Areas Of Ireland Research Articles

Understanding influences of cervical screening attendance among women of low socio-economic position

Abstract Women of lower socio-economic position (SEP) have a higher incidence of cervical cancer and lower uptake of cervical screening. The Integrated Screening Action Model (I-SAM) is a behaviour model aimed to guide intervention development that considers how individuals engage with screening through their environment, capability, opportunity, and motivation. The I-SAM can be used to understand behaviour of cervical screening. We aimed to understand perceptions and awareness of HPV screening among women aged 25-65 of low SEP living in an urban area in Ireland. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who self-reported regular or irregular screening attendance, no university-level education, low-income employment or not working, aged 25-65 and living in Dublin. Participants were recruited via community organisations. Data were analysed using I-SAM in a framework analysis to map barriers and enablers of attendance of regular and irregular attenders. Of the seventeen women interviewed, seven attended screening irregularly. Participants thought they had opportunity to attend when they were reminded and supported to attend by peers and healthcare professionals. Participants wanted to promote screening in the community and to normalise conversations on sexual health. Participants felt fear of cancer was a driver and deterrent to attend screening due to cancer running in the family, past health issues and abnormal cell treatments, and wanting to be there for their family. Few were aware of HPV or the switch to HPV screening. Irregular attenders were unsure how to book or find information on screening. Campaigns should involve communities that are less likely to attend to improve visibility of screening. Healthcare professionals could opportunistically promote HPV screening in primary care and community settings. Campaigns should be aimed at improving literacy of HPV screening, address concerns of cancer risk and support navigation through screening. Key messages • Understanding of HPV cervical screening is limited and campaigns are needed to improve awareness and literacy. • Public health campaigns should engage with communities to promote screening via community groups and healthcare professionals.

Creating opportunities for community voices to be heard

Abstract This presentation will showcase the importance of community based participatory research in developing health literacy in Ireland. Purposeful sampling (n = 105: 71% female) in two contrasting Sláintecare Healthy Community areas in Ireland (Finglas & Cabra and Mayo), recruited participants to take part in semi-structured focus groups, or individual interviews. Using reflective thematic analysis, and a critical friend approach, five key themes were identified that demonstrated the strengths, needs and challenges in health literacy in urban and rural communities in Ireland. This included: i) Accessing and understanding health information; ii) Health literacy changing over time; iii) Perceiving health literacy as an individual responsibility; iv) Interpersonal and community influences on health literacy; and v) Health access through a rural or urban infrastructure. There were many similarities between rural and urban, young and old. Equally, there were unique challenges that required local solutions. As such, the next phase of this project utilised a co-design process to check, challenge, collaborate and create recommendations for health literacy solutions in each case study area. A specific method of experience-based co-design, the Double Diamond Design Approach (DDDA) was used. With DDDA, stakeholders progress through a four-stage reflective process to discover, define, develop, and deliver an innovative solution to a problem. Two Co-design Workshops took place in March 2024 aiming to revise the strengths, barriers, needs, and propose potential recommendations for health literacy in each Sláintecare Healthy Community, using an adapted DDDA. Within the rural setting, solutions to promote health literacy spanned across transport, health access, and community based needs. Within an urban context specific suggestions around community engagement, information sharing, and earlier educational intervention were called for.

An investigation of inequalities in exposure to PM2.5 air pollution across small areas in Ireland

