Intervención comunitaria con población magrebí en Crevillent (Alicante): prevención de hepatitis A en migrantes viajeros / Community-based intervention with a Maghreb population in Crevillent (Alicante): hepatitis A prevention in immigrant travellers

Objetivos: En este artículo describimos una iniciativa surgida desde salud pública para prevenir casos de hepatitis A en población magrebí de Crevillent que fuese a viajar a su país próximamente. El objetivo principal fue contribuir a reducir la incidencia de casos importados de hepatitis A en migrantes viajeros magrebíes.Metodología. Iniciativa implementada en dos ámbitos: sanitario (envío de circular a centros de Atención Primaria con recomendaciones desde salud pública para identificar y vacunar de hepatitis A a migrantes viajeros no inmunes); comunitario (charlas grupales adaptadas a la población diana).Resultados. La intervención comunitaria (94 participantes) tuvo muy buena acogida y se involucraron tanto líderes comunitarios como mediadores interculturales. El número de primeras dosis de vacuna pediátrica de hepatitis A administradas el mes siguiente a la intervención fue muy superior al del mes previo.Conclusión. La intervención interdisciplinar aquí presentada mostró eficacia tanto a nivel sanitario como a nivel comunitario. (AU)

Objectives: In this article we report a public health initiative to prevent cases of hepatitis A in the Maghrebi population of Crevillent who were going to travel to their country in the near future. The main aim was to contribute to reduce the incidence of hepatitis A imported cases among Maghrebi immigrant travellers.Methods. The initiative was implemented in two areas: healthcare (by sending a circular to primary care centres with public health recommendations to identify and vaccinate non-immune migrant travellers against hepatitis A); community (informative group talks tailored to the target population).Results. The community intervention (94 participants) was very well received and involved both community leaders and intercultural mediators. The number of initial doses of paediatric hepatitis A vaccine administered in the month following the intervention was much higher than in the previous month.Conclusion. The interdisciplinary intervention presented here revealed efficacy at both healthcare and community levels. (AU)

Una experiencia con ellas: una actividad comunitaria en el barrio de Carabanchel Alto / An experience with them: a community activity in the neighbourhood of Carabanchel Alto

Introducción y objetivos: Una experiencia con las mujeres de la Asociación Cultural de Carabanchel Alto (ACCA) sobre los activos y recursos de salud de Carabanchel Alto.Métodos. Actividad dinamizada por distintas entidades del barrio, impartida en un aula del Centro de Educación Infantil y Primaria (CEIP) República Dominicana y basada en el conocimiento de los recursos y activos del barrio y la lectura como herramienta de reflexión.Resultados. Nos acercamos a la población mayor del barrio y conocimos su historia. Se creó un ambiente de confianza donde compartimos experiencias y reflexiones.Conclusiones. El contacto con distintos profesionales de la salud fuera del ámbito del trabajo permite establecer un vínculo de confianza para una futura atención en estas entidades. (AU)

Introduction and aims: An experience with ACCA women on Carabanchel Alto health assets and resources.Methods. This activity, organised by different organisations in the neighbourhood, took place in a CEIP República Dominicana classroom and based on knowledge of the neighbourhood’s resources and assets and reading as a tool of reflection.Results. We approached the neighbourhood's older population and got to know their story. A climate of trust was fostered where we shared experiences and reflections.Conclusions. Contact with different health professionals outside the work setting enables a bond of trust to be established for future care in these entities. (AU)

Worse psychological traits associated with higher probability of emotional problems during the Omicron pandemic in Tianjin, China

Background and Objectives: Individuals with specific psychological weaknesses are prone to mental problems during the coronavirus pandemic. This self-rating study assessed the combined effects of infection-related stress, resilience, worry, and loneliness on the likelihood of depression and anxiety among infected and non-infected individuals during the Tianjin Pandemic in 2022.MethodsIndividuals infected with Omicron (n = 249) and health residents (n = 415) were recruited from two hospitals and communities in Tianjin. Each respondent completed the following on-site assessment: Self-developed Scale of Demographics, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), De Jong Gierveld Scale (DJGLS), and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). The respondents were categorized into depression or non-depression group by SDS scores, and anxiety or non-anxiety group by SAS scores.ResultsThe overall scores of CD-RISC, DJGJLS, and PSWQ were significantly different both between the depression group and non-depression groups and between the anxiety group and non-anxiety groups. The greater likelihood of depression was associated with lower overall scores of CD-RISC and higher scores of PSWQ; the greater likelihood of anxiety was associated with higher scores of PSWQ. The likelihood of depression was also positively associated with having infection-related stress and three demographics. (AU)

