Health Sciences Research Articles

Knowledge and Awareness of Emerging Cancer Therapies and their Regulations among Budding Scientists in India: A Survey

Background: Academic clinical research is considered the most important for cancer research because it frequently tests novel drug combinations, investigates rarer diseases, and lowers the risk for future commercial investments. However, due to the potential risks to the cancer patient, clinical research is governed by strict regulations. In high-income countries, comprehensive cancer centers (CCCs) have been established to align academic clinical cancer research with the regulatory framework. In comparison, academic clinical cancer research is considered ineffective in low-income countries. Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of Indian health science students regarding cutting-edge cancer therapeutics and their underlying regulatory requirements. Results: The survey found that 163 out of the 265 respondents were aware of the challenges of developing safe and effective anticancer therapeutics. 43 respondents found no challenges, while 59 respondents were unaware of any. Out of 163, 44 respondents identified technical challenges, 31 identified regulatory issues, and 88 identified both challenges in developing novel anticancer therapeutics. Interestingly, only 83 students out of 265, study cancer therapy regulations in their curriculum. This clearly indicates that most of India's health science students have a significant lack of understanding about the regulations for new cancer treatments. Conclusion: Academic clinical cancer research in India is just recognized as a prerequisite for degree completion due to a lack of regulatory foundation. An emphasis should be placed on restructuring the coursework offered to health science students to improve their ability to translate theoretical cancer research to real-world clinical care.

Multivariate analysis of blood parameters for predicting mortality in patients with hip fractures.

The present retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of blood parameters and ratios for predicting mortality in patients with hip fractures. In total, 758 patients with hip fractures attending the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Kütahya Health Sciences University Faculty of Medicine (Kütahya, Turkey) between January 2016 and January 2023 were included in the present study. Patients were then divided into two groups, namely the mortality (n=464; 61.2%) and survivor (n=294; 38.8%) groups. Patients in the mortality group were further sub-divided into the following three subgroups: i) Those who succumbed in <1 month (n=117; 25.2%); ii) those who succumbed between 1 and 12 months (n=185; 39.9%); and iii) those who succumbed >12 months later (n=162; 34.9%). In addition, the RDW coefficient of variation, mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV/platelet ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-to-eosinophil ratio means were all found to be significantly higher in the mortality group (P<0.05). MPV (P<0.01), HGB (P<0.05), eosinophil, EOS (P<0.01), HRR (P<0.01), and PLR (P<0.05) were all revealed to exert significant effects on mortality. An age cut-off of 74.50 years had a sensitivity of 81.5% and specificity of 37.1%, whereas an MPV cut-off of 8.85 yielded a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 36.1%. By contrast, an HGB cutoff of 11.05 had a sensitivity of 55.6% and specificity of 35.7%, an eosinophil cut-off of 0.065 had a sensitivity of 47.6% and specificity of 35.4%, whilst a HRR cut-off of 0.7587 had a sensitivity of 55.2% and specificity of 30.3%. Furthermore, a PLR cut-off of 152.620 had a sensitivity of 67.2% and specificity of 41.8% for hip fracture-associated mortality. An age cut-off of 79.50 years had a sensitivity of 70.9% and specificity of 41.5%, while an age cut-off of 83.50 years had a sensitivity of 46.2% and specificity of 64.0% for mortality occurring <1 month after hip fractures. To conclude, results from the present study suggested that HRR has potential predictive value for hip fracture-associated mortality and 30-day mortality, whereas the PLR could only predict hip fracture-associated mortality.

Digital motor intervention effects on motor performance of individuals with developmental disabilities: a systematic review.

