Source Of Information Research Articles

Patients’ trust in health information sources as an antecedent of novel healthcare technology usage

Abstract Background As professional health information sources, healthcare maintenance organizations (HMOs) need to convince patients of the necessity, efficiency, and reliability of technology-based services to increase and optimize their usage. It raises the question of whether patients’ trust in health information sources shapes the use of technology-based services and, in return, increases their willingness to use novel healthcare services in the future. Methods Data were collected through an online close-ended survey among 668 adult Israeli citizens insured with Israeli health insurance (85% of them Jewish, 52.5% female, and in their early 40s, with half holding an academic degree). The survey explored actual use and willingness to use innovative healthcare technologies and the trust respondents attributed to various sources of health information. Data were analyzed by SPSS 28. Results Participants generally use healthcare technology primarily to schedule appointments, search for medical information, and make health-related requests. To quite an extent, they are willing to be treated with innovative healthcare technologies (e.g., for radiological purposes and personally tailored medication). Preliminary results suggest that trust in the measured formal health information sources (i.e., formal health providers, HMO, HMO online services) was positively associated with technology-based healthcare services usage (r=.14 - .20, p<.001). A positive association also emerged between the current use of healthcare technology and the willingness to use innovative medical technologies in the future (r=.23, p<.001). Conclusions HMOs, as key players, have the power to maximize the usage of advanced health services by establishing trusting relationships with their patients. This will increase the usage of healthcare technology-based services and generate positive patient experiences, which will result in the willingness to experience novel types of health services in the future. Key messages • Encouraging patients to use technology-based health services will maximize the potential inherent in the use of innovative health services and treatments in the future. • Nurturing trusting relationships with patients at any level in the health system will increase their compliance with health providers’ recommendations to use advanced health services.

2.P. Scientific session: Improving health impact assessment in the context of EU policy cycle

Abstract The European Commission (EC) is responsible for planning, preparing and proposing better and simpler new policies, avoiding unnecessary burdens, and involving citizens and any interested stakeholders in the decision-making process. The EC is also responsible for evaluating existing European laws and proposing improvements where necessary. In achieving these goals, the EC has defined its “Better regulation” (BR) policy, governed by a set of common principles and established procedures, including the assessment of the most significant impacts on the economic, environmental, and social domains, among others. These assessments should be based on the best available evidence, which refers to multiple sources of data, information and knowledge, including quantitative (e.g. statistics and measurements) and qualitative data (e.g. opinions, stakeholder input, scientific and expert advice). BR’s principles and procedures also ensure the implementation of more effective, coherent, relevant and efficient initiatives, improving the transparency, participation, learning and accountability. With this approach, the EC also seeks to guarantee that all legislative proposals contribute to the 2030 sustainable development agenda, and to better planetary health. As stated in the EU Treaty (Article 168 TFEU), “a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities”. Therefore, assessment of any potential health impacts should be addressed during the policy cycle. Health gains and health losses can be direct or indirect, and particular attention should be given to specific population groups that may be disproportionally affected by the intervention (e.g., children, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, low-income groups). The design and improvement of healthy public policies was precisely the ultimate goal for which the WHO proposed in 1999 the Health impact assessment (HIA) approach. HIA practice is grounded in the WHO’s health definition, which encompasses physical, mental and social health and well-being, and it is closely linked to the social determinants of health framework and to Health in All Policy strategy. Several quantitative methods are available to estimate health impacts within HIA applied to policies. The environmental burden of disease (EBD) is one of them aiming at quantifying the impact of a health problem as measured by avoidable mortality/morbidity, financial cost, or other indicators attributed to environmental factors (e.g. exposure to chemicals). EBD approach allows policy actions to be based on estimated health gains, rather than on “safe environmental levels” of the risk factor alone. The main aim of this session will be to analyses different quantitative approaches and provide some recommendations and good practice on how epidemiological evidence can support the policy cycle, improving data collection, evaluation and reporting suitable to such context. Key messages • Refining epidemiologic data recording and reporting, especially uncertainty characterisation, is necessary to improve weight-of-evidence evaluations for a better regulation process. • Environmental burden of disease, as a tool for quantifying health impacts, provides crucial information to policy makers on how to regulate for better protecting population health.

