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Background Drivers suffering from epilepsy are commonly regarded as a threat to road safety. However, inability to use their own means of transport very often implies specific professional effects and lowers the quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze the driving status of patients with epilepsy in Poland. Material and methods The prospective study was performed using an independent questionnaire developed by the authors, consisting of 4 parts: 1) socio-demographic information, 2) clinical information, 3) driving information, and 4) opinions about patients with epilepsy as drivers. The study was conducted in November 2018-September 2019. A total of 188 patients completed this study. Results More than one-quarter of the patients have a driving license. Among them, 35 individuals (accounting for 18.62% of the whole study group) said that they had received their driving license after the diagnosis of epilepsy. In 10 cases (5.32%), seizures occurred while the patients were driving and in 72 cases (38.30%) while they were traveling as passengers. Among all socio-clinical factors, having a driving license was conditioned by the marital status (p = 0.008) and education (p = 0.007). Other factors did not affect having a driving license or the time of obtaining the license (p > 0.05 for all cases). A relationship was observed between the occurrence of side effects of antiepileptic drugs and the occurrence of seizures while traveling as a car passenger (p = 0.001). Other factors did not affect the occurrence of epileptic seizures while traveling by car, either as a driver or a passenger (p > 0.05). Conclusions A significant proportion of the respondents were of the opinion that patients with epilepsy should not be allowed to obtain a driving license, which is probably related to concerns about the occurrence of epileptic seizures while driving. It is necessary to conduct a nationwide educational and information campaign on epilepsy in various aspects. Med Pr. 2021;72(4):341-50.

In the event of an incident involving the release of hazardous material (eg, chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear agents), key actions can be taken to reduce harm and protect the people involved. The quicker actions can be taken, the less harm will occur. Guidance is, therefore, needed to help nonspecialist members of the public to act rapidly before emergency responders arrive. The "Remove, Remove, Remove" campaign includes critical information for anyone who is at or near the immediate scene of a hazardous material release. Using a representative sample of 1,000 members of the UK population, this study examined the impact of the information campaign on knowledge and perceptions both before and during the immediate response to an incident. Findings showed that perceptions of the information were positive, with respondents stating that the information was useful and that the recommended actions would be effective. Respondents also stated they would be willing and able to perform the actions during a real incident. Additionally, the respondents' knowledge and confidence in taking protective actions increased significantly after receiving the campaign information, and they overwhelmingly agreed that they would want to receive this information if it were available before an incident. The findings of the survey support the use of the "Remove, Remove, Remove" information before and during hazardous materials incidents.

In France information campaigns are periodically conducted within a 10 km radius of nuclear power plants on the protective actions to be adopted in the event of a nuclear accident. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of the inhabitants of the Cattenom PPI area on the recommended actions to be adopted in the event of a nuclear accident after the information campaign that took place from 2016 to 2017 and compare its results with a similar study carried out before the information campaign. We performed a cross-sectional study in the Cattenom PPI area after the 2016-2017 information campaign. We administered questionnaires in ten municipalities selected by lot. These questionnaires contained queries on the general protective actions and required approach to taking potassium iodide (KI). The results obtained were compared with the results of a study conducted before the information campaign in the same area. Out of 200 questionnaires administered, 122 people responded. Only 40% of respondents remembered the information campaign. Only 16% knew all of the recommended protective actions. 78% of households had KI and only 60% knew the objective of KI intake. Compared to the results of the study before the information campaign, KI coverage was better (69% versus 78%, p = 0.02) and the dosage was better known (16% versus 28%, p = 0.0003). This study provides an overview of the effectiveness of information campaigns on the procedure in the event of a nuclear accident. This study highlights the insufficient knowledge of people living in the Cattenom PPI area.

Background: Patients in Belgium needing out-of-hours care have two options: the emergency department (ED) or the general practitioner on call. The latter is often organized in a General Practice Cooperative (GPC). At the ED, there is an overload of patients who could be helped more efficiently by the GPC. Research question: What is the proportion of patients switching from the ED to the GPC (called voluntary switchers) with and without an information campaign? What are the characteristics of these patients?Methods: Single-center prospective intervention trial during the opening hours of the GPC (only weekends: Friday 7.00 pm to Monday 7.00 am). The first 10 weekends there was no intervention. The next 24 weekends, patients in the ED were informed about the out-of-hours care in Belgium. The information contained several topics: characteristics of both services, where to go using examples, practicalities, and costs. This information was distributed through leaflets and broadcasted on a screen in five languages.Results: During the study period, 7,453 patients entered the ED of which 330 are voluntary switchers. The proportion of voluntary switchers was 1.7 percent before and 5.4 percent after the intervention (p < 0.01). This effect remained stable for 10 more months after the study. The average number of patients presenting at the ED per hour was 3.1, whereas on hours with voluntary switchers was 5.1 (p < 0.01). The age distribution and epidemiological profile of the voluntary switchers resembles the one of primary care patients. The general practicioners (GPs) referred 6 percent of the voluntary switchers back to the ED.Conclusion: Co-location of the GPC and the ED and informing patients is a meaningful step toward a more profound collaboration.

