Scandinavian Journal of Public Health current issue

Health impact assessment: An aid to political decision-making

Kemm, J. — 2008-11-12

Screening tool development for health impact assessment of large administrative structural changes

2008-11-12

Aims: Screening is the first, extremely important step of health impact assessment (HIA) methodology. It contributes to the decision to conduct or not conduct a full assessment, and predefines the main fields of interest of the assessment. Methods: Although there are examples of screening tools available on the Internet and in the scientific literature, in many cases lack of access to those tools creates a barrier to the use of HIA. Results: Denmark is undergoing a major structural change in state administration, moving many responsibilities from the state to the local level. Newly constructed councils are faced with challenges regarding their responsibilities in health promotion and other fields, and this has opened a window for the introduction of HIA at a local level. Owing to the lack of experience with HIA in Denmark, screening tools are lacking and are frequently requested by councils. Conclusions: This article describes a newly constructed screening tool for use at the local level, and describes how we approached the construction of the tool.

Hopelessness -- novel facet of the metabolic syndrome in men

2008-11-12

Aims: Recent studies have shown that lack of hope is linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Little is known, however, about the relationship of hopelessness and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to examine the association of hopelessness and the metabolic syndrome. Methods: This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between hopelessness and the metabolic syndrome as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program in a population-based cohort of 1743 non-diabetic men aged 42, 48, 54 and 60 years old at baseline (1984—89). Hopelessness was measured by one's expectations about the future and reaching goals. Results: In simple age-adjusted univariate analyses the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, many of its components and other cardiovascular risk factors were more common in men with higher levels of hopelessness. In a logistic regression model adjusted for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, cardiovascular disease, adult socioeconomic status and physical activity, men in the highest third were 2.1 (95% CI 1.3—3.2) times more likely to have the metabolic syndrome than those in the lowest third. After further adjusting for body mass index and elevated depressive symptoms the respective figures were 1.9 (95% CI 1.2—3.1) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.4—3.4). Conclusions: Hopelessness was strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome in these middle-aged men, independent of other depressive symptoms and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. These findings suggest that hopelessness is very closely related to the metabolic syndrome. Therefore lifestyle management of the metabolic syndrome should also take into account patients' expectations more thoroughly than hitherto acknowledged.

Managerial leadership is associated with self-reported sickness absence and sickness presenteeism among Swedish men and women

Nyberg, A., Westerlund, H., Magnusson Hanson, L. L., Theorell, T. — 2008-11-12

Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between managerial leadership and self-reported sickness absence/presenteeism among Swedish men and women. Methods: Five thousand one hundred and forty-one Swedish employees, 56% of the participants in a nationally representative sample of the Swedish working population, were included in this cross-sectional questionnaire study. The leadership dimensions measured were five subscales of a standardized leadership questionnaire (Global Leadership and Organizational Behaviour Effectiveness Programme): Integrity, Team integration, Inspirational leadership, Autocratic leadership, and Self-centred leadership. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for factors in private life, employment category, labour-market sector, working conditions, self-reported general health, and satisfaction with life in general. Results: Inspirational leadership was associated with a lower rate of short spells of sickness absence (<1 week) for both men and women. Autocratic leadership was related to a greater amount of total sick days taken by men. Sometimes showing integrity was associated with higher rate of sickness absence >1 week among men, and seldom showing integrity was associated with more sickness presenteeism among women. Managers performing Team integration were sometimes associated with women taking fewer short (<1 week) and long (>1 week) spells of sickness absence. Adjustment for self-reported general health did not alter these associations for men, but did so to some extent for women. Conclusions: Managerial leadership was found to be relevant for the understanding of sickness absence in the Swedish working population. There were distinctive gender differences.

Roadmap for patient safety research: approaches and roadforks

Hofoss, D., Deilkas, E. — 2008-11-12

Patient safety improvement is a healthcare priority worldwide. Pioneer research reports include the 1984 Harvard Medical Practice Study, and the 1999 report "To err is human''. Patient safety research is expanding rapidly. Among the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is the patient safety improvement leader, and Norway is the laggard, having only recently institutionalized safety research and then having started with industrial safety research, and only recently having expanded into patient safety research. Aims: To produce a roadmap for patient safety research, indicationg three main roadforks. Patient safety research can be conducted along a number of lines. To identify patient safety problems and come up with ideas for patient safety improvement one can investigate 1) particular cases of adverse events, 2) the design of healthcare delivery systems, or 3) the culture of the care-giving institutions. The study of safety culture can be subdivided into the study of organization culture in general (and in particular of leadership culture) and the study of patient safety culture. The article provides a number of references to existing instruments of patient safety research. Methods: Qualitative interpretation of the referenced literature. Results: Scrutinizing adverse events for errors is health care's traditional way of improving patient safety. The idea of rethinking the design of care delivery systems has been accompanied by claims of modernity. The study of patient safety culture is the most recent approach. The three approaches are discussed in separate sub-chapters. Conclusions: Although chronology suggests a developmental trend, the three approaches should not necessarily be seen as steps up the ladder of evolution. Each approach does have its merits.

