Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 180
Filter
1.
J Infect ; 89(2): 106206, 2024 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38897239

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The risk of Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) under hybrid immunity remains unclear. METHODS: Using data from the German National Cohort (NAKO Gesundheitsstudie), we investigated risk factors for self-reported post-infection symptoms (any PCC is defined as having at least one symptom, and high symptom burden PCC as having nine or more symptoms). RESULTS: Sixty percent of 109,707 participants reported at least one previous SARS-CoV-2 infection; 35% reported having had any symptoms 4-12 months after infection; among them 23% reported nine or more symptoms. Individuals, who did not develop PCC after their first infection, had a strongly reduced risk for PCC after their second infection (50%) and a temporary risk reduction, which waned over 9 months after the preceding infection. The risk of developing PCC strongly depended on the virus variant. Within variants, there was no effect of the number of preceding vaccinations, apart from a strong protection by the fourth vaccination compared to three vaccinations for the Omicron variant (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Previous infections without PCC and a fourth vaccination were associated with a lower risk of PCC after a new infection, indicating diminished risk under hybrid immunity. The two components of risk reduction after a preceding infection suggest different immunological mechanisms.

2.
J Occup Med Toxicol ; 19(1): 13, 2024 May 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38698394

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Seafarers' diets are often high in fat, sugar and calories, thus contributing to an increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The multitude of obstacles to healthy eating in the on-board environment on merchant ships makes it essential to find new approaches for health promotion. This study explored seafarers' attitudes, the status quo of support measures and chances to improve nutrition on merchant ships from the perspective of crews and cooks. METHODS: In the course of the EU-funded project "e-healthy ship", European and Southeast Asian seafarers (N = 810) and ship cooks (N = 62) were examined by using two questionnaires on 68 ships of two German shipping companies. RESULTS: Almost all seafarers (98.8%) considered a healthy diet important for their well-being and the majority of seafarers reported being open-minded about changing their eating habits (88.4%). However, European seafarers were less likely to respond that they are willing to eat less meat [OR 0.11; 95%CI (0.07-0.17); p < .001], more vegetables [OR 0.10; 95%CI (0.02-0.49); p = .005] and more fruits [OR 0.11; 95%CI (0.02-0.61); p = .011] than their Southeast Asian colleagues. On the one hand, 82.3% of the ship cooks reported having taken part in at least one cooking course organized by their employer (1: 33.9%, 2: 25.8%, 3: 14.5%, 4 or more: 8.1%), on the other hand, slightly above half stated that the last of these courses had taken place more than 2 years ago. Furthermore, the ship cooks showed a positive attitude towards the use of a tablet-based digital platform that supports the ship cooks in daily and complex tasks (> 85% agreement). CONCLUSIONS: To improve nutrition on board merchant ships, various parameters need to be adjusted, such as ensuring a demand-oriented food supply on board or supporting seafarers' healthy food choices through target group-specific nutrition education. Ship cooks would be able to play a crucial role if they receive support. The development of a tablet-based digital platform that supports the ship cooks in their daily tasks, offers training and empowers them to implement health-promoting measures themselves seems to be an accepted and promising approach.

3.
Eur J Health Econ ; 2024 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38727776

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases posing a significant economic burden to healthcare systems and societies. The study aimed to examine the differences in healthcare and indirect costs between sufficient and insufficient PA and the cost differences between PA intensity groups. METHODS: The cross-sectional analysis was based on data from 157,648 participants in the baseline examination of the German National Cohort (NAKO) study. Healthcare and indirect costs were calculated based on self-reported information on health-related resource use and productivity losses. PA in the domains leisure, transport, and work was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into sufficient/insufficient and intensity levels (very low/low/medium/high) based on PA recommendations of the World Health Organization. Two-part models adjusted for relevant covariates were used to estimate mean costs for PA groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Insufficiently active people had higher average annual healthcare costs (Δ €188, 95% CI [64, 311]) and healthcare plus indirect costs (Δ €482, 95% CI [262, 702]) compared to sufficiently active people. The difference was especially evident in the population aged 60 + years and when considering only leisure PA. An inverse association was observed between leisure PA and costs, whereas a direct association was found between PA at work and costs. Adjusting for the number of comorbidities reduced the differences between activity groups, but the trend persisted. The association between PA and costs differed in direction between PA domains. Future research may provide further insight into the temporal relationship between PA and costs.