Objectives Patient-centered medication lists are a useful documentation method to support safe drug treatment, but they are still inconsistently used and are of varying quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an information campaign on the prevalence and use of medication lists. Material and methods We launched a population-based, low-threshold information campaign within a large region in Germany in order to sensitize the population to the use of medication lists. A survey was sent out at baseline and after 18 months to 5,340 citizens aged ≥ 65 years, covering ~ 4% of the region's population. Results The response rate was 49.4% (N = 2,640) at baseline and 45.4% (N = 2,427) at follow-up. Sociodemographic details of respondents were similar at both time-points as was the possession rate of a medication list among participants with regular medicine intake (51.6%, N = 1,181/2,288 vs. 51.4%, N = 1,082/2,107). Combining baseline and follow-up data, respondents indicated that their general practitioner was involved in issuing the list most often (N = 1,668/2,263, 73.7%), however, in 195 cases (8.6%), respondents indicated being solely responsible for the list. The majority (90.8%, N = 2,055/2,263) indicated having their list in use for longer than 1 year, but for only half of those, the list was updated within the last year. After the intervention, 6% of the respondents indicated being familiar with the campaign those being more likely to possess a list (69.7% N = 83/119 vs. 50.2% N = 999/1,988). Conclusion The campaign did not change overall possession rate, but respondents who were familiar with the campaign were more likely to possess such a list.

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is disrupting urology health-care worldwide. Reduced emergency room visits resulting in adverse outcomes have most recently been reported in pediatrics and cardiology. We aimed to compare patients with emergency room visits for pyelonephritis in 2019 (pre-COVID-19 era) and within the first wave of pandemic in 2020 (COVID-19 era) with regard to the number of visits and severe adverse disease outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective multicentre study comparing characteristics and outcomes of patients with pyelonephritis, excluding patients with hydronephrosis due to stone disease, in 10 urology departments in Germany during a 1-month time frame in March and April in each 2019 and 2020. Results: The number of emergency room visits for pyelonephritis in the COVID-19 era was lower (44 patients, 37.0%) than in the pre-COVID-19 era (76 patients, 63.0%), reduction rate: 42.1% (p = 0.003). Severe adverse disease outcome was more frequent in the COVID-19 era (9/44 patients, 20.5%) than in the pre-COVID-19 era (5/76 patients, 6.6%, p = 0.046). In detail, 7 versus 3 patients needed monitoring (15.9 vs. 3.9%), 2 versus no patients needed intensive-care treatment (4.5 vs. 0%), 2 versus no patients needed drain placement (4.5 vs. 0%), 2 versus no patients had a nephrectomy (4.5 vs. 0%), and 2 versus 1 patient died (4.5 vs. 1.3%). Conclusion: This report of collateral damage during CO­VID-19 showed that emergency room visits were decreased, and severe adverse disease outcomes were increased for patients with pyelonephritis in the COVID-19 era. Health authorities should set up information campaign programs actively encouraging patients to utilize emergency room services in case of severe symptoms specifically during the actual second wave of pandemic.

This study evaluates the effect of the documentary Under the Dome on the concern and responsive behaviors of the public regarding air pollution in China, with two surveys conducted before and after watching the documentary. Employing difference-in-differences regression, this study answers two research questions: (1) Does Under the Dome change public concern about air pollution? (2) Does Under the Dome change public behaviors in response to air pollution, including protective behaviors (i.e., wearing face masks) and mitigation behaviors (i.e., reducing car driving)? We find that the information campaign (1) protects against the decline of public concern about air pollution in Beijing and (2) moderates the degree to which people's perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, and sense of self-efficacy influence protective behaviors and moderates the degree to which people's belief in the cooperative behaviors by others influences mitigation behaviors. This study provides evidence that information campaigns of the Under the Dome type are effective in raising public awareness; however, the information campaign did not directly influence public protective and mitigation behaviors.

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a public information campaign, which was conducted on a major Greek Island (Syros), aimed at reducing plastic waste - and specifically plastic bags - in the local coastal/marine environment. A choice experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects on individual preferences for reducing plastic waste pollution under different status of environmental awareness, after the information campaign. The evaluation process was quite independent of the information campaign. Two samples of respondents were taken; one consisting of participants in the environmental campaign and the other consisting of non-participants. The results show: (a) significant differences between the preferences of the two samples; (b) variations in the willingness to pay values between the two samples for protection of the coastal/marine environment, but; (c) not significant differences in their commitment to take action (i.e. in their willingness to alter their current plastic bag use behavior).

Compared to other European and Balkan countries, the first institutions for the medical inspection of student health were established relatively late in Greece. Following several European and Balkan examples, Greek doctors and educators began an information campaign during the late 19th century to establish a School Medical Service. The Greek state's emerging interest in children's health was dependent upon a number of factors. Networks of experts played a considerable part in shaping a public discourse on childhood. National defeats generated a discourse that denounced the state's indifference to the degeneration of the younger generation. Finally, European paradigms may have influenced the establishment of the School Medical Service through the experiences gained abroad by doctors and high state officials.

