Susanne Fischer, Guido Miccinesi, Rainer Hornung, Georg Bosshard, Luc Deliens, Agnes van der Heide, Tore Nilstun, Michael Norup, Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
{"title":"Responders and non-responders in a study on medical end-of-life decisions in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.","authors":"Susanne Fischer, Guido Miccinesi, Rainer Hornung, Georg Bosshard, Luc Deliens, Agnes van der Heide, Tore Nilstun, Michael Norup, Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen","doi":"10.1007/s00038-005-0004-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-005-0004-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the direction and magnitude of participation bias in end-of-life research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Within the framework of a European survey on medical end-of-life decisions, a non-response study was conducted among physicians in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. People were asked about their attitudes and experiences in the area of medial end-of-life decision. The response rates ranged from 12.8% (Netherlands) to 39.4% (Switzerland). The responders (n = 5403) and the non-responders (n = 866) were compared regarding socio-demographic characteristics, experiences with terminal patients and agreement with attitudes towards \"end-of-life decisions\". The reasons for non-participation to the study were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Non-response did not cause socio-demographic distortion, but non-responders had statistically significantly fewer terminal patients than responders. Agreement rates were statistically significantly higher among responders than among non-responders for euthanasia, non-treatment decision and life-preserving statements. Neutral answers were statistically significantly more frequent among non-responders than among responders for life-preserving and euthanasia statements. The most commonly mentioned reason for non-participation was \"lack of time\".</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Non-participation does cause an overestimation of proponents of life-shortening, as well as of life-preserving end-of-life decisions. Non-responders more often have ambiguous attitudes towards end-of-life decisions than responders.</p>","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-005-0004-x","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26192272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gittte C Kloek, Frank J van Lenthe, Yvonne M G Meertens, Maria A Koelen, Johan P Mackenbach
{"title":"Process evaluation of a Dutch community intervention to improve health related behaviour in deprived neighbourhoods.","authors":"Gittte C Kloek, Frank J van Lenthe, Yvonne M G Meertens, Maria A Koelen, Johan P Mackenbach","doi":"10.1007/s00038-006-5063-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-5063-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess whether a community intervention on health related behaviour in deprived neighbourhoods was delivered as planned and the extent of exposure to the intervention programme.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data were gathered throughout the intervention period using minutes of meetings, registration forms and a postal questionnaire among residents in intervention and comparison neighbourhoods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, the intervention was delivered according to the key principles of a \"community approach\", although community participation could have been improved. Neighbourhood coalitions organized more than 50 health related activities in the neighbourhoods over a two-year period. Most activities were directed at attracting attention, providing information, and increasing awareness and knowledge, and at changing behaviours. Programme awareness and programme participation were 24% respectively 3% among residents in the intervention neighbourhoods.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The process evaluation indicated that it was feasible to implement a community intervention according to the key principles of the \"community approach\" in deprived neighbourhoods. However, it is unlikely that the total package of intervention activities had enough strength and sufficient exposure to attain community-wide health behaviour change.</p>","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-006-5063-0","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26506673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thomas J Scanlon, Lydie Lawrence, Terry Blair-Stevens, Sarah Nichols
{"title":"A programme for Health Impact Assessment in Brighton and Hove.","authors":"Thomas J Scanlon, Lydie Lawrence, Terry Blair-Stevens, Sarah Nichols","doi":"10.1007/s00038-006-0033-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-0033-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIA is based on the theory of health determinants, which recognizes that well-being is determined by a wide range of economic, social and environmental factors, by heredity and medical intervention. The intended HIA procedure represents a new approach to the evaluation of all local authority policies in order to assess their potential health impacts and to improve the quality of governmental decisions, through recommendations to enhance predicted positive health impacts and minimize negative ones.</p>","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-006-0033-0","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26521303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Magnetic field exposure and neurodegenerative diseases--recent epidemiological studies.","authors":"Kerstin Hug, Martin Röösli, Regula Rapp","doi":"10.1007/s00038-006-5096-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-5096-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To analyse the results of recent studies not yet included in a 2003 report of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) on occupational exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields as potential risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature search was conducted in the online databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, DIMDI and COCHRANE, as well as in specialised databases and journals. Eight studies published between January 2000 and July 2005 were included in the review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings of these studies contribute to the evidence of an association between occupational magnetic field exposure and the risk of dementia. Regarding amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the recent results confirm earlier observations of an association with electric and electronic work and welding. Its relationship with magnetic field exposure remains unsolved. There are only few findings pointing towards an association between magnetic field exposure and Parkinson's disease.