Individuals (i.e. children/young adults) with developmental disabilities (DDs) and intellectual disabilities (IDs) often display a variety of physical and motor impairments. It is well known that participation in motor activities can positively impact the development of children's cognitive and social skills. Recently, virtual and digital technologies (e.g. video conferencing applications, virtual reality and video gaming) have been increasingly used to promote better physical/motor outcomes. The efficacy of digital technologies in improving motor outcomes for those with DD/ID varies depending on the technology and population, and the comparative effects of various technologies are unknown. The aim of our study is to conduct a systematic review to comprehensively examine the quantitative and qualitative results of current studies reporting the efficacy of digitally based motor interventions on motor outcomes in individuals with DD/ID. Literature published from 1900 to 2024 was searched in four health sciences databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and CINAHL. Articles that examined the effects of gross motor/physical activity training using technologies such as exergaming (i.e. exercise through video gaming such as the Wii and Xbox Kinect), virtual reality or telehealth video conferencing applications (i.e. Zoom, Webex or mobile health apps) on the standardised or game-specific gross motor performance of individuals with DD/ID diagnoses that do not typically experience significant walking challenges using experimental or quasi-experimental study designs were included. Thirty relevant articles were retrieved from a search of the databases PubMed (914), PsycINFO (1201), Scopus (1910) and CINAHL (948). Our quantitative synthesis of this published literature suggests strong and consistent evidence of small-to-large improvements in motor skill performance following digital movement interventions. Our review supports the use of digital motor interventions to support motor skill performance in individuals with DD without ID. Digital technologies can provide a more engaging option for therapists to promote motor skill development in individuals with DD or for caregivers to use as an adjunct to skilled therapy.

Transitions in development - an interview with Dorit Hockman.

Dorit Hockman is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her group studies the dynamics of gene regulation in the developing nervous system. We chatted with Dorit over a video call to find out more about her career path, her return to South Africa to establish her independent research group, and the importance of having supportive colleagues and mentors.

The catalogue of Journal of Sport and Health Science 2024

The catalogue of Journal of Sport and Health Science 2024

Machine learning methods for compound annotation in non-targeted mass spectrometry-A brief overview of fingerprinting, in silico fragmentation and de novo methods.

Non-targeted screenings (NTS) are essential tools in different fields, such as forensics, health and environmental sciences. NTSs often employ mass spectrometry (MS) methods due to their high throughput and sensitivity in comparison to, for example, nuclear magnetic resonance-based methods. As the identification of mass spectral signals, called annotation, is labour intensive, it has been used for developing supporting tools based on machine learning (ML). However, both the diversity of mass spectral signals and the sheer quantity of different ML tools developed for compound annotation present a challenge for researchers in maintaining a comprehensive overview of the field. In this work, we illustrate which ML-based methods are available for compound annotation in non-targeted MS experiments and provide a nuanced comparison of the ML models used in MS data analysis, unravelling their unique features and performance metrics. Through this overview we support researchers to judiciously apply these tools in their daily research. This review also offers a detailed exploration of methods and datasets to show gaps in current methods, and promising target areas, offering a starting point for developers intending to improve existing methodologies.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Acceptance of Health Science Information among WeChat Public Account Users: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of WeChat users towards health-related public accounts. The study included 567 participants who completed the questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation among the 3 dimensions. Multivariate analysis identified independent factors associated with KAP scores. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 6.12 ± 2.29 (61.2% of the total), 55.83 ± 7.33 (69.8% of the total), and 14.07 ± 3.72 (70.4% of the total), respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and practice (r = 0.392, P < 0.001) as well as between attitude and practice (r = 0.319, P < 0.001). Age [OR = 0.29 (0.09, 0.91), P = 0.034], marital status [OR = 2.11 (1.04, 4.29), P = 0.038], income [OR = 2.42 (1.23, 4.75), P = 0.010], and physical condition [OR = 0.45 (0.24, 0.85), P = 0.014] were independent factors associated with KAP scores. WeChat users in China had relatively adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards health-related public accounts. The findings highlight the potential of WeChat in enhancing health information dissemination in China.

The Experience of Project-Based Learning Among First-Year Health Sciences Students in Morocco

The Experience of Project-Based Learning Among First-Year Health Sciences Students in Morocco

A study to explore the role of a low threshold, fitness focussed physical rehabilitation intervention with protein supplementation to target physical function and frailty in people with problematic substance use and homelessness: protocol for a single-arm pre-post intervention study.

