Resident Population Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 testing, test positivity and vaccination in social housing residents compared with the general population: a retrospective population-based cohort study

BackgroundThe consideration of unique social housing needs has largely been absent from the COVID-19 response, particularly in tailoring strategies to improve access to testing and vaccine uptake among vulnerable and...

Telework Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring Residential Density and Travel Behavior

The COVID-19 pandemic was a teleworking catalyst, but less is known about the implications for the built environment, travel behavior, and social equity following the pandemic. Using three rounds of survey data ( n = 474) in Flanders, Belgium—at the onset of the pandemic (April–May 2020), 1 year into the pandemic (April–May 2021), and after a return to normal (October–November 2022)—this research investigates teleworking profiles using residential population densities, necessary trip behavior and satisfaction, and sociodemographic characteristics. Four profiles are evaluated: not teleworking; teleworking during the pandemic and continuing afterward; teleworking during the pandemic but returning to work physically; and teleworking before, during, and after. Results indicate a negative relationship between teleworking and residential population density, so teleworking options might contribute to equitable access to employment. Alternatively, beginning to telework might prompt a residential movement to less dense areas with more space. Non-teleworkers were generally more mobile (frequency, distance, and duration) in regard to necessary trips than teleworkers. Women were more likely to return to work physically, indicating challenges in work–life balance that might benefit from the structure and separation that comes with commuting. Finally, experienced teleworkers were older and full-time employed, indicating that skill and job competence might relate to flexible contracts that include teleworking alongside employer trust. Increases in and the normalization of teleworking following the COVID-19 pandemic are related to work–life balance, equity, the urban form, and travel patterns, and understanding these relationships can aid in predicting teleworking trends and informing supportive policy.

“A Fly in the Ointment”: The Barriers to Portuguese Female Political Participation

The latest data from the Gender Equality Index ranks Portugal 10th in female political power. Despite a larger female resident population, parity in access to power and decision-making remains limited. Research on local political power reveals low female representation within parties and a lack of motivation to recruit or affiliate women. This study utilizes thematic analysis eight interviews with women in political leadership positions to identify barriers to female political participation in the Portuguese context. Key questions addressed include the following: How do media representation, role models, stereotypes, and cultural norms impact the political arena? Is it the lack of representation that deters women, or does the political environment alienate them? The analysis explores how media portrayal, stereotypes, double standards, scrutiny, and cultural norms interconnect, perpetuating the political arena as a male-dominated space, thereby marginalizing women politicians.

Nutrition Training in Medical Education Among Family Medicine Residents in North Carolina

Background This study surveyed family medicine residents in North Carolina regarding the state of nutrition education in their residency training. In addition, the survey explored comfort levels with, and attitudes about, discussing nutrition with patients. Methods We administered an online questionnaire to family medicine residents in North Carolina (n = 384) asking about their history of nutrition training and their current attitudes about nutrition. The 24-item survey included both Yes and No and Likert-scale responses. Results All but one resident had received formal or informal nutrition training during their medical education. Residents overwhelmingly considered nutrition to be an important component of health care, although a majority felt physicians are inadequately trained in nutrition. Feeling comfortable discussing nutrition with patients regarding specific health conditions varied from 45% (gastrointestinal concerns) to 94% (cardiovascular disease) or 95% (diabetes) among residents. Limitations The volunteer sampling method used in the study may limit generalizability of the study findings to a broader population of family medicine residents. In addition, precisely defining “formal” and “informal” nutrition training on the survey questionnaire would help to clarify the role of nutrition education in shaping resident attitudes and practices. Conclusion This study shows that family medicine residents recognize the importance of nutrition education but do not feel adequately trained to provide it to patients. Given the abundance of evidence linking nutrition and health as well as an apparent interest among family medicine residents in nutrition education, this study supports the integration of nutrition training in medical education. Suggestions for how to accomplish this objective are provided.

Study on the Influence of the Built Environment and Personal Attributes on Commuting Distance: A Case Study of the Tianjin Central Area Divided by TAZ Units

Long commuting distances pose a significant challenge for many large cities, undermining the principles of sustainable urban development. The factors influencing urban commuting distances among residents are complex and necessitate hierarchical analysis. This study uses Tianjin, one of China’s four municipalities, as a case study, employing transportation analysis zones (TAZ) as research units. We classify these units based on resident and working populations, extracting multiple built environment and personal attribute factors to establish a model that examines the influence of the job–housing balance. The analysis identifies 12 sub-items across two categories of influencing factors, with correlations tested through spatial analysis and linear regression. We found 28 positive associations and 35 negative associations. Notably, the job–housing relationship for the working population was generally more sensitive to changes than that of the resident population. At the TAZ level, personal attributes exerted a more significant influence on the job–housing balance than built environment factors, with commuting mode, life stage, age, and income level notably affecting commuting distances.