PRE-CONCEPTION READINESS AMONG PROSPECTIVE BRIDES

Background: Preconception is the best preparation time for the First 1000 Days of Pregnancy. Prospective brides are a group that must receive attention and monitoring regarding health conditions, including nutritional status, to prepare for pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. This research aims to determine the preconception nutritional readiness of prospective brides. Method: This type of research was quantitative with a cross-sectional descriptive design. The population in the study was 30 prospective brides and was obtained using a consecutive sampling technique of 20 prospective brides. The variables studied were the bride and groom's sociodemographic data, including age, highest level of education, work status, and sources of nutrition and health information. Other variables studied were body mass index nutritional status, chronic lack of energy status, anemia status, energy, protein, iron, calcium, folic acid intake, ferro supplementation and folic acid supplementation, and preconception nutritional knowledge. The collected data will be entered and processed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, then analyzed univariately using a descriptive frequency test. Results: The results of this study show that the sociodemographics of the majority of prospective brides are in the early adult age category (55%), have secondary education (75%), are not working (75%), and receive health and nutritional information from health workers (45%). Adequate energy intake level (75%), insufficient protein (55%), insufficient iron (85%), insufficient calcium (95%), insufficient folic acid (100%), no supplementation (85%), nutritional status of each -respectively normal and obese (35%), not CED (60%), not anemic (80%), lacking knowledge (70%), and lacking preconception nutritional readiness (85%). Conclusion: Most prospective brides cannot meet at least half of the preconception nutritional readiness indicators measured.

Marketing or health promotion? A citizen science study of social media influencers’ health content

Abstract Background Social media influencers (SMI) became the dominant source of health information among adolescents, exerting influence through appealing content and para-social relationships. Personalized social media feeds of adolescents paired with latent platform algorithms result in myriads of individual information environments, which remain closed to researchers. Citizen science offers a solution to peek inside this black box and identify: What health content is disseminated by social media influencers and consumed by adolescents? Methods The citizen science study adopted a contributive approach, where adolescents collected and categorized SMI profiles and posts from their own feeds with a pre-tested survey tool which was available on Google Tabs. Data collection was conducted on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube between April and May 2023 and subsequently analyzed by the research team. Results The study involved 19 school classes, containing 326 students, aged 12 to 19 years. They documented 255 SMI profiles and 2147 posts, primarily on Instagram and TikTok. Key topics included fitness, beauty ideals, and nutrition, while mental and sexual health received less attention. Although 41.5% of the posts contained advertising, the citizen scientists classified 63.5% as health-promoting. Topics relating to dietary supplements (84.1%), addictive substances (55.6%), nutrition (53.8%) and sport (47.2%) were particularly ad-heavy. Despite mental and sexual health having the lowest advertising rates at 35.4% and 37.7% respectively, this still accounts for over one third of the documented posts. Conclusions SMI present a distorted image of health that emphasizes nutrition, fitness and beauty ideals, while topics such as mental and sexual health are neglected. The positive reception of posts containing ads indicates a lack of critical reflection. Policies for advertising practices and balanced health education, including media literacy, are necessary to address these trends. Key messages • Social media influencers propagate a distorted health image, defined by nutrition, fitness, and beauty ideals. • Adolescents lack the necessary skills to critically reflect on ad littered social media influencer health content.

Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes and practices of HIV-positive women in Africa, a systematic review

