bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capability approach to evaluate real-world effectiveness of social services
Authors: Mäki-Opas T , Batbaatar E , Kauppinen-Perttula U M , Metteri A , Männistö L , Jäppinen M , Riekkinen-Tuovinen S , Joubert L , Anand J
Published: October 2023

Background

The capability approach offers a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of conditions for wellbeing in terms of how well society promotes equal opportunities, skills, and the ability to lead a good life. The aim of this study was to utilize the capability approach to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of health social work among those with experienced negative life-events.

Methods

“Evidencing the effectiveness of health social work assessment and intervention” (Terva, 2021-2023) quasi-experimental data with mixed methods collected in real-world conditions across three hospital districts. The baseline data (intervention=266 and comparison=255) is collected and 6 months follow-up study is lasting until June 2023. Questionnaire data among participants included validated measures of perceived capabilities and background variables (age, gender, education, income) and among social workers (the evaluation of needs). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) while adjusting background variables at baseline and qualitative analyses will be applied.

Results

People with negative life-events perceived their capabilities as being lower than general adult population. These differences were especially reflected to live a healthy life and form satisfying social relationships. In baseline, the intervention group also demonstrated significantly lower capabilities compared to the comparison group. The detailed results of the real-world effectiveness of health social work on capabilities within and between intervention and comparison groups will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions

Our study is one of the first ones to utilize capability approach to examine real-world effectiveness of social services among those negative life events. Future studies should also include the commodities, converting factors and individual agency into the analyses and try to capture the dynamic process of the realization of capabilities and agency with a longer follow-up up to 24 months.

Key messages

• Capability Approach (CA) provides useful tool for evaluating effectiveness of social services in terms of promoting health and wellbeing of the customers.

• CA could be utilized for developing more empowering and effective wellbeing policies targeted to the specific customer-centered needs.
Rapid assessment of the mental well-being of general practitioners in Serbia during crises
Authors: Šantrić Milićević M , Bukumirić Z , Tripković K , Bjelica N , Dinić M , Van Poel E , Willems S
Published: October 2023

Background

General practitioners - GPs are at risk of greater exposure to multiple stressors during emergencies. To help primary care crisis preparedness planning, we rapidly assessed GPs’ mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic using a cross-sectional design, and after examining the 9-item Mayo Clinic Well-being Index (MWBI) correlation with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS21).

Methods

During the PRICOV-19 international study, January - June 2021, we distributed the MWBI questionnaire (forward-backwards translated) and a standardized Serbian version of DASS21 to all GPs licensed at the Serbian Medical Chamber for self-administration. Pearson's r tested the correlation of the MWBI with the DASS21 scores. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified factors of the GPs’ poorer mental well-being (if higher than the cutoff of 2).

Results

116 GPs, aged 24 - 68 years (median age = 42), participated in the study, of which 78.4% were females. A total of 101 respondents completed both questionnaires. The mean of the MWBI scores was 3,3 (SD 2.6) and ranged from -2 to 9, with a median of 3. Using a cutoff of MWBI ≥2, 71.3% of participants were considered at risk of distress. MWBI score correlated strongly, positively and significantly with the DASS21 total score (r = 0.791; p < 0,001), as well as with the DASS21 subscales (i.e. depression (r = 0.730; p < 0,001), anxiety (r = 0.660; p < 0,001), and stress (r = 0.759; p < 0,001)). A lower level of material status of respondents (B = - 0,882; p < 0,001) and lack of time to uptake clinical guidelines (B = - 0,600; p = 0,001) were independently and significantly related to higher MWBI scores.

Conclusions

The MWBI correlates with the DASS21 scores to an acceptable level. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two-thirds of Serbian GPs were at risk of distress, including those with lower material status and lack of time to uptake guidelines.

Key messages

• Assessing GP’s mental well-being should be included in emergency plans for primary care preparedness.

