1
|
Mammas IN, Drysdale SB, Charalampous C, Koletsi P, Papatheodoropoulou A, Koutsaftiki C, Sergentanis T, Merakou K, Kornarou H, Papaioannou G, Kramvis A, Greenough A, Theodoridou M, Spandidos DA. Navigating paediatric virology through the COVID‑19 era (Review). Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:83. [PMID: 37503745 PMCID: PMC10555476 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review article presents the key messages of the 8th Workshop on Paediatric Virology organised virtually by the Institute of Paediatric Virology based on the island of Euboea in Greece. The major topics covered during the workshop were the following: i) New advances in antiviral agents and vaccines against cytomegalovirus; ii) hantavirus nephropathy in children; iii) human rhinovirus infections in children requiring paediatric intensive care; iv) complications and management of human adenovirus infections; v) challenges of post‑coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) syndrome in children and adolescents; and vi) foetal magnetic resonance imaging in viral infections involving the central nervous system. The COVID‑19 era requires a more intensive, strategic, global scientific effort in the clinic and in the laboratory, focusing on the diagnosis, management and prevention of viral infections in neonates and children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis N. Mammas
- Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
- First Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens
- Paediatric Clinic, Aliveri, 34500 Island of Euboea, Greece
| | - Simon B. Drysdale
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE
- Department of Paediatrics, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | | | - Patra Koletsi
- Department of Paediatrics, 'Penteli' Children's Hospital, 15236 Palaia Penteli
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), 'Penteli' Children's Hospital, 15236 Palaia Penteli
| | | | - Chryssie Koutsaftiki
- COVID-19 Reference Centre, 'Rafina' Health Care Centre, 19009 Rafina
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Theodoros Sergentanis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Helen Kornarou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens
| | - Georgia Papaioannou
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, 'Mitera' Children's Hospital, 15123 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anne Greenough
- Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, King's College London, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Maria Theodoridou
- First Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Department of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tsochantaridou A, Sergentanis TN, Grammatikopoulou MG, Merakou K, Vassilakou T, Kornarou E. Food Advertisement and Dietary Choices in Adolescents: An Overview of Recent Studies. Children 2023; 10:children10030442. [PMID: 36980000 PMCID: PMC10047133 DOI: 10.3390/children10030442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents are exposed to food marketing through many routes, including television, movies, videos, print media, online games, and social media. The interplay between exposure to unhealthy food advertisements and food choices by adolescents is a field of special interest given the ongoing evolution of social media trends and marketing strategies. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the scientific findings in the last five years (2017–2022) regarding the possible influence of nutrition-related advertisements through television, social media, or video games on the choice and consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks in adolescents. Nineteen studies were included in this review. Adolescents exposed to unhealthy food and beverage advertising showed high desire and intention to consume the advertised foods, as evidenced by the majority of included studies. The effects of advertisements are reinforced by peer pressure and influencers and interact with socioeconomic, biological, and environmental factors. Food marketing represents part of the obesogenic environment of the present time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Tsochantaridou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Kornarou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kouvelis G, Papadimitriou A, Merakou K, Doulis I, Karapsias S, Kloukos D. A Prospective Cohort Study Assessing the Impact of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances on Saliva Properties and Oral Microbial Flora. Oral Health Prev Dent 2021; 19:67. [PMID: 33491380 DOI: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b898961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Orthodontic treatment may introduce a risk to the integrity of enamel due to plaque accumulation and colonisation by oral microbes. This prospective cohort study observed the effect of fixed, self-ligating orthodontic appliances on saliva properties and oral microbial flora.
Materials and Methods: Thirty adolescent patients were recruited (13 female, 17 male, mean age 13.97 ± 2.07 years). Saliva samples were collected before placement of fixed orthodontic appliances (T0), and 4 (T1) and 12 (T2) weeks later. Salivary pH, flow rate and buffering capacity were recorded. All saliva samples were cultured on agar plates for 2 days. Salivary prevalence of Neisseria spp., streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Candida albicans were assessed.
Results: High buffering capacity was reported in 21 patients at T0, 22 patients at T1 and in 28 patients at T2. Saliva flow rate also increased over time (7.08 ml/5 min at T0, 7.93 ml/5 min at T1 and 8.35 ml/5min at T2). Mean pH was 7.63 at T0, 7.67 at T1 and 7.78 at T2. There was no evidence that either pH or the number of colonies of any of the microbial species changed over time.
Conclusion: The increased buffering capacity of saliva as well as the salivary flow rate after initial bonding might be protective against the development of dental caries. Current microbial findings indicate that initiation of orthodontic treatment may not be associated with significant changes in oral microbial flora.
