Several UEP research projects presented in Dublin
The 16th European Public Health Conference took place in Dublin from 8 to 11 November.
Its theme was "Our food, our health, our earth: a sustainable future for humanity". In collaboration with a number of European public health organisations, the aim of the conference was to put forward ideas and recommendations on sustainability and the promotion of access to a healthy daily diet for all. Other themes were also addressed, including access to healthcare, quality of care, ageing, physical and mental health, and the use of digital health tools.
Geneva analyses in progress
Among the many players committed to public health, Hélène Baysson (PhD) and Dr Clément Graindorge, respectively researcher and researcher in the Population Epidemiology Unit of the HUG's Primary Care Medicine Service (SMPR), had the opportunity to present their research.
The first looked at changes in the food supply following the Covid-19 pandemic. As has been observed in other countries, the results of the Specchio-Covid19 study show an improvement in the diet of certain population groups, compared with the period prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, mainly due to a preference for local food supplies (local markets, small convenience stores). Longitudinal monitoring will enable us to analyse whether or not these changes are sustainable.
The second study looked at the prevalence of fatigue in the Geneva population. The results of the Specchio-Covid19 study show that two years after the start of the pandemic, the prevalence of fatigue remains high in the Geneva population, especially among young people and women. Longitudinal monitoring of this health indicator will make it possible to adapt healthcare provision and raise awareness of the factors that protect against fatigue (physical exercise, healthy diet, adequate sleep, etc.).
Apart from this event, a third UEP researcher, Elsa Lorthe (PhD), spent two weeks with a team in Dublin to replicate and extend a study conducted in Geneva using Irish data. This work will make it possible to compare the mental health of children and adolescents in these two countries, while promoting scientific collaboration at European level. This visit was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 101008589, COORDINATE - COhort cOmmunity Research and Development Infrastructure Network for Access Throughout Europe.