• Use of MWBI in crises helps validate and rapidly assess GPs’ mental well-being.
Mapping competencies taught in public health – Experience of the Europubhealth Consortium
Authors: Grimaud O , Barnes S , Bauernfeind A , Clemens T , Codd M , Donneau A F , Foucrier M , Sowada C , Czabanowska K
Published: October 2023

Background

Public health education aims at producing a competent workforce. The WHO-ASPHER framework proposes a set of relevant public health competencies organised in 10 sections (e.g. science practice, leadership, law policies and ethics etc). As part of the Europubhealth consortium (EPHc), eight universities collaborate for the delivery of a 2-year international public health master course. The course includes a first-year, or foundation component (4 options), and a second-year or specialisation component (7 options).

Objectives

In 2020, EPHc decided to use the framework in order to map the competencies addressed, and the level of proficiency aimed at, by each Y1 and Y2 option of the Master. To that end, component's coordinators answered an 84-item questionnaire covering the whole framework. Answers were summarised by calculating mean proficiency levels for each competency section.

Results

There were differences in overall proficiency levels between years with, as expected, higher scores in Y2. Options in Y1 reached medium to high proficiency scores for the sections “science practice”, “health promotion” and “communication” with scores of 2.6 to 3 (on a 1 to 4 scale). When compared with Y1 on a heat-map, Y2 options displayed more contrasted profiles, typically focussing (i.e. scores > 3.5) on 3 out of the 10 sections of competencies. Except for the “collaborations and partnership” section, the training pathways offered by the EPHc seem to offer opportunities for a high proficiency level in all domains of competencies.

Conclusions

The mapping proved a useful exercise to identify strengths and complementarities among the EPHc. The results suggest that the EPHc master course is coherent and offers students opportunities to gain proficiency in most competencies relevant to public health practice.

Key messages

• Competency-based education is likely to shape the future public health workforce.

• The WHO-ASPHER framework proved a useful tool to map public health competencies addressed in the teaching of the Europubhealth international Master.
Strengthening public health professionals in implementing prevention: building a learning community
Authors: Van de Goor I , Leurs-Stijnen M , van Waardenburg T , Fransen-Kuppens G
Published: October 2023

In the past decades, Dutch health care policy has not succeeded in flattening increase in care demand and associated costs, nor in reducing the gap in healthy life expectancy between people lesser or better off. As a result, the Dutch government recently launched policies to stimulate high-quality, accessible and affordable healthcare for the future and to stimulate healthy and active living. At the heart of these policies is the implementation of integrated and cross-domain preventive approaches between primary care, the public health sector and the social domain, such as fall prevention among older people, lifestyle approaches combatting overweight in adults and children, and promoting wellbeing among people with psychosocial problems. Local governments and health insurers are held responsible for the performance of these preventive approaches, which require challenging alignment and fine tuning across local policy makers, care and service providers, and public health (PH) professionals.

Building a learning community: To optimally advise local governments, PH professionals need knowledge and skills on how to implement cross-domain preventive approaches successfully on a local level. Therefore, a learning community for PH professionals is initiated, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. PH professionals of all public health services in the Netherlands participate. Experts from knowledge institutes, intervention designers and PH professionals contribute to the learning community. Evaluative research is carried out to get more insight into conditions and prerequisites for a more sustainable learning community. Furthermore, lessons learned will be applied as input for determining the conditions for realising a solid, national knowledge infrastructure around integrated and cross-domain preventive approaches.

Key messages

• To optimally advise local governments, public health professionals need knowledge and skills on how to implement cross-domain preventive approaches successfully on a local level.

• Lessons learned from working with a learning community serve as input for determining the conditions required for realising a knowledge infrastructure around integrated preventive approaches.
A three-country survey of stakeholders on Continuous Professional Development in Public Health
Authors: Chikhladze N , Pitskhelauri N , Skhvitaridze N , Lobjanidze T , Tadevosian A , Tadevosian N , Cebanu S
Published: October 2023

Background

Health and social care systems in Eastern Partnership Countries are in the process of “digital transformation”, and health professionals started widespread use of digital registers and databases. This challenge highlights the importance of upskilling workforces. However, in some of these countries there are not well functioning Continuous Professional Development (CPD) systems available and less attention is paid to widening access to life-long learning (LLL) education at High Educational Institutions (HEIs). Study aimed to explore the view of stakeholders on the needs and perspectives of CPD in the Public Health on the example of Georgia, Armenia and Moldova.

