Potential Health Effects Research Articles

Peer mentoring program through a digital platform for people with systemic sclerosis: A feasibility study

Objective: People with systemic sclerosis (SSc or scleroderma), a rare chronic autoimmune disease, often face significant physical and emotional challenges. Peer mentoring, where someone with similar lived experiences offers guidance and support, shows promise in enhancing the well-being of recipients and may benefit individuals with systemic sclerosis. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential health effects of peer mentoring through a digital platform for people with systemic sclerosis. Methods: We conducted a one-group study to evaluate a 16-week peer mentoring program for people with systemic sclerosis. Mentors and mentees were matched by demographics and systemic sclerosis characteristics. Feasibility was evaluated using Orsmond and Cohn criteria: recruitment, data collection, acceptability, available resources, and participant responses to the program. Perceptions and usability of the peer mentoring program through a digital platform were assessed at week 16 (post-program). The health effects of peer mentoring were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 16. Results: Five trained mentors and 15 mentees were enrolled. Each mentor was paired with 2–4 mentees. We found that peer mentoring through a digital platform was feasible, acceptable, and had good usability for both mentors and mentees. Mentees reported significantly less anxiety at week 16 ( p < 0.001). Other improvements in fatigue, pain interference, depressed mood, and resilience were observed, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The peer mentoring program through a digital platform was well-received. Results provided preliminary support for the feasibility and potential health benefits of peer mentoring to enhance well-being in people with systemic sclerosis. Findings lay the groundwork for future peer mentoring research in systemic sclerosis.

Health and Economic Effects of Salt Reduction Interventions for Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases in Japan: A System Dynamics Simulation Study

Reducing salt intake is a vital public health measure for combating noncommunicable diseases and mitigating rising social security expenditures in Japan. We developed a system dynamics model to analyze the potential health and cost effects of salt reduction interventions among the Japanese population aged 40 years and above from 2012 to 2040. The simulation findings derived from the model indicate that, in the base run, the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are projected to be approximately 55 and 9.5 per 100,000 people, respectively, contributing approximately 40 trillion yen in social security expenditures by 2040. The model predicts that implementing mandatory reformulation could decrease DALYs for CVD and CKD by 5.7% and 6.2%, respectively, resulting in an approximately 6.7% reduction in social security expenditure. Additionally, voluntary reformulation is estimated to reduce the DALYs for CVD and CKD by 4.7% and 5.2%, leading to a 5.6% decrease in social security expenditure. Finally, accelerating the adoption of a low-salt diet is expected to lower the DALYs for CVD by 2.8% and CKD by 3.2%, thereby reducing social security expenditures by 3.4%. Thus, product reformulation initiatives have a greater impact on health and economic outcomes.

Specific consequences of using WMD: Radioactive contamination of foodstuffs and its potential health effects

Specific consequences of using WMD: Radioactive contamination of foodstuffs and its potential health effects

Methods to quit smoking-a quantitative online survey on facilitators and barriers (RauS-study)

Smoking is still the largest preventable health risk in Germany, which is why ahigher success rate in smoking cessation would benefit both public and individual health. In order to achieve this, abetter understanding of the smoking cessation methods used and the factors that facilitate and prevent smoking cessation is required. The RauS study therefore aimed to investigate which methods have been used in attempts to stop smoking, how successful these methods have been, and which factors have been perceived as helping or hindering smoking cessation. From March to December 2022 aquantitative online survey was conducted among current or former smokers over 14years of age (N = 6192). Of the sample, 93% have tried to quit smoking at least once. In general, for the respondents who did or did not use e‑cigarettes/tobacco heaters, "personal willpower" was the most frequently used and perceived as the most helpful method. Among people who have used e‑cigarettes/tobacco heaters to quit smoking, e‑cigarettes with nicotine were used most frequently and were rated as the most helpful. Potential or concrete health consequences were most likely to be perceived as motivating. Rituals associated with smoking were the main barrier to quit smoking, while withdrawal symptoms played amuch smaller role. Overall, the results show that the focus on "nicotine addiction" in smoking cessation should be reconsidered, and social and ritual dimensions should be addressed more strongly. For at least some of those affected, e‑cigarettes may be ahelpful method of reducing harm and/or quitting smoking.