Analysis of Flood Risk in the Lower Hydrographic Basin of the Río Negro (Argentina)

The recurrent floods in the lower hydrographic basin of the Río Negro (RN), documented since 1899, have caused significant damage to the resident population settled in flood-prone areas, whose socioeconomic condition is unfavorable. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk associated with flood occurrences in this area by integrating the flood susceptibility level (hazard) of the study area and the vulnerability of the population. The risk analysis was derived from the algebraic overlay of hazard and vulnerability maps, developed according to criteria published by Renda et al. (2017). In the study area, floods are primarily caused by intense rainfall and winds, upstream water discharges from the Limay and Neuquén rivers, and interactions between increased upstream flow from the lower hydrographic basin of the RN and extreme meteorological events known as Sudestadas. Every certain period, such as every 2 years for winds exceeding 75 km/h and precipitation exceeding 37 mm in 24 hours, as well as every 100 years for flows exceeding 4,000 , the occurrence of floods in the lower basin of the RN is expected to be derived from these events. Based on terrain characteristics and topography, 41.7% of the lower RN basin area showed moderate to high susceptibility to flooding. INDEC data (2010) indicated that 51.0% of the population in the study area was vulnerable to floods due to unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. According to hazard and vulnerability analyses, 43.2% of residents in the lower RN basin lived in high-risk areas, with homes located near the riverbank and on the outskirts of the Viedma-Carmen de Patagones urban conglomerate, hence being the most vulnerable. The results obtained in this research showed the influence of the natural and anthropogenic factors on the occurrence of flood-related disasters in the lower hydrographic basin of the RN. In addition, they served as a preliminary study that will enable decision-makers to create better prevention and mitigation plans contributing to improving the quality of life of its inhabitants.

Insulin level, glycemia, insulin resistance and β-cell function in relation to the lifestyle of Arctic indigenous people. Are there conditions for diabetes and which type?

Modern studies suggest that lifestyle changes of the indigenous Arctic residents lead to the loss of the "adaptive polar type of metabolism", which is characterized by the intensification of protein metabolism, optimization of lipid metabolism, and minimization of carbohydrate metabolism at low insulin concentrations. How to survive the era of change? To assess insulinemia, glycemia, β-cell secretory activity, and insulin sensitivity in Arctic indigenous people in relation to their lifestyle. A cross-sectional study of a population of indigenous Arctic residents (Nenets, Komi) aged from 22 to 60 years was conducted. Insulin levels were studied in blood serum using ELISA, and glucose levels using the spectrophotometric method. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA1-%β) indices were calculated. 397 people were examined; 89 (22%) of them were nomadic people (NP) and 44 (49%) were male. Another 308 (78%) were sedentary people (SP), and 69 (22%) were male. The insulin level was significantly lower in NP (6.0 [3.5-11.8] µU/ml) compared to SP (8.3 [4.6-13.1] µU/ml), p=0.006. There was no difference in glycemia (4.6 [4.2-5.0] in NP and 4.6 [4.1-5.2] in SP) between lifestyles.The HOMA-IR was significantly lower in NP (1.3 [0.7-2.4]) than in SP (1.8 [0.95-2.8]), p=0.013. IR-HOMA >2 units was 1.8 times more frequent in the SP than in NP, with adjusted for sex, age, and BMI OR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.96, p=0.034. The median HOMA1-%β was 128 [67-241] % in NP and 144 [93-236]% in SP with no significant differences between groups. The proportion of individuals with HOMA1-%β <48.9 was 17% in NP versus 5% in SP, p<0.001. The adjusted odds of having HOMA1-%β <48.9 in NP are 3.5 times higher than in SP; 95% CI: 1.56-7.92, p=0.002. Fifty-six cases of glycemia ≥5.6 mmol/l were identified: 13.5% in NP and 14.3% in SP. The ratio IR-HOMA >2/ HOMA1-%β <48.9/BMI was 1.8 units/45%/25.2 kg/m2 in NP and 3.0 units/88%/29.6 kg/m2 in SP. Maintaining a nomadic lifestyle helps keep lower insulin concentrations; at the same time, glycemic levels in the groups were similar. In the NP group, there was a high proportion of individuals with low β-cell secretory activity, predominantly men; in the SP group, more individuals were insulin-resistant. Analysis of cases of glycemia ≥5.6 mmol/l confirmed, that hyperglycemia in a nomadic lifestyle was associated with β-cell hypofunction and the absence of obesity; on the contrary, in a sedentary lifestyle, it was associated with increased insulin resistance and obesity.