4.
BMC Health Serv Res ; 24(1): 594, 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38714981

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Student midwives deliver care for women under challenging job demands, which may affect their mental health- thus creating a high need for health promotion. Given the lack of research addressing this topic, the aim of this study is to examine the links between stress perception, coping behaviors, work-privacy conflict, and perception of COVID-19 pandemic impact on studies of student midwives in northern Germany. METHODS: Data were collected using a cross-sectional online-survey at nine midwifery study sites in northern Germany from October 2022 to January 2023. 342 student midwives (response rate: 61.3%) were surveyed on stress perception, coping behaviors, work-privacy conflict, and perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their studies. Descriptive, linear regression and moderation analyses were run to test explorative assumptions. RESULTS: Results revealed that higher levels of perceived stress were reported by 13.4% of student midwives. Social support (M = 13.76, SD = 2.19) and active stress coping (M = 10.72, SD = 2.01) were identified as most prevalent coping behaviors in the present sample. It was found that work-privacy conflict was positively associated with stress perception (ß = 0.53, p =.001) and maladaptive coping behaviors (alcohol and cigarette consumption: ß = 0.14, p =.015), and negatively associated with adaptive coping behaviors (positive thinking: ß = - 0.25, p =.001, social support: ß = - 0.23, p =.001). Students with children reported significantly lower levels of social support than students without children. 55.6% of student midwives perceived a negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their studies (mostly on lectures, seminars, and contact with fellow students). CONCLUSIONS: Key findings highlighted moderate stress levels among student midwives during theoretical study stage. Based on current research, prevalence of high stress levels among student midwives remains unclear. Given the overall heterogeneous, limited research on student midwives' stress perception, coping behaviors, work-privacy conflict and perceptions of COVID-19 pandemic impact on studies, implications for research are suggested, e.g. longitudinal studies at different time points and settings and interventional studies. Findings provide a starting point for implementation of workplace health promotion in theoretical and practical stages of midwifery science study programs, e.g. training courses on stress prevention and adaptive coping, and for improvement of working conditions.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , COVID-19 , Midwifery , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/psychology , Germany/epidemiology , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adult , Students, Nursing/psychology , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Male , Coping Skills
5.
Gesundheitswesen ; 2024 May 06.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38710205

ABSTRACT

STUDY AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of future occupational physicians and to evaluate their expectations from and motivations for undertaking postgraduate medical education courses in occupational medicine. This will provide a basis for further increasing the attractiveness of occupational medicine as a discipline in preventive medicine and counteracting the shortage of occupational medical physicians. METHODS: At five locations in Germany, physicians in postgraduate medical education courses in occupational medicine were asked about their expectations from occupational medicine, their reasons for starting postgraduate medical education courses, and their assessment of these courses. The survey took place between 2018 and 2021. The data were analysed descriptively, and a cluster analysis was applied to identify the types of motives for continuing postgraduate medical education courses in occupational medicine. RESULTS: Of the 233 respondents, the majority were female (68.5%) and the mean age was 43.1 years (SD 7.9 years). The response at the State Chamber of Physicians of Saxony was 50% and at the remaining four academies was between 18% and 23%. The analysis revealed four different types of motives: "career & interest", "work & life balance", "self-employment" and "desire for change". Two-thirds of the participants were in favour of a greater integration of occupational medicine into medical school curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there are different motives that lead physicians to pursue continuing education in occupational medicine. These motives should be considered when recruiting young occupational physicians.