Methods

Quantitative research method was used. A special questionnaire was designed for the study.

Survey was administered in November-December 2022 in Georgia, Armenia and Moldova.

Results

In total, 122 stakeholders from various areas (Ministry of Health, PH institutions, hospitals, HEIs) participated in the survey with 58,7% being at a high management level and with 82.5% having more than 15 years of total working experience. The majority of respondents (94,6%) worked in the state sector. Study reveals several common needs and perspectives in all three countries. Majority of stakeholders (97,8%) suggested that there is a lack of qualified staff with the necessary competencies and skills. In addition, large share of stakeholders (95,7%) mentioned that there is a lack of training opportunities and relevant CPD Programs in e-health and digitalization, medical and social registries, electronic surveillance systems, as well lack of financial support (93,4%), absence of appropriate regulation (90,2%).

Conclusions

Stakeholders in Georgia, Armenia and Moldova considered that existing gaps can be filled through strengthening the national system of CPD and developing of high quality CPD Programs oriented on specific knowledge and skills in the Public Health.

Key messages

• It is important in Eastern Partnership Countries to develop CPD programs with a focus on digital skills according to the best European practice and experience.

• High Educational Institutions can play a significant role in delivering LLL for the health workforce in Public Health.
Workplace violence and psychoneurological symptoms in nurses
Authors: Magnavita N , Di Prinzio R R , Arnesano G , Gasbarri M , Meraglia I , Merella M , Nava G , Pulvirenti A , Rossi F , Vacca M E
Published: October 2023

For nurses, workplace violence (WV) is a serious occupational hazard. WV and occupational stress are inversely correlated. Sleep issues and headaches are early cognitive indicators of distress. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the frequency of verbal or physical abuse directed against nurses and investigate the link between WV and headaches and sleep issues. 550 nurses and nursing assistants (445 female, 80.9%; mean age 48.0±9.98 years) were asked to complete a standard questionnaire that included the Violent Incident Form (VIF), which asked about violent episodes experienced, the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), which asked about headaches, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI) about sleep quality, and the effort/reward imbalance questionnaire (ERI) about occupational stress. 7.5% of employees reported experiencing physical violence in the preceding year, while 17.5% reported non-physical violence. Workers who encountered violence had a higher risk of headaches and sleep issues in univariate logistic regression models. The connection between physical violence and headache remained significant after controlling for sex, age, work type, and ERI (adjusted odds ratio aOR= 2.25; confidence interval CI95%=1.11;4.57). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for sex, age, job type, and ERI, all types of WV were substantially linked to poor sleep (aOR= 2.35 CI95%= 1.44;3.85). Additionally, the effects of headaches and the quality of sleep were linked to WV. The incidence of long-lasting psychoneurological symptoms, such as headaches and poor sleep, that interfere with work ability of nurses and patients’ safety, may be decreased with WV prophylaxis.

Key messages

• Workplace violence is associated with headache and sleep disturbances in nurses.

• Prevention of workplace violence could reduce neuropsychological disorders in nurses.
Subjective and Objective Evaluation of Driving Behaviour in Depression
Authors: Tsoutsi V , Papadakaki M , Yannis G , Pavlou D , Basta M , Chliaoutakis J , Dikeos D
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Road traffic collisions and related casualties are a major issue for public health and society. Depression is characterized by mental, emotional and executive dysfunction, which may have an impact on driving behaviour. Among its symptoms sleep disturbance is very common.

Objectives

The current study examined behaviour and attitude towards driving in a group of patients with depression and a group of controls, considering sleep disturbances.

