaluate the success of an intervention combining environmental modifications, teacher development, and peer support that can culminate in an easy to implement, low cost and effective model for increasing physical activity, and improving psychological well-being for children. Methods/Design Data will be collected at six New South Wales (NSW) primary schools, on physical activity levels, on-task time during classes, and social support for physical activity during a 12 month Cluster Controlled Trial (CT). Three quantitative data collection tools will be used to capture student’s physical activity levels during lunch and recess breaks (the SOPARC tool), student’s on-task behaviour during classes following recess and lunch breaks (the BOSS tool) and where students receive the most encouragement to be physically active from (the Physical Activity Social Support Scale survey). Baseline data will be analysed against follow-up data, collected after an intervention that is rolled out in all schools as part of a stepped wedge CT design. Discussion A review of relevant Australian and New Zealand literature suggests that playground interventions can be successful at increasing physical activity levels, increasing social and conflict resolution skills in students, and decreasing incidences of bullying. This study will investigate any correlation between physical activity levels, and student behaviour during classes following breaks. Trial Registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12616000575437 , registered May 2016.
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- 2017
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22. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among Beninese pregnant women in the third year of the pandemic
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Figueroa-Romero, Antía, Atchadé, Aurore, Yadouleton, Anges, Fiogbe, Marc, Bonnet, Emmanuel, Yovo, Emmanuel, Accrombessi, Manfred, Hounsa, Sandrine, Paper, Thierry, Dupont, Raphael, Gaudart, Jean, Le Hesran, Jean-Yves, Massougbodji, Achille, Cottrell, Gilles, and González, Raquel
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- 2024
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23. Respiratory health effects and exposure to superabsorbent polymer and paper dust - an epidemiological study.
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Holm M, Dahlman-Höglund A, and Torén K
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- Adult, Dust immunology, Epidemiologic Studies, Female, Humans, Industry, Male, Middle Aged, Surveys and Questionnaires, Sweden epidemiology, Dust analysis, Occupational Diseases epidemiology, Paper, Polymers toxicity, Respiration Disorders epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if exposure to dust from absorbent hygiene products containing superabsorbent polymer is related to symptoms from the airways and from the eyes. The secondary aim was to estimate the current exposure to superabsorbent polymer among production and maintenance workers in a plant producing hygiene products., Methods: The cohort comprised 1043 workers of whom 689 were exposed to super absorbent polymer and 804 were exposed to paper dust (overlapping groups). There was 186 workers not exposed to either superabsorbent polymer or to paper dust They were investigated with a comprehensive questionnaire about exposure, asthma, rhinitis and symptoms from eyes and airways. The results were analyzed with logistic regression models adjusting for sex, age, atopy and smoking habits. An aerosol sampler equipped with a polytetrafluoroethylene filter with 1 μm pore size was used for personal samplings in order to measure inhalable dust and superabsorbent polymer., Results: The prevalence of nasal crusts (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01-2.0) and nose-bleeding (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4) was increased among the paper dust exposed workers (adjusted for superabsorbent polymer exposure). There were no significant effects associated with exposure to superabsorbent polymer (adjusted for paper dust exposure). The average exposure to inhalable levels of total dust (paper dust) varied between 0.40 and 1.37 mg/m³. For superabsorbent polymer dust the average exposure varied between 0.02 and 0.81 mg/m³., Conclusions: In conclusion, our study shows that workers manufacturing diapers in the hygiene industry have an increased prevalence of symptoms from the nose, especially nose-bleeding. There was no relation between exposure to superabsorbent polymer and symptoms from eyes, nose or respiratory tract, but exposure to paper dust was associated with nose-bleeding and nasal crusts. This group of workers had also a considerable exposure to superabsorbent polymer dust.
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- 2011
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24. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among Beninese pregnant women in the third year of the pandemic
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Antía Figueroa-Romero, Aurore Atchadé, Anges Yadouleton, Marc Fiogbe, Emmanuel Bonnet, Emmanuel Yovo, Manfred Accrombessi, Sandrine Hounsa, Thierry Paper, Raphael Dupont, Jean Gaudart, Jean-Yves Le Hesran, Achille Massougbodji, Gilles Cottrell, and Raquel González
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Pregnancy ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Sub-saharan Africa ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background Pregnant women are a vulnerable population to COVID-19 given an increased susceptibility to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and pregnancy complications. However, few SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys have been performed among this population to assess the extent of the infection in sub-Saharan countries. The objectives of this study were to determine SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among Beninese pregnant women, to identify spatial seropositivity clusters and to analyse factors associated with the infection. Methods A cross-sectional study including women in their third trimester of pregnancy attending the antenatal care (ANC) clinics at Allada (south Benin) and Natitingou (north Benin) was conducted. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) for detection of IgG/IgM against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were performed using capillary blood. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associations between SARS-CoV-2 serostatus and maternal characteristics were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Spatial analyses were performed using the spatial scan statistics to identify spatial clusters of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results A total of 861 pregnant women were enrolled between May 4 and June 29, 2022. 58/861 (6.7%) participants reported having received COVID-19 vaccine. None of the participants had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during their pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 607/802 (75.7%; 95% CI 72.56%–78.62%) of unvaccinated participants. Several urban and rural spatial clusters of SARS-CoV-2 cases were identified in Allada and one urban spatial cluster was identified in Natitingou. Unvaccinated participants from Allada with at least one previous morbidity were at a three-times higher risk of presenting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (OR = 2.89; 95%CI 1.19%-7.00%). Conclusion Three out of four pregnant women had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, suggesting a high virus circulation among pregnant women in Benin, while COVID-19 vaccination coverage was low. Pregnant women with comorbidities may be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This population should be prioritized for COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination in order to prevent its deleterious effects. Trial registration NCT06170320 (retrospectively registered on December 21, 2023).