The COVID-19 legacy: consequences for the human DNA methylome and therapeutic perspectives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting legacy on human health, extending beyond the acute phase of infection. This article explores the evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce persistent epigenetic modifications, particularly in DNA methylation patterns, with potential long-term consequences for individuals' health and aging trajectories. The review discusses the potential of DNA methylation-based biomarkers, such as epigenetic clocks, to identify individuals at risk for accelerated aging and tailor personalized interventions. Integrating epigenetic clock analysis into clinical management could mark a new era of personalized treatment for COVID-19, possibly helping clinicians to understand patient susceptibility to severe outcomes and establish preventive strategies. Several valuable reviews address the role of epigenetics in infectious diseases, including the Sars-CoV-2 infection. However, this article provides an original overview of the current understanding of the epigenetic dimensions of COVID-19, offering insights into the long-term health implications of the pandemic. While acknowledging the limitations of current data, we emphasize the need for future research to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying COVID-19-induced epigenetic changes and toexplore potential approaches to target these modifications.

Exploring the Extraction and Application of Anthocyanins in Food Systems

The continued use of synthetic additives in food production and preservation has raised concerns among consumers, given their potential negative health effects. Researchers and food industry experts have been exploring plants with potent functional compounds as an alternative source of natural compounds such as anthocyanins, which can be utilized to produce safe food additives. Given their various biological activities, great potential exists for anthocyanins to be used as additives to preserve food or produce functional foods with health benefits. However, to fully realize the economic and health benefits of anthocyanins, a deep understanding of the different plant sources of anthocyanins, as well as their composition, extraction techniques, and function in various products, is warranted. Therefore, this paper critically reviews the different plant sources of anthocyanins and their application in the food and nutraceutical industries, highlighting emerging extraction techniques, health benefits, and challenges in the use of anthocyanins in the food industry. This review also offers insights that could be used in future research and help establish novel and sustainable methods for manufacturing anthocyanin-based value-added products and ingredients.

Psychological Responses to Home-Working Practices: A Network Analysis of Relationships with Health Behaviour and Wellbeing

Working at home, rather than in the workplace, has been suggested to affect office-based workers’ health and wellbeing. This exploratory, cross-sectional study sought to identify discrete psychological responses to home-working practices and investigate their relationship with engagement in health-related behaviours and wellbeing. A sample of 491 home-workers completed a survey assessing ten psychological responses to home-working (e.g., the ability to ‘switch off’ from work), ten health behaviour indices (e.g., sleep trouble), and seven wellbeing indices. Network Analysis modelled relationships between these variables. Results showed four clusters of psychological responses to home-working practices (representing ‘home-working independence’, ‘home-work transition’, ‘daily work pressure’, and ‘work-day forecasting’). Variables within these clusters linked to health behaviour and wellbeing: perceptions of workload manageability, ability to switch off from work, homeworking autonomy, and planning and organising a home-working day had cascading influences on indicators of health, health behaviours, and wellbeing. The findings point to a complex system of potential health and wellbeing consequences of working from home. Further evidence is needed to establish truly causal relationships; nonetheless, our findings call for the development of public health initiatives and organisational policies to support the adoption of home-working practices to benefit the health and wellbeing of home-workers.