Background People who are homeless are more likely to experience poor mental health and addiction as well as suffering from non-communicable diseases. There is evidence of frailty and accelerated physical ageing among people experiencing homelessness. Appropriate physical rehabilitation and nutritional supplementation strategies can stabilise or reverse frailty and general physical decline, but it is not known how this type of intervention would work in practice in this population. Aim To evaluate the feasibility and pre-post intervention impact of a low threshold physical rehabilitation intervention with protein supplementation to target physical functioning and frailty in people with problematic substance use who are experiencing homelessness. Methods The intervention will consist of a 12-week low threshold rehabilitation programme with protein supplementation. Participants will be service users of the Ballyfermot Advance Project, a day services centre for people with addiction issues and experiencing homelessness. Primary outcomes will be feasibility including numbers recruited, retention of participants and adherence to the exercise intervention and protein supplement. Any adverse events will be recorded. Secondary outcomes will be strength and muscular mass, physical performance and lower extremity physical function, pain, frailty and nutritional status. Discussion An immediate impact may be simply a distraction from difficult circumstances and potentially an improvement of physical health of participants, which can be a conduit for the emergence of other positive behaviours and recovery. Longer term, this study will generate preliminary data on which to inform the design of a definitive randomised controlled trial of physical rehabilitation and protein supplementation, if indicated. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was granted by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee in TCD. Study findings will be disseminated through publication into an international peer-reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.

Changes in integration and wellbeing by educational background among migrants in Kristiansand

Abstract Background Integration levels and wellbeing of newly arrived migrants change according to their everyday activities in their new home country. Although migrants have very different educational backgrounds and expectations regarding work in Norway, the compulsory educational activities are the same for all, disregarding their educational background. Aims To examine the changes in integration and wellbeing among newly arrived migrants participating in a compulsory integration program in Norway, according to their educational background. Methods As part of the Integration for Health project (I4H) we collected information from participants in Kristiansand municipality through a self-filled questionnaire in 2023 (N = 102) repeated six months apart, including questions from the Immigrant Policy Lab Index and the WHO-5 Well Being Index. For both screening tools, higher scores indicate better integration and wellbeing. Information on educational background was dichotomized into either health or non-health (natural and technical) sciences, using health sciences as the reference. We used generalized estimating equations to calculate relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age and gender. Results The mean age was 34 years (SD 8.3) and 59% were women. Mean residency time was 3 years (SD 0.14). In terms of education, 14% had health sciences, and 86% had other educational backgrounds. We did not find change in wellbeing over the six-month period (RR 1.0 (95% CI 0.9-1.1), and this trend was similar for both educational groups (RR 0.9 (95% CI 0.8-1.1). Integration score slightly increased after six months (RR 1.0 (95% CI 1.0-1.1). However, there was no difference by educational background (RR 1.0 (95% CI 0.9-1.0). Conclusions Changes in wellbeing and integration among participants in the compulsory introductory program with short residency time, do not seem to vary by educational background in a six-month period. Key messages • Schools and introductory programs in the host country can be used as a arena to enhance both the integration and wellbeing of newly arrived migrants. • Strengthening migrants’ educational opportunities in the new host country is also of importance.