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- 2024
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25. Study protocol of a 4- parallel arm, superiority, community based cluster randomized controlled trial comparing paper and e-platform based interventions to improve accuracy of recall of last menstrual period (LMP) dates in rural Bangladesh
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Tazeen Tahsina, Samir K. Saha, Dewan Md Emdadul Hoque, Shams El Arifeen, Md. Irteja Islam, Afrin Iqbal, Nazia Binte Ali, Shumona Sharmin Salam, and Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman
- Subjects
Adult ,Counseling ,Paper ,Rural Population ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,Psychological intervention ,Abortion ,law.invention ,Young Adult ,Study Protocol ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,medicine ,Cluster Analysis ,Humans ,Community Health Services ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Menstrual Cycle ,Text Messaging ,Bangladesh ,LMP ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,Recall ,business.industry ,Data Collection ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Reproducibility of Results ,Gestational age ,Calendars as Topic ,Preterm birth ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Guideline ,Mobile Applications ,Research Design ,Family medicine ,Mental Recall ,Female ,Smartphone ,Biostatistics ,Rural area ,M-health ,business ,Mobile phone - Abstract
Background Gestational age (GA) is a key determinant of newborn survival and long-term impairment. Accurate estimation of GA facilitates timely provision of essential interventions to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. Menstrual based dating, ultrasound based dating, and neonatal estimates are the primarily used methods for assessing GA; all of which have some strength and weaknesses that require critical consideration. Last menstrual period (LMP) is simple, low-cost self-reported information, recommended by the World Health Organization for estimating GA but has issues of recall mainly among poorer, less educated women and women with irregular menstruation, undiagnosed abortion, and spotting during early pregnancy. Several studies have noted that about 20–50% of women cannot accurately recall the date of LMP. The goal of this study is therefore to improve recall and reporting of LMP and by doing so increase the accuracy of LMP based GA assessment in a rural population of Bangladesh where antenatal care-seeking, availability and utilization of USG is low. Method We propose to conduct a 4- parallel arm, superiority, community based cluster randomized controlled trial comparing three interventions to improve recall of GA with a no intervention arm. The interventions include (i) counselling and a paper based calendar (ii) counselling and a cell phone based SMS alert system (iii) counselling and smart-phone application. The trial is being conducted among 3360 adolescent girls and recently married women in Mirzapur sub-district of Bangladesh. Discussion Enrolment of study participants continued from January 24, 2017 to March 29, 2017. Data collection and intervention implementation is ongoing and will end by February, 2019. Data analysis will measure efficacy of interventions in improving the recall of LMP date among enrolled participants. Results will be reported following CONSORT guideline. The innovative conventional & e-platform based interventions, if successful, can provide substantial evidence to scale-up in a low resource setting where m-Health initiatives are proliferating with active support from all sectors in policy and implementation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02944747. The trial has been registered before starting enrolment on 24 October 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6258-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
- Published
- 2018
26. Paper: violence, abuse and exploitation among trafficked women and girls: a mixed-methods study in Nigeria and Uganda
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Ligia Kiss, David Fotheringhame, Nambusi Kyegombe, Alys McAlpine, Ludmila Abilio, Agnes Kyamulabi, Eddy J. Walakira, Karen Devries, and Clare Tanton
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Adolescent ,Sex Offenses ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Humans ,Nigeria ,Female ,Uganda ,Child Abuse ,Violence ,Child - Abstract
Background Africa is the global region where modern-slavery is most prevalent, especially among women and girls. Despite the severe health consequences of human trafficking, evidence on the risks and experiences of trafficked adolescents and young women is scarce for the region. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the intersections between violence, migration and exploitation among girls and young women identified as trafficking survivors in Nigeria and Uganda. Methods We conducted secondary analysis of the largest routine dataset on human trafficking survivors. We used descriptive statistics to report the experiences of female survivors younger than 25 years-old from Nigeria and Uganda. We also conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with adolescents identified as trafficked in both countries. We used thematic analysis to explore participants’ perceptions and experiences before, during and after the trafficking situation. Results Young female survivors of human trafficking in Nigeria and Uganda are exposed to a range of experiences of violence before migration, during transit and at destination. The qualitative data revealed that children and adolescents migrated to escape family poverty, violence and neglect. They had very low levels of education and most had their studies interrupted before migrating. Family members and close social contacts were the most common intermediaries for their migration. During transit, sexual violence and hunger were common, especially among Nigerians. Participants in both the quantitative and qualitative studies reported high levels of violence, deception, coercion, withheld wages and poor working conditions at destination. The adolescents interviewed in the qualitative study reported severe mental suffering, including suicide attempts. Only one reported the prosecution of perpetrators. Conclusions Our findings suggest that interventions to prevent or mitigate the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences can contribute to preventing the trafficking of adolescents in Nigeria and Uganda. These interventions include social protection mechanisms, universal access to education, social service referrals and education of parents and carers. Importantly, effective prevention also needs to address the systemic conditions that makes trafficking of female adolescents invisible, profitable and inconsequential for perpetrators.
- Published
- 2021
27. A prospective cohort study examining exposure to incarceration and cardiovascular disease (Justice-Involved Individuals Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology - JUSTICE study): a protocol paper
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Benjamin A. Howell, Lisa B. Puglisi, Jenerius Aminawung, Kirsten Bibbins- Domingo, Johanna Elumn, Colleen Gallagher, Nadine Horton, Dhruv S. Kazi, Harlan M. Krumholz, Hsiu-Ju Lin, Brita Roy, and Emily A. Wang
- Subjects
Cardiovascular Diseases ,Risk Factors ,Prisoners ,Prisons ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Humans ,Prospective Studies - Abstract
Background People who have been incarcerated have high rates of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and smoking, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of hospitalizations and mortality in this population. Despite this, little is known regarding what pathways mediate the association between incarceration exposure and increased rates of CVD morbidity and especially what incarceration specific factors are associated with this risk. The objective of this study is to better understand CVD risk in people exposed to incarceration and the pathways by which accumulate cardiovascular risk over time. Methods and Analysis The Justice-Involved Individuals Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (JUSTICE) study is a prospective cohort study of individuals released from incarceration with known cardiovascular risk factors. We are recruiting 500 individuals within three months after release from jail/prison. At baseline we are assessing traditional risk factors for CVD, including diet, exercise, and smoking, and exposure to incarceration-related policies, psychosocial stress, and self-efficacy. Cardiovascular risk factors are measured at baseline through point of care testing. We are following these individuals for the 12 months following the index release from incarceration with re-evaluation of psychosocial factors and clinical risk factors every 6 months. Using these data, we will estimate the direct and indirect latent effects of incarceration on cardiovascular risk factors and the paths via which these effects are mediated. We will also model the anticipated 10-year burden of CVD incidence, health care use, and mortality associated with incarceration. Discussion Our study will identify factors associated with CVD risk factor control among people released from incarceration. Our measurement of incarceration-related exposures, psychosocial factors, and clinical measures of cardiovascular risk will allow for identification of unique targets for intervention to modify CVD risk in this vulnerable population.