Apex carnivores coping with metal(loid) pollution and oxidative stress: biological and environmental drivers of variation in kidney of European brown bear

Induction of oxidative stress and the associated lipid peroxidation is a prevalent mechanism through which certain metal(loid)s exert nephrotoxic effects in mammals. Research on the toxic impacts of metal(loid)s in free-ranging large mammals at high trophic positions is exceedingly rare, yet crucial for understanding environmental exposure scenarios relevant to both human and animal risk assessment. Renal cortex tissues (N=457) of free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) from the Dinara-Pindos population sampled in Croatia were analysed herein for toxic metal(loid)s and the underlying biological and environmental drivers of variation, with their time trend monitored during the 2009-2022 period. In 28 individuals from the 2021-2022 period, we additionally investigated associations between metal(loid)s and oxidative stress and damage biomarkers in renal cortex cells. The principal generalized linear models used to approximate variations in biomarkers of oxidative stress and damage included non-essential As, Cd, Pb, Tl and U, and essential Co, Cu, Fe and Zn. Age class and season of sampling had no impact on biomarker levels, except for lipid peroxidation, LP (April ↑). Age, sex (females ↑), body condition index (↓) and season of sampling significantly influenced metal(loid)s levels. Non-specific mammalian thresholds were crossed for Cd and Pb toxicity in 1-16% and 2% of population, respectively. Renal levels of metal(loid) did not exhibit a clear trend over the 13-year period. The levels found in this study were higher than in sympatric carnivorous and herbivorous species, but in line with findings in ursids worldwide. Potential adverse health effects from environmental exposure in brown bears may arise from disruption of oxidative balance, as evidence clearly indicated associated changes in catalase activity (↑), glutathione content (↑), LP (↓), reactive oxygen species (↓), total antioxidant capacity (↑) in the renal cortex due to the presence of the most toxicologically relevant Cd and Pb.

Long COVID: A risk factor for anxiety, depression, and suicidality?

In many COVID-19 survivors, symptoms continue for a long time. This study aims to examine the relationship between the long-term effects of COVID-19, levels of anxiety and depression, and suicidal ideation with sociodemographic factors and symptoms. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who came for control at least 3 months after having COVID-19 disease, in the stable period, and still have symptoms after COVID-19. Demographic characteristics, symptoms, The Beck Depression Scale (BDS), The Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), and suicidal ideation were assessed with face-to-face questionnaires. A total of 490 patients participated in the study. Thirty percent of patients scored positive on the BDS and 46% scored high on the BAS. Female sex was found to be a risk factor. Anxiety and depression were found to be significantly associated with long COVID symptoms. Both BAS and BDS scores were significantly higher in people with suicidality compared to others, and long-term symptoms were found to be statistically associated with this situation. Depression and anxiety are common in cases of long COVID. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of these potential mental health consequences, especially suicidality, and to provide appropriate support and interventions for individuals with long COVID.

Estimated health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of implementing WHO's sodium benchmarks for packaged foods in India: a modelling study.

Excess dietary sodium intake has been associated with death and disability. WHO has released global sodium benchmarks for packaged foods to support countries to reduce population sodium intake. This study aimed to assess the potential health effect, costs, and cost effectiveness of implementing these WHO sodium benchmarks in India. We used a multiple cohort, proportional multistate, life table (Markov) model to estimate the health gains and cost effectiveness for adults if sodium content in packaged foods complied with the WHO benchmarks compared to the status quo. We used India-specific dietary surveys, food composition tables, foods sales data, and sodium content data from packaged food labels to estimate sodium intake before and after the intervention. Data on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease burden were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study, and the effect of sodium reduction on blood pressure and disease risk was modelled on the basis of meta-analyses of randomised trials and cohort studies. Intervention and health-care costs were used to estimate net costs, and calculate the incremental cost per health-adjusted life-year (HALY) gained. Costs and HALYs were discounted at 3%. In the first 10 years, compliance with the WHO sodium benchmarks was estimated to avert a mean of 0·3 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 0·2-0·5) million deaths from cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease, a mean of 1·7 (95% UI 1·0-2·4) million incident cardiovascular disease events, and 0·7 (0·4-1·0) million new chronic kidney disease cases, compared with current practice. Over 10 years, the intervention was projected to be cost saving (100·0% probability), generating 1·0 (0·6 to 1·4) billion HALYs and US$0·8 (95% UI 0·3 to 1·4) million in cost savings. Over the population lifetime, the intervention could prevent 4·2 (2·4-6·0) million deaths from cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease, 14·0 (8·2-20·1) million incident cardiovascular disease events, and 4·8 (2·8-6·8) new chronic kidney disease cases, with an 84·2% probability of being cost-saving and 100·0% probability of being cost-effective. Our modelling data suggest a high potential for compliance with WHO sodium benchmarks for packaged food being associated with substantial health gains and cost savings, making a strong case for India to mandate the implementation of the WHO sodium benchmarks, particularly as packaged food consumption continues to rise. WHO Country Office India.