Methods

Participants (patients N = 39 and controls N = 30) were asked to complete the Driver Stress Inventory (DSI) and Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ). Afterwards, they were asked to drive on a driving simulator in a motorway scenario, and in urban and rural scenarios under low and high traffic load, all in good weather conditions. Driving simulator data included speed, lateral position (LP) and safety distance from the preceding vehicle.

Results

Gender, age and, to a lesser extent, body mass index influenced almost all variables. Patients with depression did not differ from the controls regarding driving behaviour as assessed through the DSI and DBQ questionnaires. Subjective fatigue was found to be positively correlated with aggression (β = 0.027, p = 0.005), dislike of driving (β = 0.036, p = 0.006), hazard monitoring (β = 0.046, p = 0.001) and traffic violations (β = 0.010, p = 0.020). On the driving simulator, patients maintained a longer distance from the preceding vehicle. Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Athens Insomnia Scale scores were positively associated with safety distance and with the Standard Deviation of LP, denoting lower ability to keep a stable vehicle track (β = 2.108, p = 0.003 and β = 0.047, p = 0.004 respectively).

Conclusions

It seems that although certain symptoms of depression (insomnia, fatigue and somnolence) may affect driving performance, this effect is lessened by patients driving more carefully. There are parameters (age and sex) which influence driving behaviour and attitude similarly for both groups.

Key messages

• Patients with depression did not differ from controls regarding driving behaviour and attitude.

• Patients seem to realize the effects of symptoms of depression on their driving ability and, consequently, drive more carefully.
Parents’ knowledge towards prevention of unintentional injuries in children aged up to 14 years
Authors: Alves T , Papadakaki M , Silva S , Braz P , Aniceto C , Mexia R , Vagionaki K , Chliaoutakis J , Matias-Dias C
Published: October 2023

The CHILD Vigilance project is a European study supported by the Injury Prevention & Safety Promotion Section of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA INJ) and aims at assessing parenting knowledge and attitudes that are relevant to supervision and risk taking in children. The study aims contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of injuries and accidents in Greece and Portugal, through the study of the knowledge of the perceptions of parents and caregivers of children and adolescents between 0 and 14 years old. A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was developed in these countries during the period from february till april 2023, under the CHILD Vigilance project. In this study was obtained a total of 577 valid responses, involving 890 children (53,1% male; 46,8% female), with an average age of 8,9 years old. In both countries the mother was the main child carer (60,3% in Greece vs 60,1% in Portugal). In majority of the cases parents had two children (30,1% in Greece vs 44,9% in Portugal). The results revealed that almost all the parents knew about unintentional injuries (82,4 % in Greece vs 92,3% in Portugal), considered that have a big impact on children (89,8% in Greece vs 66,9% in Portugal) and injuries are preventable (63,2% in Greece vs 88,4% in Portugal). Considering data from both countries, the analysis of the association of parents’ knowledge with their occupation showed that civile servant were those who most considered that injuries have a big impact on children (86,5% - mother; 83,2% - father) and that injuries can be preventable (87,9% - mother; 84,9% - father), these differences were statistically significant (p < 0,01). The results may inform the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions to promote safety and prevent accidents in these both countries.

Key messages

• The lack of data regarding to parents’ knowledge on injury prevention involving children highlight the need to conduct this type of studies.

• Education injuries prevention programs addressed to parents should be design considering demographic variables.
Evolution of infant mortality in the Paris region over the past two decades
Authors: Matulonga Diakiese B
Published: October 2023

Background

Infant mortality is one of the major health indicators to appreciate the population health and the organization of the health system. Since the 1990s, the infant mortality rate (IMR) declines less rapidly in France as compared to other Western countries, taking the country from 7th to 27th place in 2017. As the Paris region recorded a quarter of the under one French mortality, we aimed to analyze the evolution of the regional IMR over the last two decades.

Methods

Using 2000 to 2019 data from the National Institute of Statistic and Economic Study on births and deaths, we ran joinpoint regressions model to analyze the evolution of mortality of infant under one. We also examined IMR by age at death subgroups (early neonatal [Day 0-D6], late neonatal [D7-27], and post-neonatal[D28-364]). We also analyzed territorial disparities.