- Published
- 2021
28. National policies for the promotion of physical activity and healthy nutrition in the workplace context: a behaviour change wheel guided content analysis of policy papers in Finland
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Eveliina Korkiakangas, Nelli Hankonen, Tuija Seppälä, Johanna Ruusuvuori, Jaana Laitinen, Faculty of Theology, Social Psychology, Department of Social Research (2010-2017), Research Group of Nelli Hankonen, Yhteiskuntatieteiden tiedekunta - Faculty of Social Sciences, and University of Tampere
- Subjects
Gerontology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Kansanterveystiede, ympäristö ja työterveys - Public health care science, environmental and occupational health ,media_common.quotation_subject ,education ,Applied psychology ,Psychological intervention ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Workplace health promotion ,Promotion (rank) ,Mechanisms of action ,Behaviour change techniques ,medicine ,030212 general & internal medicine ,315 Sport and fitness sciences ,Workplace ,Health policy ,media_common ,Nutrition ,030505 public health ,business.industry ,Policy papers ,Physical activity ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public health ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Social environment ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Sedentary behaviour ,5144 Social psychology ,Health promotion ,Content analysis ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Health policy papers disseminate recommendations and guidelines for the development and implementation of health promotion interventions. Such documents have rarely been investigated with regard to their assumed mechanisms of action for changing behaviour. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy have been used to code behaviour change intervention descriptions, but to our knowledge such “retrofitting” of policy papers has not previously been reported. This study aims first to identify targets, mediators, and change strategies for physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviour change in Finnish policy papers on workplace health promotion, and second to assess the suitability of the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) approach for this purpose. Method We searched all national-level health policy papers effectual in Finland in August 2016 focusing on the promotion of PA and/or healthy nutrition in the workplace context (n = 6). Policy recommendations targeting employees’ nutrition and PA including sedentary behaviour (SB) were coded using BCW, TDF, and BCT Taxonomy. Results A total of 125 recommendations were coded in the six policy papers, and in two additional documents referenced by them. Psychological capability, physical opportunity, and social opportunity were frequently identified (22%, 31%, and 24%, respectively), whereas physical capability was almost completely absent (1%). Three TDF domains (knowledge, skills, and social influence) were observed in all papers. Multiple intervention functions and BCTs were identified in all papers but several recommendations were too vague to be coded reliably. Influencing individuals (46%) and changing the physical environment (44%) were recommended more frequently than influencing the social environment (10%). Conclusions The BCW approach appeared to be useful for analysing the content of health policy papers. Paying more attention to underlying assumptions regarding behavioural change processes may help to identify neglected aspects in current policy, and to develop interventions based on recommendations, thus helping to increase the impact of policy papers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4574-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
- Published
- 2017
29. Lung cancer mortality in towns near paper, pulp and board industries in Spain: a point source pollution study.
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Monge-Corella S, García-Pérez J, Aragonés N, Pollán M, Pérez-Gómez B, and López-Abente G
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- Air Pollution analysis, Epidemiological Monitoring, Female, Humans, Industrial Waste analysis, Industry, Male, Paper, Risk, Spain epidemiology, Air Pollution adverse effects, Environmental Monitoring, Industrial Waste adverse effects, Lung Neoplasms mortality, Residence Characteristics statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Background: This study sought to ascertain whether there might be excess lung cancer mortality among the population residing in the vicinity of Spanish paper and board industries which report their emissions to the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER)., Methods: This was an ecological study that modelled the Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) for lung cancer in 8073 Spanish towns over the period 1994-2003. Population exposure to industrial pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from town of residence to pollution source. An exploratory, near-versus-far analysis was conducted, using mixed Poisson regression models and an analysis of the effect of municipal proximity within a 50-kilometre radius of each of the 18 installations., Results: Results varied for the different facilities. In two instances there was an increasing mortality gradient with proximity to the installation, though this was exclusively observed among men., Conclusion: The study of cancer mortality in areas surrounding pollutant foci is a useful tool for environmental surveillance, and serves to highlight areas of interest susceptible to being investigated by ad hoc studies. Despite present limitations, recognition is therefore due to the advance represented by publication of the EPER and the study of pollutant foci.
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- 2008
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30. Change in general and domain-specific physical activity during the transition from primary to secondary education: a systematic review.
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Spruijtenburg, Gwennyth E., van Abswoude, Femke, Adams, Imke L. J., Platvoet, Sebastiaan W. J., de Niet, Mark, and Steenbergen, Bert
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PRIMARY education ,PHYSICAL activity ,SECONDARY education ,CROSS-sectional method ,INFORMATION resources - Abstract
Background: Knowledge of changes in the domains of physical activity (PA) during the transition period from primary to secondary education and the factors associated with these changes, are prerequisites for the design of effective PA promotion strategies. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to systematically review changes in general, leisure-time, school, transport, work, and home PA across the transition from primary to secondary education. The second aim was to systematically review the individual, social, and physical environmental factors that were associated with these changes. Methods: Records published up until September 2023 were retrieved from five electronic databases. We included longitudinal and cross-sectional studies that investigated general or domain-specific PA from 2 years before to 2 years after the transition from primary to secondary education. Information on source, study characteristics, sample characteristics, PA, and factors were extracted from the papers included. We reported the direction of change in general and domain-specific PA and the direction of association of the factors with change in general and domain-specific PA. Results: Forty-eight papers were included in the study. The evidence on changes in PA and associated factors was greatest for general PA. A limited number of the studies investigated the separate domains of leisure-time, school, and transport. Most studies on general and school PA reported a decline in PA, but there were no consistent results for the domains of leisure-time and transport. With respect to the associated factors, evidence was predominantly found for individual factors and to a lesser degree for physical environmental and social environmental factors. None of the factors were consistently associated with changes in general or domain-specific PA during the school transition. Conclusions: For the design of targeted PA promotion strategies, further studies are warranted to explore changes in the specific domains of PA across the transition from primary to secondary education, especially in the domains of leisure-time, transport, home, and work PA. In addition, the interactions between factors at different socioecological levels to influence changes in PA need to be addressed more in the future. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42020190204. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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31. Rationale and protocol paper for the Healthy Active Peaceful Playgrounds for Youth (HAPPY) study
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Janice Atkin, Matthew Winslade, Kirsten S Jackson, Wayne Cotton, and Dean Dudley
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Inservice Training ,Cost-Benefit Analysis ,Applied psychology ,education ,Psychological intervention ,Poison control ,Peer support ,Environment ,Suicide prevention ,Peer Group ,Education ,03 medical and health sciences ,Social support ,Study Protocol ,0302 clinical medicine ,Conflict resolution ,Medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Child ,Students ,Exercise ,School Health Services ,030505 public health ,Data collection ,business.industry ,Physical activity ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Human factors and ergonomics ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Play and Playthings ,Research Design ,Health ,New South Wales ,0305 other medical science ,business - Abstract
Background A growing body of evidence suggest an association between physical activity levels and students psychological well-being. A number of research studies have evaluated playground interventions that aim to increase physical activity levels, decrease conflict and bullying, and improve students behaviour. The HAPPY Study will evaluate the success of an intervention combining environmental modifications, teacher development, and peer support that can culminate in an easy to implement, low cost and effective model for increasing physical activity, and improving psychological well-being for children. Methods/Design Data will be collected at six New South Wales (NSW) primary schools, on physical activity levels, on-task time during classes, and social support for physical activity during a 12 month Cluster Controlled Trial (CT). Three quantitative data collection tools will be used to capture student’s physical activity levels during lunch and recess breaks (the SOPARC tool), student’s on-task behaviour during classes following recess and lunch breaks (the BOSS tool) and where students receive the most encouragement to be physically active from (the Physical Activity Social Support Scale survey). Baseline data will be analysed against follow-up data, collected after an intervention that is rolled out in all schools as part of a stepped wedge CT design. Discussion A review of relevant Australian and New Zealand literature suggests that playground interventions can be successful at increasing physical activity levels, increasing social and conflict resolution skills in students, and decreasing incidences of bullying. This study will investigate any correlation between physical activity levels, and student behaviour during classes following breaks. Trial Registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12616000575437 , registered May 2016.
