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Research on resilient functioning has gained increasing interest, and some recent studies interpreted resilience in the sense of resilient functioning to stress. In the present study, we investigated the associations between resilient functioning and coping strategies, stress reactivity, self-efficacy, and well-being, and we examined whether resilient functioning could be improved through a training intervention. The participants were 110 male cadets from two infantry officers’ schools of the Swiss Armed Forces. The schools were divided into an intervention and control group. The participants in the intervention group took part in the resilience training intervention, whereas the participants in the control group performed military training as usual. Data were assessed before and after the intervention period. Results showed that resilient functioning was positively associated with task-oriented coping and well-being and negatively associated with emotion-oriented coping and stress reactivity. Furthermore, resilient functioning significantly improved in the intervention group from pre- to post-intervention. The results suggested that specific interventions have the power to increase resilient functioning., Healthcare (Switzerland), 11 (9), ISSN:22279032

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Swiss Federal Council imposed a shutdown twice, which may have changed dietary and physical activity habits. On the question of weight change during the pandemic, there is little information based on measured weight data. In this study, we investigate whether the body mass index (BMI) of young Swiss men conscripted after the two shutdown periods in Spring and Fall 2020 differed from the conscripts examined before the shutdowns.Methods: We are analysing body measurements of young Swiss men taken during mandatory recruitment for the Swiss Armed Forces on the cross-sectional (not individual longitudinal) monitoring level and across weeks of conscription between January 2010 and July 2021 (n=373,016). These cross-sectional data allow for continuous health monitoring of young men almost at the population level (coverage >90% of recruitment relevant age categories). For statistical modelling, we use GAM (Generalized Additive Model framework.Results: We showed that the BMI of conscripts who were examined in the 15 weeks after the two shutdowns in Spring and Autumn 2020 was not or only weakly different from baseline. Sensitivity analyses showed that this conclusion also holds if assessing the BMI distribution or the prevalence of overweight and/or obesity. The GAM models further showed strong effects of individual and area-based SEP as well as age on BMI.Conclusion: Our results suggest that any lifestyle changes during the pandemic in young men may have been too modest to be clearly reflected in body weight (suggesting small or none effect). However, longitudinal data and/or data on women, children, or the elderly may lead to different conclusions.

BackgroundCOVID-19 sequelae are poorly defined with an ambiguous pathophysiology. Persistent sequelae could have global, public health and societal ramifications. We aimed to describe sequelae presenting more than six months after COVID-19 in non-hospitalized young adults.MethodsA prospective, longitudinal cohort study followed-up on young Swiss Armed Forces (SAF) personnel. The comprehensive test battery was administered during a single full day of testing at the University of Zürich. It quantified the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, renal, ophthalmological, male reproductive, psychological, and general health in addition to laboratory parameters.ResultsWe included 501 participants (5.6% females) with a median age of 21 years (range 19-29). Cases of previous COVID -19 (>6 months (mean 10 months) since diagnosis, n=177) were compared with never infected controls (n=248). We also included more recent COVID-19 cases (≤6 months, n=19) and asymptomatically infected individuals (n=49). We found a significant trend towards metabolic disorders, higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (p=0.03), lower aerobic threshold (p=0.007), higher blood cholesterol (p 6 months post Covid-19 when compared to controls. There were no significant differences in psychosocial questionnaire scores, ophthalmological outcomes, sperm quality or motility between controls and those infected more than 6 months previously with SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionsYoung, previously healthy, individuals largely recover from mild infection and the multi-system impact of the infection is less that seen in older or hospitalized patients. These results may be extrapolated to health-care workers and other young workforce adults. However, the constellation of higher body mass index, dyslipidemia and lower physical endurance 6 months post COVID-19 is suggestive of a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders and possible cardiovascular complications. These findings will guide investigation and follow-up management.