Health service interventions targeting relatives of heart patients: A review of the literature

Nissen, N. K., Madsen, M., Olsen Zwisler, A.-D. — 2008-11-12

Aims: Relatives of heart patients experience anxiety, uncertainty, and low quality of life, and the hospitalization of a heart patient is associated with increased risk of death for the partner. Relatives' physical and mental problems may be rectified by activities established by the health services to support relatives and to enable them to handle the situation. This study systematically reviewed the literature on the latest health service interventions targeting relatives of heart patients. Methods: The literature about interventions targeting relatives of heart patients has been systematically reviewed to clarify what the health services do for relatives of heart patients and to assess the effects of interventions. We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL database, CSA and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to March 2006. Results: Only six scientific articles reported on interventions testing health service activities for relatives of heart patients, and one literature review scrutinized earlier studies within the field. All the interventions indicate positive effects on patients' and/or relatives' health and well-being, in accordance with nurses' assessments. Nevertheless, the few studies and their questionable quality means that full evidence on the effects of the interventions is lacking. Conclusions: Future research should clarify the evidence for health service interventions and draw up guidelines for activities for the relatives of heart patients.

Are hospitals also for relatives? A survey of hospitals' activities regarding relatives of cardiac patients

Nissen, N. K., Madsen, M., Kjoller, M., Waldorff, S. B., Olsen Zwisler, A.-D. — 2008-11-12

Aim: Patients and their close relatives both feel the burden of cardiovascular disease. Relatives of heart patients experience lower quality of life and increased mortality than the general population and relatives of patients with other diseases. Nevertheless, knowledge on health services aimed at relatives of patients with cardiac diseases is sparse. This study aimed to survey the prevalence of health services for relatives of cardiac patients in Denmark. Methods: We surveyed activities offered by Danish hospitals to the relatives of cardiac patients. Data were obtained from an Internet-based survey and 50 of 55 invited hospital departments participated. Results: Almost all departments offer activities to relatives of cardiac patients, but only one-quarter have activities specifically aimed at supporting relatives. Large departments offer activities for relatives more often than smaller departments. Participation rates for relatives are generally low, and the departments experience numerous barriers in providing activities for relatives of heart patients. Conclusions: Danish hospitals focus very little on relatives of cardiac patients, and this seems to be due to several factors, including lack of resources, lack of interest and knowledge among staff, and practical and psychological barriers among patients and relatives. More research is needed on health services concerning relatives of cardiac patients, regarding both the prevalence of activities and barriers to these.

How important are individual counselling, expectancy beliefs and autonomy for the maintenance of exercise after cardiac rehabilitation?

Mildestvedt, T., Meland, E., Eide, G. E. — 2008-11-12

Aims: We examined whether autonomy supportive and self-efficacy enhancing individual lifestyle counselling was associated with improved maintenance of exercise and physical capacity compared with group based counselling. We also tested whether self-efficacy beliefs and autonomous motivation was associated with improved maintenance of exercise over time. Methods: Randomised controlled trial and longitudinal study of predictor variables. One hundred and seventy six (38 female) patients mainly with coronary heart disease were randomized to either have standard group based rehabilitation or to additionally receive the intervention. Patients were recruited from a 4-week cardiac rehabilitation programme with two years follow-up at Krokeide Centre in Bergen, Norway. Results: We found no statistically significant between-group differences. The groups showed an overall improvement of their self-evaluated physical capacity during the two years of the study, corresponding 7% change of score (p<0.001). The composite exercise score improved 6% during follow-up (p<0.001). Intensity of exercise activities improved 17% from inclusion to 24 months' follow-up (p<0.001). Self-efficacy for increased exercise, general expectancy and autonomous motivation were significant predictors of increased exercise and physical capacity. Controlled motivation hampered physical capacity improvement. Conclusions: Among this self-selected and motivated group of rehabilitation patients we found no additional effect of adding individual counselling to group-based interventions. Based on longitudinal documentation this cardiac rehabilitation programme improves long-term maintenance of exercise and physical capacity and this maintenance is related to autonomous motivation, general expectancy and self-efficacy.