Abstract Background Breastfeeding (BF) is essential to ensure the health and survival of children, especially in regions where diarrhoea, pneumonia and malnutrition are common causes of child mortality. The WHO currently recommends, along with antiretroviral treatment, exclusive BF (EBF) for the first six months and mixed BF for the next six months and extending it to 24 months. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than one million HIV-positive women face the challenge of infant feeding due to limited access to treatment and safe water. The aim of this study was to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of HIV-positive mothers in Africa to provide evidence for public health strategies. Methods We conducted a systematic review of studies on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of BF among HIV-exposed children in African countries, following the principles of the PRISMA statement and identified by searching major databases of records published between 2013 and 2023. Results Of the 498 articles identified, 21 met the inclusion criteria. 70% of the studies were conducted in Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya. 95% of the studies were conducted in health care facilities. Mothers showed good knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding EBF of HIV-exposed children, but low knowledge and fear of continuing to practice BF later on. The HIV-positive mothers mentions a range of recommendations received from health workers, identified as their main source of information. Stigma against mothers who practice EBF was found. The primary reason for early cessation of BF was due to work. Conclusions Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the infant feeding currently recommended by WHO for HIV-positive mothers was weak. There is little evidence of what happens in other African countries and in women with limited access to the health system. Public health policies need to be strengthened to ensure that health workers are trained in the current guidelines to improve HIV-positive women’s BF. Key messages • HIV-positive mothers are afraid to continue breastfeeding their babies after 6 months. • More studies about the breastfeeding practices of children of HIV-positive mothers with limited access to health services are needed.

Vaccination health literacy: cultural validation and pilot testing of the HLS19-VAC instrument

Abstract Introduction Vaccinаtion health literacy (VHL) is considered an extremely important aspect of health literacy. HLS19-VAC questionnaire is a 14-item ‘subjective’ perception-based instrument used for measuring VHL in the M-POHL Health Literacy Survey 2019-2021, which Serbia was not part of. Aim Translation and cultural validation of the HLS19-VAC questionnaire and using the validated Serbian version (HLS19-VAC_RS) for pilot study research. Materials and methods The English version of HLS19-VAC was translated using a systematic approach; three forward and one back-translations were synthesized and compared by an expert committee. Thereafter, cognitive interviews with 11 participants produced a version that was culturally validated by an expert panel. We conducted a cross-sectional pilot study using a HLS19-VAC_RS, on a convenient sample of the general population in Serbia. VHL was assessed by calculating the score for 4 out of 14 questions. Additional data were collected through a general questionnaire with 30 questions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results Cognitive interviews showed some problems in wording, and cultural adaptation resulted in minor refinements to eight out of 14 items. The instrument was pretested by 11 experts who adjusted it accordingly to produce culturally validated HLS19 -VAC_RS. Of 439 respondents in a pilot study, 15% had problematic VHL, while the levels of sufficient and excellent VHL were nearly the same (38.5% and 35.1%, respectively). There was difficulty in deciding whether to receive the flu vaccine (15.0%) and to find information about recommended vaccines (12.3%). There was a significant statistical difference in responses to VHL and monthly income and alcohol consumption. Most of the respondents contacted pharmacists as primary sources of information about medication (42.7%). Conclusions HLS19 -VAC_RS could be implemented in a local context as culturally appropriate. Further testing on a population level is needed. Key messages • HLS19-VAC_RS Questionnaire is culturally appropriate for assessing vaccination health literacy in Serbia. • Majority of respodents had sufficient or excellent vaccination health literacy.

Unveiling pharmacogenomics: insights from Portuguese pharmacists on quaternary prevention

Abstract Background Public health genomics recognises the potential of genomic knowledge for enhancing population health. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) and lack of efficacy have significant clinical and economic burdens, which can be mitigated by pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing. Pharmacists can play a vital role in facilitating the implementation of PGx into routine clinical care. This will promote quaternary prevention, to protect individuals from medical intervention that can cause more harm than good. Objectives To assess attitudes, opinions, expectations, practices, and concerns of Portuguese pharmacists regarding PGx implementation. Methods An observational cross-sectional web-based survey was developed based on literature review, adapted to the national context, and validated in a focus group. The target population were adults residing in Portugal with a degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent, with convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results From 303 participants, 98% believe that PGx is an important area of pharmaceutical sciences and 97% indicate that PGx should be included in continuing education. Almost all (99%) anticipate that PGx implementation will prevent the administration of ineffective drugs and inappropriate doses, 98% expect PGx will reduce ADR. Major concerns are related with direct-to-consumer sale of PGx tests via internet (78%) and unauthorized access to test results (91%). Currently, 25% are familiar with reliable sources of information on PGx, but only 11% feel qualified to recommend PGx testing, and 10% have analysed PGx reports. Conclusions There are positive opinions and expectations regarding the potential benefits of PGx tests. However, there are regulatory concerns and lack of readiness for immediate application. Pharmacists express interest in learning more about PGx, highlighting the need for continuous education and training to integrate it effectively into routine pharmaceutical practice. Key messages • Pharmacists recognize the benefits of PGx implementation for quaternary prevention. • Regulatory concerns and readiness gaps in PGx emphasise a need for training and life-long education of pharmacists.