Whole-Genome Resequencing Reveals Polygenic Signatures of Directional and Balancing Selection on Alternative Migratory Life Histories.

Migration in animals and associated adaptations to contrasting environments are underpinned by complex genetic architecture. Here, we explore the genomic basis of facultative anadromy in brown trout (Salmo trutta), wherein some individuals migrate to sea while others remain resident in natal rivers, to better understand how alternative migratory tactics (AMTs) are maintained evolutionarily. To identify genomic variants associated with AMTs, we sequenced whole genomes for 194 individual trout from five anadromous-resident population pairs, situated above and below waterfalls, in five different Irish rivers. These waterfalls act as natural barriers to upstream migration and hence we predicted that loci underpinning AMTs should be under similar divergent selection across these replicate pairs. A sliding windows based analysis revealed a highly polygenic adaptive divergence between anadromous and resident populations, encompassing 329 differentiated genomic regions. These regions were associated with 292 genes involved in various processes crucial for AMTs, including energy homeostasis, reproduction, osmoregulation, immunity, circadian rhythm and neural function. Furthermore, examining patterns of diversity we were able to link specific genes and biological processes to putative AMT trait classes: migratory-propensity, migratory-lifestyle and residency. Importantly, AMT outlier regions possessed higher genetic diversity than the background genome, particularly in the anadromous group, suggesting balancing selection may play a role in maintaining genetic variation. Overall, the results from this study provide important insights into the genetic architecture of migration and the evolutionary mechanisms shaping genomic diversity within and across populations.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) due to Influenza in Post-COVID Resurgence: Disproportionate Impact on Older Māori and Pacific Peoples.

Influenza reemerged after a 2020-2021 hiatus in 2022, but understanding the resurgence needs pre-COVID era surveillance. We compared age- and ethnicity-specific incidence of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) from a hospital network in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2022 against a baseline, 2012-2019. Annual and monthly influenza SARI incidence per 1000 persons by age and ethnic group between 2012 and 2022 was calculated using resident population as the denominator. The hospitals capture most severe illness of the resident population. Influenza SARI incidence was highest among <1 year olds (2.62; 95% CI: 1.84-3.61) during 2012-2019, lowest at 6-14 years, and did not significantly increase until 50-64 years (0.35; 95% CI: 0.27-0.45), reaching 1.19 (95% CI: 0.57-1.55) in those ≥75 years. In all age groups, incidence was at least threefold higher in Māori and Pacific Peoples. No influenza SARI was identified in 2020-2021. In 2022, despite an early peak, annual incidence (<65 years) was lower than baseline in all ethnic groups, but incidence (≥65 years) in Māori (2.06; 95% CI: 1.22-3.26) and Pacific (3.94; 95% CI: 2.97-5.13) peoples was higher in 2022 than most baseline years, whereas incidence in NMNP (0.22; 95% CI: 0.14-0.32) was lower than any baseline year. After no influenza 2020-2021, Auckland had an early, high, narrow peak in 2022. Stratification by age and ethnicity revealed striking discrepancies in incidence among Māori and Pacific adults over 65 years compared with NMNP adults, with implications for targeted vaccination strategies.

