OJS (University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica)
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American Privacy Perceptions in the COVID Pandemic
No full textThe on-going COVID-19 pandemic has brought surveillance and privacy concerns to the forefront, given that contact tracing has been seen as a very effective tool to prevent the spread of infectious disease and that public authorities and government officials hope to use it to contain the spread of COVID-19. On the other hand, the rejection of contact tracing tools has also been widely reported, partly due to privacy concerns. We conducted an online survey to identify participants’ privacy concerns and their risk perceptions during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Our results contradict media claims that people are more willing to share their private information in a public health crisis. We identified a significant difference depending on the information recipient, the type of device, the intended purpose, and thus concretize the claims rather than suggesting a fundamental difference. We note that participants’ privacy preferences are largely impacted by their perceived autonomy and the perceived severity of consequences related to privacy risks. Contrarily, even during an on-going COVID-19 pandemic, health risk perceptions had limited influence on participants’ privacy preference, given only the perceived newness of the risk could weakly increase their comfort level. Finally, our results show that participants’ computer expertise has a positive influence on their privacy preference while their knowledge to security make them less comfortable with sharing
HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOISE IN TWO MAJOR ESTONIAN CITIES
No full textBackground: As a result of urbanization, increasing number of people are exposed to transportation noise. There is growing epidemiological evidence that transportation noise has negative impacts on human health, well-being and work ability.
Aim: The aim of the current study was to quantify the health effects of road, rail and air transportation noise in Tallinn and Tartu.
Methods: Recently, European Commission has been developing a mutual methodology for assessing health impacts of transportation noise in EU. This new methodology is applied in the current assessment. We used noise exposure data from strategic noise mapping, and baseline morbidity data from Health Statistics and Health Research Database of National Institute for Health Development.
Results: It appeared that the proportion of highly annoyed residents due to road traffic noise is expected to be 11.6% in Tallinn, and 9.2% in Tartu and around 2.4% of residents in both cities are having high sleep disturbance. The number of attributable cases of ischemic heart disease (IHD) induced by road traffic noise is estimated to be 122.6 (95% CI 16.5–214.5) cases in Tallinn and 21.5 (2.9–37.7) cases in Tartu. Altogether transportation noise is estimated to cause 1807 disability adjusted life years (DALY) in Tallinn and 370 DALY in Tartu. The external costs of ill-health are expected to be 152.4 million € annually what is 0.7% of Estonian Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Railway and aircraft noise health effects are relatively small in both cities, the proportion of annoyed and sleep disturbed people is below 1%.
Conclusion(s): Transportation noise, and in particular road traffic noise, is an important environmental risk factor which leads to considerable loss of healthy life years and also cause large external costs to society. Currently applied European Commission health impact assessment methodology is rather conservative as it includes only IHD morbidity, annoyance and sleep disturbance. Real effects could be higher and the novel studies show effects also on IHD mortality, stroke and diabetes.
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
EXPOSURE TO INFRASOUND AND LOW FREQUENCY NOISE, ORIGINATED BY WIND TURBINES – A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS
No full textBackground: Despite technological advances to make wind turbines quieter, they still produce sounds resulting from their mechanics and aerodynamics, namely infrasound and low-frequency noise. This noise affects the quality of life and can develop acoustic processes that are not processed by the ear and cause irreversible injuries to the human body.
Aim: This study aimed to analyze the wind turbines noise behavior based on distance to source, air velocity and wind direction. It also aimed to measure the sound pressure level produced by wind turbines and to analyze the difference between Infrasound and Low Frequency Noise and Environmental Noise.
Methods: Three wind farms (district of Leiria, Portugal) were selected, where a total of 416 measurements were performed. The type of study was transversal, cohort observational and sampling was probabilistic in type and convenience in technique. Measurements were performed with the CESVA SC420 sound level meter. The measurements were taken taking into consideration the cardinal and collateral points around three wind farms. The measurement points were defined at distances: 0; 0.5; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 10; 15 km. Four types of noise were evaluated, classified as: Infrasound (2-20 Hz/dB), Low Frequency Noise (20-500 Hz/dB), Infrasound and Low Frequency Noise (2-500 Hz/dB) and Environmental Noise (dB(A)).