Preferences regarding the Booster Dose of Covid-19: a cross-sectional study in Central Italy

Abstract Background Examining information sources, communication channels, and preferred content formats is crucial for adapting and improving future communication strategies in vaccination campaigns. This study aims to evaluate the information and communication preferences regarding the booster dose of Covid-19 among employees of the Central Tuscany Local Health Authority (CT-LHA). Methods From July to October 2022, a questionnaire was administered to 7,000 out of approximately 15,000 CT-LHA employees. The questionnaire analyzed communication, organizational, and access aspects regarding preferences for the Covid-19 booster dose. The sample was stratified into healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-healthcare workers (NHCWs). Chi-squared tests were performed using STATA, with the significance level set at 95%. Results The returned questionnaires were 1,885 (26.9%), with the majority being HCWs (64.4%). HCWs rated the quality of communication significantly lower compared to NHCWs, who rated it very high (p < 0.05). HCWs also rated the ease of booking the Covid-19 booster dose and access modalities to vaccination significantly lower than NHCWs (p < 0.05). NHCWs expressed a preference for receiving scientific information from Ministry of Health tutorials, while HCWs preferred information from their general practitioner (p < 0.05). HCWs preferred to receive organizational information from healthcare management, while NHCWs preferred information from vaccination physicians (p < 0.05). Additionally, HCWs preferred company operating procedures for disseminating information, whereas NHCWs preferred corporate communications circulars (p < 0.05). Conclusions HCWs and NHCWs showed differences in perceived quality of communication, ease of access to vaccination services, and preferred sources of information. HCWs rated the quality of communication and access to vaccination services lower than NHCWs. This results suggest the need for tailored communication strategies to effectively reach both groups. Key messages • Health organizations need to develop targeted communication approaches that address the specific needs and preferences of their employees. • Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to adapt communication methods and channels to strengthen vaccination initiatives and promote public health outcomes.

Beyond closed doors: Examining consumer reactions to public and private advice

ABSTRACT Frequently transmitted through word-of-mouth (WOM) communications, advice is viewed as a trustworthy source of information by consumers. Marketers value WOM marketing and invest resources to encourage consumer recommendations. Despite the value of interpersonal recommendations for consumers, an important research finding on advice-taking is ego-centric discounting (i.e. the phenomenon where individuals discount offered advice in favor of their own preferences). Prior work has explored mitigating factors of ego-centric discounting including characteristics of the recommender and the decision context. However, the role of interpersonal influence in advice exchange is understudied. This paper delves deeper into the role of interpersonal influence, evaluating how advice utilization is influenced by the presence of other consumers during the recommendation exchange. Across three experiments, we demonstrate that consumers are more likely to rely on advice when the recommendation is made public rather than in private. Moreover, we show that consumers readily integrate public advice in an attempt to appear appreciative for the recommendation (a self-presentation consideration). Finally, this research shows that consumers higher in need for social approval (NSA) rely more heavily on public advice. This research augments literature on consumer advice and highlights public vs. private advice as an essential factor curbing ego-centric advice discounting.

4.B. Round table: Closing the loop in the European Health Data Space: relation between primary and secondary data use