The incidence of Lyme borreliosis remains a matter of debate, but it can be estimated using the incidence of erythema migrans (EM), which is pathognomonic of the first phase. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to assess the feasibility of the on-line declaration of EM in rural areas where the incidence of Lyme borreliosis was previously estimated at 85 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. The study was limited to a rural area (Les Combrailles, Auvergne) of approximately 52,800 inhabitants and was preceded by an information campaign for the inhabitants and the healthcare professionals. Patients who sent a photo of the suspected EM by email or MMS message between April 2017 and April 2018 and who accepted to answer a questionnaire were included in the study. Two physicians then evaluated the quality of the photographs and the probability of EM. In parallel, the number of EM seen by physicians and pharmacists in the area over the given period was recorded. Out of the 113 emails and MMS messages received, 73 people were outside of the trial area or period and 9 did not complete the questionnaire. The photos of the remaining 31 people were analysed. The median age was 51.5 years old ([38–58] IQR) and 18 (58%) were women. Seven people (25%) stated that they did not have a smartphone and in 9 cases (29%) the photo was sent by a third party. The quality of the photos was considered very good in 22 (71%) cases, good in 7 (23%) cases, and average in 2 (6%) cases. The probability of EM was determined to be strong or possible in 12 (38%) cases, i.e. an estimated incidence of 22.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Over the study period, 40 physicians and 20 pharmacists were contacted on a monthly basis. A median of 5 physicians [3;7] and 4 pharmacists [3 ;7] answered each month for a total of 18 and 36 declared EM respectively. The EM (strong probability/possible) collected by on-line declaration and those declared by healthcare professionals were all sent between April and October 2017. The total time spent on the information campaign and collection has been estimated at 265 h (divided between 10 people) for an overall cost of 10,669 Euros. The incidence of EM recorded by on-line self-declaration in our study seems to be lower than in previous studies, the under-reporting was probably linked to the low use of new technologies in the rural areas. Increasing the human resources and finances appears difficult to achieve in practice over a longer time period but the development of an application for the automatic recognition of EM could be one method for a more exhaustive collection in the long term and at lower cost.

ObjectiveTo assess the acceptability and adherence to daily doses of lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) among children and micronutrient powder (MNP) among children and pregnant and lactating women.DesignHousehold interviews and sachet counting were conducted to measure acceptability and adherence, 15 and 30 d after product distribution. Qualitative information on product acceptability was collected using focus group discussions.SettingSaharawi refugee camps, Algeria, August–October 2009.SubjectsLNS was distributed to 123 children aged 6–35 months (LNS-C), and MNP to 112 children aged 36–59 months (MNP-C) and 119 pregnant or lactating women (MNP-W).ResultsAt the end of the test 98·4 % of LNS-C, 90·4 % of MNP-C and 75·5 % of MNP-W participants reported that they liked the product (PPPConclusionsAcceptability, consumption and adherence were higher in participants receiving LNS compared with MNP. However, both products were found to be suitable when compared with predefined acceptability criteria. Acceptability studies are feasible and important in emergency nutrition programmes when the use of novel special nutritional products is considered.

The goal of this study was to evaluate health risk factors, specifically tobacco use and alcohol consumption among adolescents and primary health care role in health promotions activities. The quantitative survey was conducted among 11-19 years old adolescents. Overall, 1000 young people were interviewed across Georgia using a standard questionnaire in 2014. The survey sampling methodology was multi-stage probability sampling. All information was analyzed in SPSS 21 version. According to survey results 32.1% (n=256) respondents consume tobacco; 90.5% (n=698) tried alcohol at least once. The 2.5% (n=19) of respondents drink alcohol without limit and the 2.7% (n=21) - drinks frequently. According to survey results, primary health care professionals do rarely talk with young people about healthy life style. It is very essential to implement health promotion topics at primary health care level. There is a need to adopt effective measures, including launching an information campaign focusing on adolescents’ awareness that tobacco use and alcohol consumption are harmful to health. There is a need of multi-sectoral integrated approach and increased coordination between different government agencies and international and national programs to improve the adolescent health.

European Directive 2002/44/EC defines employers' responsibilities in the risk management of hand-arm vibration (HAV). However, the directive is still not completely implemented in all risk industries. The aim of our study was to determine whether it is possible to improve the recognition and management of the risks of HAV at workplaces with a one-year information campaign. A questionnaire on opinions and measures for controlling HAV exposure at workplaces was sent to all occupational safety representatives and occupational safety managers in the construction and metal industry in Finland (n=1887) and once again to those who responded to the first questionnaire (n=961) one year after the campaign. The campaign increased recognition of HAV in risk assessment from 57.0% to 68.3% (p=.001), increased measures to decrease exposure to HAV from 54.6% to 64.2% (p=.006) and increased the number of programmes to control the risks due to HAV (p

International audience; Although plastic induces environmental damages, almost all water bottles are made from plastic and the consumption never stops increasing. This study evaluates the consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for different plastics used for water packaging. Successive messages emphasizing the characteristics of plastic are delivered to participants allowing explaining the influence of information on the consumers' WTP. We find that information has a manifest effect on WTP. We show there is a significant premium associated with recycled plastic packaging and organic and biodegradable plastic packaging. As there is no consensus on the plastic which is the most or the least dangerous for the environment, we propose different policies for protecting the environment. We discuss about the impact of these policies on consumer's purchasing decisions: switching one plastic packaging for another, or leaving water plastic bottles' market. We see that from the standpoint of consumer surplus, regulation is effective with certain environmental policies. Choosing between them then depend on the priorities of the regulator and pressure of lobbies.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has recently spread widely and turned into a major international public health threat. Réunion appears to offer conditions particularly favourable to its emergence and therefore prepared to face possible introduction of the virus. We designed a scaled surveillance and response system with specific objectives, methods and measures for various epidemiological phases including a potential epidemic. Several tools were developed in order to (i) detect individual cases (including a large information campaign on the disease and suspicion criteria), (ii) monitor an outbreak through several complementary systems allowing to monitor trends in disease occurrence and geographic spread and (iii) detect severe forms of the disease in collaboration with hospital clinicians. We put the emphasis on detecting the first cases in order to contain the spread of the virus as much as possible and try to avoid progress towards an epidemic. Our two main strengths are a powerful vector control team, and a close collaboration between clinicians, virologists, epidemiologists, entomologists and public health authorities. Our planned surveillance system could be relevant to Europe and island settings threatened by Zika virus all over the world.