Results: It was found that the distance to the source is not a relevant factor in the reduction of noise levels and to higher the air velocity, higher sound pressure levels. It was also found that the points “South” and “Southwest” were where there were higher noise levels. Other factors were relevant in the propagation of noise, namely: terrain profile; caves; proximity to the shore; forests. There is a very significant difference when comparing measurements in dB or dB(A), especially in infrasound, which reinforces the need to assessed this noise as an agent that may have other biological impacts than deafness.
Conclusion(s): It is concluded that it is important to adopt territorial management measures taking into account the protection of public health, particularly in the installation of wind farms at safe distances and to include infrasound and low frequency noise in environmental impact studies.
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF STREET FOOD VENDORS
No full textBackground: Despite numerous benefits, it is recognised that street food may pose public health risks. Lack of basic infrastructure, inadequate potable water supplies, poor personal hygiene, and mishandling of food play a significant role in the occurrence of food-borne illnesses. According to the official reports from the European Food Safety Authority, 21 food-borne strong-evidence outbreaks related to mobile retailers or street vendors were confirmed in the last eight years. The outbreaks resulted in 164 cases and two deaths.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the compliance of hygienic and technical standards of street food vendors in Slovenia with the requirements of the general hygienic food principals set in the Codex Alimentarius and the Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on food hygiene.
Methods: Food vendors were observed directly and discretely using a semi-structured observation sheet that allowed fast evaluation. The employee’s behaviour was not affected during the observations because they were not aware of being observed. Each observation lasted approximately 30 minutes. Food vendors were divided into groups according to their location, type of facility, and type of food sold.
Results: 23% of all registered street food vendors in Slovenia were inspected. Some of the major inconsistencies were lack of suitably located washbasins, improper hand-washing technique, improper waste management, working surfaces that were inadequately separated from consumers and inconsistent maintenance of the cold chain. The reasons for the inconsistencies are not just of technical nature. Human factor plays a big role as well.
Conclusions: There is a need to change incorrect hygiene-related behaviour patterns, which can be achieved with a systematic approach, regular employees’ training, and constant active surveillance of the employees’ personal hygiene and food handling techniques
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD - THE ROLE OF THE PARENTS FOR THE HEALTH STATUS
No full textBackground: Obesity is a widespread chronic metabolic disorder, especially in children in early childhood with extremely serious health consequences, deteriorating their psycho-physical development. WHO ranks Bulgaria fifth in the world in the incidence of obese in children.
Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the influence of reduced physical activity in overweight children and the role of parents for their health status.
Methods: 120 children were performed diagnostics, aged between 4-7 years. The study also included parents of children with a direct individual questionnaire, including many aspects of children's lifestyles related to health, eating habits, physical activity, behavior and others. The main anthropometric indicators of the children were measured - height, weight, circumference, body mass index (BMI).
Results: Analyzing the child's weight by BMI category, it was found that 25.83% of children have varying degrees of overweight. According to age, in 4-5 year old children BMI is above the norm in 16.67%, and in 6-7 year old - 35%. More than half of the parents state that the physical activity of the children is "low", they do not spend enough time outdoors with their children and do not play sports in sports clubs outside the kindergarten. Worrying is the fact that children spend more than 2-3 hours a day with electronic devices. The low level of physical activity in parents also affects children, which is not due to lack of free time, but to reduced motor and health culture. The role of parents in the formation of motor habits for sports and weight maintenance in early childhood for proper health development is confirmed. Impaired metabolism affects the appetite and this dependence is realized through the functioning of the psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune system. The role of food supplements and homeopathic medicines as an appropriate regulator is important.
Conclusion(s): In the complex of therapeutic measures for obese children is movement, nutrition, and parental care to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Obesity prevention is proving to be the most appropriate approach to treatment, through early screening by medical professionals and offering training programs for children and parents
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
ENBEL: CONNECTING HEALTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
No full textBackground: Besides environmental consequences, climate change has most important effect on public health. According to WHO, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress, and affect the most vulnerable populations. Based on recent The Lancet Countdown there has been a 53.7% increase in heat-related mortality in people older than 65 years, reaching a total of 296 000 deaths in 2018.
Aim: H2020 financed project ENBEL (2020–2023) aims to bring together leaders in climate change, and health research and support policy making to shape low-carbon economies and build climate, and health resilience.