- Published
- 2017
32. Evaluation of a physical activity intervention for new parents: protocol paper for a randomized trial.
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Quinlan A, Rhodes RE, Beauchamp MR, Symons Downs D, Warburton DER, and Blanchard CM
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- Accelerometry, Female, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Program Evaluation, Psychological Theory, Exercise, Health Promotion methods, Parents psychology
- Abstract
Background: Identifying critical life transitions in people's physical activity behaviors may illuminate the most opportune intervention apertures for chronic disease prevention. A substantive evidence base now indicates that parenthood is one of these critical transition points for physical activity decline. This study will examine whether a brief theory-based intervention can prevent a decline in physical activity among new parents over 6 months following intervention. This study protocol represents the first dyad-based physical activity initiative in the parenthood literature involving both mothers and fathers; prior research has focused on only mothers or only fathers (albeit limited), and has shown only short-term changes in physical activity. This study will be investigating whether a theory-based physical activity intervention can maintain or improve moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity measured via accelerometry of new parents over a 6 month period following intervention compared to a control group., Methods: This study is a 6-month longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Parents are measured at baseline (2 months postpartum) with two assessment points at 6 weeks (3.5 months postpartum) and 3 months (5 months postpartum) and a final follow-up assessment at 6 months (8 months postpartum). The content of the theory-based intervention was derived from the results of our prior longitudinal trial of new parents using an adapted theory of planned behavior framework to predict changes in physical activity., Results: A total of 152 couples have been recruited to date. Sixteen couples dropped out after baseline and a total of 88 couples have completed their 6-month measures., Discussion: If the intervention proves successful, couple-based physical activity promotion efforts among parents could be a promising avenue to pursue to help mitigate the declines of physical activity levels during parenthood. These findings could inform public health materials and practitioners., Trial Registration: This trial has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health on April 19, 2014. The registration ID is NCT02290808 .
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- 2017
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33. Respiratory health effects and exposure to superabsorbent polymer and paper dust - an epidemiological study
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Torén Kjell, Dahlman-Höglund Anna, and Holm Mathias
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Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if exposure to dust from absorbent hygiene products containing superabsorbent polymer is related to symptoms from the airways and from the eyes. The secondary aim was to estimate the current exposure to superabsorbent polymer among production and maintenance workers in a plant producing hygiene products. Methods The cohort comprised 1043 workers of whom 689 were exposed to super absorbent polymer and 804 were exposed to paper dust (overlapping groups). There was 186 workers not exposed to either superabsorbent polymer or to paper dust They were investigated with a comprehensive questionnaire about exposure, asthma, rhinitis and symptoms from eyes and airways. The results were analyzed with logistic regression models adjusting for sex, age, atopy and smoking habits. An aerosol sampler equipped with a polytetrafluoroethylene filter with 1 μm pore size was used for personal samplings in order to measure inhalable dust and superabsorbent polymer. Results The prevalence of nasal crusts (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01-2.0) and nose-bleeding (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4) was increased among the paper dust exposed workers (adjusted for superabsorbent polymer exposure). There were no significant effects associated with exposure to superabsorbent polymer (adjusted for paper dust exposure). The average exposure to inhalable levels of total dust (paper dust) varied between 0.40 and 1.37 mg/m3. For superabsorbent polymer dust the average exposure varied between 0.02 and 0.81 mg/m3. Conclusions In conclusion, our study shows that workers manufacturing diapers in the hygiene industry have an increased prevalence of symptoms from the nose, especially nose-bleeding. There was no relation between exposure to superabsorbent polymer and symptoms from eyes, nose or respiratory tract, but exposure to paper dust was associated with nose-bleeding and nasal crusts. This group of workers had also a considerable exposure to superabsorbent polymer dust.
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- 2011
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34. Respiratory health effects and exposure to superabsorbent polymer and paper dust - an epidemiological study
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Kjell Torén, Mathias Holm, and Anna Dahlman-Höglund
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Adult ,Male ,Paper ,Pore size ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Veterinary medicine ,Polymers ,Respirable dust ,Toxicology ,Atopy ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Humans ,Industry ,Respiratory health ,Asthma ,Sweden ,business.industry ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Dust ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Middle Aged ,Respiration Disorders ,medicine.disease ,Occupational Diseases ,Epidemiologic Studies ,Superabsorbent polymer ,Female ,business ,Research Article ,Paper dust - Abstract
Background The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if exposure to dust from absorbent hygiene products containing superabsorbent polymer is related to symptoms from the airways and from the eyes. The secondary aim was to estimate the current exposure to superabsorbent polymer among production and maintenance workers in a plant producing hygiene products. Methods The cohort comprised 1043 workers of whom 689 were exposed to super absorbent polymer and 804 were exposed to paper dust (overlapping groups). There was 186 workers not exposed to either superabsorbent polymer or to paper dust They were investigated with a comprehensive questionnaire about exposure, asthma, rhinitis and symptoms from eyes and airways. The results were analyzed with logistic regression models adjusting for sex, age, atopy and smoking habits. An aerosol sampler equipped with a polytetrafluoroethylene filter with 1 μm pore size was used for personal samplings in order to measure inhalable dust and superabsorbent polymer. Results The prevalence of nasal crusts (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.01-2.0) and nose-bleeding (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.4) was increased among the paper dust exposed workers (adjusted for superabsorbent polymer exposure). There were no significant effects associated with exposure to superabsorbent polymer (adjusted for paper dust exposure). The average exposure to inhalable levels of total dust (paper dust) varied between 0.40 and 1.37 mg/m3. For superabsorbent polymer dust the average exposure varied between 0.02 and 0.81 mg/m3. Conclusions In conclusion, our study shows that workers manufacturing diapers in the hygiene industry have an increased prevalence of symptoms from the nose, especially nose-bleeding. There was no relation between exposure to superabsorbent polymer and symptoms from eyes, nose or respiratory tract, but exposure to paper dust was associated with nose-bleeding and nasal crusts. This group of workers had also a considerable exposure to superabsorbent polymer dust.