Big geo-data unveils influencing factors on customer flow dynamics within urban commercial districts

Commercial districts, as the epicenters of urban commerce and economic activity, largely reflect an area’s prosperity through their customer flow. However, previous research, which often relied on statistical and survey data, has typically not captured the full scope of customer flow dynamics throughout urban commercial districts and has not adequately measured the specific impacts of business district locations and their surrounding communities on customer flow. To bridge these gaps, this study utilizes multidimensional big geo-data resources, including mobile phone signaling data, Points of Interest (POI) data, and transportation network data, to uncover the underlying factors that influence customer flow within urban commercial districts. The findings suggest that several factors—the size of the commercial district, the diversity of business formats, the convenience of parking, the working and residential population in surrounding communities, and the proximity to urban centers—significantly influence the customer flow. Consumers show a preference for larger-scale, centrally-located commercial districts that offer convenient parking options, while a homogenized and uncharacteristic business format may reduce a commercial district’s appeal. Furthermore, the study reveals that industrial parks and mixed-use complexes within the 15-minute living circle surrounding the commercial district have a stronger attraction to customer flow than residential neighborhoods do. The insights from this research not only guide the strategic placement of new commercial centers but also provide a robust framework for enhancing the layout of urban commercial spaces and for the revitalization and advancement of established commercial districts.

All-cause nursing home mortality rates have remained above pre-pandemic levels after accounting for decline in occupancy.

During the initial year of the COVID-19 pandemic, a disproportionate share of COVID-19-related deaths occurred among nursing home residents. Initial estimates of all-cause mortality rates also spiked in early and late 2020 before falling to near or below historical rates by early 2021. During the first 3 years of the pandemic, the US nursing home resident population also decreased by 18% (239 000 fewer residents) compared with pre-pandemic levels. After accounting for these population changes, the all-cause nursing home mortality rate has remained above pre-pandemic levels through the middle of 2023. The peak was in December 2020 at 5692 deaths per 100 000 residents, which was 19% higher than estimates not accounting for the population decrease.

Somatropin therapy in Italy during 2019-2022: prevalence and incidence rates estimated by data from the national register and regional health sources.

The availability of epidemiological data relating to the therapy with somatropin (recombinant Growth Hormone, rGH) is scarce and mostly limited to specific clinical conditions. In Italy, the National Register of rGH users (Registro nazionale degli assuntori dell'ormone della crescita - Rnaoc) has been established since 2004 as recommended by the Italian medicine agency (Aifa). However, prevalence (P) and incidence (I) estimates in the Italian population are lacking. Data from the Rnaoc and a questionnaire submitted to all the Italian regions have been used to calculate P and I rates of rGH treatment exposure in the Italian paediatric (0-17 years) and adult (≥18 years) population during 2019-2022; P and I rates of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in paediatric patients have been estimated as well. Results from the two data sources have been compared. In 2019-2022, the estimated P rate in the paediatric population was 13,4/10.000, in adults 0,7/10.000 inhabitants; the I rate was 2,3/10.000 and 0,06/10.000 inhabitants, correspondingly. The estimated P rate of paediatric GHD was 8,9/10.000, the I rate was 1,5/10.000 inhabitants, respectively. Study results showed a better reliability of data collected via questionnaire because more consistent with Italian regional resident populations.

Assessing inequalities and inequities in Health Impact Assessment: a systematic review

Abstract Background Health Impact Assessment (HIA) procedures can include the assessment inequalities and inequities associated with the distribution of environmental health risks and benefits, attenuating the exacerbation of health disparities in this domain. However, prevailing approaches to tackle inequalities in accessing ecosystem services exhibit limitations. We explored how this kind of assessment in HIA procedures is documented within the international literature. Methods Following PRISMA Guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of scientific literature by searching in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to 8 March 2024. Moreover, a grey literature analysis was conducted, examining the World Health Organization’s Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS) to identify guidance considering equity in HIA. Results Eight out of 158 documents identified on IRIS, using ‘health impact assessment’ as a filter, underscore the importance of integrating the equity domain into the HIA; of these, only 1 employs methodologies to actively consider it. Of the 806 literature studies analyzed, only 14 included used methods to evaluate inequalities and equity in HIA in various contexts, ranging from urban planning, such as green or redeveloped areas, and transport planning, to mining. Preliminary results show that in most studies, data were collected through surveys, focus group discussions, and peculiar “walks” with local experts. The predominant approaches in extant literature entail the use of socioeconomic status and health determinants as metrics for assessing equity and inequalities within HIA. Conclusions Our findings highlight a critical gap in integrating equity into HIA practices, with limited attention and methodological diversity observed across the analysed documents and studies. Strategies for probing and mitigating inequalities can be strengthen by engaging different stakeholders and the residing population. Key messages • There are few and highly heterogeneous methods for assessing inequality in HIA. • An effective and standardized strategy to asses inequality in HIA could involve stakeholders and the resident population.