Methods: ENBEL coordinates a network of more than 12 international health and climate research projects. The multidisciplinary consortium includes 17 partners from 11 European countries as well as from Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa. Together the partners have competencies in medicine, epidemiology, public health, climate and air quality modelling, health impact assessment and economics. The project has strong emphasis on communication, outreach and engagement in order to raise awareness of the climate impacts on health.
Results: The WP2 “Networking and coordination among researchers and stakeholders within the climate change and health nexus” in ENBEL will present the results in International and Regional Conferences, establish Regional Coordination and Support Mechanism in Africa and develop a library on online or blendedlearning courses and training materials on ‘Climate change and health’. The presentations in conferences and organized local seminars increase the flow of information and knowledge on climate change and health among stakeholders and target groups. The library of courses and training materials on ‘Climate change and health’ will set the good basement for information. The results from individual ‘Research projects represented in ENBEL’ show that impacts of climate change – such as droughts, floods, wildfires and sea-level rise – can have knock-on effects that cross borders and continents. Heat-waves will have high costs for society and besides vulnerable populations, more attention should be paid on negative impact of increased workplace heat stress.
Conclusion(s): The ENBEL project will have key role in linking health and climate change research.
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PROMOTING AND PRACTICING ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE
No full textBackground: In 2019, the WHO identified climate change and air pollution as the top global threat to health. This was illustrated by the health consequences of the catastrophic 2019-20 Australian bushfire season. Health-care systems also contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. For Australia, health care contributes 7% of total carbon emissions and produces considerable clinical and non-clinical waste which is either incinerated or sent to landfill. Despite these threats to health, there is a limited response by health professions education to include climate change and environmentally sustainable healthcare in curricula
Aim: To develop appropriate graduate outcome statements and learning objectives for Climate Change and Health curricula
Methods: In 2017 collaboration of medical schools in Australia and New Zealand and medical student representative organisations from both countries, came together to develop curriculum and learning resources. The scope for curriculum was defined by searching the literature, reviewing teaching experience, and benchmarking against relevant courses developed for medical students by peers. Graduate outcome statements and learning objectives were developed aligned with key broad areas of learning. These were circulated to all medical schools in 2018 to inform curriculum review. Ways to measure and monitor inclusion in medical programs are being researched. Initiatives adopted in other health curricula, including environmental health are being compiled. A resource repository is being developed to support curriculum change.
Results: It was determined that Graduate Outcome Statements (GOS) and learning objectives should cover five broad areas of learning:
the principles of anthropogenic climate change and how this relates to the environmental determinants of health
health impacts of climate change
the impact of climate change on the health system
the environmental impact of the health sector and what comprises environmentally sustainable healthcare, and
creating change, both intra- and intersectorally, through advocacy and leadership.
Conclusions:
Contemporary medical and broader health professional education must prepare graduates for climate change and environmentally sustainable healthcare;
By working collaboratively at a systems level, change can occur at pace and scale.
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
AIR POLLUTION IN METROPOLIAN PERTH AND CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS
No full textBackground: Perth is the capital of Western Australia with a population of over 2 million people. It is generally regarded as having ‘good’ air quality with levels of criteria pollutants usually well below Australian Air Quality Standards (AAQ NEPM). Most exceedances are in discrete areas and associated with bushfires during the warmer months. There is increasing evidence from both Australian and international research that many of the health effects that are attributed to exposure to high levels of air pollutants also occur when people are exposed to levels below national standards, leading to questions about whether the standards are in fact ‘too high’.
Aim: To determine whether unscheduled hospital admission rates in the Perth metropolitan airshed were affected by low levels of pollutants in an airshed with ‘good’ air quality.
Methods: Historical daily ambient air quality for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), PM2.5 and PM10 over a 10-year period were accessed from air monitoring stations throughout the metropolitan area. Hospital admission data for respiratory and cardiovascular cases from all general hospitals in the same geographical area and over the same time period was also obtained. Mean monitored levels of pollutants were divided into thirds or tertiles representing increasing levels of exposure. Logistic regression was performed on all possible combinations of tertiles, illness condition and hospitalization increase.