6.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 1338, 2024 May 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38760799

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Health-oriented leadership (HoL) has a positive impact on health- and work-related outcomes of employees in face-to-face settings. Increased digitization during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many changes and increased job demands. According to current state of research, HoL in virtual teamwork is insufficiently researched. The aim of the study is to examine the experiences of virtual leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify preconditions and preventive measures for promoting HoL. METHOD: Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured, guide-based telephone interviews were conducted with 16 German virtual leaders between May and July 2021. The collected data were inductively analyzed and interpreted using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Explorative analyses of differences between leaders with and without pre-pandemic experiences with virtual leadership were made. RESULTS: Results indicated that leaders, regardless of pre-pandemic experiences with virtual leadership, faced diverse challenges in implementing HoL in virtual teamwork during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual leaders perceived personal preconditions (e.g., leaders' characteristics or behaviors), organizational preconditions (support by management or open-minded corporate culture), social preconditions (e.g., social support by team) and technical preconditions (e.g., sufficient technical equipment) as conducive to implementation of HoL. Almost all leaders with pre-pandemic experience identified a need for structural preventive measures, whereas almost all leaders without pre-pandemic experience reported a need for behavioral preventive measures in order to promote HoL in virtual teams. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that implementing HoL in virtual teamwork is challenging, complex and requires adjustments in leadership behavior. Thereby, the study provides initial empirical findings for a holistic approach to HoL implementation in virtual teams, considering beneficial multilevel preconditions. Due to a limited generalization of present results, longitudinal and interventional studies will be necessary for the analysis of causal relationships in future research. In particular, a holistic research perspective in order to understand the complex, contextual interdependencies of leadership is recommended. In practice, based on a differentiated needs analysis, structural preventive measures for a holistic organizational development as well as behavioral preventive measures for ongoing personnel development are recommended.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Leadership , Pandemics , Qualitative Research , Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/epidemiology , Male , Female , Pandemics/prevention & control , Adult , Middle Aged , Germany , SARS-CoV-2 , Interviews as Topic
7.
BMC Neurol ; 24(1): 123, 2024 Apr 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38614986

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) represents the most common inflammatory neurological disease causing disability in early adulthood. Childhood and adolescence factors might be of relevance in the development of MS. We aimed to investigate the association between various factors (e.g., prematurity, breastfeeding, daycare attendance, weight history) and MS risk. METHODS: Data from the baseline assessment of the German National Cohort (NAKO) were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between childhood and adolescence factors and risk of MS. Analyses stratified by sex were conducted. RESULTS: Among a total of 204,273 participants, 858 reported an MS diagnosis. Male sex was associated with a decreased MS risk (HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.41-0.56), while overweight (HR 2.03; 95% CI 1.41-2.94) and obesity (HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.02-3.48) at 18 years of age compared to normal weight were associated with increased MS risk. Having been breastfed for ≤ 4 months was associated with a decreased MS risk in men (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.40-0.86) compared to no breastfeeding. No association with MS risk was observed for the remaining factors. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from overweight and obesity at the age of 18 years, we did not observe considerable associations with MS risk. The proportion of cases that can be explained by childhood and adolescence factors examined in this study was low. Further investigations of the association between the onset of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence and its interaction with physical activity and MS risk seem worthwhile.


Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis , Pediatric Obesity , Humans , Adolescent , Male , Adult , Overweight/epidemiology , Multiple Sclerosis/epidemiology , Exercise
8.
PLoS One ; 19(4): e0301475, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38593150

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for many deaths. They are associated with several modifiable and metabolic risk factors and are therefore prone to significant regional variations on different scales. However, only few intra-urban studies examined spatial variation in NCDs and its association with social circumstances, especially in Germany. Thus, the present study aimed to identify associations of personal risk factors and local social conditions with NCDs in a large German city. METHODS: This study is based on a population-based cohort of the Hamburg City Health Study including 10,000 probands. Six NCDs were analyzed (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], coronary heart disease [CHD], diabetes mellitus, heart failure, depression, and hypertension) in 68 city district clusters. As risk factors, we considered socio-demographic variables (age, sex, education) and risk behaviour variables (smoking, alcohol consumption). Logistic regression analyses identified associations between the district clusters and the prevalence rates for each NCD. Regional variation was detected by Gini coefficients and spatial cluster analyses. Local social condition indexes were correlated with prevalence rates of NCDs on city district level and hot-spot analyses were performed for significant high or low values. RESULTS: The analyses included 7,308 participants with a mean age of 63.1 years (51.5% female). The prevalence of hypertension (67.6%) was the highest. Risk factor associations were identified between smoking, alcohol consumption and education and the prevalence of NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, and COPD). Significant regional variations were detected and persisted after adjusting for personal risk factors. Correlations for prevalence rates with the local social conditions were significant for hypertension (r = 0.294, p < 0.02), diabetes (r = 0.259, p = 0.03), and COPD (r = 0.360, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that regional differences in NCD prevalence persist even after adjusting for personal risk factors. This highlights the central role of both personal socio-economic status and behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco consumption. It also highlights the importance of other potential regional factors (e.g. the environment) in shaping NCD prevalence. This knowledge helps policy- and decision-makers to develop intervention strategies.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Hypertension , Noncommunicable Diseases , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Male , Social Conditions , Noncommunicable Diseases/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Hypertension/epidemiology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology , Prevalence
9.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 7927, 2024 04 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38575636