- Published
- 2011
35. National policies for the promotion of physical activity and healthy nutrition in the workplace context: a behaviour change wheel guided content analysis of policy papers in Finland.
- Author
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Seppälä T, Hankonen N, Korkiakangas E, Ruusuvuori J, and Laitinen J
- Subjects
- Diet, Healthy, Exercise, Finland, Humans, Occupational Health, Health Behavior, Health Policy, Health Promotion methods, Workplace
- Abstract
Background: Health policy papers disseminate recommendations and guidelines for the development and implementation of health promotion interventions. Such documents have rarely been investigated with regard to their assumed mechanisms of action for changing behaviour. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy have been used to code behaviour change intervention descriptions, but to our knowledge such "retrofitting" of policy papers has not previously been reported. This study aims first to identify targets, mediators, and change strategies for physical activity (PA) and nutrition behaviour change in Finnish policy papers on workplace health promotion, and second to assess the suitability of the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) approach for this purpose., Method: We searched all national-level health policy papers effectual in Finland in August 2016 focusing on the promotion of PA and/or healthy nutrition in the workplace context (n = 6). Policy recommendations targeting employees' nutrition and PA including sedentary behaviour (SB) were coded using BCW, TDF, and BCT Taxonomy., Results: A total of 125 recommendations were coded in the six policy papers, and in two additional documents referenced by them. Psychological capability, physical opportunity, and social opportunity were frequently identified (22%, 31%, and 24%, respectively), whereas physical capability was almost completely absent (1%). Three TDF domains (knowledge, skills, and social influence) were observed in all papers. Multiple intervention functions and BCTs were identified in all papers but several recommendations were too vague to be coded reliably. Influencing individuals (46%) and changing the physical environment (44%) were recommended more frequently than influencing the social environment (10%)., Conclusions: The BCW approach appeared to be useful for analysing the content of health policy papers. Paying more attention to underlying assumptions regarding behavioural change processes may help to identify neglected aspects in current policy, and to develop interventions based on recommendations, thus helping to increase the impact of policy papers.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. ‘Boost Camp’, a universal school-based transdiagnostic prevention program targeting adolescent emotion regulation; evaluating the effectiveness by a clustered RCT: a protocol paper
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Caroline Braet, Brenda Volkaert, Laura Wante, and Leentje Vervoort
- Subjects
Male ,Mental Health Services ,Parents ,050103 clinical psychology ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,Emotions ,Adolescents ,Prevention program ,Self-Control ,law.invention ,Study Protocol ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Intervention (counseling) ,Epidemiology ,Cluster Analysis ,Humans ,Medicine ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Students ,Set (psychology) ,Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ,School Health Services ,Protocol (science) ,business.industry ,Mental Disorders ,Emotion regulation ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public health ,05 social sciences ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Reproducibility of Results ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,Emotional wellbeing ,Mental Health ,Adolescent Behavior ,Female ,School based ,Biostatistics ,business ,School-based ,050104 developmental & child psychology ,Clinical psychology - Abstract
Background The transition from childhood into adolescence can be considered as a critical developmental period. Moreover, adolescence is associated with a decreased use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies and an increased use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies increasing the risk of emotional problems. Targeting emotion regulation is therefore seen as an innovative prevention approach. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Boost camp, an innovative school-based prevention program targeting ER, on adolescents’ emotion regulation skills and emotional wellbeing. Also secondary outcomes and possible moderators will be included. Methods The aim is to reach 300 adolescents (16 class groups, 6 schools) in their first year of high school. A clustered Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) with two conditions, intervention (n = 150) and control (n = 150), will be set up. Adolescents in the intervention condition will receive 14 lessons over the course of 2 days, followed by Booster sessions, and will be compared with adolescents in a non-intervention control group. The outcomes will be measured by self-report questionnaires at baseline, immediately after Boost camp, and at three and 6 months follow-up. Discussion Data-collection is planned to be completed in May 2018. Data-analyses will be finished the end of 2018. The presented paper describes the Boost camp program and the clustered RCT design to evaluate its effectiveness. It is expected that Boost camp will have beneficial effects. If found effective, Boost camp will have the potential to increase adolescent’s ER and well-being, and reduce the risk to become adults in need. The trials is registered on the 13th of June 2017 in ISRCTN registry [ISRCTN68235634].
- Published
- 2018
37. Parents' attitudes towards hepatitis B vaccination for their children. A survey comparing paper and web questionnaires, Sweden 2005
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Tegnell Anders, Dannetun Eva, and Giesecke Johan
- Subjects
Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background The World Health Organisation, WHO, recommends that most countries should vaccinate all children against hepatitis B. Sweden has chosen not to do so, but the issue is reassessed regularly. The objective of this survey was to assess knowledge and attitudes towards hepatitis B vaccine for children among parents living in Sweden, and to compare distribution of responses and response rate between parents answering a postal questionnaire and those responding via the Internet. Methods A population-based cross-sectional survey, where the sampling frame consisted of all parents to a child born 2002 living in Sweden. Two independent samples of 1001 parents in each sample were drawn. All parents were contacted by postal mail. The parents in the first sample were invited to participate by answering a paper questionnaire. The parents in the second sample were given an individual user name along with a password, and asked to log on to the Internet to answer an identical electronic questionnaire. Results A total of 1229 questionnaires were analysed. The overall response rate for paper questionnaires was 55%, and 15% for the web version. Knowledge of the disease hepatitis B was overall high (90%). A higher degree of knowledge was seen among parents with education beyond high school (p = 0.001). This group of parents also had a higher tendency to reply via the Internet (p = 0.001). The willingness to accept hepatitis B vaccine for their child was correlated to the acceptance of the present childhood vaccination programme (p = 0.001). Conclusion The results reveal a high level of knowledge of the disease and a positive attitude to having their children vaccinated. This study also displays that the conventional postal method of surveying still delivers a higher response rate than a web-based survey.