Results: Significant relationships were found between levels of CO, NO2 and O3 and increases in hospital admissions for various conditions and various combinations of covariates in the second and third tertiles. There were however no significant relationships between PM10 and hospitalizations for any illness and PM2.5 was only found to have a significant relationship with asthma admissions.
Conclusion(s): In urban areas that are considered to have ‘good air quality, low levels of pollutants may still have a detrimental effect on the rate of cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions. The results of this study provide further justification for lowering the maximum levels of pollutants specified in the AAQ NEPM.
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
THE PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED NECK AND BACK PAIN AMONG SUPERMARKET CASHIERS IN BOTSWANA
No full textBackground: Although neck and back pain represent a common occupational problem, few epidemiological studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors for these disorders among supermarkets cashiers in Botswana. Cashiers represent an occupational group whose work tasks put them at an increased risk of development of neck and back pain.
Aim: The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with neck and back pain and their prevalence among supermarkets cashiers in Botswana.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among supermarkets cashiers using self-administered questionnaires distributed to randomly selected supermarkets. The questionnaire gathered information on participants’ demographic characteristics, neck and back pain information, lifestyle and work-related factors. Data were analysed using Chi-squared and logistic regression models.
Results: A total of 174 supermarkets cashiers participated in this study. The prevalence of lower back pain was 68.3%, upper back pain 51.1% and neck pain only 35%. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender and previous injury were associated with neck and upper back pain. Length of employment was associated with lower and upper back pain. Having children less than 6 years was associated with lower back pain [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.66, 95% CI: 1.15-2.87]. Poor workstation layout [OR: 1.71, 95%CI: 1.43-3.22] and serving more than 100/day customers [OR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.57-10.22] were associated with neck and back pain, respectively. Young cashiers aged between 21- 25 years and those who exercised regularly were less likely to report lower pack [OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.27-0.80] and upper back [OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.95] pain, respectively.
Conclusion(s): Back pain was more prevalent among supermarket cashiers when compared to neck pain. Individual factors and work-related factors were associated with neck and/or back pain. Younger cashiers and regular exercise were protective factors for lower back and upper back pain, respectively. This study has found that neck and back pain are multifactorial. Thus, to reduce their prevalence and progression, supermarkets should introduce occupational health and safety talks.
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]
GOOGLE TRENDS AS A HEALTH INDICATOR TO MEASURE GRASS POLLEN EXPOSURES IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
No full textBackground: Grass pollen allergies signify an important public health and environmental health concern in Australia. More than 4.6 million people in Australia had Allergic Rhinitis (AR) in 2017-18. Patients suffering from AR prefer to access pollen information through internet platforms as they serve as an incredible source for tracking disease outbreaks and occurrences within populations. Google is one of the top three search engines in Australia. Google Trends (GT), a web-based surveillance tool provides daily search trends and real-time data towards any topic of interest.
Aim: To identify the association of seasonality of google search trend terms related to allergic rhinitis and with the grass pollen seasons in subtropical Queensland.
Methods: Daily volumes of Google Trends (GT) search terms related to allergic conditions and symptoms for Australia and QLD were extracted over five years and used as an observable metric to investigate interest in AR or pollen related information. To assess seasonality, we compared GT search volume trends with airborne grass pollen concentrations.
Results: Whilst GT searches for asthma in QLD showed seasonality, GT searches for pollen or hay fever did not show obvious seasonality, in contrast to seasonal fluctuations for similar terms being evident in Australia. However, at high pollen conc over 50 grains/m3 there was a significant but weak positive association with GT searches between “pollen” and “allergy”. A GT asthma peak in Australia coincided with the Melbourne thunderstorm asthma event in 2016, and GT pollen in Australia increased thereafter. Over the five-year period there was an increase in GT search volumes for “allergy” in Australia and QLD. The lag correlations between pollen conc and GT search terms showed that GT pollen and GT hay fever were significantly associated with airborne pollen when the pollen concentrations were high-extreme than low-moderate.
Conclusion: We evaluated the effectiveness of GT search terms as a monitoring tool to understand the burden of allergic disease in QLD during the pollen season. Our research indicated that Google Trends provides immediate knowledge of commonly trending terms associated with allergic diseases but cannot be relied upon to verify the actual presence of allergic disease in QLD.
Presenter e-mail: [email protected]