Future Finland – A nationwide Finnish multidisciplinary birth cohort initiative

Abstract Increasing evidence suggests that early-life conditions may have substantial consequences on individual health and wellbeing throughout the lifecycle. Development of complex social and health issues may be best understood through longitudinal studies that combine the perspectives of social and health sciences. Future Finland aims to collect a nationwide lifelong data resource that through collaborative multidisciplinary research will strengthen future population welfare. Future Finland will be based on index children born in Finland (43.000/year) during a specific time period. National registers and other administrative data sources will provide data for the age cohort (children), their parents and siblings, with special effort on data from more rarely used sources (e.g., electronic health records, school records). Subsets of cohort members will be recruited in early pregnancy (consent) to undergo deeper data collection through questionnaires, biological and environmental samples and measurements, and digital monitoring data (e.g., physical activity, citizens digital footprint). The Future Finland preparatory phase started in 2023 at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The Future Finland design and focus areas are currently being planned based on identified information gaps and with consultations of experts from other birth cohort studies. Data collection is planned to start in 2025 by piloting and foreseen to expand to full-scale in 2027-2028. The Future Finland data resource will be made available for the entire research community as openly as possible, at the same time maintaining the highest possible data security standards to protect privacy now and in the future. Future Finland enables novel interdisciplinary research and intervention setups, which will strengthen the knowledge base for societal decision-making and promote the future population welfare. Future Finland is funded by the Finnish Cultural Foundation. Key messages • Future Finland initiative will collect a nationwide lifelong data resource enabling novel cross-disciplinary research designs to produce groundbreaking and impactful scientific results. • A larger-scale use of data enables novel interdisciplinary research and intervention setups strengthening the knowledge base for societal decision-making and promoting the future population welfare.

Semmelweis University’s innovative Center of Preventive Services in support of healthy ageing

Abstract Issue/problem Europe’s aging population presents substantial hurdles for healthcare sustainability. To alleviate the social and economic impacts of age-related diseases, promoting healthy aging is imperative. However, motivating individuals to adopt a healthier lifestyle proves challenging. Description of the problem Semmelweis University, a leading institution in medicine, health sciences, and health care in Hungary and Central Eastern Europe, has addressed this challenge by establishing the Center of Preventive Services (CPS), serving 12,500 Semmelweis University employees. The CPS conducts comprehensive health risk assessments and offers consultations with specialists in preventive medicine, public health, dietetics, physiotherapy, and health psychology. Motivational interviewing is used to enhance patient engagement and commitment to healthy lifestyle changes. Results The CPS has effectively integrated preventive services into the university’s healthcare system, reaching a significant number of employees. Early results show improvements in participants’ lifestyle and health behaviors due to the effective use of motivational interviewing. According to the first preliminary result, a study on step count conducted within the CPS found that those taking part in motivational interviewing session were able to increase their average daily step count by 1074 (95% Confidence Interval: 116-2033) steps more than controls. Lessons The Semmelweis University’s CPS provides valuable lessons for integrating healthy aging-focused preventive care into healthcare systems: 1. Effective preventive care requires targeted interventions based on detailed risk assessment and motivational interviewing; 2. Embedding preventive services within existing health infrastructure improves accessibility and utilization; 3. Collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches are essential to comprehensively address the needs of ageing populations. Key messages • Motivational interviewing boosts the effectiveness and engagement of preventive health services, which is essential to meet the challenges of ageing populations. • The Semmelweis University’s model program shows that embedding preventive services into the infrastructure of existing institutions like universities is scalable for better public health.

Intention to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in health sciences students

Abstract Introduction HIV is a public health issue, and as such, there are currently programs for the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) in various public institutions, with family physicians being one of the pillars to provide information and raise awareness among individuals at risk for HIV who wish to use these strategies. Objectives To determine the factors associated with the intention to use PrEP among university students in the healthcare field in the Veracruz-Boca del Río region. Methods A cross-sectional, prospective, and analytical study was conducted from August 2023 to March 2024, including students from healthcare-related majors at universities in the Veracruz region. An instrument was used to assess the level of knowledge about PrEP (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8), with scores ranging from 0 to 10. Students were invited to participate in this research at different faculties of health sciences. Results 508 subjects participated, with 299 (58.9%) females and 386 (76.0%) heterosexual; 65.9% had never heard the term ‘PrEP,’ and 12% learned it from social media. The intention to use PrEP was positive in 81.5% of subjects in case of becoming a high-risk person for acquiring HIV. The level of knowledge about PrEP showed a score of 2.2 (SD ± 2.6), with 3.7% having high knowledge, 10.2% having a passing grade, and 55.9% scoring above the median (1.4) of the group’s scores. No association was identified between gender identity, sexual orientation, academic characteristics, and sources of information with the intention to use PrEP (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Knowledge level above the median of 6 points showed an odds ratio of 2.95 (95% CI 1.03-8.3) for the intention to use PrEP (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions The level of knowledge increases the probability of the intention to use PrEP in young people, making it essential for the primary care physician to carry out this training and awareness activity within their daily interactions with young patients. Key messages • It is essential to generate education programs on Prep for the population, as this will favor informed decision making on the use of these medicines in case they are required. • It is necessary to provide people with general information about Prep, since despite the existence of active programs for its distribution, most people have never heard anything about this drug scheme.