Injury risk in foreign workers: a proposal for a prevention plan in South Tuscany

Abstract Background There are nearly 2.3 million foreign workers in Italy, many of whom hold low-skilled and heavy jobs that expose them to greater safety risks. The aim of the study is to analyze data on the accident phenomenon by using information flows from the national work accident insurance institute, in order to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment. Methods The total number of foreign workers’ accidents in the South Tuscany during the five-year period 2017-2021 was quantified. General injury trend was assessed, breaking down the events by province (Siena, Arezzo, Grosseto), year of occurrence and severity. We analyzed the events by nationality of the injured ones and by severity of compartment. Results A total of 38,254 occupational accidents were recorded, of which 6,172 (16.13%) occurred to foreign workers. Compared to the incidence of foreigners residing in the reference territory, the accident figure is 16.13% out of the 10.5% resident population. The majority involve people from Eastern Europe (60.8%). The most representative nationalities are: Romania (1,477 events), Albania (1,022), Morocco (404), Macedonia (341), Kosovo (264), Tunisia (190) and India (170). Romanian workers are the population most affected by occupational injuries in Southeast Tuscany with 1,477 events. Agriculture is the predominant sector with 17.7% of total injuries. Conclusions Information flows on foreign workers’ accidents is the starting point for specific design of prevention plans (supervision, assistance, research, information and training, awareness raising) aimed at reducing specific accident risk factors. Language and cultural differences represent an element of possible conditioning of risk perception, which must be considered in an effective design of safety training courses for foreigners. Key messages • The study of accident information flows of foreign workers provides the basis for specific design of prevention plans in order to reduce accident risk factors. • Language and cultural differences must be considered in an effective design of safety training courses for foreigners.

Differences in cardiovascular risk in the general population of low and high altitude residents in Peru. HIGH Altitude CArdiovascular REsearch Latin America Population Study (HIGHCARE-LAPS)

Abstract Introduction Living at high altitude (HA) is associated with profound changes in cardiovascular physiology, mostly caused by chronic hypoxia. Available data from high income countries (Switzerland, Austria) suggest beneficial effects of moderate altitude residence in terms of cardiovascular risk. Little is known, however, about cardiovascular risk profile in long-term residents of higher altitudes from low-income countries. Aim To compare cardiovascular risk estimated with validated score in population-based samples of permanent residents of low and high-altitude communities in Peru. Methods Study participants (adults permanently residing at either low or high altitude) were recruited by sex- and age-stratified random multistage cluster sampling from the general population of urban areas at different altitudes in Peru (lowlanders: &amp;lt;500 m above sea level, highlanders: cities at 3287 m, 3824 m and 4330 m). For all participants questionnaire-based information, conventional blood pressure (BP; 3 seated measurements with a validated oscillometric device) and laboratory variables were obtained. Based on the collected data atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk was estimated according to Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE, previously calibrated in South American population). Participants below 40 years of age, with ASVCD history, with LDL-C≥190 mg/dL or on LDL-C lowering therapy were excluded from this analysis. Results The analysis included 146 lowlanders and 373 highlanders, most of whom had low 10-year ASVCD risk, with the median estimated risk being significantly higher among lowlanders. Comparisons between the groups in terms of principal variables of interest are reported in the Table. The highlanders were slightly younger, had lower BMI, conventional BP, HDL cholesterol, lower prevalence of antihypertensive medication and of diabetes, and higher heart rate. In a multivariable model the difference in ASCVD risk between lowlanders and highlanders was significant (p=0.0009) after adjusting for BMI and socio-economic variables but not after systolic BP was included in the model (p=0.800). Conclusions Residence at HA is associated with a lower estimated ASCVD risk in the general population of Peru, mainly because of lower BP levels. Considering that the prognostic value of cardiovascular risk estimates in highland populations is unknown, longitudinal cohort studies would be required to assess whether this finding is associated with a lower rate of cardiovascular events.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food choices among the working-age adult residents of Lithuania