Abstract Currently, data collection processes in healthcare institutions across Europe remain exclusively geared towards the needs of primary use. Neither medical professionals’ clinical workflows, nor the data infrastructures and data management processes established within different organisations allow for the kind of highly standardised and structured data collection, processing and segregation from operational systems that secondary use requires. The development of a European Health Data Space offers large possibilities for research and innovation. High quality or primary data and secure pathways are required for the secondary use of data. Closing the loop and making relevant information from secondary use of data available to clinicians and health care professionals is a crucial step to build trust and enable a cultural shift that will enable health innovations and targeted treatments reach all those who could benefit from them without delay. Closing the loop between primary and secondary use of data will accelerate the shift from treatment of illness to prediction and prevention in the way healthcare is delivered - a shift that will need to be accompanied by an overhaul of European health systems’ current funding and reimbursement models. Establishing trustworthy sources of information and guidance for the use of novel health technologies, as well as involving patients and their caregivers early in the development of concrete applications, could help to foster better understanding and build trust in this area. To ensure acceptance, it will be particularly important for these developments to be driven by identified problems and defined needs in healthcare. Efforts should be made to address and include all parts of the population, not just the highly engaged and usually highly educated patients who typically participate in collaborative initiatives. The workshop will provide a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between primary data and secondary use of health data. High quality of data and secure pathways are required for the secondary use of data. The workshop will explore paths for the evaluation of data-driven innovation and its introduction into clinical pathways that need to be further developed and standardised across the EU and the role that different actors in the health data system must play to meet the needs for secure and high-quality of data for research and policy development. The importance of actors like healthcare professionals, patients and citizens as well as the role of industry, public-private partnerships and relevance of health data innovative solutions will be addressed by each of the panellists and collaboration pathways for closing the loop will be further explored. The discussion will use and build on the findings and solutions identified in the EIT Health Think Tank report ‘Implementing the EHDS across Europe’. Key messages • In order to move to a data sharing environment, a cultural shift is needed to foster an environment of equality and openness to share data. • Healthcare professionals, patients and citizens are active participants and public-private partnerships could be instrumental to foster novel solutions and trust in this cultural transformation. Speakers/Panelists Nienke Schutte Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium Milana Trucl European Patient Forum, Etterbeek, Belgium Sinead O’Connor Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Aneta Tyszkiewicz EFPIA, Brussels, Belgium Elina Drakvik Sitra, Helsinki, Finland

Ready or not? The state of emergency preparedness among Italian Public Health medical residents

Abstract Background Italy frequently experiences major events like earthquakes, floods, and migrant shipwrecks, reflecting global concerns that also include climate change, pandemics, and wars. This study aims to assess the role of public health experts and the current state of Italian post-degree Public Health schools in addressing these challenges. Methods In June 2023, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to all Italian Public Health residents enrolled in the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health (SItI). The survey investigated the availability and frequency of training and updates related to emergencies, measured the interest and perceived importance of these topics among residents, examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their awareness, and identified their primary sources of information in the subject. Results Out of 289 respondents, a significant majority (86.2%) acknowledging the importance of being trained in emergency management and 74.4% expressed interest in topic (p < 0.001). A 90.1% of residents indicated a lack of dedicated courses and 93.1% reported an absence of specialized master’s programs (p < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between recognizing the importance of the topic and the desire to attend specialized conferences (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable impact: 24.6% recognized the importance of the topic pre-pandemic, while 50.9% raised awareness during (p < 0.001). Conclusions The findings highlight a critical gap in the training of public health professionals in Italy, particularly in the domain of emergency preparedness and management. There is a pressing need to establish enhanced, uniform training programs across different public health training networks in Italy. Implementing such programs would ensure a more robust and effective response to future emergencies, thereby safeguarding public health and improving outcomes during crises. Key messages • Significant gap in specialized training and awareness among health professionals. • Urgent need for emergency preparedness training in public health.

Estimating the economic burden of mental and substance use disorders in Belgium

Abstract Mental and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disease burden (disability-adjusted life years, DALYs) in Belgium. Strong mental health policies are needed to reduce the burden, taking into account effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of possible interventions. Next to providing an overview of the economic burden of mental health conditions (what is), routine cost-of-illness studies also serve as a source of information for modelling the cost-effectiveness of policies and interventions to improve the mental health of populations (what could be). In the context of an extension of the Belgian Health Status Report and the Belgian National Burden of Disease Study, we calculated the direct medical costs of a range of health conditions, including mental health conditions such as depression. We used self-reported diagnostic data from the Belgian health Interview Survey linked with claims data to calculate the incremental costs attributable to mental health disorders with g-computation. We correct for confounders such as age and sex, and also look at uncertainty brought about by the data source and modelling. This presentation aims to share the experience of calculating the economic burden of mental ill-health in the context of a routine cost-of-illness study. We will present the results of the study and discuss alternative ways in which the costs of common mental health conditions such as depression could be estimated, for example based entirely on claims data using pharmaceutical cost groups.