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- 2007
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38. Infant feeding experiences among Indigenous communities in Canada, the United States, Australia, and Aotearoa: a scoping review of the qualitative literature.
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Monteith, Hiliary, Checholik, Carly, Galloway, Tracey, Sahak, Hosna, Shawanda, Amy, Liu, Christina, and Hanley, Anthony J. G.
- Subjects
INFANTS ,MILK substitutes ,FAMILY roles ,GREY literature ,FAMILY traditions ,ANKYLOGLOSSIA - Abstract
Background: Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, research suggests that breastfeeding initiation rates and duration among Indigenous communities differ from this recommendation. Qualitative studies point to a variety of factors influencing infant feeding decisions; however, there has been no collective review of this literature published to date. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review was to identify and summarize the qualitative literature regarding Indigenous infant feeding experiences within Canada, the United States, Australia, and Aotearoa. Methods: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses- Scoping Reviews and the Joanna Briggs Institute Guidelines, in October 2020, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched for relevant papers focusing on Indigenous infant feeding experiences. Screening and full-text review was completed by two independent reviewers. A grey literature search was also conducted using country-specific Google searches and targeted website searching. The protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework and published in BMJ Open. Results: Forty-six papers from the five databases and grey literature searches were included in the final review and extraction. There were 18 papers from Canada, 11 papers in the US, 9 studies in Australia and 8 studies conducted in Aotearoa. We identified the following themes describing infant feeding experiences through qualitative analysis: colonization, culture and traditionality, social perceptions, family, professional influences, environment, cultural safety, survivance, establishing breastfeeding, autonomy, infant feeding knowledge, and milk substitutes, with family and culture having the most influence on infant feeding experiences based on frequency of themes. Conclusions: This review highlights key influencers of Indigenous caregivers' infant feeding experiences, which are often situated within complex social and environmental contexts with the role of family and culture as essential in supporting caregivers. There is a need for long-term follow-up studies that partner with communities to support sustainable policy and program changes that support infant and maternal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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39. Lung cancer mortality in towns near paper, pulp and board industries in Spain: a point source pollution study
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Pollán Marina, Aragonés Nuria, García-Pérez Javier, Monge-Corella Susana, Pérez-Gómez Beatriz, and López-Abente Gonzalo
- Subjects
Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 - Abstract
Abstract Background This study sought to ascertain whether there might be excess lung cancer mortality among the population residing in the vicinity of Spanish paper and board industries which report their emissions to the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER). Methods This was an ecological study that modelled the Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) for lung cancer in 8073 Spanish towns over the period 1994–2003. Population exposure to industrial pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from town of residence to pollution source. An exploratory, near-versus-far analysis was conducted, using mixed Poisson regression models and an analysis of the effect of municipal proximity within a 50-kilometre radius of each of the 18 installations. Results Results varied for the different facilities. In two instances there was an increasing mortality gradient with proximity to the installation, though this was exclusively observed among men. Conclusion The study of cancer mortality in areas surrounding pollutant foci is a useful tool for environmental surveillance, and serves to highlight areas of interest susceptible to being investigated by ad hoc studies. Despite present limitations, recognition is therefore due to the advance represented by publication of the EPER and the study of pollutant foci.
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- 2008
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40. Rationale and protocol paper for the Healthy Active Peaceful Playgrounds for Youth (HAPPY) study.
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Cotton W, Dudley D, Jackson K, Winslade M, and Atkin J
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- Child, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Environment, Humans, Inservice Training, New South Wales, Peer Group, Research Design, Exercise psychology, Play and Playthings psychology, School Health Services organization & administration, Students psychology
- Abstract
Background: A growing body of evidence suggest an association between physical activity levels and students psychological well-being. A number of research studies have evaluated playground interventions that aim to increase physical activity levels, decrease conflict and bullying, and improve students behaviour. The HAPPY Study will evaluate the success of an intervention combining environmental modifications, teacher development, and peer support that can culminate in an easy to implement, low cost and effective model for increasing physical activity, and improving psychological well-being for children., Methods/design: Data will be collected at six New South Wales (NSW) primary schools, on physical activity levels, on-task time during classes, and social support for physical activity during a 12 month Cluster Controlled Trial (CT). Three quantitative data collection tools will be used to capture student's physical activity levels during lunch and recess breaks (the SOPARC tool), student's on-task behaviour during classes following recess and lunch breaks (the BOSS tool) and where students receive the most encouragement to be physically active from (the Physical Activity Social Support Scale survey). Baseline data will be analysed against follow-up data, collected after an intervention that is rolled out in all schools as part of a stepped wedge CT design., Discussion: A review of relevant Australian and New Zealand literature suggests that playground interventions can be successful at increasing physical activity levels, increasing social and conflict resolution skills in students, and decreasing incidences of bullying. This study will investigate any correlation between physical activity levels, and student behaviour during classes following breaks., Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12616000575437 , registered May 2016.
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- 2017
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41. Rationale and protocol paper for the Healthy Active Peaceful Playgrounds for Youth (HAPPY) study
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Wayne Cotton, Dean Dudley, Kirsten Jackson, Matthew Winslade, and Janice Atkin
42. Evaluation of a physical activity intervention for new parents: protocol paper for a randomized trial
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Ryan E. Rhodes, Mark R. Beauchamp, Alison Quinlan, Darren E. R. Warburton, Danielle Symons Downs, and Chris M. Blanchard
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Gerontology ,Male ,Parents ,medicine.medical_specialty ,New parents ,Health Promotion ,law.invention ,03 medical and health sciences ,Study Protocol ,0302 clinical medicine ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Intervention (counseling) ,Epidemiology ,Accelerometry ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Longitudinal Studies ,Exercise ,business.industry ,Physical activity ,Public health ,lcsh:Public aspects of medicine ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Theory of planned behavior ,lcsh:RA1-1270 ,030229 sport sciences ,3. Good health ,Clinical trial ,Planning ,Physical therapy ,Self-regulation ,Female ,Biostatistics ,business ,Psychological Theory ,Dyad ,Program Evaluation - Abstract
Background Identifying critical life transitions in people’s physical activity behaviors may illuminate the most opportune intervention apertures for chronic disease prevention. A substantive evidence base now indicates that parenthood is one of these critical transition points for physical activity decline. This study will examine whether a brief theory-based intervention can prevent a decline in physical activity among new parents over 6 months following intervention. This study protocol represents the first dyad-based physical activity initiative in the parenthood literature involving both mothers and fathers; prior research has focused on only mothers or only fathers (albeit limited), and has shown only short-term changes in physical activity. This study will be investigating whether a theory-based physical activity intervention can maintain or improve moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity measured via accelerometry of new parents over a 6 month period following intervention compared to a control group. Methods This study is a 6-month longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Parents are measured at baseline (2 months postpartum) with two assessment points at 6 weeks (3.5 months postpartum) and 3 months (5 months postpartum) and a final follow-up assessment at 6 months (8 months postpartum). The content of the theory-based intervention was derived from the results of our prior longitudinal trial of new parents using an adapted theory of planned behavior framework to predict changes in physical activity. Results A total of 152 couples have been recruited to date. Sixteen couples dropped out after baseline and a total of 88 couples have completed their 6-month measures. Discussion If the intervention proves successful, couple-based physical activity promotion efforts among parents could be a promising avenue to pursue to help mitigate the declines of physical activity levels during parenthood. These findings could inform public health materials and practitioners. Trial registration This trial has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health on April 19, 2014. The registration ID is NCT02290808. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-017-4874-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
