The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and potential determinants were assessed in a random sample representative of the Belgian adult population. In total, 14,201 individuals (≥18 years) were invited by mail to provide saliva via an Oracol^® swab. Survey weights were applied, and potential determinants were estimated using multivariable logistic regressions. Between March and August 2021, 2767 individuals participated in the first data collection. During this period, which coincided with the onset of the vaccination campaign, the seroprevalence in the population increased from 25.2% in March/April to 78.1% in July. Among the vaccinated there was an increase from 74,2% to 98.8%; among the unvaccinated, the seroprevalence remained stable (around 17%). Among the vaccinated, factors significantly associated with the presence of antibodies were: having at least one chronic disease (OR_a 0.22 (95% CI 0.08–0.62)), having received an mRNA-type vaccine (OR_a 5.38 (95% CI 1.72–16.80)), and having received an influenza vaccine in 2020–2021 (OR_a 3.79 (95% CI 1.30–11.07)). Among the unvaccinated, having a non-O blood type (OR_a 2.00 (95% CI 1.09–3.67)) and having one or more positive COVID-19 tests (OR_a 11.04 (95% CI 4.69–26.02)) were significantly associated. This study provides a better understanding of vaccine- and/or natural-induced presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and factors that are associated with this presence.

Introduction: Over the last few years, telemedicine (TM) services have increasingly been used in European health and care systems. TM services include remote assistance with teleconsultation and telemonitoring. Several sources highlight that TM services may widen existing inequities in health. Therefore, this study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators contributing to inequities to TM among cancer patients in Europe.Methods: Medline (via Ovid) and Scopus databases were searched for all publications providing evidence on factors influencing the access to and use of TMs among cancer patients aged 18 and over in Europe published between January 2018 and March 2023. The PROGRESS-plus framework was used to map health equity factors in TM services among cancer patients.Results: A total of 2072 peer reviewed publications were identified and after screening, 26 articles were retained in our scoping review. Only studies focused on TM used by cancer patients through mobile or web-based applications were included. In terms of access to TM, people with lower socioeconomic status, including difficulties with having an internet connection and not having their own mobile device, and language barrier seem to have less access to TM services. For the use of TM services, a lower level of education, few digital skills and (e-)health literacy, lack of social support, age and presence of comorbidities are important determinants.Discussion: Better integration of patient needs in TM is necessary to enhance equity and allow a better implementation of TMs in European health and care systems aligned with different initiatives such European Beating Cancer Plan.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a growing public health concern. It is characterized by the presence of at least three of these five risk factors including abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, hypertension, high blood sugar, and low HDL-cholesterol. Individuals with MetS are at increased risk to develop cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. A better understanding of this syndrome is essential to implement public health prevention actions. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of MetS and its association with risk factors in the Belgian adult population. Methods: This study was conducted on the first Belgium Health Examination Survey of 2018 among adults aged 18-90 (n = 1184). MetS was defined based on the Revised-Adult Treatment Panel III (R-ATP III) criteria. Association between risk factors (i.e. socio-demographic and health behavior determinants) and MetS was investigated through a multiple logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95%CI). Results: Among the 963 participants with complete data (49 ±15yrs, 51.3% men), we observed an overall prevalence of MetS of 30.9% (95%CI: 27%-35%). MetS is significantly associated with older age (OR 10.2; 95%CI 3.6-28.9), low education (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.2-5.7), an increasing number of chronic diseases (OR 1.3; 95%CI 1.1-1.5) and BMI. ORs for overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2), obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2), and severe obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2) are respectively 3.8 (95%CI 1.9-7.3), 22.6 (95%CI 9.3-54.8) and 65.9 (95%CI 15.9-271.9). No significant associations were found with gender, region, smoking status, alcohol consumption and physical activity. Conclusions: Our results showed a high prevalence of MetS in the Belgian population. Identifying MetS high risk groups based on the socio-demographic and behavioral determinants is of major importance to establish preventive measures for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes of the Belgian population. Key messages: The overall prevalence of MetS is almost 31% in the Belgian population. Age, education, overweight, obesity and chronic diseases are factors associated with the presence of MetS.