Collapse
|
4
|
Eley C, Lundgren PT, Kasza G, Truninger M, Brown C, Hugues VL, Izso T, Teixeira P, Syeda R, Ferré N, Kunszabo A, Nunes C, Hayes C, Merakou K, McNulty C. Teaching young consumers in Europe: a multicentre qualitative needs assessment with educators on food hygiene and food safety. Perspect Public Health 2021; 142:175-183. [PMID: 33461394 PMCID: PMC9047106 DOI: 10.1177/1757913920972739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Foodborne illnesses have a significant global burden and can be life-threatening, with higher risk in vulnerable groups such as children. SafeConsume is an EU-funded, transdisciplinary project aiming to improve consumers' food safety behaviour. Developing educational resources on food safety for use in schools has potential to improve teaching of our young consumers. The aim of this study was to explore school educators' attitudes, behaviours and knowledge towards food hygiene, safety and education. METHODS Focus groups and interviews in England, France, Portugal and Hungary explored educator knowledge, skills, intentions and beliefs around educating young people (11-18 years) about food safety. Data were analysed using NVivo and emerging themes were applied to the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS A total of 48 educators participated. Knowledge, confidence and skills to teach food safety to young people varied depending on background and training. Educators reported they had a role to teach food safety to young people, were positive about delivering education and optimistic they could improve students' food safety behaviour. Barriers to teaching included lack of national curriculum coverage, limited time and money, and lack of facilities. Educators reported that social influences (family, celebrity chefs, public health campaigns and social media) were important opportunities to improve young peoples' awareness of food safety and consequences of foodborne illness. CONCLUSION Educator food safety expertise varied; training could help to optimise educator knowledge, confidence and skills. Ministries of Health and Education need encouragement to get food safety incorporated further into school curricula across Europe, so schools will be motivated to prioritise these topics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Eley
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, 4th Floor, Twyver House, Gloucester GL1 1DQ, UK
| | | | - G Kasza
- National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - C Brown
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | | | - T Izso
- National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | - P Teixeira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Syeda
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - N Ferré
- Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
| | - A Kunszabo
- National Food Chain Safety Office, Budapest, Hungary
| | - C Nunes
- University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - C Hayes
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - K Merakou
- National School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Attica, Greece
| | - Cam McNulty
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rachiotis G, Barbouni A, Basagiannis A, Katsioulis A, Kostikas K, Mouchtouri V, Merakou K, Kremastinou J, Hadjichristodoulou CS. Prevalence and determinants of current cigarette smoking and secondhand smoking among Greek adolescents: the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2013 study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034760. [PMID: 32114476 PMCID: PMC7050343 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Smoking prevalence in Greece is considered high within the European Union and the collection of evidence on tobacco use among adolescents is of vital importance in order to develop effective smoking prevention and cessation programmes. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Greece. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) is a national representative, paper-and-pencil, cross-sectional, school-based study of students at ages 13-15 years. The survey employed a multistage cluster sample design with schools selected proportional to enrolment size. Finally, 4618/5127 students aged 13-15 years participated in the survey. The school response rate was 98.1%, the student response rate was 90.1% and the overall response rate was 88.4%. RESULTS The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was estimated at 10.1% (10.4% in GYTS 2005) and of exposure to secondhand smoking in public places at 67.4% (94.1% in GYTS 2005). The vast majority of the adolescents (82.1%) supported the banning of smoking inside enclosed public places. Most of the current smokers (90.8%) were not prevented/refused purchase because of their age according to existing law. Multivariate analysis showed that peer influence (OR=48.32; 95% CI 36.2 to 64.48), pocket money (OR=2.63; 95% CI 1.28 to 3.41), increasing age (OR=2.35; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.39) and low educational level of father (OR=2.82; 95% CI 1.7 to 4.68) were risk factors independently associated with current cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS Despite the existence of strict laws related to tobacco control, exposure to secondhand smoking among Greek students remained high even when compared with GYTS in 2005. This is likely a result of weak enforcement, what is really missing is the enforcement of the related legislation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- Department of Public and Administrative Hygiene, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Basagiannis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonis Katsioulis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kostikas
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Varvara Mouchtouri
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public and Administrative Hygiene, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Jenny Kremastinou
- Department of Public and Administrative Hygiene, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Diamantopoulou E, Barbouni A, Merakou K, Lagiou A, Farsalinos K. Patterns of e-cigarette use, biochemically verified smoking status and self-reported changes in health status of a random sample of vapeshops customers in Greece. Intern Emerg Med 2019; 14:843-851. [PMID: 30635832 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-018-02011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
To understand the population impact of e-cigarettes, it is important to examine the profile of e-cigarette users. The purpose was to examine the characteristics, patterns of e-cigarette use and smoking status of a random sample of vapeshops customers in Greece. Fourteen vapeshops were randomly selected in the region of Athens. Every third customer buying products for personal use was recruited by a researcher visiting the vapeshops. Current smoking status was assessed by measuring exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO), with a value ≥ 7 ppm being used to classify subjects as current smokers. A questionnaire was used to examine past smoking status, patterns of e-cigarette use, changes in health status and experienced side effects. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of being a former smoker. A total of 309 participants were analyzed, with 82.5% being daily e-cigarette users. The vast majority (98%) were smokers before e-cigarette use initiation, with 69.6% of them having eCO < 7 ppm (former smokers). Only 1% were never smokers, and 1% had quit smoking before e-cigarette use initiation; all of them had eCO < 7 ppm. Most participants were using third-generation devices (61.8%) and were using non-tobacco flavors (58.9%). The average liquid consumption was 5 mL/day. Most participants experienced health benefits, mainly improvement in physical status, exercise capacity, olfactory and gustatory senses, while the most common side effects were throat irritation and cough. The strongest correlate of being a former smoker was daily e-cigarette use. Vapeshops customers in Greece are mainly current and former smokers with the majority of them having quit smoking. E-cigarette use by never smokers is rare and none of them subsequently initiate smoking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Areti Lagiou
- University of West Attica, 12243, Aigaleo, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Farsalinos
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece.