Background Septic shock remains a major cause of death in intensive care units (ICU) and an inappropriate antibiotic regimen worsens the prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of an information campaign on modalities of prescription of aminoglycosides in septic shock. Study design A prospective observational study. Methods Consecutive septic shock patients admitted to the surgical ICU over a 2-year period were included. An information campaign allowed to differentiate between a pre- (P1) and a post- (P2) interventional period. The campaign clarified the rules and requirements for pharmacological monitoring of aminoglycosides. The main objective was to increase the rate of prescription of peak serum aminoglycoside following the first intravenous injection. Results One hundred and forty-eight patients (P1 = 76 and P2 = 72) were finally included into the study. Similar clinical characteristics were observed during both periods. The rate of prescription of peak serum aminoglycoside following the first injection was performed in 49% (P1) versus 65% (P2), P = 0.09. The length of stay in ICU was 16 days [extremes: 1–74] (P1) versus 17 days [extremes: 1–133] (P2) ( P = 0.84). Inhospital mortality was 28% (P1) versus 26% (P2), P = 0.86. Conclusions An information campaign describing the modalities of prescription of aminoglycosides in septic shock failed to improve medical practices and patient outcomes. A mobile team of antibiotics could be useful in daily practice.

Background: A feature often seen in adolescent patients with cancer is a lengthy symptom interval, especially in comparison with children. It has been suggested that inadequate awareness of cancer risk among adolescents may play an important role in this study. Methods: The Società Italiana Adolescenti con Malattie Onco-ematologiche and the Fondazione Umberto Veronesi conducted a survey to investigate health awareness among healthy adolescents and their understanding of cancer and its signs and symptoms by commissioning a specialized agency (AstraRicerche). A questionnaire was administered to 500 Italian adolescents from the age group of 15 to 19 years using the computer-aided web interviewing method. Results: Approximately 80% of the adolescents interviewed claimed to be well informed about their own health, 85% said they were aware that some lifestyle habits could influence their health, and 80% reported that they know that cancer can develop in adolescence too. It was also noted that, while some adolescents were worried about a given symptom, 22% of them reportedly preferred a wait-and-see approach (either to avoid alarming their parents, or they hoped that the symptom would be temporary). Conclusions: This study showed that a majority of adolescents are concerned about their own health, but sometimes prefer not to report their symptoms to anyone. Hence, it is important to develop information campaigns tailored to raise awareness among this age group and help them interpret their symptoms.

This paper examines influenza vaccine coverage using a population base of an average of 2300 persons in each of four European countries (Germany, Spain, Poland and Sweden). The reasons for non-vaccination of those in the high-risk groups were explored by questionnaire. The vaccine coverage rate (VCR) for elderly ranged from 18% in Poland to 67% in Spain. The VCR for high-risk population under 65 was 10% in Poland, 13% in Sweden, 27% in Germany and 30% in Spain. The most important reasons mentioned for not being vaccinated were: perceived sufficient resistance to flu (33–42%) in all countries; financial barriers in Poland (25%), and not to qualify for the vaccination (30%) and forgetfulness (20%) in Germany. Receiving a personal invitation for the vaccination, results in higher coverage rates in all four countries. We think that future interventions could be directed towards: an information campaign with special attention to the high-risk groups due to disease; promotion of personal invitations; and, for Poland, solving financial barriers to vaccination.

Summary Objectives A campaign designed to enhance screening for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) by private practitioners was conducted in the Lyon area from April 2000 to March 2001. The target population for screening was composed of individuals with active/previous intravenous drug abuse habits or had received blood products before 1991 or who presented elevated serum transaminase levels. The objectives of the present study were to validate the campaign's organization and its impact on screening practices. Methods The impact of the campaign was estimated from the number of prescribed and performed HCV screening and confirmation tests, the number of physicians who prescribed HCV screening tests, and the number of HCV screening tests prescribed by each physician. Indicators/practices observed during the 12-month campaign were compared with the same indicators/practices observed during the 12-month period preceding the campaign. Results During the campaign, 15952 HCV serology tests were prescribed by 1798 of the 3052 physicians (58.9%) practising in the Lyon area. Among physicians who prescribed serology, 11.4% of the general practitioners and 10.9% of the specialists prescribed HCV serology tests for the first time during the campaign. Prescriptions for HCV serology increased significantly between the two calendar periods (+15.6%, ɛ = 17.7), similarly for general practitioners and specialists. The number of general practitioners who prescribed more than five serology tests per year increased 15.3% while the number of general practitioners who did not prescribe serology tests decreased 9.7% (P = 0.02). More HCV-positive patients were detected during the campaign (276 patients) than during the previous period (231 patients) [ɛ = 2.8]. Conclusion When provided with pertinent information and training adapted to their medical practice, private practitioners become actively involved in screening for HCV infection.