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The epidemiological evidence for an association between occupational exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and the risk of dementia has increased during the last five years. The impact of potential confounders should be evaluated in further studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-006-5096-4","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26464076","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Social differences in the burden of long-standing illness in Denmark.","authors":"Henrik Brønnum-Hansen, Michael Davidsen","doi":"10.1007/s00038-006-5081-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-5081-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To estimate the impact of diseases on social differences in life expectancy and expected lifetime with illness among Danes in 1995-99.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Expected lifetime with and without long-standing illness were calculated for groups with low, medium and high educational levels. Estimates based on observed rates of mortality and prevalence of illness were compared with those based on rates from which a specific disease had been eliminated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Partial life expectancy (age 30-75) would increase by almost 1.5 years if cancer were eliminated. Expected lifetime without long-standing illness would increase by approximately 1 year. Elimination of cardiovascular diseases would increase partial life expectancy, mainly among men with a low educational level. If diseases of the musculoskeletal system were eliminated the benefit would be greatest for persons with a low educational level.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The gain in life expectancy to be expected by eliminating certain diseases decreased with educational level. Elimination of cancer would extend lifetime both with and without illness for all educational levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-006-5081-y","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26464077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The aftermath of a heat wave: a research challenge.","authors":"Nino Künzli","doi":"10.1007/s00038-006-6032-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-6032-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-006-6032-3","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26464761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adolescent health in Europe: let's think in terms of context and resources.","authors":"Pierre-Andrí Michaud","doi":"10.1007/s00038-005-0017-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-005-0017-5","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-005-0017-5","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"27100119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Connecting the dots.","authors":"Evelyne de Leuw","doi":"10.1007/s00038-006-0204-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-0204-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-006-0204-z","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26853324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G S Leonardi, S Hajat, R S Kovats, G E Smith, D Cooper, E Gerard
{"title":"Syndromic surveillance use to detect the early effects of heat-waves: an analysis of NHS direct data in England.","authors":"G S Leonardi, S Hajat, R S Kovats, G E Smith, D Cooper, E Gerard","doi":"10.1007/s00038-006-5039-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-006-5039-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the effects of high ambient temperatures, including the summer 2003 heat-episode, on NHS Direct usage and its suitability as a surveillance tool in heat health warning systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Analyses of data on calls to NHS Direct in English Regions in the period Dec 2001-May 2004. Outcomes were daily rates of all symptomatic calls, and daily proportion of calls for selected causes (fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, heat/sun-stroke)</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Total calls were moderately increased as environmental temperature increased; this effect was greatest in calls for young children and for fever. Total calls were moderately elevated during two summer heat episodes in 2003: calls specifically for heat/sun stroke increased acutely in response to these episodes. No association was apparent between environmental temperature and proportion of calls for vomiting and difficulty breathing.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Calls to NHS Direct are sensitive to daily temperatures and extreme weather. NHS Direct is timely and has great potential in health surveillance. Calls for heat- and sun-stroke are now routinely monitored as part of the UK Heat-wave plan</p>","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-006-5039-0","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"26464074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tibor Baska, Hana Sovinová, Agnes Nemeth, Krysztof Przewozniak, Charles W Warren, Elena Kavcová
{"title":"Findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia--smoking initiation, prevalence of tobacco use and cessation.","authors":"Tibor Baska, Hana Sovinová, Agnes Nemeth, Krysztof Przewozniak, Charles W Warren, Elena Kavcová","doi":"10.1007/s00038-005-0022-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-005-0022-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To show selected findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Representative sample of 16918 school children aged 13-15 years; data were obtained through uniform questionnaires. The fieldwork was conducted in 2002 and 2003.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age at initiation of smoking was particularly earlier in Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia than in Hungary. Over one third of the students reported current cigarette smoking in Czech Republic (34.9%) and Hungary (33.5%) compared to about one-fourth in Slovakia (24.3%) and Poland (23.3%). Among current smokers, about two thirds in Slovakia (64.0%) desired to stop smoking, while only one third in Hungary (36.7%). The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was similar between genders.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Smoking prevalence in these countries is considerably higher than worldwide data. Women's smoking could be an important public health problem in the future. Repeated surveys could show trends and give a clearer picture of the epidemiological situation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21877,"journal":{"name":"Sozial- und Praventivmedizin","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2006-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1007/s00038-005-0022-8","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"27101759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}