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic affected the nutrition of various populations. Assuming that the majority of the population of working-age residents of Lithuania know healthy nutrition recommendations and that food selection criteria might serve as an indicator of the following them, we aimed to assess the food selection criteria during and after the COVID-19 pandemic among working-age adult residents of Lithuania. Materials and methods Three cross-sectional surveys among working-age adult residents of Lithuania were carried out: in 2019 (before the pandemic), in 2021 (during the pandemic), and in 2022 (after the pandemic). In 2019, this study included 1007 residents, 1600 residents were surveyed in 2021, also, 1600 residents were surveyed in 2022. Distribution of the respondents by food selection criteria was compared between the samples according to gender, age, marital status, education level, place of residence, employment, income. Results The COVID-19 pandemic affected the food choices of Lithuanian residents (p &amp;lt; 0.05). In 2019, products’ benefits for health criterion was in the third place when choosing foods. It was indicated by 22% of the respondents. In 2019, the most prevalent criterion for selecting foods was taste. It was indicated by 37% of the respondents. The second most prevalent food selection criterion was the price. It was indicated by 24% of the sample. In 2021 selection of foods because of products’ health benefits became the most prevalent and accounted for 31% of the sample. In 2022, it returned back to the prepandemic level and accounted for 19% of the sample. In all social and demographic groups changes in food selection criteria remained as well (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the food choices of working-age adult residents of Lithuanian. Changes of food selection criteria were observed within the different groups of gender, age, marital status, education level, place of residence, employment, income. Key messages • The COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on the food choices of working-age adult residents of Lithuanian. • Less than a year after the pandemic food selection according to its health benefits rapidly decreased and returned back to the prepandemic level.

Healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards cardiovascular disease prevention: a multi-national cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction Prior studies have shown that improved primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) may significantly delay its onset. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are well-placed to influence healthy lifestyle habits for CVD prevention. However, it is unclear how well HCWs fare in this role given the multiple demands on their time in clinical practice. Purpose We sought to understand the CVD prevention knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of HCWs across 25 nations. Insights gained could help inform efforts to optimise CVD prevention by HCWs. Methodology: Data was collected via an anonymous, online questionnaire which consisted of pre-validated CVD prevention and smoking cessation subscales adapted from the Preventive Medicine Attitudes and Activities Questionnaire (PMAAQ). The subscales have been previously validated in a study population of primary care residents in the US, demonstrating validity and reliability. Results 668 HCWs (60% doctors, 28% nurses, 12% medical students) from 25 nations responded to the survey. Overall, 74.86% of HCWs routinely assessed patients’ cardiovascular (CV) risk profiles in clinical practice. 65.65% of HCWs counselled patients who were asymptomatic for CVD on tangible lifestyle changes to improve their CV risk profiles, while 68.22% of HCWs did so when patients were overweight. Of note, only 51.26% of HCWs implemented comprehensive smoking cessation interventions for their patients. Practising HCWs demonstrated higher levels of CVD prevention promotion than medical students in all aspects (Fig 1b), except for self-reported importance of CVD risk factor counselling in primary prevention (Tukey HSD diff: 0.31, p-value: 0.051). Among practising HCWs, there were no significant differences in their promotion of CVD prevention across varying lengths of clinical practice. HCWs from higher income nations[1] tended to fare worse than their lower income counterparts in the promotion of CVD prevention (Fig 1a). Conclusion A large multi-national survey reveals significant gaps in the promotion of CVD prevention by HCWs, highlighting key differences in CVD prevention practices based on national income status. The results also demonstrate significant differences between medical students and practising HCWs’ CVD prevention behaviours, highlighting the role of continuing education for the promotion of long-term positive CVD prevention clinical practices amongst HCWs. Further efforts may target the medical education of early-career HCWs, especially in higher income nations. [1] National income level is defined as per the World Bank's classification, with the exception of Taiwan which is not classified as an independent nation under the World Bank. However, Taiwan is still labelled as a high income nation as her GNI (US$33,565) fits the criterion of the World Bank's definition of a high income nation (GNI per capita of &amp;gt;US$13,846).Table 1:Participant demographicsFigure 1a and 1b

Exploring Urban Socio-Spatial Disparities in Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne Metropolitan Areas

In recent decades, rising social disparities in European cities have structured new forms of urban inequalities. Employing an innovative analysis approach based on statistical, geographical, and spatial methods, this paper aims to explore the social geography of population groups in Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle upon Tyne by examining how the spatial distribution of socio-economic groups intersects with urban settlements of the resident foreign population. The study addresses methodological challenges in segregation measurement while shedding light on existing spatial patterns of vulnerable groups and emerging trajectories of residential segregation at the metropolitan scale, utilising the most recent UK Census data.