In recent years a significant increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) amount has been noted in Poland, and yet there is no fully efficient system for its treatment. Undertaking projects for rational MSW management requires considering both technical facilities and social barriers (waste reduction, re-use and segregation in households). In Poland, attempts to educate and mobilise society to segregate recyclables have not yet produced satisfactory results. Society’s awareness in this field needs to be raised. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and understanding about MSW management and the relationship between knowledge possessed and actions undertaken for various residential age groups in two Polish provinces. In all groups, 30% of the respondents showed a satisfactory level of knowledge, whilst an equally small number of individuals had undertaken actions for MSW management at home; people with a higher level of knowledge undertook such actions slightly more often. No significant differences between the provinces were found, but residents of town, where waste segregation has been introduced simultaneously with an information campaign, showed a higher level of knowledge. The study points to the need to further educate people about MSW, and to encourage the teaching of pro-environmental attitudes.

Switzerland has lagged behind other industrialized countries in increasing vaccination coverage against flu in the elderly population. The information campaign “United against Flu”, started in Geneva in 1993, gradually extended to other French and Italian speaking cantons in Switzerland and indirectly affected German-speaking cantons. Activities developed include the production of TV spots, press conferences, information forwarded to health professionals, an Internet site and information material such as leaflets and posters to risk groups. The campaign is evaluated by repeated surveys that measure vaccination coverage as well as network of informants, knowledge and perceptions in the geriatric population. Vaccination coverage of the geriatric population in Geneva canton has increased from 29% in 1991 to 59% in the year 2000.

Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) in hospitalized patients are known to be closely related to antibiotic exposure. Although several substances can cause CDI, the risk differs between individual agents. In Vienna and other eastern parts of Austria, CDI ribotype 027 is currently highly prevalent. This ribotype has the characteristic of intrinsic moxifloxacin resistance. Therefore, we hypothesized that moxifloxacin restriction can decrease the number of CDI cases in hospitalized patients. Our antibiotic stewardship (ABS) group applied an information campaign on CDI and formal restriction of moxifloxacin in Wilhelminenspital (Vienna, Austria), a 1,000- bed tertiary care hospital. The preintervention period (period 1) was January through May 2013, and the intervention period (period 2) was June through December 2013. We recorded the defined daily doses (DDD) of moxifloxacin and the number of CDI patients/month. Moxifloxacin use was reduced from a mean (± standard error of the mean [SEM]) of 1,038 ± 109 DDD per month (period 1) to 42 ± 10 DDD per month (period 2) ( P = 0.0045). Total antibiotic use was not affected. The mean (±SEM) numbers of CDI cases in period 1 were 59 ± 3 per month and in period 2 were 32 ± 3 per month (46% reduction; P = 0.0044). Reducing moxifloxacin use in combination with providing structured information on CDI was associated with an immediate decrease in CDI rates in this large community teaching hospital.

This thesis aims to describe the initial phase of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in overall terms from a national perspective and to evaluate the impact of an information campaign designed to inform the public about how to act when suspecting an ACS. A total of 1939 patients at 11 hospitals in Swedenwith diagnosed ACS and symptom onset outside hospital completed a questionnaire(I-IV).In Study V, a questionnaire was completed by 116 patients withACS before the campaign and 122 after it. Register data were followed every year to evaluate ambulance use and emergency department (ED) visits. With regard to symptoms, patients with ST-elevation ACS (STE-ACS) more frequently had associated symptoms and pain with an abrupt onset reaching maximum intensity within minutes. However, fewer than half the patients with STE-ACS had this type of symptom onset. There were more similarities than differences between genders and differences between age groups were minor (I). Three-quarters of the patients interpreted the symptoms as cardiac in origin. The majority contacted a family member after symptom onset, whereas few called directly for an ambulance. Approaching someone after symptom onset and the belief that the symptoms were cardiac in origin were factors associated with a shorter pre-hospital delay (II). Half the patients went to hospital by ambulance. Independent factors for ambulance use were knowledge of the importance of quickly seeking medical care and calling for an ambulance when experiencing chest pain, severe symptoms, abrupt onset of pain, STE-ACS, increasing age and distance to hospital of > 5 km. Reasons for not calling for an ambulance were thinking self-transport would be faster or not being ill enough (III). Pain with abrupt onset, STE-ACS, symptoms such as vertigo or near syncope, experiencing the pain as frightening, interpreting the pain as cardiac in origin and knowledge were major factors associated with a short delay between symptom onset and decision to seek medical care, patient decision time (IV). The information campaign did not result in a reduction in patient decision time, but it appeared to increase ambulance use and the number of patients seeking the ED for acute chest pain (V).

Do you remember the advertisement with a cartoon elephant lying in bed between a man and a woman, implying a huge problem in the bedroom? This was the beginning of a direct-to-consumer information campaign about erectile dysfunction. Called “40over40,” the campaign was sponsored by Eli Lilly

Summary. Background: Although there have been attempts to raise public awareness about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), their influence on identifying confirmed cases is unknown. Objective: To determine the effect and its duration of a public awareness campaign about venous thromboembolism. Patients/Methods: A campaign to raise public awareness of DVT was conducted during one year in an urban population of approximately 100 000 (pop A). A comparison urban population of approximately 1 574 000 (pop B) was not exposed to this campaign. Patients symptomatic for DVT in both populations were referred by general practitioners for a standardized compression ultrasound (CUS) of the whole leg at no charge. Positive CUS examinations documented by photographs were analyzed by an independent adjudication committee blinded to the population. Pop A was followed for 8 months after the information campaign ended. Results and Conclusions: Symptomatic objectively confirmed DVT was found in 48 of 800 subjects tested in pop A and 226 of 2384 tested in pop B. The 1-year incidence of confirmed DVT (proximal and distal) was 46/100 000 (95% CI, 33–59) in A and 14/100 000 (95% CI, 12–16) in B (P