Analysis of parents’ needs regarding sexual and reproductive health issues of their children

Abstract Background Promoting sexual and reproductive health is a key intervention for young people’s health and well-being. Studies have shown that young people have a need to be supported by a strong network and that parents are considered an important source of information. The aim of our work was to understand the needs and critical issues parents face when raising the topic of sexual and reproductive health with their children in order to strengthen their skills and provide the best tools to support young people. Methods A qualitative focus group research methodology was used; a sexual psychologist facilitated the meetings. Parents of children attending secondary schools in Udine (Italy) in the 2022/2023 school year were invited to participate in the project. The meetings were recorded and transcribed verbatim by two independent researchers. Following an inductive method, recurring themes were extrapolated to represent the main categories and more specific subcategories. Results 46 parents participated in the focus group; 76% of them had no experience with sexual and affective education. Parents felt that sex education was useful in providing accurate information, preventing risks and promoting respect and relationships with others; however, there were concerns that the values taught were not consistent with those of the family. The topic was found to be difficult to discuss with children, both in terms of technical/scientific aspects and addressing issues such as gender identity and sexual orientation. Parents would like to understand what the right communication key is to discuss with their children in an atmosphere of trust. Conclusions Parents recognized the importance of the topic and saw the need to deepen some aspects, especially in terms of relationship and communication. The results of this work will be a useful starting point for the creation of ad hoc pathways aimed at parents to strengthen the relationship with their children. Key messages • Parents want to overcome difficulties by finding the right key to communicate with their children. • Supporting young people and their network to promote sexual and reproductive health is essential.

Administrative data for public health: a regional data warehouse applied to dementia epidemiology

Abstract Administrative data can represent valuable sources of information for researchers seeking to advise policymakers. Several countries have established population-based data warehouses (DWH), integrating multiple data sources in single repositories through data linkage techniques. In Lombardy (Italy), a regional population-based DWH was established in the 1980s. It collects data about citizens from multiple sources in the social and health sectors, anonymising them immediately after their acquisition. Lombardy Region signed a specific agreement with the University of Pavia to investigate the epidemiology and access to care among people living with dementia (PLWD), using the DWH. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on hospitalised PLWD, including people aged ≥ 65 years with diagnoses of dementia at discharge from 2002 to 2020. The aim was to study the trends of hospitalisations among PLWD, computing these by calendar year, age, sex and cause of hospitalisation. A total of 340,144 hospital discharges were registered, of which 211,709 (63.0%) were women and 124,195 (37.0%) were men. The rate of hospitalisation decreased over the study period, ranging from 100.6/10,000 in 2002 to 65.1/10,000 in 2020. The average age at hospitalisation increased for men and women from 78.9 and 81.8 years in 2002 to 82.0 years and 84.2 years, respectively, in 2020. Respiratory diseases caused 10.4% of all hospitalisations in 2002 and grew steadily to 26.8% in 2020, becoming the leading cause of hospital admissions since 2017. Results allowed us to elaborate epidemiological measures and to characterise our population in a wide temporal trend, quantifying access to acute care by leading causes of hospitalisation. However, the analysis of administrative data comes along with several challenges, such as data incompleteness and biases. Researchers should take advantage of these data sources while keeping in mind the limitations and constraints related to data quality.