2.K. Scientific session: Promoting organizational health literacy in healthcare organizations and beyond in Europe

Abstract Organizational health literacy (OHL) has been defined as the degree to which healthcare organizations equitably enable/empower people, through organizational structures, policies, and processes, to find, understand, appraise, and use information and services to make health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. By adopting an OHL approach, healthcare organizations enhance health service delivery by simplifying interaction with health systems by making information and services more comprehensible. An OHL approach not only reduces health literacy demands of patients, but also of workforce and the resident population of the community that they serve. The workshop focuses on two theory-based initiatives that focus at promoting OHL in Europe: (1) the Organizational Health Literacy for All (OHL-ALL) initiative, which developed a practice-oriented OHL approach for organizations promoting equity explicitly to support people in vulnerable positions with or at risk for diabetes or other non-communicable diseases, and (2) the World Health Organization (WHO) Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL) which aims at initiating and facilitating the (self-) assessment of OHL in healthcare organization by developing, providing, and disseminating OHL assessment tools. Both initiatives strive to support organizational change and workforce responsiveness. While the first initiative goes beyond health literacy responsiveness of healthcare organizations intending to offer guidance for organizations on how to give all individuals the best possible opportunities to achieve their optimal health and well-being, the second initiative specifically focuses on OHL in healthcare organizations using a settings approach with a focus on health care, prevention, and health promotion. The initiatives enrich and complement each other. The workshop consists of five short presentations, followed by a discussion among the presenters and the audience. The first presentation focuses on the development of the theory-informed and coherent OHL approach of the OHL-ALL initiative. The second presentation provides an overview of the M-POHL initiative and its innovative tools. Then three presentations will showcase results, experiences, and outcomes from European countries on assessing OHL in different healthcare settings. Expected impact: Theory-based guidance for implementing organizational development will be provided. Results from the M-POHL initiative will contribute to greatly needed insights into OHL needs and opportunities of healthcare organizations. The insights from these real-world assessments and implementation can inform future public health practice, policy, and research. Key messages • An OHL approach contributes to better equity. It helps meet health literacy needs of patients, health and care workforce and the resident population of the community that are served. • New tools have been developed to support management and health and care workforce in assessing and improving OHL responsiveness, to better serve patient communities.

The burden of sepsis in Italy: an analysis of treatable mortality trends

Abstract Background The burden of sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to infection, remains a critical global healthcare concern. Sepsis-related deaths often result from delayed recognition, insufficient treatment, or gaps in healthcare delivery. The study aims to analyze treatable mortality for sepsis in Italy and its regions. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on data of treatable mortality for sepsis in Italy and its regions. According to joint OECD/Eurostat list, we included sepsis deaths with the ICD-10 codes A40 (excl. A40.3 [sepsis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae]) and A41 (excl. A41.3 [sepsis due to Hemophilus influenzae]) from 2006 to 2019. Through data on the resident population two-year age-standardized rates by region were calculated. Results From 2006/7 to 2018/9 an overall increase was observed in Italy, from 1.6 to 2.2 age-standardized mortality rates with a maximum peak in 2014/5 (+46.7%). This trend was confirmed for Lombardy (+47.8%), Veneto (+48.8%), Emilia-Romagna (+49.3%), Tuscany (52.0%), Marche (+58.4%%), Abruzzo (39.4%), Molise (26.7%), Apulia (+57.0%), Sicily (+57.2%), and Sardinia (+46.8%). Aosta Valley (+72,5%) had a maximum peak in 2010/1, while Piedmont (+42.5%), Autonomous Province (A.P.) of Bolzano (+27.8%), A.P. of Trento (+45.0%), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (+23.3%) in 2012/3, Calabria (+46.4%) in 2016/7 and lastly Campania (+52.9%) and Basilicata (+73.0%) in 2018/9. Liguria (+49.8%), Latium (47.2%) and Umbria (49.3%) showed two maximum values, one in the 2012/3 and the other in the 2014/5. Conclusions We observed an overall increase in age-standardized mortality rates throughout Italy, with a peak in 2014/5. This trend was resumed in ten regions, while three regions showed multiple peaks, indicating fluctuations in mortality rates. These findings underline the importance of targeted health interventions and policy initiatives to address region-specific health challenges. Key messages • Regional disparities in mortality rates highlight the necessity for customized health interventions and policy measures between Italian regions. • Recognizing fluctuating mortality trends in specific regions is crucial to effectively address various health challenges.