Low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among patients presenting at a Parisian psychiatry University Hospital Group

Abstract: We examine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among patients admitted to a Parisian psychiatric University Hospital Group (GHU).A total of 548 patients were admitted to the GHU...s full-time psychiatric wards between April 6 and May 3 2020. More than 80% were tested. A total of 7 patients tested positive for the SARS-Cov-2 (1.3%), with 5 patients (in 92, 5.4%) testing positive in the first week.GHU patients presented a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, even if all patients live in the hardest hit region in France. Social isolation and loneliness, as well as self-isolation of patients with symptoms could explain our results. (AU)

An Alzheimer's dementia cumulative risk model in a sample of general population over 65: Public health implications

Background and objectives: With the population ageing, the identification of modifiable risk factors for dementia represents a public health priority. Co-occurrence of risk factors in the same individual is more frequent than an isolated appearance and may create synergistic effects, with an increased risk of negative outcomes such as dementia and mortality. We aim to study the cumulative risk of incident Alzheimer's Dementia (AD) in a community sample aged >65 (n= 3044).MethodsTo this end, we will examine the impact on the risk of AD of the co-occurrence of variables that have previously been shown to increase risk: age, gender, education, marital status, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI) and hearing loss.ResultsThe most frequent number of co-occurring risk factors was 3. We found a cumulative increased risk of both death and AD by the confluence of 2 or more risk factors. Using a competing risk regression model, each increase in a co-occurring risk factor was associated with a significant increase in the risk of incident AD of more than two-fold. By the analysis of the Population Attributable Fractions (PAF) of AD due to several risk factors, we found that if 4 or more co-occurring risk factors could be eliminated from the population, the prevalence of AD would be reduced by approximately 38%.ConclusionOur study offers an estimate of the impact that preventive interventions could have if the number of modifiable risk factors of AD at a population level. (AU)

Situación de la lactancia en la Argentina. Encuesta Nacional de Lactancia, 2022 / Breastfeeding situation in Argentina. National Breastfeeding Survey, 2022

La Encuesta Nacional de Lactancia (ENaLac) tiene como objetivo conocer la prevalencia de lactancia a nivel nacional y jurisdiccional en la población que demanda al sistema público de salud. Dada la importancia sanitaria de esta práctica, resulta indispensable su monitoreo permanente, por lo que esperamos que este informe, contribuya a fortalecer las políticas públicas en torno a la lactancia, entendiendo que los datos estadísticos nos marcan el camino a seguir y que su relevamiento y monitoreo son necesarios para lograr mejor adherencia a la lactancia.

Nonpharmaceutical Interventions in Georgia: Public Health Implications.

OBJECTIVES: As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread, many states implemented nonpharmaceutical interventions in the absence of effective therapies with varying degrees of success. Our aim was to evaluate restrictions comparing two regions of Georgia and their impact on outcomes as measured by confirmed illness and deaths. METHODS: Using The New York Times COVID-19 incidence data and mandate information from various web sites, we examined trends in cases and deaths using joinpoint analysis at the region and county level before and after the implementation of a mandate. RESULTS: We found that rates of cases and deaths showed the greatest decrease in acceleration after the simultaneous implementation of a statewide shelter-in-place for vulnerable populations combined with social distancing for businesses and limiting gatherings to <10 people. County-level shelters-in-place, business closures, limits on gatherings to <10, and mask mandates showed significant case rate decreases after a county implemented them. School closures had no consistent effect on either outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that protecting vulnerable populations, implementing social distancing, and mandating masks may be effective countermeasures to containment while mitigating the economic and psychosocial effects of strict shelters-in-place and business closures. In addition, states should consider allowing local municipalities the flexibility to enact nonpharmaceutical interventions that are more or less restrictive than the state-level mandates under some conditions in which the data indicate it is necessary to protect communities from disease or undue economic burden.

Early pandemic use of face masks in Papua New Guinea under a mask mandate.