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, 17674, Kallithea, Greece.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Rio, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Farsalinos K, Siakas G, Poulas K, Voudris V, Merakou K, Barbouni A. E-cigarette use is strongly associated with recent smoking cessation: an analysis of a representative population sample in Greece. Intern Emerg Med 2019; 14:835-842. [PMID: 30637600 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-018-02023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The purpose was to examine the association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation according to quit duration in Greece in 2017. A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of adults living in Attica prefecture was performed in May 2017 through telephone interviews. The present analysis was confined to current and former smokers (n = 2568). Logistic regression analyses were performed with current and current daily e-cigarette use being the dependent variables and demographics and smoking status (current smokers vs smoking cessation for ≤ 12 months, 13-36 months, 36-72 months, and > 72 months) being independent variables. Almost half of former smokers (47.7%) had quit smoking for ≤ 72 months. Current e-cigarette use was more prevalent among former smokers of ≤ 12 months (26.2%) and 13-36 months (27.0%), and was rare among former smokers of > 72 months (1.0%). Current e-cigarette use was strongly associated with smoking cessation for ≤ 12 months (OR 6.12, 95% CI 4.11-9.10, P < 0.001) and 13-36 months (OR 6.28, 95% CI 4.25-9.28, P < 0.001). Current daily e-cigarette use was also strongly associated with smoking cessation for ≤ 12 months (OR 10.41, 95% CI 6.56-16.53, P < 0.001) and 13-36 months (OR 11.18, 95% CI 7.12-17.55, P < 0.001). Current and current daily e-cigarette use were not significantly associated with smoking cessation for 37-72 months, and were negatively associated with smoking cessation for > 72 months. Current and current daily e-cigarette use are strongly associated with recent smoking cessation in Greece, suggesting a positive public health impact in a country with the highest prevalence of smoking in the European Union. E-cigarettes do not appear to promote relapse in long term former smokers. Duration of smoking cessation and frequency of e-cigarette use should be taken into consideration when examining the association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation in population studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Farsalinos
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea, 17674, Greece.
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio, 26500, Greece.
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens, 11521, Greece.
| | - Georgios Siakas
- Public Opinion Research Unit, University of Macedonia, Egnatia 156, Thessaloniki, 54636, Greece
| | | | - Vassilis Voudris
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea, 17674, Greece
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens, 11521, Greece
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens, 11521, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Farsalinos KE, Siakas G, Poulas K, Voudris V, Merakou K, Barbouni A. Electronic cigarette use in Greece: an analysis of a representative population sample in Attica prefecture. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:20. [PMID: 29653578 PMCID: PMC5899338 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose was to assess prevalence and correlates of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in Greece in 2017. Methods A cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 4058 adults living in Attica prefecture (35% of the Greek adult population) was performed in May 2017 through telephone interviews. Prevalence and frequency of e-cigarette use were assessed according to the smoking status, and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify correlates of use. Results Current smoking was reported by 32.6% of participants. Ever e-cigarette use was reported by 54.1% (51.4–56.8%) of current smokers, 24.1% (21.7–26.5%) of former smokers and 6.5% (5.3–7.7%) of never smokers. Past experimentation was the most prevalent pattern of e-cigarette use among ever users (P < 0.001). Almost 80% of ever and 90% of current e-cigarette users were using nicotine. Extrapolated to the whole Attica population (3.1 million), there were 1 million current smokers, 848,000 ever e-cigarette users and 155,000 current e-cigarette users. The majority of current e-cigarette users (62.2%) were former smokers. Only 0.2% of never smokers were current e-cigarette users. One out of 20 participants considered e-cigarettes a lot less harmful than smoking. Being current or former smoker were the strongest correlates current e-cigarette use (OR 30.82, 95%CI 10. 21–69.33 and OR 69.33, 95%CI 23.12–207.90 respectively). Conclusions E-cigarette use in Greece is largely confined to current or former smokers, while current use and nicotine use by never smokers is extremely rare. The majority of current e-cigarette users were former smokers. Most participants overestimate the harmfulness of e-cigarettes relative to smoking. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12954-018-0229-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos E Farsalinos
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, 17674, Kallithea, Greece. .,Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500, Rio, Greece. .,National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece.