ABSTRACT

Large population-based cohort studies utilizing device-based measures of physical activity are crucial to close important research gaps regarding the potential protective effects of physical activity on chronic diseases. The present study details the quality control processes and the derivation of physical activity metrics from 100 Hz accelerometer data collected in the German National Cohort (NAKO). During the 2014 to 2019 baseline assessment, a subsample of NAKO participants wore a triaxial ActiGraph accelerometer on their right hip for seven consecutive days. Auto-calibration, signal feature calculations including Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO) and Mean Amplitude Deviation (MAD), identification of non-wear time, and imputation, were conducted using the R package GGIR version 2.10-3. A total of 73,334 participants contributed data for accelerometry analysis, of whom 63,236 provided valid data. The average ENMO was 11.7 ± 3.7 mg (milli gravitational acceleration) and the average MAD was 19.9 ± 6.1 mg. Notably, acceleration summary metrics were higher in men than women and diminished with increasing age. Work generated in the present study will facilitate harmonized analysis, reproducibility, and utilization of NAKO accelerometry data. The NAKO accelerometry dataset represents a valuable asset for physical activity research and will be accessible through a specified application process.


Subject(s)
Accelerometry , Exercise , Male , Humans , Female , Reproducibility of Results , Calibration , Hip
10.
Prev Med Rep ; 41: 102677, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38533391

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the association between personality characteristics and use of different cancer screenings. Methods: We used data from the German National Cohort (NAKO; mean age was 53.0 years (SD: 9.2 years)) - a population-based cohort study. A total of 132,298 individuals were included in the analyses. As outcome measures, we used (self-reported): stool examination for blood (haemoccult test, early detection of bowel cancer), colonoscopy (screening for colorectal cancer), skin examination for moles (early detection of skin cancer), breast palpation by a doctor (early detection of breast cancer), x-ray examination of the breast ("mammography", early detection of breast cancer), cervical smear test, finger examination of the rectum (early detection of prostate cancer), and blood test for prostate cancer (determination of Prostate-Specific Antigen level). The established Big Five Inventory-SOEP was used to quantify personality factors. It was adjusted for several covariates based on the Andersen model. Unadjusted and adjusted multiple logistic regressions were computed. Results: A higher probability of having a skin examination for moles, for example, was associated with a higher conscientiousness (OR: 1.07, p < 0.001), higher extraversion (OR: 1.03, p < 0.001), higher agreeableness (OR: 1.02, p < 0.001), lower openness to experience (OR: 0.98, p < 0.001) and higher neuroticism (OR: 1.07, p < 0.001) among the total sample. Depending on the outcome used, the associations slightly varied. Conclusions: Particularly higher levels of extraversion, neuroticism and conscientiousness are associated with the use of different cancer screenings. Such knowledge may help to better understand non-participation in cancer screening examinations from a psychological perspective.