Long-term fiscal implications of subsidizing in-vitro fertilization in Sweden: A lifetime tax perspective

Svensson, A., Connolly, M., Gallo, F., Hagglund, L. — 2008-11-12

Aims: In Sweden approximately 3% of annual births are conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART). In light of increasing use of ART in Sweden we estimate the lifetime future tax revenues of a child conceived by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to establish whether public subsidy of IVF represents sound fiscal policy. Methods: A modified generational accounting model was developed to calculate the net present value (NPV) of average investment costs required to achieve an IVF-conceived child. The model simulates direct lifetime financial interactions between the child and the Swedish government. Within the model we assume average direct financial transfers are made to the individual (eg, child allowance, education, health care, pension, etc). In return, the individual transfers resources to the government through taxation based on anticipated average earnings. The difference between direct transfers and gross taxes paid equals the net-tax contribution. Individual tax contributions were held constant in the model. Results: Based on average life-expectancy an individual born in 2005 will pay an undiscounted 32.5 million SEK in taxes to the Swedish government and receive 20.9 million SEK in direct financial transfers over their lifetime. When these figures are discounted and IVF costs are included in the analysis we obtain a lifetime NPV of 254,000 SEK with a break-even point at age 41 (the age of achieving a positive NPV) for an individual conceived through IVF. Conclusions: Based on results presented here we conclude that State-funded IVF in Sweden does not negatively impact the long run fiscal budget. Conversely, over an average lifetime an IVF offspring returns a positive net value to the State.

Costs of heart disease and risk behaviour: Implications for expenditure on prevention

Kruse, M., Davidsen, M., Madsen, M., Gyrd-Hansen, D., Sorensen, J. — 2008-11-12

Aims: The objective of this paper is firstly to estimate the healthcare costs attributable to heart disease in Denmark using recently available data for 2002—05. Secondly, to estimate the attributable healthcare costs of lifestyle risk factors among heart patients, in order to inform decision making about prevention programmes specifically targeting patients with heart disease. Methods: For a cohort consisting of participants in a national representative health interview survey, register-based information about hospital diagnosis was used to identify patients with heart disease. Healthcare consumption during 2002— 05 among individuals developing heart disease during 2002—05 was compared with individuals free of heart disease. Healthcare costs attributable to heart disease were estimated by linear regression with adjustment for confounding factors. The attributable costs of excess drinking, physical inactivity and smoking among future heart patients were estimated with the same method. Results: Individuals with heart disease cost the healthcare system on average 3195 (p<0.0001) per person-year more than individuals without heart disease. The attributable cost of unhealthy lifestyle factors among individuals at risk of heart disease was about 11%—16% of the attributable cost of heart disease. Conclusions: Heart disease incurs significant additional costs to the healthcare sector, and more so if heart patients have a history of leading an unhealthy life. Consequently, strategies to prevent or cease unhealthy lifestyle may not only result in cost savings due to avoided heart disease. Additional cost savings may be obtained because heart patients who prior to the disease led a more healthy life consume fewer healthcare resources.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away: Interdisciplinary approaches to solving major public health threats

Medin, J., Krettek, A. — 2008-11-12

Encouraging the installation of rollover protective structures in New York State: the design of a social marketing intervention

2008-11-12

Aims: Increasing the percentage of rollover protective structure (ROPS) equipped tractors has been the focus of many agricultural safety campaigns. Traditionally efforts have attempted to persuade farmers through education or community awareness interventions. These efforts have lead to marginal change. In response, a social marketing approach was tested as a means for increasing interest in ROPS retrofitting in New York. Methods: An initial phone survey was conducted with a random sample of New York farmers to identify a potential target population. Following target selection, in-depth interviews were conducted to isolate barriers and motivators to retrofitting. This information was used to develop message prototypes which were tested in small focus group discussions. Selected and revised messages, as well as various other incentives developed in response to feedback from interviews, were then tested in a prospective, quasi-randomized controlled trial. Results: Small crop and livestock farms were selected as the intervention target since they represent 86% of New York farms with none or only one ROPS protected tractor. Barriers to retrofitting which were identified in interviews were: 1) constant exposures normalize risk, 2) risk is modeled by significant others and 3) safety in general and retrofitting in particular requires too much time and money. The piloting of ROPS incentives led to a marked increase in ROPS sales in New York. Conclusions: Social Marketing provides a promising framework for the design of agricultural injury prevention programs. The potential implications for other health initiatives seeking to promote behaviour change are also discussed.