- Published
- 2017
43. Filter presence and tipping paper color influence consumer perceptions of cigarettes.
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O'Connor RJ, Bansal-Travers M, Cummings KM, Hammond D, Thrasher JF, and Tworek C
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- Adult, Consumer Behavior, Female, Humans, Male, Smoking epidemiology, United States, Young Adult, Advertising, Product Labeling statistics & numerical data, Product Packaging statistics & numerical data, Smoking psychology, Tobacco Products statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Background: Cigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers' perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys 'lightness'., Methods: This study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette., Results: Overall, the cork-tipped cigarette was most commonly selected on taste and attractiveness, the white-tipped on least dangerous, and the unfiltered on most dangerous. Current smokers were more likely to select white-tipped (OR = 1.98) and cork-tipped (OR = 3.42) cigarettes, while ever smokers more commonly selected the cork-tipped (OR = 1.96), as most willing to try over the other products. Those willing to try the filtered white-tipped cigarette were more likely to have rated that cigarette as best tasting (OR = 11.10), attracting attention (OR = 17.91), and lowest health risk (OR = 1.94). Similarly, those willing to try cork tipped or unfiltered cigarettes rated those as best testing, attracting attention, and lowest health risk, respectively., Conclusions: Findings from this study demonstrate that consumer product perceptions can be influenced by elements of cigarette design, such as the presence and color of the filter tip.
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- 2015
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44. Filter presence and tipping paper color influence consumer perceptions of cigarettes
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Richard J O'Connor, James F. Thrasher, Cindy Tworek, David Hammond, Maansi Bansal-Travers, and K. Michael Cummings
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Attractiveness ,Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Design ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Product Labeling ,Filter (software) ,Young Adult ,Advertising ,Environmental health ,Perception ,Tobacco ,Product Packaging ,Medicine ,Humans ,Consumer behaviour ,media_common ,business.industry ,Public health ,Smoking ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Tobacco Products ,Consumer Behavior ,United States ,Female ,Wine tasting ,Biostatistics ,Packaging and labeling ,business ,Research Article - Abstract
Background Cigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers’ perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys ‘lightness’. Methods This study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette. Results Overall, the cork-tipped cigarette was most commonly selected on taste and attractiveness, the white-tipped on least dangerous, and the unfiltered on most dangerous. Current smokers were more likely to select white-tipped (OR = 1.98) and cork-tipped (OR = 3.42) cigarettes, while ever smokers more commonly selected the cork-tipped (OR = 1.96), as most willing to try over the other products. Those willing to try the filtered white-tipped cigarette were more likely to have rated that cigarette as best tasting (OR = 11.10), attracting attention (OR = 17.91), and lowest health risk (OR = 1.94). Similarly, those willing to try cork tipped or unfiltered cigarettes rated those as best testing, attracting attention, and lowest health risk, respectively. Conclusions Findings from this study demonstrate that consumer product perceptions can be influenced by elements of cigarette design, such as the presence and color of the filter tip.
- Published
- 2014
45. Filter presence and tipping paper color influence consumer perceptions of cigarettes
- Author
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O’Connor, Richard J., primary, Bansal-Travers, Maansi, additional, Cummings, K. Michael, additional, Hammond, David, additional, Thrasher, James F., additional, and Tworek, Cindy, additional
- Published
- 2015
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46. Evaluating the transport, health and economic impacts of new urban cycling infrastructure in Sydney, Australia -- protocol paper.
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Rissel, Chris, Greaves, Stephen, Li Ming Wen, Capon, Anthony, Crane, Melanie, and Standen, Chris
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- *
SOCIAL impact , *ECONOMIC impact , *HUMAN behavior - Abstract
Background There are repeated calls to build better cycling paths in Australian cities if the proportion of people cycling is to increase. Yet the full range of transport, health, environmental and economic impacts of new cycling infrastructure and the extent to which observed changes are sustained is not well understood. The City of Sydney is currently building a new bicycle network, which includes a new bicycle path separated from road traffic in the south Sydney area. This protocol paper describes a comprehensive method to evaluate this new cycling infrastructure. Method A cohort of residents within two kilometres of the new bicycle path will be surveyed at baseline before a new section of bicycle path is built, and again 12 and 24 months later to assess changes in travel behaviour, sense of community, quality of life and health behaviours. Residents in a comparable area of Sydney that will not get a new separated bike path will act as a comparison group. At baseline a sub-set of residents who volunteer will also take a small GPS device with them for one week to assess travel behaviour. Discussion This research should contribute to the advancement in evaluation and appraisal methods for cycling projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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47. Oral health inequalities in immigrant populations worldwide: a scoping review of dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence.