Life course prevention - challenges for public health lying ahead

Abstract Issue/problem Demographic and epidemiological transitions have now shifted the focus from vulnerable population groups onto the active population, in particular young adults. At the same time lessons from the covid-19 pandemic taught us about missing actions on the elderly. While the latter have shown compliance and have followed most preventative activities, we observe scepticism and reluctance in the young adults. Description of the problem The covid-19 pandemic showed that young to middle-aged adults were the most reluctant group to adhere to preventative measures but in complying to the recommendations concerning vaccination. Since European activities are now focusing on addressing determinants of NCDs and are hoping to mobilise all population strata, including young and middle-aged adults, it would be important to explore how this mindset might affect the overall attitude to prevention. Results Health policy should explore specifically the needs of young to middle-aged adults (e.g. ages 30 to 44) to list their specific needs, expectations from preventative activities. On the other hand, it would be necessary to find out about the concerns, reluctance, and objections. The interplay of these will play a significant role in acceptance of present and future preventative activities. Exploration on these topics presents the following challenges: 1. Multiple sources of information on given health problems; 2. Lack of structured accessible and well-understandable explanations of advantages and benefits; 3. Inappropriate communication by health professionals or agencies on their behalf; 4. Complexity of the problem, which is then translated into complex and not easily understood messages. Lessons Learning about the specific needs of young adults, their expectations from the health systems in terms of prevention and health care as these will shape their overall attitude to prevention and have an impact on their families, particularly children. Key messages • Knowledge about expectations, needs, concerns, and reserves with respect to prevention is essential for the future activities on prevention. • Involving young and middle-aged adults in the preparation of the future preventative activities for their population groups is essential.

A Review of the Evolution of the NCS-NCVS Police Reporting and Response Questions and Their Application to Older Women Experiencing Violent Victimization

Little attention is given to the history of the data that underlie research on crime trends and patterns. This article considers the evolution of the National Crime Victimization Survey’s (NCVS) police reporting and response questions. These questions are particularly important as the NCVS is the only nationally representative source of information on whether crime is reported to the police and citizen views of police actions. In addition, the current NCVS redesign is set to substantially add to these items. To provide a context for this discussion, this article applies the police reporting and response questions to an understudied victim group, specifically older women who experience violent victimization. This application illustrates the research opportunities and challenges for working with these data.

I am frail and my robot is stuck on the corridor: cohabitation of people with frailty and robots

Abstract UK and European policies promote research and innovation for people living with frailty (PLWF), as realistic strategies for independent living. Yet homes are not designed for PLWF or robots, even though robots could support PLWF with activities, i.e., exercise and companionship. Adoption of robots in homes is limited to devices such as automated vacuum cleaners and voice assistants. Robotics aimed at assisting PLWF have been thus far been tested in laboratories and the study of real homes for the co-habitation of robots and older people is often neglected. We draw on expertise from human-robot interaction, built environment, public health and clinical practice to facilitate optimisation of human and robot cohabitation for PLWF. For this, we have reviewed different robots-for-frailty, in terms of, ability to fit and move within homes. We utilised a range of methods and sources of information including meetings with allied health professionals, visited the Robot House and explored the available robots from a fit for purpose perspective, audited five flats for PLWF in Gloucester, England in accordance with the needs of those with frailty, simulated robot’s function within the home environment, using persona’s for different use case scenarios, trial testing of selected robots in the home environment for comparison with simulation, using knowledge gained to extrapolate this data to estimate suitability for frail individuals in their homes. Most robots currently available would not adequately fit in an independent living accommodation or the smaller ones could be a tripping hazard. The communal areas of independent living would be more realistic for such human robot interactions, rather than the actual households. The research informs the process facilitating the adoption of robots to benefit PLWF both feasible and desired. The research produced a framework that can lead to future research exploring robot and PLWF co-habitation in real home settings. Key messages • The cohabitation of humans and robots currently faces barriers relevant to independent living built-environment spatial restrictions. • Technologies that support independent living and frailty must develop in spatially-unobtrusive ways.

Recent One Decade Trends in Mathematical Representation Research: Systematic Mapping Study

Research can change over time and can be influenced by technological developments, educational trends, and current social issues. Developments on trends in mathematical representation research over the past 10 years are discussed in this systematic mapping study (SMS). The question of review research with the systematic mapping study method is how the trend of mathematical representation research over the last 1 decade and what new topics have the opportunity to be researched by future researchers related to the themes of mathematical representation. The method used in this review is the PRISMA method which includes 5 stages carried out: 1) defining eligibility criteria, 2) determining information sources, 3) data selection, 4) data collection, and 5) data collection. In this systematic mapping study, it starts from searching for articles on the topic of mathematical representation during the last 1 decade, namely the range of 2013-2023, articles obtained from the scopus database in July 2023 with the keywords "representations" AND : Mathematics" initial data obtained 1907 articles after the exclusion process obtained 120 articles which were then analyzed using R-Studio and Vos-Viewer tools. The results of SMS obtained the relationship of representation topics in the last 10 years of research with the topics of visual, computer software, computer aid instruction, data mining, open source software, network architecture, natural language processing systems, intelligent systems and information analysis. In addition, research over the past 1 decade on the topic of representation has led more to data mining, security of data and STEM. Artificial Intelligence or artificial intelligence is the latest topic that over the past 3 years has grown in various articles that deal with the theme of mathematical representation and accompanied by the theme of multi-representation. The evolution of research topics related to mathematical representations that used to be only related to visual representations and image representations now leads to computer programs, programming algorithms and artificial intelligence, this shows that over the past 1 decade there has been an evolution of research in the implementation of representations in technology.