| | - Georgios Siakas
- Public Opinion Research Unit, University of Macedonia, Egnatia 156, 546 36, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Vassilis Voudris
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, 17674, Kallithea, Greece
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Merakou K, Kyklou E, Antoniadou E, Theodoridis D, Doufexis E, Barbouni A. Health-related quality of life of a very special population: monks of Holy Mountain Athos, Greece. Qual Life Res 2017; 26:3169-3175. [PMID: 28616674 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-017-1622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The investigation of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of Orthodox Christian monks who live at the Holy Mount Athos in Greece, and its correlation with demographic characteristics and Sense of Coherence (SOC-13). METHODS A cross-sectional study was designed. The seven monasteries and five scetes with the largest number of monk population were invited to participate. Two monasteries and 1 scete gave their permission for the study. The final monks sample was formed by 166 monks from 215 who participated to the study. HRQOL was assessed using the SF-12 and Sense of Coherence the SOC-13 scales that were completed by monks from May to August 2012. Μultiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of the HRQOL subscales with the demographics and SOC-13. RESULTS The mean age was 45.5 ± 13.0 years; 83.7% lived in communal monasteries, and the mean number of years in monasticism was 18.4 ± 12.1. The mean value of their Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 47.3 ± 5.3, which is lower than in the general Greek men population, while their Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 56.4 ± 5.8, which is higher than in the general Greek men population. The mean value of SOC-13 was 65.7 ± 6.5. Positive association for PCS appeared for place of living (β = 5.43, SE = 1.27, p < 0.001) and negative association for age (β = -0.16, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001) while for MCS for number of years in monasticism (β = 0.07, SE = 0.06, p = 0.023) and sense of coherence (β = 0.47, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that monks had better mental health but worse physical health compared to the general Greek male population. More studies are required to validate the above findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Merakou
- Department of Public & Administrative Health, National School Of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Ave., 115 21, Athens, Greece.
| | - E Kyklou
- General University Hospital of Larisa, 413 34, Larisa, Greece
| | - E Antoniadou
- Department of Public & Administrative Health, National School Of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Ave., 115 21, Athens, Greece
| | - D Theodoridis
- General Hospital of Athens "Sotiria", 152, Mesogeion Ave, 115 21, Athens, Greece
| | - E Doufexis
- Simonos Petras Monastery, Mt Athos, Dafni, Greece
| | - A Barbouni
- Department of Public & Administrative Health, National School Of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Ave., 115 21, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Merakou K, Taki S, Barbouni A, Antoniadou E, Theodoridis D, Karageorgos G, Kourea-Kremastinou J. Sense of Coherence (SOC) in Christian Orthodox Monks and Nuns in Greece. J Relig Health 2017; 56:521-529. [PMID: 27146050 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-016-0244-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the stress management skills of Christian Orthodox monks and nuns, as measured by Antonovsky's scale sense of coherence (SOC). A case-control study was designed to test the hypotheses whether monks and nuns have higher SOC than secular people. The study population consisted of 193 individuals, 96 monks and nuns (study group) and 97 secular men and women (control group). SOC score was higher in monks and nuns as compared to the secular population (p = 0.002), men as compared to women (p = 0.012) and persons of older age (p = 0.004) as compared to younger individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece.
- General Hospital of Drama, Macedonia, Greece.
| | - Stavroula Taki
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece
- General Hospital of Drama, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece
- General Hospital of Drama, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Eleni Antoniadou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece
- General Hospital of Drama, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Theodoridis
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece
- General Hospital of Drama, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Georgios Karageorgos
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece
- General Hospital of Drama, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Jeny Kourea-Kremastinou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece
- General Hospital of Drama, Macedonia, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Merakou K, Xefteri E, Barbouni A. Sense of Coherence in Religious Christian Orthodox Women in Greece. Community Ment Health J 2017; 53:353-357. [PMID: 27460978 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-016-0051-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of correlation between the way of life of women-secular and devoted (belonging to a Christian Orthodox fraternity)-and their stress management skills. Sample population consisted of 200 women, 100 belonging to an Orthodox Christian fraternity and 100 secular women, 18 years of age and older from the wider Thessaloniki area (North Greece). Antonovsky's Scale Sense of Coherence (SOC) was used for stress management skills evaluation. The mean SOC score was 138 (95 % CI 133.9-142.1) for secular and 149.9 (95 % CI 144.9-154.9) for devoted women. The presence of a strong sense of coherence for those women belonging to the fraternity (p = 0.004) and older age (p = 0.019) correlate with higher SOC scores. Religiousness appears to enhance stress management skills in women although additional evidence needs in support of the findings of this research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni Xefteri
- Department of Protection and Promotion of Public Health, 1, King George Ave., 54640, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, 196, Alexandras Ave., 11521, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rachiotis G, Barbouni A, Katsioulis A, Antoniadou E, Kostikas K, Merakou K, Kourea K, Khoury RN, Tsouros A, Kremastinou J, Hadjichristodoulou C. Prevalence and determinants of current and secondhand smoking in Greece: results from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013150. [PMID: 28104708 PMCID: PMC5253573 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Greece is one of the leading tobacco-producing countries in European Union, and every year over 19 000 Greeks die from tobacco-attributable diseases. The aim of the present study was to provide nationally representative estimates on current and secondhand smoking prevalence in Greece and their determinants. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Greece. PARTICIPANTS A total of 4359 individuals participated in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), a household survey of adults ≥15 years old (overall response rate 69%). They were selected through a multistage geographically clustered sampling design with face-to-face interview. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES In 2013, we investigated the prevalence of current and secondhand smoking and their determinants. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was used in order to identify possible risk factors associated with the prevalence of current and secondhand smoking. RESULTS The prevalence of current smoking was 38.2% (95% CI 35.7% to 40.8%), and the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 19.8. Multivariate analysis confirmed that male gender (OR=3.24; 95% CI 2.62 to 4.00), age groups (25-39, OR=4.49; 95% CI 3.09 to 8.46 and 40-54, OR=3.51; 95% CI 1.88 to 5.87) and high school education (OR=1.97; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.74) were independently associated with the current smoking. Remarkably, responders with primary or less education had the lowest prevalence of current smoking (p<0.001). The prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke at work, home and restaurants, was 52.3%, 65.7% and 72.2%. In total, 90.0% (95% CI 87.8% to 91.9%) of Greek population is exposed to tobacco smoke (current smoking and secondhand smoke). CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed an extremely high prevalence of current smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke among the adult population and a positive gradient between education and current smoking. These findings are alarming and implementation of comprehensive tobacco control and prevention strategies could be impactful in fighting the tobacco epidemic in Greece.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Rachiotis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Katsioulis
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Antoniadou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kostikas
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Kallirrhoe Kourea
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Rula N Khoury
- Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Agis Tsouros
- Regional Office for Europe, World Health Organization, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jenny Kremastinou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Moysidou A, Farsalinos KE, Voudris V, Merakou K, Kourea K, Barbouni A. Knowledge and Perceptions about Nicotine, Nicotine Replacement Therapies and Electronic Cigarettes among Healthcare Professionals in Greece. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016; 13:ijerph13050514. [PMID: 27213421 PMCID: PMC4881139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13050514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of Greek healthcare professionals about nicotine, nicotine replacement therapies and electronic cigarettes. Methods. An online survey was performed, in which physicians and nurses working in private and public healthcare sectors in Athens-Greece were asked to participate through email invitations. A knowledge score was calculated by scoring the correct answers to specific questions with 1 point. Results. A total of 262 healthcare professionals were included to the analysis. Most had daily contact with smokers in their working environment. About half of them considered that nicotine has an extremely or very important contribution to smoking-related disease. More than 30% considered nicotine replacement therapies equally or more addictive than smoking, 76.7% overestimated their smoking cessation efficacy and only 21.0% would recommend them as long-term smoking substitutes. For electronic cigarettes, 45.0% considered them equally or more addictive than smoking and 24.4% equally or more harmful than tobacco cigarettes. Additionally, 35.5% thought they involve combustion while the majority responded that nicotine in electronic cigarettes is synthetically produced. Only 14.5% knew about the pending European regulation, but 33.2% have recommended them to smokers in the past. Still, more than 40% would not recommend electronic cigarettes to smokers unwilling or unable to quit smoking with currently approved medications. Cardiologists and respiratory physicians, who are responsible for smoking cessation therapy in Greece, were even more reluctant to recommend electronic cigarettes to this subpopulation of smokers compared to all other participants. The knowledge score of the whole study sample was 7.7 (SD: 2.4) out of a maximum score of 16. Higher score was associated with specific physician specialties. Conclusions. Greek healthcare professionals appear to overestimate the adverse effects of nicotine, and many would not recommend any nicotine-containing product as a long-term smoking substitute. Additionally, they have poor knowledge about the function and characteristics of electronic cigarettes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Moysidou
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece.
| | | | - Vassilis Voudris
- Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Sygrou 356, Kallithea 17674, Greece.
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece.
| | - Kallirrhoe Kourea
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece.
| | - Anastasia Barbouni
- National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Merakou K, Kyklou E, Antoniadou E, Karageorgos G, Doufexis E, Barbouni A. Salutogenesis and the Monks of Athos, Greece: A Spiritual Health Promotion? Adv Mind Body Med 2016; 30:11-18. [PMID: 27250212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Context • A cohort of studies on secular populations has indicated the role that religiosity plays in psychological well-being. An increase in the participation in religious activity has been shown to have a positive correlation with beneficial mental health outcomes. Internationally, few studies exist regarding the sense of coherence (SOC) of monks. SOC is a health asset related to stress management skills. Objective • The study aimed to assess the SOC of monks who lived at Mount Athos, Greece, and to determine its correlation with demographic characteristics. Design • The type of design was a descriptive cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. Setting • The study took place at Mount Athos in 2 monasteries and 1 skete, which is an organized community that consists of several monastic huts that belong to a communal monastery. Participants • Of the 215 monks living in the 2 monasteries and the skete, 166 monks participated. Outcome Measures • Data were collected from May-August 2012, using a structured questionnaire that was divided into 2 parts: (1) a demographic section (8 items) and (2) the Sense of Coherence (SOC-13) survey. Results • The mean age of participants was 45.5 y ± 13.0. Of the 166 monks participating, 139 (83.7 %) lived in communal monasteries, and the mean time of participation in monasticism was 18.4 ± 12.1 y. The mean value on the SOC-13 scale was 65.7 ± 6.5. According to the multiple regression analyses, the number of years in monasticism presented a positive correlation with the SOC score (β = 0.12, SE = 0.04, P = .003), whereas the number of daily hours of sleep presented a negative correlation with the SOC score (β = -1.34, SE = 0.50, P = .008). Conclusions • The monks seemed to have a strong SOC and, therefore, adequate stress management skills. Religious spirituality may help individuals in coping with daily life. More evidence-based studies need to be implemented to highlight the correlation between Orthodox Christian monasticism and SOC.
