Research Projects
Current
SantéIntégra
Evaluation of interactions in conventional and complementary medicine care pathways in Switzerland: a pilot observational study using health insurance billing data.
Investigators : Dr David De Ridder, Dr Christophe Bagnoud, Dr Stéphane Joost, Prof Idris Guessous
This research project focuses on the relationship between complementary and conventional medicine (CM) in Switzerland. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used by Swiss citizens, but the integration of CAM into patient care pathways and its cost-effectiveness are poorly understood. The project aims to analyze patterns of CAM utilization, financial implications of CAM usage in patient care, and the long-term impacts on healthcare utilization. It also investigates the sociodemographic and environmental profiles of CAM consumers in Switzerland. By utilizing insurance billing data, advanced modelling and GIS techniques, the project seeks to provide evidence-based insights for improved management of healthcare by integrating CAM and CM in a more effective and financially responsible manner. This project is conducted in collaboration with the Groupe Mutuel and funded by the Leenaards Foundation.
Commune en santé
Investigators : Anaïs Ladoy, Prof Idris Guessous, Dr Stéphane Joost
Development of indicators that characterize the living environment of the Vaud population to support labeling initiatives. Creation of a web application and training of public health practitioners on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This project is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Health Promotion and Prevention (Unisanté, Lausanne) and is supported by the Direction Générale de la Santé Vaud.
GeoCOVID-VD
Investigators : Anaïs Ladoy, Yangji Choi, Dr David De Ridder, Dr Damien Jacot, Prof Séverine Vuilleumier, Prof Gilbert Greub, Dr Stéphane Joost, Prof Idris Guessous
This study aims to comprehensively understand the spatial and temporal factors influencing the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, from March 2020 to April 2022. By analyzing georeferenced SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing data at a fine geographical scale, the research investigates a wide range of demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors that may contribute to the diffusion dynamics and patterns of the virus. Advanced spatial and analytical methods are utilized to overcome previous limitations, such as low geographical scale and the assumption of stationarity, providing a deeper understanding of the virus’s behavior at local levels. This project was conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Microbiology (CHUV, Lausanne) and La Source School of Nursing (HES-SO, Lausanne).
GeoChronic
Investigators : Anaïs Ladoy, Prof Idris Guessous, Dr Stéphane Joost
This project aims to study the role of the socio-economic, demographic, and built environment associated with chronic diseases in the Lausanne population (CoLaus study). This project is supported by the Direction Générale de la Santé Vaud.
GIRACS
This project focuses on investigating the geographical distribution and determinants of participation in the breast cancer screening program in Geneva, Switzerland. The research aims to answer key questions: Is there spatial clustering of participation? How does participation evolve over time? What factors influence participation? The project findings aim to inform the development of targeted interventions and strategies to increase participation and reduce disparities in breast cancer screening outcomes. This project is supported by the Ligue genevoise contre le cancer.
Past
@choum
Early Detection of COVID-19 Clusters through Citizen-Driven Epidemiological Surveillance
Investigators : See complete list.
The @Choum research project is an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing epidemiological surveillance for the COVID-19 pandemic. Our primary objective was to employ citizen participation as a proactive strategy to detect COVID-19 clusters at an early stage. Timely identification of COVID-19 clusters is critical for effective containment and control measures. Traditional surveillance methods often face challenges in capturing real-time data and detecting emerging hotspots promptly. By leveraging the power of citizen involvement, @choum aimed to overcome these limitations and facilitate early intervention in potential outbreaks. The research study was conducted by researchers from the Service de médecine de premier recours des HUG (SMPR), University of Geneva (UNIGE), École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in collaboration with the University of Paris. The @choum smartphone app was accessible through the free and secure CoronApp-HUG application, developed by the medical and IT teams at HUG.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/10/e30444
https://www.20min.ch/fr/story/le-virus-se-propage-via-les-clusters-414588789512
This project was made possible thanks to the support of Union Bancaire Privée, UBS AG, and the Fondation privée des HUG.