7.A. Skills building seminar: Is Behavioural Science Relevant for Public Health? A Quintuple Helix Lens

Abstract Background On 29 May 2023, the World Health Assembly adopted the first-ever global Behavioural Sciences for Better Health resolution (WHA76.7). This resolution requests the World Health Organization (WHO) to mainstream and support behavioural sciences in public health across the WHO and within Member States; including enhancing awareness, knowledge, and evidence and providing technical assistance, normative guidance, and capacity-building. But is behavioural science really relevant for public health? Why and how it can help us to improve people’s health? Rationale This workshop seeks to delve into the application of behavioural science in public health within the context of the quintuple helix framework - academia, industry, government, civil society, and the broader environment. Through collaborating across sectors, stakeholders can leverage behavioural science to design more effective strategies for promoting positive health behaviour change, preventing diseases, and addressing public health challenges. This workshop will feature discussions and case studies in various public health domains. Aim The main aim of this skills-building seminar is to explore the synergies between behavioural science and the quintuple helix, examining how these collaborations can drive innovation, enhance policy implementation, and foster sustainable health outcomes. By critically examining these intersections, we seek to stimulate dialogue, foster collaborations, and inspire innovative approaches for addressing complex health challenges in our society. Workshop structure This workshop will consist of three parts: - It will start with a short scene-setting presentation by Iveta Nagyova, EUPHA president, highlighting the innovation potential of behavioural science to improve people’s health (10 mins). - In the second part (30 mins), the panellists will discuss concrete examples of interconnections of behavioural science and public health within the quintuple helix framework. 1. Susan Michie will share her experience of interconnections between academia and government as a member of the UK SAGE - Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies. 2. Simon Bacon will discuss the behavioural lens applied to the commercial determinant of health. 3. Tiina Likki will share WHO/Europe’s experience with developing and implementing the European regional action framework for behavioural and cultural insights for health, 2022-2027, 4. Kim Lavoie will speak about community involvement and social innovation within the context of more efficient healthcare systems. 5. Stefano Capalongo will show us examples of salutogenic design and architecture, applying neurobiobehavioural mechanisms. - The third part (20 mins) will be dedicated to a facilitated discussion with the audience to explore attendees’ opinions regarding the challenges and opportunities of applying behavioural sciences to improve people’s health and well-being, using the quintuple helix framework. Key messages • Integrating behavioural science within the quintuple helix framework cultivates partnerships advancing effective, inclusive and lasting public health initiatives. • Fostering cross-sector collaboration establishes an ecosystem driving innovative, equitable and sustainable solutions in public health. Speakers/Panelists Susan Michie University College London, London, UK Simon Bacon Concordia University, Montréal, Canada Kim Lavoie UQAM, Department of Psychology, Montreal, Canada Tiina Likki WHO/Europe, Hellerup, Denmark Stefano Capolongo Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy

Correlates of using behavioural sciences to design health promotion interventions and programs