Collapse
|
15
|
Merakou K, Varouxi G, Barbouni A, Antoniadou E, Karageorgos G, Theodoridis D, Koutsouri A, Kourea-Kremastinou J. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Alterations through Music in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery in Greece. Ophthalmol Eye Dis 2015; 7:7-12. [PMID: 26106264 PMCID: PMC4467656 DOI: 10.4137/oed.s20960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Music has been proposed as a safe, inexpensive, nonpharmacological antistress intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients undergoing cataract surgery while listening to meditation music experience lower levels of blood pressure and heart rate. METHODS Two hundred individuals undergoing cataract surgery participated in the study. Hundred individuals listened to meditation music, through headphones, before and during the operation (intervention group) and 100 individuals received standard care (control group). Patients stress coping skills were measured by the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC Scale). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were defined as outcome measures. RESULTS According to the SOC Scale, both groups had similar stress coping skills (mean score: 127.6 for the intervention group and 127.3 for the control group). Before entering the operating room (OR) as well as during surgery the rise in systolic and diastolic pressures was significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Among patients receiving antihypertensive therapy, those in the intervention group presented a lower increase only in systolic pressure (P < 0.001) at both time recordings. For those patients in the intervention group who did not receive antihypertensive treatment, lower systolic blood pressure at both time recordings was recorded (P < 0.001) while lower diastolic pressure was observed only during entry to the OR (P = 0.021). Heart rate was not altered between the two groups in any of the recordings. CONCLUSIONS Meditation music influenced patients’ preoperative stress with regard to systolic blood pressure. This kind of music can be used as an alternative or complementary method for blood pressure stabilizing in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anastasia Barbouni
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Antoniadou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Karageorgos
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Theodoridis
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Jenny Kourea-Kremastinou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Merakou K, Knithaki A, Karageorgos G, Theodoridis D, Barbouni A. Group patient education: effectiveness of a brief intervention in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary health care in Greece: a clinically controlled trial. Health Educ Res 2015; 30:223-232. [PMID: 25724879 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyv001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the impact of a brief patient group education intervention in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The sample, 193 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were patients at the diabetic clinic of a primary health care setting in Attica, was assigned to two groups, intervention (138 individuals) and control group (55 individuals). The intervention group, instead of receiving standard care, attended a structured group educational programme using Conversation Maps while the control group had standard care. The main outcome measures were HbA1c, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), measured at baseline and 6 months after the intervention. After 6 months, significant differences in changes of the studied parameters were observed between the groups in HbA1c, 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.7), (P < 0.001) and HDL -4.4 (95% CI: -8.1, -0.8), (P < 0.001) in favour of group education. Within the groups, the intervention group presented a significant reduction in HbA1c, -0.6 (95% CI: -0.8, -0.3), (P < 0.001), in BMI, -0.7 (95% CI: -0.9, -0.1), (P = 0.007), in triglycerides, -21.1 (95% CI: -47.1, -9.9), (P = 0.003) and LDL, -10.0 (95% CI: -22.5, -5.7), (P < 0.001), while in the control group significant reductions were observed in HbA1c, -0.5 (95% CI: -0.5, -0.3), (P = 0.003), in HLD, -4.1 (95% CI: -7.7, -2.3), (P = 0.001) and in LDL, -9.4 (95% CI: -19.9, -3.9), (P = 0.018). Group-based patient education using Conversation Maps for people with type 2 diabetes is more effective, compared with individual education, in diabetes self-management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Merakou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, 11521, Greece and Health Center of Markopoulo, 19003, Attica, Greece
| | - A Knithaki
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, 11521, Greece and Health Center of Markopoulo, 19003, Attica, Greece
| | - G Karageorgos
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, 11521, Greece and Health Center of Markopoulo, 19003, Attica, Greece
| | - D Theodoridis
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, 11521, Greece and Health Center of Markopoulo, 19003, Attica, Greece
| | - A Barbouni
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, 11521, Greece and Health Center of Markopoulo, 19003, Attica, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Merakou K, Koutsouri A, Antoniadou E, Barbouni A, Bertsias A, Karageorgos G, Lionis C. Sense of coherence in people with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: an observational study from Greece. Ment Health Fam Med 2013; 10:3-13. [PMID: 24381649 PMCID: PMC3822667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Antonovsky's concept of sense of coherence (SOC) has been suggested to relate to health, especially mental health and preventive health behaviours. Psychological distress has been identified as a risk factor for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study of SOC and diabetes has not received much attention in Greece. This study aims to explore the extent to which type 2 diabetes mellitus can affect the SOC score. Methods An observational design was used to test the study hypothesis that individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus would have a lower SOC than those without diabetes mellitus. A total of 202 individuals were studied, consisting of 100 people with diabetes mellitus (the study group) and 102 people with non-chronic orthopaedic conditions (the control group). All of the participants were patients of the Diabetic Clinic or the Orthopaedic Clinic of Livadia Hospital in Central Greece. SOC was assessed using a 29-item SOC questionnaire that had been translated into Greek and validated. Results Patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus had 2.4 times higher odds of having a high SOC score than patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (P = 0.036; odds ratio [OR] = 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-5.23). Male patients had 3.9 times higher odds of having a high SOC score (P < 0.001; OR = 3.85, 95% CI = 1.71-8.67) than female patients. With regard to education, patients with a lower level of education had almost three times higher odds of having a high SOC score than patients with a higher level of education (P = 0.024; OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.15-7.67). Conclusions This study adds to the existing literature and indicates that SOC is a health asset. A study with an experimental design would clarify the interesting hypothesis of this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Merakou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - A Koutsouri
- General Hospital of Livadia, Terma Agiou Vlasiou, Livadia, Viotia, Greece
| | - E Antoniadou
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - A Barbouni
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece
| | - A Bertsias
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - G Karageorgos
- General Hospital of New Ionia 'Agia Olga', Athens, Greece
| | - C Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Barbouni A, Hadjichristodoulou C, Merakou K, Antoniadou E, Kourea K, Miloni E, Warren CW, Rachiotis G, Kremastinou J. Correction: Barbouni, A., et al. Tobacco Use, Exposure to Secondhand Smoke, and Cessation Counseling Among Health Professions Students: Greek Data from the Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2012, 9, 331-342. IJERPH 2012. [PMCID: PMC3499870 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9093317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Barbouni
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +30-21-2010255; Fax: +30-21-06423041
| | - Christos Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Papakyriazi 22, Larissa 41222, Greece; (C.H.); (G.R.)