ObjectivesWe aimed to provide a detailed characterisation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness, knowledge and information sources in the HPV vaccine decision-making process of youth, both male and female, in Switzerland.DesignWith a mixed-method study design, we conducted quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews, which lasted 20–45 min.Setting and participantsWe recruited participants, 15–26 years of age, in physicians’ offices, in a local sexual health clinic, and during military enlistment. We administered quantitative questionnaires to 997 youth participants (585 male, 412 female) and conducted qualitative interviews with 31 youth (17 male, 14 female).Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe assessed HPV vaccine awareness, knowledge, information sources and vaccination status.ResultsIn the study’s quantitative component, 108 (20%) male and 262 (65%) female participants had received ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine. 697 (70%) participants were knowledgeable about the HPV vaccine. Females were more likely to be knowledgeable than males (342/412 (83%) vs 355/585 (61%); pConclusionsDespite a male HPV vaccine recommendation being made >4 years prior to the data collection, HPV vaccine knowledge was higher among females than males, and a female-gendered perception of HPV vaccine remains prevalent. Internet and social media were minor HPV vaccine information sources. Study findings demonstrate that HPV knowledge matters for HPV vaccine uptake and suggest that we should improve HPV information quality and access for youth, particularly by tailoring knowledge campaigns to young men.

No validated measures of vaccine hesitancy (VH) for youth vaccination currently exist. We adapted the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines survey (PACV-15) for use in youth to create the version Youth Attitudes about Vaccines survey (YAV-14 and YAV-5), then translated it into three languages (German, French, and Italian). We administered the YAV-14 to 1,003 youth aged 15-26 years in Switzerland. We used exploratory factor analysis and Mokken scale analysis to explore the psychometric properties, Cronbach's alpha to investigate the reliability for the YAV-14 and the YAV-5, but we only report results of the YAV-5 analysis here. We determined construct validity by logistic regression of the association between youth VH as measured by the YAV-5 and non-receipt of the first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine dose. EFA produced a single scale in German and French while two factors were obtained in Italian. All language versions fit the Mokken scale models with medium-scale strength. There was a significant association between VH and HPV vaccine non-receipt for the full sample (odds ratio (OR); 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.31-2.85). Language-stratified analyses found a significant association between VH and non-immunization in the German-language sample. Our results demonstrate that the German version of YAV-5 is a valid and reliable scale for identifying vaccine hesitant youth regardless of sex, and the French version is a valid and reliable scale for identifying vaccine hesitant female youth. Further validation is needed for Italian and French-speaking male youth.

ObjectivesIdentifying factors associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake is essential for designing successful vaccination programmes. We aimed to examine the association between vaccine hesitancy (VH) and HPV vaccine uptake among male and female youth in Switzerland.DesignWith a cross-sectional study, an interview-based questionnaire was used to collect information on sociodemographic factors, vaccination records and to measure the prevalence of VH using the Youth Attitudes about Vaccines scale (YAV-5), a modified version of the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccinations survey instrument.Setting and participantsEligible male and female participants, 15–26 years of age, were recruited through physicians’ offices and military enlistment in all three language regions of Switzerland. Of 1001 participants, we included 674 participants with a vaccination record available (415 males and 259 females) in this study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe outcome was uptake for HPV vaccine (having received ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine). Covariates were VH, sex, age and other sociodemographics.Results151 (58%) female and 64 (15%) male participants received ≥1 dose of HPV vaccine. 81 (31%) female and 92 (22%) male participants were VH (YAV-5-Score >50). The odds for being unvaccinated were higher for VH women than non-VH women, adjusted OR=4.90 (95% CI 2.53 to 9.50), but similar among VH and non-VH men, OR=1.90 (95% CI 0.84 to 4.31). The odds for being unvaccinated were lower for younger men (born on or after 1 July 2002) than older men (born before 1 July 2002), OR=0.34 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.81), but we found no association between age and vaccine uptake for female youth, OR=0.97 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.97).ConclusionsVH was associated with lower HPV vaccine uptake in female youth but not male youth in our study population in Switzerland. Our findings suggest that issues other than VH contribute to HPV underimmunisation in male youth in Switzerland.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is increasing in Europe. We aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of TBE-vaccination.This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (#CRD42020155737) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We searched CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus using specific terms. Original articles, case reports and research abstracts in English, French, German and Italian were included for screening and extracting (JER; PS).Of a total of 2464 records, 49 original research publications were evaluated for immunogenicity and safety. TBE-vaccines showed adequate immunogenicity, good safety and interchangeability in adults and children with some differences in long-term protection (Seropositivity in 90.6-100% after primary vaccination; 84.9%-99.4% at 5 year follow up). Primary conventional vaccination schedule (days 0, 28, and 300) demonstrated the best immunogenic results (99-100% of seropositivity). Mixed brand primary vaccination presented adequate safety and immunogenicity with some exceptions. After booster follow-ups, accelerated conventional and rapid vaccination schedules were shown to be comparable in terms of immunogenicity and safety. First booster vaccinations five years after primary vaccination were protective in adults aged50 years, leading to protective antibody levels from at least 5 years up to 10 years after booster vaccination. In older vaccinees,50 years, lower protective antibody titers were found. Allergic individuals showed an adequate response and immunosuppressed individuals a diminished response to TBE-vaccination.The TBE-vaccination is generally safe with rare serious adverse events. Schedules should, if possible, use the same vaccine brand (non-mixed). TBE-vaccines are immunogenic in terms of antibody response but less so when vaccination is started after the age of 50 years. Age at priming is a key factor in the duration of protection.