International audience; Background: In many countries, consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is below recommended levels. We quantify the economic and health effects of alternative policy (P) scenarios aiming to increase F&V consumption: (P1) 3.4% reduction in VAT, (P2) {euro}100/year/person F&V stamp policy designed for low-income consumers (LIC) and (P3) {euro}10 M information campaign. Methods: An economic model of the F&V market provides F&V consumption variations to a health impact model, leading to the number of deaths avoided (DA) and life-years saved (LYS). We compare the cost per statistical DA and LYS, taking into account the public costs of alternative policies. This analysis is applied to France in 2006. Results: Relative risks of death for one additional F&V portion are disease dependent (range: 0.84–0.99). The highest variations in F&V consumption levels (less than +10 g/day/person on average) and health effects (

Toxoplasmosis, an infection by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant cause of fetal and neonatal mortality when acquired in utero and an important contributor to early and later childhood morbidity. Data present in the scientific literature are not univocal regarding the foodborne risk factors for T. gondii infection and the processing methods able to neutralize the parasite in food. We conducted a Delphi survey among experts to inquire as to their opinion on controversial issues regarding T. gondii risk factors, and we compared their position with that of a group of pregnant women in order to gather data for writing information guidelines on food safety during pregnancy. Between May 2005 and March 2006, we sent a questionnaire to 34 Italian experts in clinical medicine and food safety asking them to rank the risk of toxoplasmosis for different food items. We then compared their position with the results of the survey on T. gondii risk perception of pregnant women conducted in our Local Health Unit on the same issues. The risk as perceived by pregnant women and clinical experts appeared to be higher than that of food safety experts. The apparent overestimation of the risk in the group of pregnant women may induce erroneous or overcautious behaviors toward food safety and may induce women to exclude from their diet foods that are in fact not a risk for toxoplasmosis. The information collected with this study will contribute to the food safety information campaign for pregnant women and health professionals, although more studies on risk factors for T. gondii infection are recommended.

Evidence from controlled trials suggests that ingestion of 0.4 mg of folic acid per day in the periconceptional period is effective in preventing neural tube defects (NTD). For this reason, most countries recommend that women planning pregnancy take folic acid supplements in the periconceptional period, and some countries even fortify stable foods with folic acid. Denmark exemplifies a country with a relatively conservative attitude with respect to taking action in these matters. In 1999, a national information campaign was launched that recommended women planning pregnancy take 0.4 mg of folic acid periconceptionally, but with the moderation that women who eat a healthy diet do not need to take folic acid supplement. The campaign was repeated during 2001. The results of the latter campaign were evaluated by using data from a national survey among pregnant women conducted simultaneously with the campaign by the Danish National Birth Cohort. An increase in the proportion of folic acid users took place concomitantly with the launching of the information events, but the increase was limited. Among women who did not plan their pregnancy, a small proportion had taken folic acid supplements periconceptionally, and this proportion did not change concomitantly with the campaign. Young age and low education were factors associated with low likelihood of taking folic acid. It seems that different and more efficient actions are needed if a more substantial proportion of Danish women and their fetuses are going to benefit from the knowledge that folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period can prevent NTD.

To study and evaluate the effect of an information campaign in the form of a brochure on urinary incontinence (UI) directed towards the general public, concerning knowledge, individual health behaviour, self-reported healthcare utilization and how the information was perceived.Within a community in central Sweden a random sample of the population, in age groups from 18 years upwards, was selected from the population registry, resulting in a total sample of 3,658 people. The study group was sent the brochure "Treatment of urinary incontinence", produced by SBU (Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care) in March 2003 and a questionnaire 1-2 months after the brochure was received.The overall response rate was 47.5%. Eighty per cent of the responders stated UI as an important health problem in society and 66% that they had gained new knowledge on UI. Twenty-eight per cent of the responders reported a current or previous history of UI, of whom 49% felt that they had received useful information for self-treatment and 21% had begun self-treatment.This population-based study found that the distribution of a brochure on UI to the general public was well received and can be an efficient method to spread knowledge and encourage self-management.

In may 1989, the Council of Health Ministers of the European Community adopted a joint resolution which urges the 12 member states to adopt legislation restricting smoking in public places. European citizens support this action. A survey in March-April 1987 using a sample of 12,000 Europeans in the 12 member states concluded that 77% of European citizens want measures to ban smoking in public places. The conditions that are necessary to make a smoking policy successful in the workplace and other public places will be discussed. We want to stress that an information and awareness campaign before the enforcement of the smoking ban is the most important condition.