The link between exposure to air pollution and adverse effects on human health is well documented. Yet, in a European context, research on the spatial distribution of air pollution and the characteristics of areas is relatively scarce, and there is a need for research using different spatial scales, a wider variety of socioeconomic indicators (such as ethnicity) and new methodologies to assess these relationships. This study uses comprehensive data on a wide range of demographic and socioeconomic indicators, matched to data on PM2.5 concentrations for small areas in Ireland, to assess the relationship between social vulnerability and PM2.5 air pollution. Examining a wide range of socioeconomic indicators revealed some differentials in PM2.5 concentration levels by measure and by rural and urban classification. However, statistical modelling using concentration curves and concentration indices did not present substantial evidence of inequalities in PM2.5 concentrations across small areas. In common with other western European countries, an overall decline in the levels of PM2.5 between 2011 and 2016 was observed in Ireland, though the data indicates that almost all small areas in Ireland were found to have exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO)’s PM2.5 annual guideline (of 5 µg/m3), calling for greater policy efforts to reduce air pollution in Ireland. The recent Clean Air Strategy contains a commitment to achieve the WHO guideline limits for PM2.5 by 2040, with interim targets at various points over the next two decades. Achieving these targets will require policy measures to decarbonise home heating, promote active travel and the transition to electric vehicles, and further regulations on burning fossil fuels and enforcing environmental regulations more tightly. From a research and information-gathering perspective, installing more monitoring stations at key points could improve the quality and spatial dimension of the data collected and facilitate the assessment of the implementation of the measures in the Clean Air Strategy.

REVIEW OF MEDICATION INCIDENTS IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE

IntroductionIn this review, medication incidents accross different mental health care facilities was reviewed and nuances, challenges, and advancements in the administration and management of psychiatric medications was noted. Through gaining a better understanding of the complexities surrounding these incidents, valuable information can be gathered that will enhance patient safety, improving healthcare practices, and fostering a deeper understanding of the critical intersection between mental health care and medication management.ObjectivesTo identify the most frequent types of medication errors or patterns of medication errors in a mental health service accross different settings including inpatient, outpatient, liaison and long term residential unitMethodsThis is a multicentre project as it covers medication incidents in mental health care in a regianal area in Ireland. It includes an acute psychiatric Unit, the General Hospital and patients admitted in medical and surgical wards and as well long term residential care. Using the National Incident Management System we collected National Incident Report Forms (NIRF) relating mental health care provided and medication prescribed within a region in Ireland. From these we selected the ones were medication hazard was noted. Data collection happened between July 2020 and July 2021. A statuystical analysis was then performed to identify any patterns to medication errors.ResultsA total of 22 incidents were included. On review of these, it was noted, among other findings, that here was a significant increase in the frequency of medication errors during the month of December. It was also noted errors ranged from medication being given to the wrong patient, medication being given twice and medication being missed.ConclusionsMinimising medication errors requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare providers, patients, and healthcare systems. Healthcare organizations should foster a culture of safety where medication errors are seen as preventable and where providers are encouraged to report errors without fear of retaliation.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Unleashing the power of old maps: Extracting symbology from nineteenth century maps using convolutional neural networks to quantify modern land use on historic wetlands

Topographical maps from the nineteenth century hold significant historical and environmental value, providing insights into landscape changes over the past two centuries. These maps feature distinct symbols representing various land cover types, such as forests and wetlands, offering a unique historical perspective on land-use changes. For example, there has been a significant reduction in wetlands because of agricultural expansion and intensification which lead to biodiversity loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions globally. Our study uses U-net CNN to automatically segment wetland symbols from nineteenth century maps from hundreds of map sheets for an area of interest a large river catchment in Ireland. Extracted wetland extents were intersected with digital land cover datasets to estimate current land cover on former wetland (on both organic and mineral soils). Utilizing U-Net, we successfully automated the segmentation of wetland symbols from hundreds of nineteenth-century map sheets, focusing on a large river catchment area in Ireland. Our analysis achieved a very high F1 score of 98.2% and a Kappa of 89%. While it is challenging to verify the veracity of historical map content, the largely untapped information contained within these maps are important for understanding landscape change over time, and especially before the era of Earth observation & remote sensing. The data extracted from these sources can inform modern environmental management strategies, for example, in targeted rewetting of peatlands, or in habitat restoration.