Comprehensive Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil-Plant Systems and Health Risks from Wastewater-Irrigated Vegetables

A research study examined the origins, human health impacts, and risks associated with pollutants in vegetables grown in soil irrigated with wastewater. The study analyzed 164 samples from water sources, irrigated soil, and harvested vegetables for eight heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The focus was on the potential health effects of consuming heavy metal-contaminated vegetables grown in wastewater-irrigated soil. The findings revealed significant accumulation of heavy metals in soil and plants from Mianwali, Pakistan, posing potential health risks to consumers. When compared to vegetables produced with freshwater irrigation, the concentration levels of heavy metals in the soil irrigated with untreated wastewater were significantly greater (P≤0.001) and above the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The results showed that heavy metals in the soil had significantly increased, and crops had subsequently absorbed these metals. Produce raised in soil watered with wastewater showed higher levels of heavy metals than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the WHO recommended. Among the veggies, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were found to have higher Hazardous Quotient Indices (HRIs) than one. This indicates that both adults and children may have been exposed to dangerous levels of these metals. Additionally, for Brassica oleracea, Raphanus sativus, and Spinacia oleracea, nickel (Ni) surpassed HRIs larger than 1, indicating a significant health risk connected to these veggies' ingestion.

Talking About Incarceration History: Engaging Patients and Healthcare Providers in Communication.

Incarcerated individuals in carceral facilities demonstrate an elevated prevalence of chronic disease conditions which are likely to persist post-release. Healthcare providers may not be trained on how exposure to incarceration may influence patient health outcomes and patient-provider communication. To examine the self-perceived preparedness of healthcare providers to interview patients regarding history of incarceration and the potential related health consequences. This cross-sectional study consisted of a web-based self-administered questionnaire distributed via email to a random sample of healthcare providers in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. In total, 400 healthcare providers were invited to participate; 114 respondents completed the survey, of which 26% were medical doctors (n=30), 41% were physician assistants (n=47), and 32% were nurse practitioners (n=37). Understanding healthcare provider training in caring for formerly incarcerated patients, current treatment practices and confidence caring for patients who have experienced incarceration, and implications for clinical care. Of 114 respondents, 73% reported that they currently care for formerly incarcerated patients. However, only 8% received specialized training for the care of formerly incarcerated patients. While most respondents did not ask their patients about prior history of incarceration (81%), when asked about comfortability in doing so, 60% reported low levels of comfort. Most providers (77%) reported high agreement that incarceration impacted health, with 54% reporting that it led to significant healthcare access barriers, but 64% reported low confidence levels in addressing the needs of formerly incarcerated patients. Healthcare workers recognized incarceration as a detrimental health exposure. However, providers reported low levels of confidence in understanding and addressing the unique needs of patients who experienced incarceration. Findings support the need for further training regarding how to address the needs of formerly incarcerated patients, which would support efforts towards achieving equitable healthcare.