Underreporting of external cause codes in the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register

Lunetta, P., Impinen, A., Lounamaa, A. — 2008-11-12

Background: Hospital discharge data (HDD) represent one of the most valuable information sources for injury prevention and control. Objectives: To investigate external code of injury (E-code) underreporting in the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register from 1 January 1987 to 31 December 2004. Material and methods: HDD for discharges with an injury as the main diagnosis were extracted from the FNHDR. The selection was made using codes for nature of injury (1987—1995, ICD-9; 1996—2004, ICD-10). The proportion of injury discharges with a missing E-code was examined by sex, age, hospital districts, type of hospital, duration of hospitalization, and nature of injury. Results: In 432,549 (23.1%) of the recorded 1,868,519 discharges, an E-code was missing. The proportion of the discharges with a missing E-code varied among the above variables. During the period 1987—2004, the overall E-code underreporting decreased from 18.0% to 12.8%. The introduction of the ICD-10 in 1996 was followed by a dramatic increase (up to 57.5% of all discharges) in E-code underreporting. Conclusions: More attention ought to be dedicated to teaching and periodic training on the use of E-codes. Educational activities should specifically target the medical doctors, who, in Finland, are responsible for assigning the E-codes.

Communicable disease policy development in response to changing European political frontiers in Finland, Norway and Sweden

Bernitz, B. K. — 2008-11-12

Aims: The European Union (EU) enlargement of 2004 brings both opportunities and challenges for public health. It is believed that further integration will bring direct health benefits, mainly through improved socioeconomic conditions, but there are also risks associated with the EU expansion, in particular cross-border health risks, such as the impact of the internal EU market policy of free movement and migration on communicable disease patterns. Against this background, this article examines communicable disease policy development in Finland, Norway and Sweden in response to changing European political frontiers, in particular the EU accession of the Baltic States. The emphasis is on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Methods: The study is based on a qualitative and quantitative approach, using two complementary methods: documentary analysis and stakeholder analysis. Results: The article identifies a distinct pattern in communicable disease policy development between 1990 and 2005. The turn of the new millennium saw a sharp increase in national attention and the priority assigned to communicable diseases in Finland, Norway and Sweden. The article argues that this development is likely to be related to the rising national, regional and European awareness of the public health challenges associated with communicable diseases in today's borderless Europe. It also shows that the Baltic health situation is a particular concern for Finland. Conclusions: Although there is increasing national and regional activity within the communicable disease area, there is a need for a more effective European approach to tackle the future communicable disease challenges that may follow in an increasingly interdependent and integrated Europe.

Parents' and teachers' communication about HIV and sex in relation to the timing of sexual initiation among young adolescents in Tanzania

Kawai, K., Kaaya, S. F., Kajula, L., Mbwambo, J., Kilonzo, G. P., Fawzi, W. W. — 2008-11-12

Aims: Early sexual debut is associated with increased HIV risk among young adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study examines parents' and teachers' communication about sexual matters in relation to the timing of sexual initiation among students aged 12—14 years old in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: Virgin primary school students were followed prospectively for 6 months to assess sexual initiation. Socio-demographic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors were assessed with a structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Of 2477 adolescents, 26.9% of students reported communicating about HIV and sex with parents and 35.6% communicated with teachers. Communication with teachers about HIV and sex was associated with delayed sexual initiation among adolescents after adjusting for potential confounding factors (OR=0.59, 95%CI=0.40—0.89, p=0.01). However, parental communication was not associated with the timing of sexual initiation. The perception that most peers are sexually active was a significant predictor of early sexual debut (test for linear trend, p=0.002). Students who do not live with a biological mother were marginally more likely to initiate sex compared to those who live with a biological mother (OR=1.39, 95%CI=0.97—1.99, p=0.08). Conclusions: Teachers can play an effective role in discussing HIV and sex with young adolescents. Our study highlights the necessity of responsible adults discussing sexual matters with young adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. More research is required to better understand the role of parental communication about sexual matters and strategies for improving the quality of parental communication.

Time trends in sleep-onset difficulties among Norwegian adolescents: 1983--2005

2008-11-12

Aims: To investigate trend data in the prevalence of sleep-onset difficulties among Norwegian adolescents covering the age groups 11, 13 and 15 years. Methods: Data were based on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children — A WHO Cross-National Survey (HBSC) — and were collected on six occasions between 1983 and 2005. At each point in time data were obtained from representative samples comprising between 3402 and 5026 adolescents. Results: The prevalence of sleep-onset difficulties was higher among 11-year-old students compared to the 13- and 15-year-olds. Girls reported a higher prevalence than boys. A logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of sleep-onset difficulties overall had increased significantly since 1983, which constituted the reference year. When the analysis was broken down by age and gender, the same tendency was found in all groups. Conclusions: The prevalence of sleep-onset difficulties among adolescents has increased during the last decades. This development gives reason for concern and should receive more attention from teachers, parents and health professionals.

World Health Organization Commission on the Social Determinants of Health: Social injustice is killing people on a grand scale: First World Forum Against Drugs: 100 years of global drug prevention marked in Stockholm

2008-11-12