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Banihashem Rad, Seyed Ahmad, Esteves-Oliveira, Marcella, Maklennan, Anastasia, Douglas, Gail V. A., Castiglia, Paolo, and Campus, Guglielmo
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PERIODONTAL disease ,DENTAL caries ,HEALTH of immigrants ,ORAL health ,DISEASE prevalence - Abstract
Background: Inequalities in immigrants' oral health are often masked in population-level data. Therefore, this paper was planned to assess the prevalence data on oral health diseases, namely dental caries, and periodontitis, among immigrants worldwide. Methods: Following a systematic search in Scopus, Embase, and PubMed for studies published between 2011 and 2023, 1342 records were identified. Following title and abstract screening, 76 studies remained for full-text eligibility-screening based on predefined inclusion criteria. Thirty-two studies were included in the review. Results: Dental caries figures were higher in immigrant populations compared to the local population, regardless of host countries, age, gender, or nationality. In children, the overall mean and standard deviation (SD) for decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the primary dentition (d
3 mft) was 3.63(2.47), and for D3 MFT (permanent dentition), it was 1.7(1.2). Upon comparing overall mean caries counts in children and adults with their control groups in the included studies, untreated dental caries (D3 T and d3 t) constituted the dominant share of caries experience (D3 MFT and d3 mft) in immigrant children. For the local population, the highest proportion of caries experience was attributed to filled teeth (FT and ft). Dentin caries prevalence among immigrants ranged from 22% to 88.7% in the primary dentition and 5.6% to 90.9% in the permanent dentition. Gingivitis ranged from 5.1% to 100%. Oral health varied greatly between studies. Regarding oral health accessibility, 52% to 88% of immigrant children had never been to a dentist, suggesting a very limited level of accessibility to dental health services. Conclusion: It is imperative to develop interventions and policies that have been customized to address the oral health disparities experienced by immigrant populations. Additionally, host countries should actively implement measures aimed at enhancing the accessibility of oral health care services for these individuals. The utilization of available data is crucial in establishing a hierarchy of objectives aimed at enhancing the oral health of immigrant populations. Trial registration: The Scoping review protocol was registered at OSF Registries with registration number (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MYXS4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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48. Why nanny statism matters: evidence from the first wave of COVID-19.
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Carmignani, Fabrizio
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COVID-19 pandemic ,PROPORTIONAL hazards models ,NANNIES ,DEATH rate - Abstract
Background: A nanny state imposes restrictions on people's liberty and freedom of action in order to advance their interest and welfare. The extent to which this is desirable, or even ethically acceptable, is debated in the literature. This paper formulates and tests the following hypothesis: the more of a nanny a state has been in the past, the more likely it is that the incumbent government will respond to a new, unknown threat with interventions of a paternalist nature, irrespective of other factors that might contribute to shaping government's response. This hypothesis is then taken to the data using the first wave of COVID-19 as an empirical test. Methods: Data are collected from secondary sources for a sample of 99 countries. Nanny statism is measured by the number of paternalist laws and regulations adopted by a country in the past. The response to COVID is proxied by the time of adoption of control and containment measures and their stringency. The public health outcome is measured by the COVID-19 death toll at the end of June 2020. These variables, plus several controls, are then used to estimate a set of linear and probit regressions and a proportional hazard model of the timing of adoption of control and containment measures. Results: An increase in nanny statism by 0.1 (on a scale from 0 to 10) on average increases the probability of adoption of control and containment measures by 0.077 (i.e. 7.7 percentage points). The central tenement of the hypothesis is therefore consistent with the empirical evidence. The linear and probit regressions also show that there is no evidence of a significant effect of nanny statism on the stringency of the measures adopted. Irrespective of stringency, however, early adoption of control and containment measures is found to reduce the death toll of COVID-19 in the first half of 2020: an increase in nanny statism by 0.1 reduces the COVID death toll by approximately 7%. Conclusions: A tradition of nanny statism potentially leads to a more timely and effective public policy response to a new, unknown crisis. Further tests of the hypothesis should look at the relationship between nanny statism and public health outcomes from natural disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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49. Challenges to evaluating complex interventions: a content analysis of published papers.
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Datta, Jessica and Petticrew, Mark
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- *
CONTENT analysis , *PERIODICAL articles , *MEDICAL care , *THEMATIC analysis , *MEDICAL research - Abstract
Background: There is continuing interest among practitioners, policymakers and researchers in the evaluation of complex interventions stemming from the need to further develop the evidence base on the effectiveness of healthcare and public health interventions, and an awareness that evaluation becomes more challenging if interventions are complex. We undertook an analysis of published journal articles in order to identify aspects of complexity described by writers, the fields in which complex interventions are being evaluated and the challenges experienced in design, implementation and evaluation. This paper outlines the findings of this documentary analysis. Methods: The PubMed electronic database was searched for the ten year period, January 2002 to December 2011, using the term "complex intervention*" in the title and/or abstract of a paper. We extracted text from papers to a table and carried out a thematic analysis to identify authors' descriptions of challenges faced in developing, implementing and evaluating complex interventions. Results: The search resulted in a sample of 221 papers of which full text of 216 was obtained and 207 were included in the analysis. The 207 papers broadly cover clinical, public health and methodological topics. Challenges described included the content and standardisation of interventions, the impact of the people involved (staff and patients), the organisational context of implementation, the development of outcome measures, and evaluation. Conclusions: Our analysis of these papers suggests that more detailed reporting of information on outcomes, context and intervention is required for complex interventions. Future revisions to reporting guidelines for both primary and secondary research may need to take aspects of complexity into account to enhance their value to both researchers and users of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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50. Parents' attitudes towards hepatitis B vaccination for their children. A survey comparing paper and web questionnaires, Sweden 2005.
- Author
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Dannetun, Eva, Tegnell, Anders, and Giesecke, Johan
- Subjects
- *
HEALTH surveys , *HEPATITIS B vaccines , *PUBLIC health - Abstract
Background: The World Health Organisation, WHO, recommends that most countries should vaccinate all children against hepatitis B. Sweden has chosen not to do so, but the issue is reassessed regularly. The objective of this survey was to assess knowledge and attitudes towards hepatitis B vaccine for children among parents living in Sweden, and to compare distribution of responses and response rate between parents answering a postal questionnaire and those responding via the Internet. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey, where the sampling frame consisted of all parents to a child born 2002 living in Sweden. Two independent samples of 1001 parents in each sample were drawn. All parents were contacted by postal mail. The parents in the first sample were invited to participate by answering a paper questionnaire. The parents in the second sample were given an individual user name along with a password, and asked to log on to the Internet to answer an identical electronic questionnaire. Results: A total of 1229 questionnaires were analysed. The overall response rate for paper questionnaires was 55%, and 15% for the web version. Knowledge of the disease hepatitis B was overall high (90%). A higher degree of knowledge was seen among parents with education beyond high school (p = 0.001). This group of parents also had a higher tendency to reply via the Internet (p = 0.001). The willingness to accept hepatitis B vaccine for their child was correlated to the acceptance of the present childhood vaccination programme (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results reveal a high level of knowledge of the disease and a positive attitude to having their children vaccinated. This study also displays that the conventional postal method of surveying still delivers a higher response rate than a web-based survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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