Field assessment of coconut-based activated carbon systems for the treatment of herbicide contamination

Once released into the environment, herbicides can move through soil or surface water to streams and groundwater. Filters containing adsorbent media placed in fields may be an effective solution to herbicide loss in the environment. However, to date, no study has investigated the use of adsorbent materials in intervention systems at field-scale, nor has any study investigated their optimal configuration. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to examine the efficacy of low-cost, coconut-based activated carbon (CAC) intervention systems, placed in streams and tributaries, for herbicide removal. Two configurations of interventions were investigated in two agricultural catchments and one urban area in Ireland: (1) filter bags and (2) filter bags fitted into polyethylene pipes. Herbicide sampling was conducted using Chemcatcher® passive sampling devices in order to identify trends in herbicide exceedances at the sites, and to quantifiably assess, compare, and contrast the efficiency of the two intervention configurations. While the Chemcatcher® passive sampling devices are capable of analysing eighteen different acid herbicides, only six different acid herbicides (2,4-D, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, MCPA, mecoprop and triclopyr) were ever detected within the three catchment areas, which were also the only acid herbicides used therein. The CAC was capable of complete herbicide removal, when the water flow was slow (0.5–1 m3 s−1), and the interventions spanned the width and depth of the waterway. Overall, the reduction in herbicide concentrations was better for the filter pipes than for the filter bags, with a 48% reduction in detections and a 37% reduction in exceedances across all the sampling sites for the filter pipe interventions compared to a 13% reduction in the number of detections and a 24% reduction in exceedances across all sampling sites for the filter bag interventions (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that CAC may be an effective in situ remediation strategy to manage herbicide exceedances close to the source, thereby reducing the impact on environmental and public health.

Eligibility rates and representativeness of the General Medical Services scheme population in Ireland 2016-2021: A methodological report

Background In Ireland, the means tested General Medical Services (GMS) scheme provides access to a range of healthcare services at no or low cost to approximately one third of the population. Individuals eligible for the GMS scheme are often a focus of research, as a population that account for a large proportion of healthcare services use. The aim of this study is to describe the eligibility rates and representativeness of the GMS scheme population over time, with respect to age group, sex, and geographical area in Ireland. Methods Population data was obtained from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), using 2016 Census figures and projected population figures for 2017-2021. GMS eligibility figures for 2016-2021 were obtained from the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS). GMS eligibility rates and relative rates of eligibility were calculated for 2016-2021 by age group and sex. Additionally, 2016 eligibility rates were calculated by geographical area. Results The crude eligibility rate decreased from 36.4% in 2016 to 31.2% in 2020, with a slight increase to 31.6% in 2021. In the 75+ years age group, 78.2% of the total population were eligible for the GMS scheme in 2021. The age group with the lowest rate of eligible individuals was the 25–34 age group, with 19.5% eligible in 2021. The eligibility rate was higher among females compared to males throughout the study period. The highest eligibility rate was seen in Donegal, with a crude rate of 52.8%. Dublin had the lowest rate, with a crude rate of 29.3%. Conclusions GMS eligibility varies greatly depending on age, sex, and geographical area, and decreased between 2016 and 2021. This study uses the most up-to-date data available to provide age group, sex and area-based figures for GMS eligibility which may inform planning and conduct of research focusing on GMS-eligible individuals.

Development of Hybrid Models to Estimate Gross Primary Productivity at a Near-Natural Peatland Using Sentinel 2 Data and a Light Use Efficiency Model

Peatlands store up to 2320 Mt of carbon (C) on only ~20% of the land area in Ireland; however, approximately 90% of this area has been drained and is emitting up to 10 Mt C per year. Gross primary productivity (GPP) is a one of the key components of the peatland carbon cycle, and detailed knowledge of the spatial and temporal extent of GPP under changing management practices is imperative to improve our predictions of peatland ecology and biogeochemistry. This research assesses the relationship between remote sensing and ground-based estimates of GPP for a near-natural peatland in Ireland using eddy covariance (EC) techniques and high-resolution Sen-tinel 2A satellite imagery. Hybrid models were developed using multiple linear regression along with six widely used conventional indices and a light use efficiency model. Estimates of GPP using NDVI, EVI, and NDWI2 hybrid models performed well using literature-based light use efficiency parameters and showed a significant correlation from 89 to 96% with EC-derived GPP. This study also reports additional site-specific light use efficiency parameters for dry and hydrologically normal years on the basis of light response curve methods (LRC). Overall, this research has demonstrated the potential of combining EC techniques with satellite-derived models to better understand and monitor key drivers and patterns of GPP for raised bog ecosystems under different climate scenarios and has also provided light use efficiency parameters values for dry and wetter conditions that can be used for the estimation of GPP using LUE models across various site and scales.