Almost 10% of the Swedish population--more than 800,000 people--have been tested for HIV antibody to date. More people in Sweden have been tested (per million inhabitants) than in any other European country. The number of people found to be HIV positive has steadily decreased since 1985, from approximately 45 to 25 a month. Several reasons for this decrease have been suggested. On the one hand, preventive measures taken by the government may have succeeded. On the other hand, the large government backed information campaign has had as its target group 'the general population' and not the group who until now have been most at risk for HIV infection. Consequently, there may be many more people 'out there' carrying the virus than is shown in the statistics. Furthermore, there is evidence that the acceptance rates for testing among homosexual men have been steadily decreasing since 1985. This may be the result of unsatisfactory pre- and post-test counselling as well as the lack of sufficient psycho-social support offered to persons who test positive to HIV. This paper offers a critical analysis of Swedish AIDS policy with special emphasis on the psycho-social aspects of HIV-testing.

Rotary International with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) conducted an information campaign from 2000 to 2004 to increase public awareness of aflatoxin in Benin, Ghana and Togo. Key informant interviews with 2416 respondents showed poor baseline knowledge of aflatoxin and its health risks. The campaign included monitoring of aflatoxin contamination in maize grains from market stores in 38 cities and towns. Aflatoxin concentration in contaminated samples ranged from 24 to 117.5 ng g(-1) in Benin, from 0.4 to 490.6 ng g(-1) in Ghana, and from 0.7 to 108.8 ng g(-1) in Togo. The campaign significantly increased public awareness that populations were exposed to high levels of aflatoxin. The number of maize traders who were informed about the toxin increased 10.3 and 3.2 times in Togo and Benin, respectively; at least 33% more traders believed the information in each of Benin and Togo; 11.4 and 28.4% more consumers sorted out and discarded bad grains in Benin and Ghana, respectively. This paper concludes that sustained public education can help reduce aflatoxin contamination.

Poor indoor air quality and epidemic carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) poisonings due to exhaust emissions from ice resurfacers have been continuously reported from enclosed ice arenas for over 30 years. The health risks in users of Finnish ice arenas were analysed in three ways: (1) evaluation of four cases of epidemic CO poisonings, (2) modelling the association between NO2 exposure and respiratory symptoms among junior ice hockey players, and (3) estimation of the number of arena users at risk of breathing poor quality air due to non-compliance of ice arenas with recommended abatement measures. The common causes for the CO poisonings involving over 300 subjects were large emissions from propane-fuelled ice resurfacer, small arena volume, negligible ventilation, and very recent opening of the arena. Rhinitis (prevalence 18.3%) and cough (13.7%) during or after training or game were significantly associated with the estimated personal NO2 exposure of young hockey players (n=793) to average concentrations ranging from 21 to 1176 μg/m3 in their home arena. During a 6-year follow-up of an intensive information campaign the portion of electric resurfacers increased from 9% to 27%, and that of emission control technology on propane-fuelled resurfacers increased from 13% to 84%. The portion of inadequately ventilated arenas decreased from 34% to 25%. However, 48% of the investigated Finnish ice arenas (n=125) did not fully comply with the non-regulatory recommendations. Consequently, 20000 daily users of ice arenas were estimated to remain in 2001 at risk of breathing poor quality air. Modern small and inadequately ventilated ice arenas pose their users (mostly children and young adults) at risk of breathing poor quality air and suffering from acute adverse health effects. Governmental regulations are needed worldwide to ensure safe sports in enclosed ice arenas. Keywords: Epidemic poisoning, Respiratory symptoms, Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Abatement strategy

BACKGROUND: Although colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Germany, screening rates remain low. It is unknown whether local approaches to promoting colorectal cancer screening are effective. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a regional awareness campaign consisting of public information sessions and leaflet distribution, upon the use of colorectal cancer screening by faecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. METHODS: Data on FOBT and colonoscopy were collected by doctors for 12 months following the campaign, including reason for and result of the testing. 37 % (n = 43) of all physicians and practitioners in two administrative districts (249 632 inhabitants) that were exposed to the campaign participated in the study. It was recorded whether the individuals requesting colorectal cancer screening had been prompted by the campaign, so the number and outcome of campaign-related tests was determined. RESULTS: 3398 individuals (male: 54.6 %, female: 45.4 %, age: 64.3 +/- 8.3 years) underwent 3551 screening tests (2446 FOBT, 819 colonoscopy, 133 both). 141 additional diagnostic colonoscopies were performed because of a positive result in the FOBT. Adenomas were detected in 279 individuals, malignancies in 11 individuals. 225 FOBT (8.7 %) and 176 colonoscopies (18.5 %) were performed due to the campaign; among these individuals, 49 had adenoma(s), 1 had carcinoma. The effect could be attributed both to leaflets and to information sessions. The proportion of campaign-related screening tests declined over time. CONCLUSION: The regional information campaign could reach target individuals and motivate them to utilise colorectal cancer screening. The combination of mass media and personal communicative elements seems useful.

¶Objectives: The periconceptional intake of 0.4 mg folic acid is recommended in many countries to prevent neural tube defects. This paper describes the poor implementation of corresponding guidelines in Germany, the effectiveness of an intervention-based on providing adequate information and the problems associated with the implementation.¶Methods: Two cross sectional studies investigated knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of randomly sampled gynaecologists (n = 24/27), pharmacists (n = 21/21), and women in childbed (n = 131/118) before and after the information campaign.¶Results: Before the intervention, 3.8% of the women implemented folic-acid-prophylaxis compared with 9.3% afterwards (p = n.s.). The awareness of the prophylaxis before pregnancy correlated with socio-economic status and rose from 28% (before) to 42% after intervention (p

The information campaign was successful. The leaflet was observed by many and discussed by two-thirds of those who had seen it, most often with relatives. All who have registered with the donor register have taken a stand on the donation of organs and tissues for transplantation or other medical purposes. Many more have probably signed donor cards or told the next of kin. It is suggested that the population has been properly informed. The number of cadaver donors, which has decreased the last number of years, seems to be unaffected.