11.
Int J Public Health ; 69: 1606377, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38510525

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare health service use (HSU) between migrants and non-migrants in Germany. Methods: Using data from the population-based German National Cohort (NAKO), we compared the HSU of general practitioners, medical specialists, and psychologists/psychiatrists between six migrant groups of different origins with the utilization of non-migrants. A latent profile analysis (LPA) with a subsequent multinomial regression analysis was conducted to characterize the HSU of different groups. Additionally, separate regression models were calculated. Both analyses aimed to estimate the direct effect of migration background on HSU. Results: In the LPA, the migrant groups showed no relevant differences compared to non-migrants regarding HSU. In separate analyses, general practitioners and medical specialists were used comparably to slightly more often by first-generation migrants from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and resettlers. In contrast, the use of psychologists/psychiatrists was substantially lower among those groups. Second-generation migrants and migrants from Western countries showed no differences in their HSU compared to non-migrants. Conclusion: We observed a low mental HSU among specific migrant groups in Germany. This indicates the existence of barriers among those groups that need to be addressed.


Subject(s)
Transients and Migrants , Humans , Germany , Health Services , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Language
12.
BMC Nurs ; 23(1): 213, 2024 Mar 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38539189

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The use of digital information and communication technologies (ICT) can be accompanied by increased technostress for nursing staff, which in turn can be associated with health consequences. In addition, the use-related constant accessibility through ICT can have a negative impact on health-related recovery and regeneration phases. Health-promoting behaviors of supervisors can influence health complaints and conflicts between employees' work and private lives. The present study investigates whether there is a corresponding relationship between digital stressors (technostressors) as well as health-oriented leadership and health outcomes among nurses. METHODS: In a quantitative online survey, hospital nursing staff (n = 243) was asked about techno-invasion, social environment, emotional exhaustion, work-privacy conflict and on the supervisors' health-oriented staff-care dimensions awareness, value of health and health-oriented leadership behavior (HoL: awareness, value of health and health behavior). The associations of technostress, HoL and health outcomes were tested using regression analyses and performing a correlation. RESULTS: Significant positive associations between techno-invasion and health outcomes had been found. Social environment was not (positively) significantly related to either emotional exhaustion or work-privacy conflict. Health-oriented leadership moderated the association between social environment and work-privacy conflict. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the relevance of measures to reduce technostress and the importance of health-oriented leadership as a health-promoting resource. For practice, offers should be implemented for a balanced work and personal life of the nursing staff as well as establishing competence trainings for supervisors to learn and implement health-promoting behaviors. When technology use can't be reduced, options could be created to ensure that nurses' work and private lives become more balanced. These could represent mindfulness practices.

13.
Dtsch Arztebl Int ; 121(7): 207-213, 2024 Apr 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38377337

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a worldwide health problem. We conducted detailed analyses of anthropometric measures in a comprehensive, population-based, current cohort in Germany. METHODS: In the German National Cohort (NAKO), we analyzed cross-sectional data on body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as measured by ultrasound, and body fat percentage. The data were stratified by sex, age, and self-reported physicians' diagnoses of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), metabolic diseases (MetD), cardiometabolic diseases (CMD), and cancer. RESULTS: Data were available from 204 751 participants (age, 49.9 ± 12.8 years; 50.5% women). Body size measures generally increased with age. Men had a higher BMI, larger waist circumference, and more VAT than women, while women had a larger hip circumference, more SAT, and a higher body fat percentage than men. For example, the mean BMI of participants over age 60 was 28.3 kg/m2 in men and 27.6 kg/m2 in women. CVD, MetD, and CMD were associated with higher anthropometric values, while cancer was not. For example, the mean BMI was 25.3 kg/m2 in healthy women, 29.4 kg/m2 in women with CMD, and 25.4 kg/m2 in women with cancer. CONCLUSION: Obesity is widespread in Germany, with notable differences between the sexes in anthro - pometric values. Obesity was more common in older participants and those with chronic diseases other than cancer. Elevated values were especially common in multimorbid individuals.