Adult survival and annual movement patterns of common snipe in Iceland

The common snipe (Gallinago gallinago) is a wader that breeds in subarctic regions from Iceland to Russia, and for which global populations are in decline. We studied snipe breeding in western Iceland between 1998 and 2020, locating nests and ringing birds annually. In 2019 and 2020, we deployed geolocators on nesting adults to estimate the timing of their annual migration and the location of overwintering areas. Birds moved principally between breeding locations in Iceland to wintering areas in Ireland, although some birds may winter farther north. We also found that apparent annual adult survival averaged 66%, but was higher in years with warmer, wetter winters. Given the similarity of our survival estimates to those from snipe elsewhere, we suggest that adult survival is unlikely a major contributor to declining populations, and other factors like habitat loss may be of more concern.

High-Resolution Model of Clew Bay—Model Set-Up and Validation Results

Clew Bay is an important aquaculture production area in Ireland. In this study, we focused on a high-resolution simulation of the Clew Bay region based on a regional ocean modeling system (ROMS). Freshwater discharges from eight rivers are included in the model and a wetting–drying scheme has been implemented. The Clew Bay model simulation was validated and calibrated with available observations (e.g., acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), vertical salinity and temperature profiles, and a tide gauge) in the geographic area of the model domain. High correlations were found between the model data and observed temperature, salinity and water levels, along with small root mean square errors. This indicates that the model is able to reproduce the oceanographic phenomena in the study area. The Taylor diagram analysis showed a high correlation coefficient (R = 0.99) between the observed bottom temperature in the Inner Bay and Clew Bay model, along with a small centered root mean square error (RMSD = 0.5 °C). High correlation coefficients (R &gt; 0.80) were found between the model and the two ADCPs for the zonal current component. There was a resemblance in structure between the model and the observed salinity profiles, indicating that freshwater was correctly implemented in the model. Moreover, the correlation coefficient between the model and the tidal sea surface height (SSH) was 0.99, with an RMSD of 0.09 m. We discovered that wind direction and speed had a significant impact on the bay’s water inflow rate. The model outputs can be used to provide scientists, fishermen, and decision-makers with hydrodynamic information on ocean conditions in the bay.

Retrospective Survey of Dog and Cat Endoparasites in Ireland: Antigen Detection.

Endoparasites of dogs and cats, play an important role in both veterinary medicine and public health. Untreated and stray dogs and cats, in particular, play an important role in contaminating the environment with important zoonotic parasites. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats using highly sensitive and specific copro-antigen tests. Archive faecal samples from previous surveys conducted between 2016−2019 from dogs (n = 789) and cats (n = 241) were included in this study. The IDEXX Fecal Dx™ antigen panel was used for the detection of Toxocara, hookworms, Trichuris and the SNAP™ Giardia antigen assay was used for the detection of Giardia infection. Giardia duodenalis was the most common parasite (26%, n = 205) detected in the dogs, followed by ascarids (17.6%, n = 139) and hookworms (5.3%, n = 42). Trichuris vulpis was only detected in 1 dog. Ascarids (23.2%, n = 56) was the most common parasite detected in the cats, followed by Giardia (12.9%, n = 31) and hookworms (n = 7, 2.9%). No whipworms were detected in cats. Overall, there was little difference in the positivity between sexes in both dogs and cats. However, in terms of age, adolescent dogs (<3 years) and kittens (<1 year) had the highest parasite prevalence overall, with G. duodenalis and ascarids being the most prevalent. This study shows a high prevalence of parasite infection in untreated and stray dogs and cats in the greater Dublin area in Ireland. Since they live in synanthropic conditions and can roam over vast distances they can contaminate public areas and pose a risk to both humans and owned pets that utilise these spaces. It is therefore important to raise public awareness and increase the knowledge on zoonotic parasites.