Spontaneous idiopathic tinnitus is a significant interdisciplinary therapeutic problem. Based on different programs of tinnitus treatment, we organized a team of physicians, psychologists and engineers in order to establish the needs for the first Tinnitus Clinic in Poland. At the same time, together with number of clinical centres, scientific societies and non-governmental organizations, we carried out training and an information campaign throughout the country and initiated the first epidemiological studies survey about tinnitus in Poland. Over a period of 2 years we have provided care for almost 1000 patients, including them in a IS 24-month therapeutic program at the clinic. As a method of choice, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) based on a neurophysiological model of tinnitus origin is used. We present here epidemiological data on tinnitus and hyperacusis in Poland.

Questionnaire surveys concerning awareness, attitudes and beliefs about HIV virus and AIDS in Sweden were conducted in March/April of 1986, February/March of 1987, and May 1987. The number of individuals compared in the three surveys were 2622, 1805 and 707 respectively. The surveys indicate that the general public views the AIDS epidemic with growing concern. They feel that researchers and public officials cannot effectively combat the problem. To a growing extent they feel that it is up to individuals to appropriately adapt their behavior if we are to slow the spread of the disease, and to a certain extent changes in sexual practices also seem to have happened. Changes in awareness, attitudes and beliefs have accelerated since the start in March, 1987 of the Swedish AIDS information campaign.

One hundred and ten children were evaluated in a prospective study in Lesotho to determine the pattern of pediatric ocular injuries in a developing African country. The pattern was found to be the same as that of developed countries regarding increased incidence in boys, frequency of accidental, self-inflicted and assault injuries, and high incidence of corneal lacerations, traumatic cataracts, hyphemas, and lid lacerations. The pattern differed from developed countries in the absence of injuries due to arrows, airgun pellets (BBs), fireworks, toys and chemical burns, the absence of orbital fractures, intra-ocular metallic foreign bodies, and rarity of retinal detachment, and the generally poor visual results following perforating ocular injuries. An information campaign is advocated in Lesotho to aid in the prevention of pediatric ocular injuries.

Epidemiological data concerning 1391 patients hospitalized at the Burns Unit, Odense University Hospital during a 17-year period are presented. The annual incidence showed a steady downward trend of 3 per cent per year. Scald and fire were the most important causes of burn injuries. Among children a significant reduction in burns due to scalds and electrical or corrosive injuries was noted. The rate of injury among adults and the elderly was constant. These results might reflect an intensive information campaign in the media, revisions of laws and regulations and improvements in the safety of household products, especially directed towards thermal injuries among smaller children.

During its "Heart-week" in Feb. 1975, the Danish Heart Foundation drew the attention of the public to the importance of blood pressure measurements as a vital part of health control and prevention. In all, 24 thousand men and women attending supermarkets in Copenhagen took advantage of an offer to have their BP checked. 23% of the screened, who had systolic BP greater than or equal to age+110 (and this sum exceeded 145) and/or diastolic BP greater than or equal to 100 mmHg for all ages, were advised to contact a general practitioner for further evaluation. The campaign showed that it is possible to measure BP and obtain reliable results in an easy, quick, inexpensive and unorthodox way accepted by a public accustomed to free medical care.

Data from the Colombian National Fertility Study in 1969 of 5326 women and a 1970 survey of the commercial sector were used to analyze the knowledge use and distribution of condoms in Colombia. 45% of the women in the urban and 26% in the rural areas knew of the condom. 4% of married women of reproductive age had ever used the condom. 70% of the males interviewed knew of the condom. In 1969 it was estimated that 1.1% of married women of reproductive age had partners currently using condoms. 34% of the men had used condoms with other women but only 16% with their wives. For the druggists and street vendors interviewed 70% and 62% respectively used the condom to prevent pregnancy. The estimated total condom sales for 1970 were 8164000. Men under 30 tend to buy condoms in drugstores and those over 30 tend to buy from street vendors. Condoms can be legally imported into Colombia but require a 60% customs duty; thus most are smuggled into the country; Vendors tend to think of the condom as an effective means of contraception but there is a large number who use it solely as a non-family planning prophylactic device; Recommendations include the provision of a steady supply of condoms to the public and an information campaign to educate the population as to the effectiveness of the condom as a family planning method.

The annual frequency of hysterectomy was monitored in the Canton Ticino, Switzerland, from 1977 to 1986. From February to October, 1984, there was a public information campaign in the mass media about rates of and need for hysterectomy. After the start of the campaign and during the following year the annual rate of operations per 100,000 women of all ages dropped by 25.8%, whereas in the reference area (Canton Bern), where no information was given to the public, hysterectomy rates increased by 1%. In the same period the hysterectomy rate per 100,000 women aged 35-49 declined by 33.2%, and the number of hysterectomies performed annually per gynaecologist decreased by 33.3%. In Canton Bern these rates were unchanged. The decline began 2 months after the start of the information campaign. The reduction in the number of hysterectomies was greater (p less than 0.001) in non-teaching hospitals (31.9%) than in teaching hospitals (18.1%). Information on regional rates and on the need for hysterectomy given through the mass media to the general population can change professional practices.