Abstract Background The World Health Organization highlighted the need to better integrate behavioural science in the field of public health. Based on the theoretical domains framework, this study examined correlates of public health practitioners’ use of behavioural science principles to plan public health actions aim at promoting physical activity and healthy eating. Methods This study adopted a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 160 public health practitioners were recruited from different public health agencies (non-profit organizations, governmental and para-governmental agencies). They were asked to complete a survey questionnaire online and self-reported their use of behavioural science to plan health promotion interventions. Regression analyses were conducted to examine correlates of behaviour and behavioural intentions. All analyses were controlled for sex, number of years of experience in public health and the type of organization they work for. Results Skills (OR = 4.1, 95%CI: 1.3, 13.5) and intentions/goals (OR = 9.2, 95%CI: 2.3, 36.1) were the two domains significantly associated with the use of behavioural science. Perceived capacity to overcome the fact that none of their colleagues rely on behavioural sciences in their organization (OR = 7.2, 95%CI: 1.7, 30.3) was also associated with behaviour. Knowledge (OR = 8.6, 95%CI: 1.9, 39.1) and beliefs about consequences (OR = 4.0, 95%CI: 1.1, 14.7) were in turn associated with intentions/goals. Conclusions This unique study provides important insights for the development of future knowledge transfer activities aim at supporting positive attitudes and motivations toward the use of behavioural science as well as developing competencies and a normative use of behavioural science. The development of a strong knowledge basis would also need to be a core component of trainings to support the integration of behavioural science in public health to design physical active lifestyles and healthy eating interventions. Key messages • Increasing knowledge and skills in behavioural sciences is a key for a better integration in public health practices. • Changes in norms and attitudes toward the use of behavioural sciences will also support a better uptake.

The Effect of Multidisciplinary Care on Polypharmacy in Advanced Cancer Patients near the End of Life

Abstract Objectives Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) aims to integrate cancer patient care plans and provide holistic care to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the effect of MDT on polypharmacy in advanced cancer patients near the end of life, which warrants further investigation. Methods This retrospective cohort study utilizes the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), Taiwan Cancer Registry, and Cause of Death Statistics, provided by the Health and Welfare Data Science Center (HWDC), Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). The study subjects were patients who were diagnosed with stage III or IV cancer, aged 65 or above, experienced recurrence or metastasis, and who died between 2014 and 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed, followed by analysis using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) to examine the differences in the risk of polypharmacy in the last 30 days before death. In addition, to confirm the robustness of the results, we conducted two different sensitivity tests: the first way is to use different ages as sample selection criteria and only include people who died over 75 years old as study subjects; the second way is to use conditional logistic regression models as a multivariate statistical method. Results There were 35537 samples before matching, including 4942 who received MDT care and 30595 who did not. After 1:1 matching, 9884 patients were finally included in the analysis. The prevalence of polypharmacy significantly decreased during the study period from 59.90% to 58.80% (p = 0.03; trend test). When examined through different PIM criteria, patients who received care from MDT exhibited a lower risk of polypharmacy (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84-0.98). Conclusions Advanced cancer patients who received care from MDT during the end-of-life period had a significantly lower risk of polypharmacy. Key messages • The prevalence of polypharmacy significantly decreased during the study period from 2014 to 2020 among advanced cancer patients. • Advanced cancer patients who received care from MDT during the end-of-life period had a significantly lower risk of polypharmacy.

Performance and trend of core measures among oral cancer patients: A population-based cohort study

Abstract Objectives This study explores the performance and trend of core measures, which were established as evidence-based indicators to assess and improve the quality of care for oral cancer patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study uses the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), Taiwan Cancer Registry, and Cause of Death Statistics, provided by the Health and Welfare Data Science Center (HWDC), Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). The study population was adult patients hospitalized for oral cancer surgery with stage I-IV between 2014 and 2021. The trend tests and the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) were applied. Results A total of 23392 oral cancer patients were enrolled. The core measure set used in this study included five indicators (two process-related and three outcome-related indicators). Process indicators’ mean achievement rates significantly increased from 82.6% to 85.7% (p = 0.018, trend test). On the other hand, most patients demonstrated good achievement rates to the outcome indicators (98.9% to 99.3%) (p = 0.218, trend test). Overall indicators’ 100% achievement rate increased over time from 62.9% in 2014 to 66.2% in 2021 (p &amp;lt; 0.001, trend test). Subgroup analyses were performed by age, stage, and comorbidity score. The analysis of the GLMM revealed that the 100% achievement to overall indicators was positively associated with age&amp;lt;45, not-low socioeconomic status, body mass index ≥ 24, squamous cell carcinoma, recent treatment year, treated with surgery only, negative surgical margins, and receiving care in a high-volume hospital (all p &amp;lt; 0.01). Conclusions The results highlight a significant measurable improvement in the quality of oral cancer care. However, there is still room for enhancement in process indicator performance. Key messages • The results highlight a significant measurable improvement in the quality of oral cancer care. • There is still room for enhancement in process indicator performance.