Exploring factors that influence HRQoL for people living with Parkinson’s in one region of Ireland: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe diversity of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and their impact on functioning have led to an increased interest in exploring factors that impact Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Although the experience of Parkinson’s is unique, some symptoms have a greater impact than others, e.g. depression. Moreover, as the risk of Parkinson’s increases with age, the financial and public health impact of this condition is likely to increase, particularly within the context of a globally ageing population. In Ireland, research is ongoing in the pursuit of causes and effective treatments for Parkinson’s; however, its impact on everyday living, functioning, and HRQoL is largely under-examined. This study aims to describe factors that influence HRQoL for people with Parkinson’s (PwP) in one region of Ireland.MethodsA cross-sectional postal survey was conducted among people living with Parkinson’s (n = 208) in one area of Ireland. This survey included socio-demographic questions, Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire for Parkinson’s disease (NMSQuest), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Parkinson’s disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, IBM version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, II, USA).ResultsParticipants reflected a predominantly older population who were married, and lived in their own homes (91%). Participants diagnosed the longest reported poorer HRQoL regarding mobility, activities of daily living, emotional well-being, social support, cognition, communication domains and overall HRQoL. Lower HRQoL correlated with higher depression scores p < 0.001 and participants in the lower HRQoL cohort experienced 2.25 times more non-motor symptoms (NMSs) than participants with higher HRQoL. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis predicted Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS15) score, NMS burden, and years since diagnosis to negatively impact HRQoL. Principal component analysis (PCA) also indicated that for the population in this study, components measuring 1) independence/dependence 2) stigma 3) emotional well-being, and 4) pain were central to explaining core aspects of participants’ HRQoL.ConclusionsFindings highlighted the negative impact of longer disease duration, NMS burden, depression, mobility impairments, and perceived dependence on HRQoL for PwP. The positive influence of perceived independence, social engagement along with close supportive relationships were also identified as key components determining HRQoL. Findings emphasised the importance of long-term healthcare commitment to sustaining social and community supports and therapeutic, rehabilitative initiatives to augment HRQoL for PwP.

Assessing Coastal Flood Risk in a Changing Climate for Dublin, Ireland

With increasing urban expansion and population growth, coastal urban areas will be increasingly affected by climate change impacts such as extreme storm events, sea level rise and coastal flooding. To address coastal inundation risk for impact studies, integrated approaches accounting for flood hazard modelling, exposure and vulnerability of human and environmental systems are crucial. In this study, we model the impacts of sea level rise on coastal inundation depth for County Dublin, the most extensively urbanized area in Ireland, for the current period and for 2100 under two Representative Concentration Pathways RCP 4.5 and 8.5. A risk-centred approach has been considered by linking the information on coastal flood-prone areas to the exposure of the urban environment, in terms of potential future land cover changes, and to the socioeconomic vulnerability of the population. The results suggest significant challenges for Dublin city and the surrounding coastal areas, with an increase of around 26% and 67% in the number of administrative units considered at very high risk by the end of the century under a RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. This study aims to contribute to existing coastal inundation research undertaken for Ireland by (i) providing a first-level screening of flooding hazards in the study area, (ii) demonstrating how land cover changes and socioeconomic vulnerability can contribute to the level of experienced risk and (iii) informing local authorities and at-risk communities so as to support them in the development of plans for adaptation and resilience.

Development and feasibility of an inter-agency physical activity and education programme for adults with multimorbidity in primary care: Activ8.