Objective: During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, face mask wearing was mandated in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in July 2020, but compliance was observed to be low. We aimed to determine the frequency of face mask wearing by the general public in Papua New Guinea under the mask mandate. Methods: To estimate compliance with the mandate, we analysed photographs of people gathering in Port Moresby published between 29 September and 29 October 2020. Photo-epidemiology was performed on the 40 photographs that met pre-defined selection criteria for inclusion in our study. Results: Among the total of 445 fully visible photographed faces, 53 (11.9%) were observed wearing a face mask over mouth and nose. Complete non-compliance (no faces wearing masks) was observed in 19 (4.3%) photographs. Physical distancing was observed in 10% of the 40 photographs. Mask compliance in indoor settings (16.4%) was higher than that observed in outdoor settings (9.8%), and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Mask compliance was observed in 8.9% of large-sized gatherings (> 30 people), 12.7% of medium-sized gatherings (11-30 people) and 25.0% of small-sized gatherings (4-10 people; photographs with < 4 people were excluded from analysis). Discussion: We found very low population compliance with face mask mandates in Papua New Guinea during the pre-vaccine pandemic period. Individuals without face coverings and non-compliant with physical distancing guidelines are considered to be in a high-risk category for COVID-19 transmission particularly in medium- and large-sized gatherings. A new strategy to enforce public health mandates is required and should be clearly promoted to the public.

[Loss of biodiversity: a one-way ticket to new emerging diseases?] / Perte de la biodiversité : aller simple vers de nouveaux pathogènes émergents ?

To feed and house the 8 billion people on this planet, large-scale land use changes are causing biodiversity to decline at an unprecedented rate. The frontier between wildlife, humans and domestic animals is shrinking day by day and favors the passage of pathogens between these different reservoirs. The health crisis caused by the Nipah virus, the result of a viral passage between fruit bats, pigs and humans is a perfect example. The consumption of bushmeat and the sale of wild animals in markets where livestock and wild animals mix amplify these transmission risks. Only a multidisciplinary globalized public health approach can anticipate and reduce the risks of a future pandemic.

Afin de nourrir et de loger huit milliards d'humains, de vastes modifications de l'utilisation des terres provoquent un déclin de la biodiversité à une vitesse jamais égalée. La frontière entre monde sauvage, humains et animaux domestiques se réduit de jour en jour et favorise le passage de pathogènes entre ces différents réservoirs. La crise sanitaire provoquée par le virus Nipah, fruit d'un passage viral entre chauves-souris frugivores, cochons et humains, en est le parfait exemple. La consommation de viande de brousse et la mise en vente d'animaux sauvages dans des marchés où ils côtoient des animaux de rente amplifient ces risques de transmission. Seule une approche multidisciplinaire de santé publique mondialisée permettra d'anticiper et de réduire les risques d'une prochaine pandémie.

The case for citizen science in public health policy and practice: a mixed methods study of policymaker and practitioner perspectives and experiences.

BACKGROUND: Citizen science (CS) is increasingly being utilised to involve the public in public health research, but little is known about whether and how CS can address the needs of policy and practice stakeholders in health promotion and chronic disease prevention. METHODS: Using a mixed methods approach we conducted an online survey (n = 83) and semi-structured interviews (n = 21) with policy and practice stakeholders across Australia to explore how CS approaches are perceived and applied in chronic disease prevention, how CS aligns with existing approaches to community engagement, and how the uptake of CS can be supported within policy and practice settings. RESULTS: Most participants had heard of CS, and while few had experience of using CS, there was widespread support for this approach, with many seeing it as complementary to other community engagement approaches. CS was seen as providing: (a) a robust framework for engagement; (b) access to rich data; (c) opportunities for more meaningful engagement; and (d) a mutually beneficial approach for stakeholders and community members. However, stakeholders identified a need to weigh benefits against potential risks and challenges including competing organisational priorities, resourcing and expertise, data quality and rigour, governance, and engagement. CONCLUSIONS: To expand the use of CS, stakeholders identified the need for increased awareness, acceptance, and capacity for CS within public health organisations, greater access to supporting tools and technology, and evidence on processes, feasibility and impacts to enhance the visibility and legitimacy of CS approaches.

[The nutrition of population of Russia from public health position: international recommendation practice].

The Member States of the United Nations, while planning and implementing concrete measures to protect citizens health, nutrition included, experience need in sharing best practices and in coordinated recommendations, relevant to common actual challenges. The article analyzes and systematizes main official documents of the leading international organizations in the field of population nutrition from the standpoint of public health and health care in dynamics more than over 70 years. The particular emphasis is made on their implementation to adolescents and youths aged 10-24 years, who need risk approach application in resolving their urgent nutritional problems, in relationship with influencing environmental factors, lifestyle, bad habits, physical activity, etc. The policies, programs and other documents that are currently implementing in the area of numerous problems associated with malnutrition, promote adoption of their own commitments, which must be relevant, achievable, specific, time-bound, measurable. In this regard, adopted and implemented leading national documents in this area are analyzed. The practicability of implementation of the UN and WHO recommendations with their adaptation to multiple-aspect specifics of the country, as well as need in prolonging research in this area are demonstrated.