Subject(s)
Anthropometry , Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Germany/epidemiology , Anthropometry/methods , Adult , Body Mass Index , Health Status , Obesity/epidemiology , Sex Distribution , Age Distribution , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Aged
14.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 476, 2024 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38360605

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated many employees to work from home with immediate effect for several months, regardless of their workplace preference or situation at home. Against this backdrop, this study explores perceived job demands and resources as well as the role of leadership and coping strategies of employees and managers with little or no prior experience with working from home in the altered work environment. METHODS: Based on the job demands-resources model, we developed an interview guide and conducted thirty-four semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed deductively-inductively using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Experienced job demands include, e.g., challenging, insufficient digital communication, and lack of social exchange, while greater flexibility and work-life balance were identified as valuable resources. Regarding the role of leadership, signaling trust, keeping regular contact, and supporting employees are important. To cope with the unforeseen yet persistent work situation, participants applied creative strategies by setting up offices at home with what they had at disposal. Differences were observed between employee and managerial perceptions as well as over time during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The results expand our knowledge about healthy remote work by adding specific demands, resources, and coping strategies employees and managers experienced during the extreme situation of the COVID-19 pandemic to the picture as well as specifying the role of leadership. Moreover, our findings provide a foundation for guidelines for healthy remote work design and collaboration in times of abrupt change and crises.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Occupational Stress , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , Teleworking , Pandemics , Leadership , Coping Skills
15.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 433, 2024 Feb 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38347566

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions posed challenges to maintaining healthy lifestyles and physical well-being. During the first mobility restrictions from March to mid-July 2020, the German population was advised to stay home, except for work, exercise, and essential shopping. Our objective was to comprehensively assess the impact of these restrictions on changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior to identify the most affected groups. METHODS: Between April 30, 2020, and May 12, 2020, we distributed a COVID-19-specific questionnaire to participants of the German National Cohort (NAKO). This questionnaire gathered information about participants' physical activity and sedentary behavior currently compared to the time before the restrictions. We integrated this new data with existing information on anxiety, depressive symptoms, and physical activity. The analyses focused on sociodemographic factors, social relationships, physical health, and working conditions. RESULTS: Out of 152,421 respondents, a significant proportion reported altered physical activity and sedentary behavioral patterns due to COVID-19 restrictions. Over a third of the participants initially meeting the WHO's physical activity recommendation could no longer meet the guidelines during the restrictions. Participants reported substantial declines in sports activities (mean change (M) = -0.38; 95% CI: -.390; -.378; range from -2 to + 2) and reduced active transportation (M = -0.12; 95% CI: -.126; -.117). However, they also increased recreational physical activities (M = 0.12; 95% CI: .117; .126) while engaging in more sedentary behavior (M = 0.24; 95% CI: .240; .247) compared to pre-restriction levels. Multivariable linear and log-binomial regression models indicated that younger adults were more affected by the restrictions than older adults. The shift to remote work, self-rated health, and depressive symptoms were the factors most strongly associated with changes in all physical activity domains, including sedentary behavior, and the likelihood to continue following the physical activity guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Mobility patterns shifted towards inactivity or low-intensity activities during the nationwide restrictions in the spring of 2020, potentially leading to considerable and lasting health risks.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Running , Humans , Aged , Sedentary Behavior , Pandemics , COVID-19/epidemiology , Exercise , Germany/epidemiology
16.
Inquiry ; 61: 469580231221288, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38240089

ABSTRACT

Shipping is considered a demanding environment that can significantly impact seafarers' well-being and mental health. This review aims to examine existing literature on the resilience of seafarers, with a focus on the measurement methods used. Furthermore, this study intends to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research in the field of seafarers' resilience, examining the variations in defining and conceptualizing resilience across different studies and contexts. The review identified 99 studies published between 2003 and 2023, with ten studies being included in the final analysis. These studies employed various measurement methods and provided definitions of resilience. Five questionnaires were identified, with the Dispositional Resilience Scale-15 (DRS-15) being the most commonly used. Two of the selected studies had a longitudinal follow-up, while eight were cross-sectional. Four studies related to tankers, and an additional four studies focused on naval vessels, while two studies did not specify the vessel type. The publications were distributed in the period between 2003 and 2013 (two papers) and between 2013 and 2023 (eight papers). The identified themes encompassed shipboard stressors (three papers), sleep problems (two papers), occupational groups or attitudes (two papers), experiences in war (two papers), and intervention measures (one paper), highlighting the multidimensional nature of resilience within the maritime field. This review suggests a research gap, as it reveals that the topic of resilience in seafaring has been sparsely represented. Despite an increasing interest in recent years, research remains limited, particularly in the civilian maritime sector. Therefore, this review highlights the importance of understanding and promoting resilience among seafarers. While the variety of questionnaires used was limited, achieving consensus and standardization in resilience measurement is essential for more comparable and consistent research findings. Recognizing resilience as a crucial resource can promote the development of targeted interventions and support systems, enhancing seafarers' well-being and mental health.