While physical activity is widely recommended for many long-term conditions, it may be difficult to achieve for patients managing multiple conditions. We aimed to determine the feasibility of an inter-agency exercise and education programme for patients with multimorbidity in primary care. We conducted an uncontrolled pilot study with adults with multimorbidity, recruited in two community healthcare organisations in an urban area in Ireland. The six-week pilot intervention combined an individually tailored gym-based exercise programme and education to support self-management. Feasibility of the Activ8 programme was assessed using a mixed methods process evaluation. Outcome measures at baseline and at 6 weeks included recruitment and retention, gait speed, grip strength, quality of life and self-efficacy. Focus groups and interviews explored participants and facilitators' perceptions of the programme. 19 participants with ≥2 chronic conditions were recruited over three-weeks with similar attrition at both sites (≤40%). Overall, the results indicate that Activ8 was feasible and acceptable to patients and practitioners. Quantitative outcome measures suggested improvements in most outcomes. Qualitative data analysis indicated that Activ8 addressed an overarching concept of patient-centeredness among participants. Three key themes included perceived personal programme impact, the personalised composition of the programme and the evolving nature of primary care practice. While further definitive evidence is needed and attrition from the programme needs to be considered, the Activ8 Programme was acceptable to both patients and professionals in two different primary care areas with the potential for positive impacts for adults living with multimorbidity.

10 ASSISTED DECISION-MAKING, THE OLDER ADULT, AND LOCUS OF CONTROL

Abstract Background The Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Act (ADMCA) (2015) will be fully commenced later in 2022. At its core, the legislation seeks to encourage the older adult to express their will and preferences regarding their healthcare decisions. The legislation removes healthcare decision-making powers from family members and healthcare professionals unless expressly nominated by the patient to make decisions on their behalf. However, a lack of clarity and professional uncertainty pervades this area in Ireland that is mirrored in the global research. Methods This qualitative study comprised 5 focus groups of hospital discharge coordinators in the South East of Ireland. It sought to examine the issues that exist for the older patient when they return home following a hospital stay. It also examined who really has responsibility for healthcare decision-making and who is responsible for providing the care? Thematic analysis was used to analyse the findings. Results The findings revealed a significant incongruence of beliefs among patients, family members and healthcare professionals when it comes to locus of control. Conclusion This study’s findings on locus of control – both in terms of where the discharge coordinators believe the locus is, and where they believe the families think it is - are the first of their kind in Irish Healthcare and are therefore highly significant in several respects. The substantive areas of disagreement in beliefs among the groups, represent real barriers to supporting ADMCA going forward.

Eligibility rates and representativeness of the General Medical Services scheme population in Ireland 2016-2021: A methodological report.

In Ireland, the means tested General Medical Services (GMS) scheme provides access to a range of healthcare services at no or low cost to approximately one third of the population. Individuals eligible for the GMS scheme are often a focus of research, as a population that account for a large proportion of healthcare services use. The aim of this study is to describe the eligibility rates and representativeness of the GMS scheme population over time, with respect to age group, sex, and geographical area in Ireland. Population data was obtained from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), using 2016 Census figures and projected population figures for 2017-2021. GMS eligibility figures for 2016-2021 were obtained from the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS). GMS eligibility rates and relative rates of eligibility were calculated for 2016-2021 by age group and sex. Additionally, 2016 eligibility rates were calculated by geographical area. The crude eligibility rate decreased from 36.4% in 2016 to 31.2% in 2020, with a slight increase to 31.6% in 2021. In the 75+ years age group, 78.2% of the total population were eligible for the GMS scheme in 2021. The age group with the lowest rate of eligible individuals was the 25-34 age group, with 19.5% eligible in 2021. The eligibility rate was higher among females compared to males throughout the study period. The highest eligibility rate was seen in Donegal, with a crude rate of 52.8%. Dublin had the lowest rate, with a crude rate of 29.3%. GMS eligibility varies greatly depending on age, sex, and geographical area, and decreased between 2016 and 2021. This study uses the most up-to-date data available to provide age group, sex and area-based figures for GMS eligibility which may inform planning and conduct of research focusing on GMS-eligible individuals.