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Eleni Antoniadou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Kallirrhoe Kourea
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Evangelia Miloni
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Charles W. Warren
- Office of Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| | - George Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Papakyriazi 22, Larissa 41222, Greece; (C.H.); (G.R.)
| | - Jenny Kremastinou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, Athens 11521, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Barbouni A, Hadjichristodoulou C, Merakou K, Antoniadou E, Kourea K, Miloni E, Warren CW, Rahiotis G, Kremastinou J. Tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, and cessation counseling among health professions students: greek data from the global health professions student Survey (GHPSS). Int J Environ Res Public Health 2012; 9:331-342. [PMID: 22470295 PMCID: PMC3315079 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9010331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We conducted the GHPSS (Global Health Professions Student Survey) to obtain information regarding health profession students' smoking habits and perceptions, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) as well as level of knowledge and training on tobacco use and smoking cessation counseling. GHPSS is a survey for third-year students in the following fields: health visitors, dentistry, medicine, nursing and/or pharmacy. The highest tobacco use prevalence rate and exposure to SHS were recorded among health visitor students with 46.4% and 33.3% respectively. The majority of the respondents believed that their profession serves as a role model for their patients. Formal training on cessation counseling ranged between 10.7% for health visitor students to 22.4% for nursing students. The relatively high percentage of health profession students who currently smoke and the alarmingly high percentage of those exposed to SHS indicate lack of concerted efforts for implementation and effective enforcement of the anti-tobacco policy measures. Despite its significance, formal training on cessation counseling for students is strikingly low. These results indicate the urgent need to train health professional students on tobacco cessation counseling and educate them on the dangers of tobacco use, SHS and the positively influential role they can play to affect their patients' smoking habits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Barbouni
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Christos Hadjichristodoulou
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Papakyriazi 22, 41222, Larissa, Greece; (C.H.); (G.R.)
| | - Kyriakoula Merakou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Eleni Antoniadou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Kallirrhoe Kourea
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Evangelia Miloni
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Charles W. Warren
- Office of Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA;
| | - George Rahiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Papakyriazi 22, 41222, Larissa, Greece; (C.H.); (G.R.)
| | - Jenny Kremastinou
- Department of Public Health, National School of Public Health, Alexandras Av. 196, 11521, Athens, Greece; (K.M.); (E.A.); (K.K.); (E.M.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lecky DM, McNulty CAM, Adriaenssens N, Koprivová Herotová T, Holt J, Touboul P, Merakou K, Koncan R, Olczak-Pienkowska A, Avô AB, Campos J, Farrell D, Kostkova P, Weinberg J. What are school children in Europe being taught about hygiene and antibiotic use? J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66 Suppl 5:v13-21. [PMID: 21680582 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
e-Bug is a pan-European antibiotic and hygiene teaching resource that aims to reinforce awareness in school children of microbes, prudent antibiotic use, hygiene and the transmission of infection. Prior to the production of the resource, it was essential to examine the educational structure across each partner country and assess what school children were being taught on these topics. A questionnaire was devised for distribution to each European partner (Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Spain), exploring their educational structure and examining educational resources or campaigns currently available. From the data collected it was evident that the majority of European schools have structured hand hygiene practices in place from a young age. The curricula in all countries cover the topic of human health and hygiene, but limited information is provided on antibiotics and their prudent use. School educational resources that link to the national curriculum and implement National Advice to the Public campaigns in the classroom are limited. The Microbes en question mobile health education campaign in France is an example of a successful children's education campaign and an innovative programme. Evaluation of the impact of school education on attitude and change of behaviour is also limited throughout many European countries. Not enough is currently being done across Europe to educate school children on the importance of appropriate antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. The data from this research were used to develop e-Bug, a European Union-funded antibiotic and hygiene teaching resource.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Lecky
- Health Protection Agency Primary Care Unit, Microbiology Department, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 3NN, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The e-Bug pack and web site educational material has been translated and adapted to the Greek language and educational background, and implemented throughout Greece as a supplementary educational resource in elementary and junior high schools. Elementary and junior high school teachers in Greece have actively participated in the development of the e-Bug educational resource and supported the implementation of all e-Bug activities. Dissemination to all key national stakeholders has been undertaken, and endorsement has been obtained from educational and medical associations, societies and institutions. Independent evaluation has been carried out, as part of dissertation thesis projects, for postgraduate studies. The e-Bug educational resource provides all the essentials for the dissemination of good health behaviours in hygiene, monitoring the spread of infection and the prudent use of antibiotics, to the youth of this country. Its contribution is expected to be evident in the next adult generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Gennimata