Vaud Mobile Vaccination Campaign
Investigators : Anaïs Ladoy, Prof Idris Guessous, Dr Stéphane Joost
This project showcased a collaboration between GIRAPH and the Vaud Canton’s General Health Office (DGS) to plan and execute a mobile vaccination campaign. By leveraging anonymized records and developing a vulnerability index, Anaïs Ladoy identified areas with vulnerable populations that lacked access to permanent vaccination centers. Mobile vaccination facilities were strategically deployed based on the vulnerability index, reaching isolated communities and overcoming barriers such as language and accessibility. The project’s success highlights the importance of geographical aspects in public health interventions and paves the way for future collaborative opportunities.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://actu.epfl.ch/news/improving-mobile-covid-vaccination-efforts-throu-3/
GeoCOVID-GE
Investigators : Dr David De Ridder, Dr José Sandoval, Prof Silvia Stringhini, Dr Stéphane Joost, Prof Idris Guessous
The first part of this project focused on the use of geospatial tools and analysis to understand the spread and clustering of COVID-19 cases in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. By utilizing high-resolution spatiotemporal data and geovisualization techniques, the project highlighted the diffusion dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 clusters and their behavior over time during the first wave of the pandemic. The analysis aimed to inform the origin of the outbreak, identify current spreading zones, and enable effective prevention and containment measures. The results suggested that early containment measures in affected neighborhoods could potentially curb the spread of the epidemic. The project also emphasized the importance of incorporating geospatial methods into disease prevention systems and calls for the development of local geospatial strategies using data collected from testing plans or population surveys.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30139-4
The second part aimed to examine the association between neighborhood-level socioeconomic deprivation and the persistence of spatial clustering of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. By combining spatiotemporal cluster detection with survival analysis, the study analyzed data from SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in the state of Geneva, Switzerland. The results demonstrated that socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods exhibited longer-lasting spatial clusters of SARS-CoV-2 transmission compared to less deprived neighborhoods. This finding suggested that persistent community transmission contributed to the increased risk of infection among disadvantaged communities. The project highlighted the importance of targeted public health interventions to address the intersecting factors of disadvantage and mitigate inequalities in the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its consequences.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.626090
GeoCOVID-VD
Investigators : Anaïs Ladoy, Yangji Choi, Dr David De Ridder, Dr Damien Jacot, Prof Séverine Vuilleumier, Prof Claire Bertelli, Dr Trestan Pillonel, Prof Idris Guessous, Dr Stéphane Joost, Prof Gilbert Greub
Detection of geographical clusters of COVID-19 in the canton of Vaud during the first wave of the epidemic. Genomic analysis of the clusters and recommendations for improving surveillance systems. This project was conducted in Collaboration with the Institute of Microbiology (CHUV, Lausanne) and La Source School of Nursing (HES-SO, Lausanne).
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147483
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1016169
GeoAlcohol
Investigators : Dr David De Ridder, Dr José Sandoval, Rebecca Himsl, Prof Pedro Marques Vidal, Prof Silvia Stringhini, Dr Stéphane Joost, Prof Idris Guessous
This research project focused on analyzing alcohol consumption patterns and the determinants of alcohol consumption in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. Using population-based surveys from the Bus Santé study spanning from 1993 to 2018, the study employs spatial statistics and modeling techniques to examine spatial clustering and changes in alcohol consumption over time. The impact of alcohol control policies on consumption is also explored. We identified areas with higher alcohol consumption (hot spots) and lower consumption (cold spots) and assessed the relationship between alcohol consumption and socio-demographic factors and built environment characteristics. The results highlighted the importance of targeted interventions and demonstrate the effectiveness of geospatial approaches in understanding alcohol consumption patterns and its determinants.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.16.22269160
Life expectancy inequalities
Investigate spatial inequalities in life expectancy in the canton of Geneva
Investigators : Anaïs Ladoy, Juan Vallarta, Dr David De Ridder, Dr José Sandoval, Prof Silvia Stringhini, Henrique Da Costa, Prof Idris Guessous, Dr Stéphane Joost