Background In the past decade, a large influx of migrants presented in Europe. Their country of origin was mainly either Syria or Eritrea. Public health institutions in host countries in Europe are challenged to screen and care for migrant populations with regard to infectious diseases. Methods We performed a systematic literature review (according to PRISMA guidelines) to define the infectious disease profile of migrants originating in Syria and Eritrea. Results The search resulted in 825 papers of possible relevance for infectious diseases in migrants from Syria, of which, after screening, we included 35 in the systematic review. A further 265 papers of possible relevance for infectious diseases in Eritrean migrants were screened, of which we included 27 in the systematic review. In migrants from Syria, leishmaniasis was the most frequently reported infectious disease. In addition, colonisation with drug resistant, Gram-negativ bacteria was reported. In the Eritrean migrants the infectious disease most described in the selected papers was louse-borne relapsing fever. Other frequently reported infectious diseases were scabies and Plasmodium vivax malaria. Conclusion Our systematic analysis defines the profiles of infectious diseases for migrants from Syria and Eritrea and serves as an evidence base for public health screening and care of presenting migrants.

Background Malaria is one of the most life-threatening vector-borne diseases globally. Recent autochthonous cases registered in several European countries have raised awareness regarding the threat of malaria reintroduction to Europe. An increasing number of imported malaria cases today occur due to international travel and migrant flows from malaria-endemic countries. The cumulative factors of the presence of competent vectors, favourable climatic conditions and evidence of increasing temperatures might lead to the re-emergence of malaria in countries where the infection was previously eliminated. Methods We performed a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched for original articles focusing on rising temperature and the receptivity to malaria transmission in Europe. We evaluated the quality of the selected studies using a standardised tool. Results The search resulted in 1′999 articles of possible relevance and after screening we included 10 original research papers in the quantitative analysis for the systematic review. With further increasing temperatures studies predicted a northward spread of the occurrence of Anopheles mosquitoes and an extension of seasonality, enabling malaria transmission for annual periods up to 6 months in the years 2051–2080. Highest vector stability and receptivity were predicted in Southern and South-Eastern European areas. Anopheles atroparvus, the main potential malaria vector in Europe, might play an important role under changing conditions favouring malaria transmission. Conclusion The receptivity of Europe for malaria transmission will increase as a result of rising temperature unless socioeconomic factors remain favourable and appropriate public health measures are implemented. Our systematic review serves as an evidence base for future preventive measures.

1994 yılında, John von Neumann ve Oskar Margentern "The Theory of Game and Economic Behavior" (Oyun Teorisi ve Ekonomik Davranış) adlı eserleri ile stratejik karar verme durumlarının matematiksel analizini içeren oyun teorisini iktisat bilimine kazandırdılar. 50 yıl sonra 11 Ekim 1994'de oyun teorisiyle ilgilenen üç bilim adamı, John F. Nash, John C. Harsanyi ve Reinhard Selten, kooperatİf olmayan oyun teorisindeki dengenin temel analizleri ile ekonomi bilimi dalında Nobel ödülüne layık görüldüler