‘You have to keep it going’: Relational values and social sustainability in upland agriculture

AbstractA transition to a more sustainable food production system in Europe has significant implications for the social constitution of rural spaces. Moreover, research has highlighted that engagement with sustainability initiatives can be affected by people's desire to maintain aspects of their current social realities pertaining to occupations, traditions and lifestyles. Farmers are central to a sustainable agricultural transition, yet are also socially embedded in the spaces that are targeted for transformation. This article engages with this dilemma through an exploration of farmer values in an upland farming area in Ireland. Specifically, we draw on qualitative case‐study data to explore how farmers value their occupation, lifestyles and social structures in terms of the relationships in which they operate. We highlight a range of dimensions through which case‐study farmers value farming—especially as autonomous, outdoor work—in terms of tacit skills and knowledge, familial legacies and certain forms of social organisation. Conceptually, this article builds on calls from within social sustainability scholarship to engage with social aspects of sustainable development. We develop and deploy a relational values analytic framework, which offers a simple yet effective lens for exploring farmer values in terms of the relationships through which they are generated and articulated. Through this framework, we explore how different individuals value their farming occupations and lifestyles. Moreover, by focusing on the relational dimension, we tease out the multiple and sometimes conflicting values that individuals navigate in relation to their farming occupations. We conclude that this kind of approach could enhance understanding of farmer engagement with (or resistance to) sustainable agriculture initiatives.

Impact of COVID-19 Nonpharmaceutical Interventions on the Extent of Norovirus Contamination in Oyster Production Areas in Ireland during Winter 2020 to 2021

A significant decrease in norovirus prevalence and concentration was observed in oyster production areas in Ireland during winter 2020 to 2021. Oyster production areas impacted by human wastewater discharges that had been undergoing norovirus surveillance since 2018 were investigated. Samples collected in the winter seasons of 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020, prior to when the COVID-19 pandemic interventions were applied, showed a prevalence of 94.3 and 96.6%, respectively, and geometric mean concentrations of 533 and 323 genome copies per g, respectively. These values decreased significantly during the winter of 2020 to 2021 (prevalence of 63.2% and geometric concentration of below the limit of quantification), coinciding with the control measures to mitigate the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 of the genus Betacoronavirus. Divergence between norovirus GI and GII prevalence and concentrations was observed over the 3-year monitoring period. Norovirus GII was the dominant genogroup detected in winter 2020 to 2021, with over half of samples positive, although concentrations detected were significantly lower than prepandemic winters, with a geometric mean concentration of below the limit of quantification.

Defining and assessing artistic co-creation: the TRACTION proposal

This article presents research developed within the framework of the European project TRACTION, which aims to co-create operas in three different environments incorporating technological elements and with the ultimate objective of generating a social transformation. Through 19 interviews carried out in three different countries (Spain, Ireland, Portugal), a map of indicators that can be used to evaluate artistic co-creation is proposed. The value of the proposal is that the indicators are validated through a focus group with representatives from three diverse co-creation processes—in the Raval neighborhood in Barcelona, in different areas of Ireland, in a prison in Leiria—and serve as a general framework for very diverse environments. Likewise, the work contributes to the debate on the concept of co-creation through a thematic analysis of the definitions provided by the different interviewees. Central topics in the thematic analysis of the definitions are: collaboration, participant profile and role, goal and value, origin and development, and ethical and social aspects.

The We Can Quit2 Smoking Cessation Trial: Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Following a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach.

Background: ‘We Can Quit2’ pilot randomised controlled trial determined the feasibility [of conducting a community-based trial of We Can Quit, a peer-delivered stop-smoking programme (group support, combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and tailored individual support) for women living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Ireland. Lessons from a knowledge exchange (KE) workshop that reengaged trial stakeholders are presented. Methods: The trial dissemination plan included invitation of community, regional and national stakeholders (n = 176) to a KE interactive workshop, who received an accessible brief beforehand. Trial findings were presented. Enhancements to community engagement, participants’ recruitment and retention, and policy priorities arising from the research were discussed. Field notes and responses to a post-event anonymous questionnaire were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Workshop attendees (41/176, 23%) recommended: dedicated additional time to engage community stakeholders; social prescribing pathways to enhance recruitment; more adaptation of trial-related information and assistance in completion of data forms for low literacy individuals; encouraging women to join healthy community programmes to facilitate retention and sustainability; removal of barriers to access NRT; and ongoing provision of cessation services tailored to disadvantaged groups. Conclusions: The findings are relevant to the implementation of other community-based health interventions for disadvantaged groups, to policy makers and to service providers.