This research project examined the geographical inequalities in life expectancy at a local level in the state of Geneva, Switzerland. By analyzing individual death records and using spatial cluster detection methods, the study investigated the spatial distribution of years of potential life lost or gained (YPLLG) as a measure of life expectancy inequalities. The results revealed the presence of significant geographic footprints of YPLLG, indicating disparities in life expectancy across different areas. The study also explored the associations between YPLLG and population characteristics, such as gender, nationality, income, and age, and investigates the impact of individual-level and neighborhood-level factors on the observed inequalities. This study provided valuable insights for public health interventions aimed at addressing local disparities in life expectancy. This study was supported by the Direction Générale de la Santé Vaud.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-02733-x
https://actu.epfl.ch/news/where-in-geneva-canton-do-people-live-the-longest/
GeoSmoke
Investigators : Juan Vallarta, Dr Stéphane Joost, Prof Idris Guessous
The first study assessed the spatial dependence of daily tobacco consumption and how it is spatially impacted by individual and neighborhood socioeconomic determinants, and tobacco consumption facilities before and after a smoke-free implementation. Individual data was obtained from the Bus Santé, a cross-sectional survey in Geneva. Spatial clusters of high and low tobacco consumption were assessed using Getis-Ord Gi*. This study found that daily tobacco consumption was not randomly clustered in Geneva and may be impacted by tobacco consumption facilities independently of socioeconomic factors and a smoking ban.
The second study aimed to evaluate the association of the neighborhood environment with the spatio-temporal dependence of tobacco consumption and changes in smoking-related behaviors in Lausanne, Switzerland. Data were obtained from the CoLaus cohort (2003-2006, 2009-2012, and 2014-2017).
Finally, a third study aimed at investigating the association between smoking and testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, considering various factors such as comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and demographic factors. Using baseline data from a cohort in Geneva, Switzerland during the first wave of the pandemic, the study analyzed the relationship between smoking and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Logistic regression models were employed to examine the association, with adjustments made for relevant variables. The project seeked to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of smoking on COVID-19 susceptibility, considering potential confounding factors. The findings contributed to our knowledge of risk factors and protective behaviors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102616
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102845
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.731981
This project was supported by the Fonds de prévention du tabagisme (FPT)
GeoSalt
Investigators :
Dr David De Ridder, Dr Fabiën N. Belle, Prof Pedro Marques-Vidal, Prof Belén Ponte, Prof Murielle Bochud,
Prof Silvia Stringhini, Dr Stéphane Joost, Prof Idris Guessous
This study examined the spatial clustering of sodium and potassium intakes and the sodium-to-potassium ratio among adults in Geneva, Switzerland. Using fine-scale geospatial analysis, significant clusters were identified for these variables. Socio-demographic and food environment characteristics were found to be associated with the clustering patterns. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions tailored to specific populations within these clusters to address inadequate sodium and potassium intakes. By considering these factors, public health interventions can be more effectively implemented to mitigate the associated health consequences.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061798
GeoSweet
Investigators : Dr Stéphane Joost, Dr David De Ridder, Prof Pedro Marques Vidal, Béatrice Bacchilega, Jean-Marc Theler, Prof Jean-Michel Gaspoz, Prof Idris Guessous
This research project examined the spatial distribution and potential overlap between sugar-sweetened beverage intake frequency (SSB-IF) and body mass index (BMI) in adults residing in the state of Geneva, Switzerland. The study utilized data from the Bus Santé study, including SSB-IF and BMI measurements of 15,423 participants. Through advanced spatial analysis techniques, significant clusters of SSB-IF and BMI were identified at a fine geographic scale. The analysis revealed the presence of spatial clustering and an overlap between higher SSB-IF and higher BMI in specific populations and areas. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers in developing targeted interventions, such as localized prevention campaigns, to address obesity-related concerns. The study highlights the importance of precision public health strategies for tackling obesity by considering the geographic variation in SSB consumption and its impact on BMI.
Scientific articles & press releases:
https://www.unige.ch/medias/2019/quartiers-consommation-de-boissons-sucrees-et-obesite-lies