- Department of Public and Administrative Health, National School of Public Health, Athens 11521, Greece.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lecky DM, McNulty CAM, Adriaenssens N, Koprivová Herotová T, Holt J, Kostkova P, Merakou K, Koncan R, Olczak-Pienkowska A, Avô AB, Campos J, Farrell D, Touboul P. Development of an educational resource on microbes, hygiene and prudent antibiotic use for junior and senior school children. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66 Suppl 5:v23-31. [PMID: 21680583 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Health promotion interventions aimed at children and young people have the potential to lay the foundations for healthy lifestyles. One such intervention, e-Bug, aims to provide schoolchildren with knowledge of prudent antibiotic use and how to reduce the spread of infection. Many children and schools approach learning in different ways; therefore, it is essential to research school needs and the variety of learning styles when creating any school resources. This article outlines the process involved during the development of a pan-European educational resource, and identifies the final pack layout, based on feedback from teacher focus groups, student questionnaires and European partner discussions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Lecky
- Health Protection Agency Primary Care Unit, Microbiology Department, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 3NN, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Farrell D, Kostkova P, Lazareck L, Weerasinghe D, Weinberg J, Lecky DM, Adriaenssens N, Koprivová Herotová T, Holt J, Touboul P, Merakou K, Koncan R, Olczak-Pienkowska A, Avô AB, Campos J, McNulty CAM. Developing e-Bug web games to teach microbiology. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66 Suppl 5:v33-8. [PMID: 21680585 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As a complement to the e-Bug teaching pack, two e-Bug games were developed to provide content that aimed to entertain as well as to educate. A set of agreed learning outcomes (LOs) were provided by the scientific partners of the e-Bug Project and the games were developed using user-centred design techniques (the needs, wants and limitations of the potential game players were assessed at each stage of the design process). The e-Bug games were designed for two age groups: Junior (9-12 year olds); and Senior (13-15 year olds). A study using focus groups was done to gain an understanding as to the types of games enjoyed by the target users. According to the preliminary study, the Junior Game was developed as a platform game and the Senior Game was developed as a story-based detective game. The Junior Game consists of five levels, each associated with a set of LOs. Similarly, the Senior Game consists of four missions, each comprising five stages using problem-based learning techniques and LOs. In this paper, the process of development for each game is described in detail and an illustration is provided of how each game level or mission addresses the target LOs. Development of the games used feedback acquired from children in four schools across the UK (Glasgow, London and two in Gloucester). The children were selected according to their willingness to participate. European Partners of the e-Bug Project also provided further support, translation and requests for modifications. The knowledge gained of LOs and further evaluation of the games is continuing, and preliminary results are in press. The final versions of the games, translated into 11 European languages, are available online via www.e-bug.eu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Farrell
- City eHealth Research Centre (CeRC), School of Community and Health Sciences (SC&HS), City University London, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
McNulty CAM, Lecky DM, Farrell D, Kostkova P, Adriaenssens N, Koprivova Herotova T, Holt J, Touboul P, Merakou K, Koncan R, Olczak-Pienkowska A, Brito Avo A, Campos J, Barbouni N, Benes J, Caballero CR, Cornaglia G, Davis C, De Corte S, de Quincey E, Dellamonica P, Gennimata D, Goossens H, Grzesiowski P, Jawaheer G, Kremastinou J, Lazareck L, Noer M, Nowakowska M, Weerasinghe D, Weinberg J, Fry C, Goossens H, Fisher I. Overview of e-Bug: an antibiotic and hygiene educational resource for schools. J Antimicrob Chemother 2011; 66 Suppl 5:v3-12. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkr119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
25
|
Lecky DM, McNulty CAM, Touboul P, Herotova TK, Benes J, Dellamonica P, Verlander NQ, Kostkova P, Weinberg J, Goossens H, Adriaenssens N, De Corte S, Holt J, Noer M, Kostkova P, Farrell D, Kremastinou J, Merakou K, Gennimata D, Cornaglia G, Koncan R, Grzesiowski P, Olczak-Pienkowska A, Avo AB, Campos J. Evaluation of e-Bug, an educational pack, teaching about prudent antibiotic use and hygiene, in the Czech Republic, France and England. J Antimicrob Chemother 2010; 65:2674-84. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkq356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
26
|
Abstract
The aim of this project was to study the way in which patients' rights are being exercised in everyday hospital practice in Greece. Data were collected by using questionnaires and structured interviews with 600 patients. These patients were found to ignore the fact that special regulations exist regarding their rights. They considered their right to information was being respected, albeit to different degrees. Many patients allowed their doctors to make decisions. The right to confidentiality was not considered as a major priority by these patients because they doubted its applicability. They hesitated to protest when their rights were being violated. They thought that the most effective way of protecting their rights is either through the existence of someone with specialized knowledge or an internal hospital committee. These Greek patients appeared to be relatively satisfied with the way in which their rights were being exercised in hospital. However, a number of improvements could increase patient satisfaction regarding this issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Merakou
- National School of Public Health, Dept of Public and Administrative Health, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens 115 21, Greece.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|