Environmental burden of disease related to pyrethroid-insecticide exposure and neurodevelopmental toxicity in Europe based on human biomonitoring

Abstract As indicated by human biomonitoring (HBM) studies, exposure to pyrethroids is widespread in Europe with significantly higher exposure observed in children compared to adults. Epidemiological, toxicological, and mechanistic studies raise concerns about potential health effects in humans and, particularly, behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children at low levels of exposure. Based on an exposure-response function from a single European study and on available quality-assured and harmonized HBM data collected in France, Germany, Iceland, Switzerland, and Israel, an initial estimate of the environmental burden of disease for ADHD associated with pyrethroid exposure (measured by the metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid) was made for individuals aged 0-19 years. The estimated yearly number of prevalence-based disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per million inhabitants due to ADHD were 34 DALYs for Israel, 26 DALYs for France, 14 DALYs for both Switzerland and Iceland, and 4 DALYs for Germany. Additionally, a substantial number of ADHD cases, averaging 18%, were associated with pyrethroid exposure. Yet, these figures should be interpreted with caution given the uncertainty of some input parameter. In addition to burden of disease estimates due to ADHD, the associated burden of autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) due to pyrethroid exposure and the health economic costs attributable to ADHD and ASD will also be investigated further. To ensure adequate follow-up of policy measures and more robust disease burden estimates, more HBM studies are recommended, along with increased efforts to harmonize the design of epidemiological studies to ensure more meaningful meta-analyses of exposure-response functions. This is particularly important for pyrethroids as more evidence on potential adverse health effects is continuously emerging.

Challenges and possibilities in adolescent loneliness interventions

Abstract Researchers typically associate the high prevalence of loneliness during adolescence with evolving dynamics and changes in relationships, both familial and peer-related. Consequently, transient feelings of loneliness are anticipated and considered part of the normative developmental process. While many adolescents naturally navigate through periods of loneliness by reconnecting with peers, a subset experiences prolonged feelings of loneliness. This group faces an increased risk of additional mental health issues and potential adverse health consequences. Such findings underscore the importance of effective and scalable interventions. This presentation draws upon a comprehensive meta-analytical review of loneliness interventions and a dedicated chapter in the upcoming Cambridge Handbook of Loneliness. focusing on interventions for adolescents. It will offer a brief overview of contemporary loneliness interventions and intervention strategies. Furthermore, it will discuss the unique considerations required when addressing loneliness in adolescents compared to other age groups. This includes the critical importance of loneliness prevention for adolescents, particularly within the school environment. Furthermore, the presentation will discuss the potential of community-based interventions aimed at tackling adolescent loneliness, showcasing the ongoing Danish community-based intervention ‘More Together.’ ‘More Together’ is a large-scale, complex, multi-component and multi-level intervention for community change that aims to reduce loneliness among young and elderly people. The intervention is rooted in an extensive cross-sector partnership. The presentation will highlight potentials and pitfalls encountered when addressing adolescent loneliness within a community setting.

An overview and comparison of approaches used for health policy analysis: What to use and when?

Abstract Background Public health challenges are complex and analyzing them requires advanced approaches such as, societal cost-benefit analysis (SCBA), health impact assessment (HIA), and strategic foresight. Analyzing health policy is a multifaceted process, and depends on, among others, the scope, approach, and policy goals. Given this complex and multifaceted nature, it is not always clear which approach to use, and how the approaches can complement each other. Therefore, health policy analysis could benefit from practical and explicit guidance regarding clear identification of cases and types of analysis. Hence in this paper we aim to develop a framework that can provide this guidance. Methods In this paper we describe the differences and similarities of three distinct health policy assessment approaches, SCBA (an economic evaluation approach that takes into account the impact on society as a whole), HIA (is a combination of tools that focus on evaluating the potential health effects of a given policy) and strategic foresight (a systematic and participatory approach used to anticipate and plan for future trends and uncertainties that may impact policy), their application, and how they can complement each other within the field of public health. A framework that can be used when deciding which health policy approach to use for a given case will be developed, based on existing literature, frameworks, and a case study. Discussion This paper contributes to knowledge on health policy analysis and towards efficiency and clarity in analyses conducted in this field. Key messages • There is little guidance regarding how to conduct health policy analysis. • Clear guidance on which approaches to use and how they complement each other will contribute towards efficiency and clarity in health policy analysis.