6.E. Practice session: Using European environmental data in public health: datasets and applications

Abstract The European Environment Agency collects, quality-assures and quality-checks data on environment, climate and sustainability. It does so through its network and other institutional partners across 38 European countries. Most of these validated environmental data are publicly available and many can be used by practitioners to assess environmental risks to the health of their communities, as well as for designing and evaluating policies’ effectiveness. The objective of this workshop is to provide public health practitioners and scientists with an overview of the EEA data streams of public health relevance, including on air pollution, noise, water pollution, industrial emissions and climate impacts, among others. It will also highlight existing examples of local and national assessments and communication products based on these data, as well as demonstrating how specifically data on air pollution can be used for a quick health impact evaluation. The format of the workshop will be a practice session of 60 minutes with four presentations, the last being a live example demonstration, and an ample session of questions and answers. Key messages • The EEA collects and publishes large, validated datasets of public health from across 38 member countries, including on air and water pollution, industrial emissions, noise and climate change. • These data can be directly used by practitioners to assess environmental risks to the health of their communities, and to design and evaluate policies, with publicly available models and tools.

Analysing Virtual Labs Through Integrated Multi-Channel Eye-Tracking Technology: A Proposal for an Explanatory Fit Model

This study deals with an analysis of the cognitive load indicators produced in virtual simulation tasks through supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques. The objectives were (1) to identify the most important cognitive load indicators through the use of supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques; (2) to study which type of task presentation was most effective at reducing the task’s intrinsic load and increasing its germane load; and (3) to propose an explanatory model and find its fit indicators. We worked with a sample of 48 health sciences and biomedical engineering students from the University of Burgos (Spain). The results indicate that being able to see the task before performing it increases the germane load and decreases the intrinsic load. Similarly, allowing students a choice of presentation channel for the task respects how they process information. In addition, indicators of cognitive load were found to be grouped into components of position, speed, psychogalvanic response, and skin conductance. An explanatory model was proposed and obtained acceptable fit indicators.

A Machine Learning Approach to Identifying Risk Factors for Long COVID-19

Long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection are common and can have debilitating consequences. There is a need to understand risk factors for Long COVID-19 to give impetus to the development of targeted yet holistic clinical and public health interventions to reduce its associated healthcare and economic burden. Given the large number and variety of predictors implicated spanning health-related and sociodemographic factors, machine learning becomes a valuable tool. As such, this study aims to employ machine learning to produce an algorithm to predict Long COVID-19 risk, and thereby identify key predisposing factors. Longitudinal cohort data were sourced from the UK’s “Understanding Society: COVID-19 Study” (n = 601 participants with past symptomatic COVID-19 infection confirmed by serology testing). The random forest classification algorithm demonstrated good overall performance with 97.4% sensitivity and modest specificity (65.4%). Significant risk factors included early timing of acute COVID-19 infection in the pandemic, greater number of hours worked per week, older age and financial insecurity. Loneliness and having uncommon health conditions were associated with lower risk. Sensitivity analysis suggested that COVID-19 vaccination is also associated with lower risk, and asthma with an increased risk. The results are discussed with emphasis on evaluating the value of machine learning; potential clinical utility; and some benefits and limitations of machine learning for health science researchers given its availability in commonly used statistical software.