Subject(s)
Occupational Health , Resilience, Psychological , Humans , Mental Health , Ships , Surveys and Questionnaires
17.
Rofo ; 196(2): 134-153, 2024 Feb.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37816377

ABSTRACT

The process of implementing early detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT (LDCT) in Germany has gained significant momentum in recent years. It is expected that the ordinance of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) on the early detection of lung cancer, which has been commented on by the professional societies, will come into effect by the end of 2023. Based on this regulation, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) will set up a program for early lung cancer detection with LDCT in the near future. In this position paper, the specialist societies involved in lung cancer screening present key points for a uniform, structured and quality-assured early detection program for lung cancer in Germany to make a constructive contribution to this process. CITATION FORMAT: · Vogel-Claussen J, Blum TG, Andreas S et al. Position paper on the implementation of a nationally organized program in Germany for the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk populations using low-dose CT screening including the management of screening findings requiring further workup. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; 196: DOI 10.1055/a-2178-2846.


Subject(s)
Early Detection of Cancer , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Risk Factors , Germany , Mass Screening
18.
Pneumologie ; 78(1): 15-34, 2024 Jan.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37816379

ABSTRACT

The process of implementing early detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT (LDCT) in Germany has gained significant momentum in recent years. It is expected that the ordinance of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) on early detection of lung cancer, which has been commented on by the professional societies, will come into effect by the end of 2023. Based on this regulation, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) will set up a program for early lung cancer detection with LDCT in the near future. In this position paper, the specialist societies involved in lung cancer screening present concrete cornerstones for a uniform, structured and quality-assured early detection program for lung cancer in Germany to make a constructive contribution to this process.


Subject(s)
Early Detection of Cancer , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Risk Factors , Germany , Mass Screening
19.
Zentralbl Chir ; 149(1): 96-115, 2024 Feb.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37816386

ABSTRACT

The process of implementing early detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT (LDCT) in Germany has gained significant momentum in recent years. It is expected that the ordinance of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) on early detection of lung cancer, which has been commented on by the professional societies, will come into effect by the end of 2023. Based on this regulation, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) will set up a program for early lung cancer detection with LDCT in the near future. In this position paper, the specialist societies involved in lung cancer screening present concrete cornerstones for a uniform, structured and quality-assured early detection program for lung cancer in Germany to make a constructive contribution to this process.


Subject(s)
Early Detection of Cancer , Lung Neoplasms , Humans , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Germany , Societies, Medical , Mass Screening
20.
Gesundheitswesen ; 85(12): 1110-1114, 2023 Dec.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38081172

ABSTRACT

People can be affected by various environmental factors (e. g., odor, noise) which can lead to medical complaints or illnesses. Few adequate contact points are available for patients with suspected environmental complaints in Germany. Illustrated by the outpatient clinics for environmental medicine in Hamburg and Munich, this report shows how patients with suspected environmental medical diseases are cared for in Germany. For the exemplary presentation, the data of the environmental medicine outpatient clinics of both the university hospitals from 01.01.2019 to 31.03.2021 are presented and compared. Overall, more female than male patients were treated at both facilities. Suspected exposure to "heavy metals" was most frequently mentioned by patients as the assumed reason for their complaints. Nonetheless, the suspected exposure or "intoxication" could be ruled out in the majority of cases by appropriate examination methods in accordance to current medical guidelines. The data provided by the environmental medicine outpatient clinics show that there is a continuous demand for environmental medical care. A close cooperation between the private practice sector and the outpatient clinics for environmental medicine providing medical care to patients should therefore be sought.


Subject(s)
Environmental Medicine , Humans , Male , Female , Hospitals, University , Germany , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Patient Care
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...