LE8 score in relation to cardiovascular disease and mortality in individuals with diabetes

Abstract Background Evidence regarding the potential health effects of Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited. Purpose We aimed to examine the associations of LE8 score with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, among individuals with T2D. Methods We prospectively followed 19,915 Chinese participants with T2D at baseline or diagnosed during follow-up (Kailuan Study: 2006-2020), who were free of CVD at diagnosis of diabetes. Diet, lifestyle, and health conditions were repeatedly assessed every 2 years. The LE8 score (range, 0-100), was calculated based on 8 components: diet quality, physical activity, smoking status, sleep health, BMI, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. We used time-varying cox models to model the associations. Results During a median follow-up of 11.5 years in participants with T2D, there were 3,295 incident CVD cases and 3,123 deaths. Higher LE8 score was associated with lower risk of CVD incidence and total mortality among participants with diabetes. The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios and 95%CIs for the highest quintile of LE8 score compared with the lowest quintile were 0.56 (0.53, 0.59) for CVD incidence, 0.57 (0.53, 0.62) for heart disease incidence, 0.53 (0.49, 0.57) for stroke incidence, and 0.73 (0.69, 0.78) for total mortality (all p trend<0.001). Furthermore, compared with participants with stable or decreased LE8 score after diabetes diagnosis, those with increased LE8 score had 17%-42% lower risk of CVD incidence, heart disease incidence, stroke incidence, and total mortality. These associations persisted in subgroup analysis stratified by age, sex, BMI, smoking status, alcohol intake, family history of diabetes and CVD, and follow-up time. Conclusions Higher LE8 score was associated with a substantially lower risk of CVD incidence and total mortality among adults with T2D. These findings further support the tremendous benefit of adhering to a high CVH, defined as the LE8 in reducing the subsequent burden of cardiovascular complications and improving overall health in individuals with T2D.Main TableMain Figure

Sleep characteristics in relation to cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality in individuals with diabetes

Abstract Background/Introduction Evidence regarding the potential health effects of sleep characteristics among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is limited. Purpose We aimed to examine sleep characteristics in relation to subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke, and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with T2D. Methods We prospectively followed 21,902 men and women with T2D at baseline or diagnosed during follow-up (Nurses' Health Study: 1986-2018, Health Professionals Follow-Up Study: 1986-2018). Sleep characteristics, including sleep duration, snoring, sleep apnea, and sleep quality, were repeatedly assessed using self-reported questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. Associations of sleep characteristics with CVD risk and mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models with adjustments for demographic, dietary and lifestyle factors, and medical history. Results During 170,355 and 196,458 person-years of follow-up in participants with T2D, there were 2,486 incident CVD events and 3,922 deaths, respectively. Compared with sleeping for 7-8 h/day, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of sleeping for ≤5 h/day were 1.21 (1.02, 1.45) for CVD incidence, 1.24 (1.20, 1.51) for CHD incidence, 1.40 (1.24, 1.58) for total mortality, 1.52 (1.20, 1.92) for CVD mortality, and 1.27 (1.01, 1.61) for other non-CVD and non-cancer mortality, while the HRs of ≥10 h/day were 1.42 (1.21, 1.66) for total mortality, and 1.63 (1.20, 2.10) for other non-CVD and non-cancer mortality. Furthermore, compared with participants without habitual snoring, those with habitual snoring had a 21%, 24%, 18%, and 33% higher risk for CVD incidence, CHD incidence, CVD mortality, and total mortality, respectively. Compared with participants without diagnosed sleep apnea, those with sleep apnea had a 27%-58% higher risk for CVD incidence, CVD mortality, and total mortality. In addition, lower habitual sleep quality, including sleep difficulties and restless sleep, was associated with a substantially higher risk of CVD, CHD, or CVD mortality. No associations were observed between sleep characteristics with risk of stroke and cancer mortality in individuals with T2D. Conclusions Short and long sleep durations as well as habitual snoring, sleep apnea, and lower sleep quality were independently associated with higher risks of CVD incidence and mortality, particularly CVD mortality in individuals with T2D.