Evaluation of a virtual, simulated international public health peer-to-peer exchange learning experience.

Introduction: Public Health's (PH) global rise is accompanied by an increasing focus on training the new generation of PH graduates in interdisciplinary skills for multisectoral and cross-cultural engagement to develop an understanding of commonalities in health system issues and challenges in multi-cultural settings. Online teaching modalities provide an opportunity to enhance global health skill development through virtual engagement and peer exchange. However, current teaching pedagogy is limited in providing innovative modes of learning global health issues outside of traditional classroom settings with limited modalities of evidence-informed implementation models. Methods: This study designed, implemented, and evaluated a novel global health online synchronous module as proof of concept that incorporated elements of virtual Practice-based learning (PBL) using a case study approach offered to currently enrolled public health students at the University of Canberra (UC) and a partnering public health university from India, the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPH-G). Using constructive learning theory and the Social Determinants of Health framework, four online sessions were designed and implemented in August-September 2022. Formal process and outcome evaluation using a quantitative adapted survey of the validated International Student Experience survey (IES) at session end and findings provided. Results: Over 100 participating public health students from Australia and India provided narrative feedback and quantitative responses from the adapted IES instrument across four key dimensions, namely "motivation," "personal development," intellectual development, and "international perspectives" reporting an overall high mean impact of 4.29 (out of 5) across all four themes seen together. In essence, the sessions supported students to explore global health issues from a different cultural perspective while developing intercultural communication skills and enhancing their global exposure in real-time. Discussions: This innovation, implemented as a proof of concept, provided evidence, and demonstrated the implementation feasibility of a flexible virtual integrated practice-based module that can supplement classroom teaching. It provides participating students with the opportunity to develop intercultural understanding and communication competence as well as support global mindedness by engaging with international peers around focused global health case studies.

Thoughts on the construction of public health informatization for community health archives grass roots management system.

With the development of social economy and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, people expect to receive high-level medical services, and the requirements for medical care are also getting higher and higher. However, there are still objective problems such as rising medical costs, difficulty in seeking medical treatment, uneven distribution of medical resources, low efficiency of medical services, and uneven medical quality. This paper first analyzes the significance of public health informatization construction, focuses on the elements of public health informatization construction, and expounds the status quo of health informatization construction and the existing problems in community health informatization. Then, this paper expounds the construction of public health informatization based on the grass-roots management system of community health records, and discusses the construction of a health information platform centered on the health records of community residents. Afterwards, this paper proposes and studies the functions of the community medical information archives management system from three aspects: the composition of the community medical information archives management system, the problems of system management, and the development requirements of the system, and proposes an algorithm based on a decision tree model to enhance public health informology. Finally, on the basis of experiments and investigations, Internet technology and decision tree model algorithms are introduced into the public health information system construction of the community health archives system to build a new public health information system, and the satisfaction rate can be increased by 23%.

The COVID-19 pandemic and Bitcoin: Perspective from investor attention.

The response of the Bitcoin market to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is an example of how a global public health crisis can cause drastic market adjustments or even a market crash. Investor attention on the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to play an important role in this response. Focusing on the Bitcoin futures market, this paper aims to investigate whether pandemic attention can explain and forecast the returns and volatility of Bitcoin futures. Using the daily Google search volume index for the "coronavirus" keyword from January 2020 to February 2022 to represent pandemic attention, this paper implements the Granger causality test, Vector Autoregression (VAR) analysis, and several linear effects analyses. The findings suggest that pandemic attention is a granger cause of Bitcoin returns and volatility. It appears that an increase in pandemic attention results in lower returns and excessive volatility in the Bitcoin futures market, even after taking into account the interactive effects and the influence of controlling other financial markets. In addition, this paper carries out the out-of-sample forecasts and finds that the predictive models with pandemic attention do improve the out-of-sample forecast performance, which is enhanced in the prediction of Bitcoin returns while diminished in the prediction of Bitcoin volatility as the forecast horizon is extended. Finally, the predictive models including pandemic attention can generate significant economic benefits by constructing portfolios among Bitcoin futures and risk-free assets. All the results demonstrate that pandemic attention plays an important and non-negligible role in the Bitcoin futures market. This paper can provide enlightens for subsequent research on Bitcoin based on investor attention sparked by public emergencies.