Exploring the Socio-economic Conditions of Potato Farmers in Farrukhabad District of Uttar Pradesh, India

This study investigates the socio-economic profile of potato growers in Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh, aiming to understand their demographic composition, educational background, caste distribution, marital status, family structure, landholding size, occupation, income levels, social participation, and possession of farming resources. A sample of 100 respondents cultivating potatoes as the main crop was selected from Kamalganj block, Farrukhabad district. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured schedule and analyzed using percentages. The results reveal that the majority of respondents are middle-aged, literate, and belong to scheduled castes. Most respondents are married and come from joint families with medium-sized households. Marginal and small landholdings dominate, and agriculture is the primary occupation, supplemented by subsidiary activities such as dairying and business. Income levels vary, with a significant proportion falling within the medium-income bracket. Social participation is moderate, with most respondents engaging in multiple organizations. Farm resources such as farm power and implements are moderately possessed. Extension services and information sources play a crucial role, with most respondents exhibiting moderate contact. This study provides valuable insights into the socio-economic landscape influencing agricultural practices among potato growers, which can inform policy formulation and extension activities aimed at fostering agricultural development and rural prosperity.

6.G. Scientific session: The importance of using country-specific severity distributions in burden of disease indicators

Abstract One of the most commonly used health gap summary measures in the field of public health is the Disability-adjusted life year (DALY). It has become the key metric for quantifying the burden of disease (BoD) and is used as an information source for setting priorities for health care and health service planning. The DALY metric quantifies gaps between a theoretical population in perfect health and the current health status related to both morbidity and mortality. It is the sum of the number of healthy life years lost due to disability (YLD) and death (YLL). The YLD summarises the loss of healthy life time using the frequency of diseases differentiated by severities or related health states (including sequelae). Depending on each health state, it converts the time spent with diseases into YLD by weighting each year with health limitation with so-called disability weights. This allows the two indicators YLL and YLD to be added to the DALY. Consequently, severity distributions are a means of describing the range of health loss along specific health states, which enables an accurate mapping with disability weights. For most of the diseases, these distributions are usually categorised as mild, moderate, severe, or no health loss (asymptomatic). Conditions with higher severity levels contribute more to the YLD and thus, to the overall disease specific BoD. The severity distributions are highly dependent on utilization at the individual level, but also on available health care services at the society level, which indicates that differences by settings are to be expected. Changes over time in the share of severe cases, for instance, may reflect the effectiveness of health interventions and policies. This underlines the importance of severity distributions, as they also reflect information about the quality of healthcare for those affected. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study applies for a significant proportion of their considered diseases uniform severity distributions across countries and broader regions. They acknowledge concerns over applying estimates of severity distributions based on limited data, noting that it is the only available information that they were able to use. As the YLD estimates are often utilized to develop and prioritize health policy interventions, there is a necessity for country-specific estimates that are evidence based and less susceptible to model assumptions. In most cases, the estimation of severity distributions involves complex methodology as data for such assessments are very limited or hardly reliable. In the following workshop, general concepts and country cases from Germany, Scotland, and Belgium will be presented covering a variety of diseases. The examples underline the importance of estimating national and even regional severity distributions when identifying the importance of diseases or comparing the health conditions of populations across time. Key messages • As the Burden of disease indicators are predominantly used to prioritize health interventions and allocate resources, it is crucial to use accurate information in the severity levels of disease. • Severity distributions reflect the health care services and vary across different settings. Utilising country-specific severity distributions when estimating Burden of Disease indicators is essential.