Health impacts methodology in the European Commission

Abstract The state of play in the implementation of health impacts methodology within European Commission impact assessments reveals both advancements and challenges. The Commission has acknowledged the significance of assessing health impacts and has provided a generic methodological description, as outlined in Tool #32 of the Better Regulation guidelines. However, translating this guidance into practical application encounters obstacles stemming from challenges intrinsic to the policy in question, a lack of skills and knowledge, data gaps, and complexities in establishing causal links. In EU policymaking, health impacts are consistently appraised in relevant Impact Assessments across various policy areas, but the methodological intricacy varies. In the fields of public health, occupational safety, and environmental protection, econometric modelling is often employed to quantify potential health impacts rigorously. This involves sophisticated analytical tools designed to capture the complexity of the interactions. Conversely, in areas where the link between policies and health outcomes is less direct (e.g. food safety) or where data limitations pose challenges, a more qualitative appraisal is applied. This acknowledges the limitations in precisely quantifying health impacts and focuses on providing a nuanced understanding of potential health effects based on available information.

Realising the health benefits of City Development Plan in Ireland: The process and influence of HIA

Abstract Background The built environment is a major determinant of health. This research examined the process of implementing a health impact assessment (HIA) of a city development plan, using HIA guidance developed by Institute of Public Health Ireland. HIA is an established approach to facilitate a Health for All Policy approach and is a practical tool used to appraise the potential health effects of a policy, programme or project prior to implementation. Methods This mixed methods study underpinned by action research and implementation science frameworks, explored the process and experiences of undertaking an HIA on the Cork City Development Plan (2022-2028). A total of 36 stakeholders across a variety of institutions, sectors, and including members of the public, were involved in the HIA. Results We found there was an appetite for HIA’s use to facilitate cross sectoral working to identify, mitigate, and address health inequalities. Data derived from interviews, surveys and workshops indicate that while most stakeholders involved saw the value HIA could bring to their work, further efforts are required to realise the benefits of HIA as a decision-support tool. Barriers included lack of familiarity of HIA across sectors, and for those involved in carrying out the HIA, lack of adequate training, time and access to local data. Conclusions HIA can contribute to embedding a Health for All Policies approach, however, greater effort from the public health professionals is required to advocate for HIA as a tool to influence policy. Our results suggest that its practical application requires (i) intersectoral training on HIA that supports a broader understanding of the social determinants of health, (ii) knowledge of the purpose and remit of the policy, plan or programme being appraised and (iii) ensuring a broad range of relevant expertise and experience on the steering group tasked with leading the HIA. Key messages • HIA can contribute to embedding a Health for All Policies approach. • Stakeholders do see the value that HIA can bring to their work, however, further efforts are required to realise the benefits of HIA as a decision-support tool.

A Comprehensive Review on Polyphenols of White Wine: Impact on Wine Quality and Potential Health Benefits

Polyphenols are associated with various beneficial health effects. These compounds are present in edible plants such as fruits and vegetables, and the human body absorbs them through the consumption of foods and beverages. Wine is recognized as a rich source of these valuable compounds, and it has been well established that polyphenols present in red wine possess numerous biologically active functions related to health promotion. Therefore, most scientific research has been focused on red wine polyphenols, whereas white wine polyphenols have been neglected. This review presents the summarized information about the most abundant polyphenols in white wines, their concentration, their impact on wine quality and their potential health effects, such as neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity and their positive effects on lipids. These findings are an effort to help compensate for the relative lack of relevant data in the scientific literature regarding white wine polyphenols.