Results

Over 20 years, 13,401 deaths and 3,389,048 live births were recorded among children under one in the Paris region, IMR: 3.,93 deaths per 1000 live births, an average of 18% higher than the national IMR. Data from evolution shows that Paris region’ IMR was 4.51‰ in 2001 and reached its lowest level in 2013 with 3.65‰ before rising to 3.99‰ in 2019. The joinpoint regression model shows a decline in the IMR between 2000 and 2003 (-3.78% annually), followed by a slow and steady decline between 2003 and 2011 (-1.57%). However, from 2011 to 2019 a significant increase was observed in IMR (+1.48% annually). The analysis of deaths by age-group shows that the IMR increase was mainly driven by the increase in early neonatal mortality and a little less by late neonatal deaths while the post-neonatal mortality continued to decrease. Additional analyses showed territorial disparities in global and subgroups IMR with higher IMR in poorer areas.

Conclusions

These results are of a higher importance and should alert French authorities. Further studies, considering risk factors of infant mortality are needed to understand the reason of such increase.

Key messages

• We showed anhistoric and worrying increase in infant mortality in the Paris region.

• We showed territorial disparities in global and subgroups IMR with higher IMR in poorer of the Paris region areas.
Maternal healthy lifestyle score and offspring birth outcomes: secondary analyses of the PEARS RCT
Authors: Philippe K , McAuliffe F M , Phillips C M
Published: October 2023

Background

The influence of maternal lifestyle behaviours during pregnancy on offspring outcomes has been investigated individually. A composite Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS) comprising low-risk protective lifestyle behaviours can be useful for studying links between overall lifestyle and health outcomes. We aimed to study links between HLS and its components in early and late pregnancy with birth outcomes among women with overweight and obesity (OWOB), as their offspring may be at increased risk for adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

Secondary analyses were conducted with data from the PEARS (Pregnancy Exercise And nutrition Research Study) trial, a RCT of a diet and exercise lifestyle intervention to prevent gestational diabetes. HLSs (scored 0-5) based on information about maternal diet (AHEI-P), exercise (MET-minutes), alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep habits were created for 334 and 289 mothers in early (14-16 weeks gestation) and late pregnancy (28 weeks gestation), respectively. Higher HLSs indicate a healthier overall lifestyle. Regression analyses examined associations of HLSs and individual lifestyle factors with adverse birth outcomes; low birthweight (BW), macrosomia and being born small or large for gestational age (SGA or LGA).

Results

Mean HLS was 3.38 in early, and 3.19 in late pregnancy. Only 12% and 10% of mothers had the maximum HLS in early and late pregnancy. Preliminary results indicated no strong links between composite HLSs and birth outcomes. Examination of the individual factors revealed that not smoking in early and late pregnancy was linked to a decreased risk for SGA (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07-0.74, p < 0.01; OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04-0.35, p < 0.01) and low BW (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02-0.62, p = 0.01; OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.57, p = 0.01) (unadjusted results).

Conclusions

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle among pregnant women with OWOB can be improved. Our results highlight the importance of smoking cessation in pregnancy to avoid adverse birth outcomes.

Key messages

• Many pregnant women with OWOB do not adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

• Smoking cessation in pregnancy is important to reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
Prevalence and Manifestations of Doctor-Diagnosed Allergies in Bulgarian Families with Atopy
Authors: Pancheva R , Chamova R , Toneva A , Marinova M
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Food allergy and atopic dermatitis are significant pediatric health problems in many developed countries. The prevalence of these conditions has been increasing over the past two decades in Western societies. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data for Bulgaria.

Purpose

To study the frequency of different manifestations of doctor-diagnosed allergies among families with atopy in Bulgaria.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,408 families with mothers of childbearing age hospitalized between 2017 and 2019 in the Maternity Ward of St. Anna hospital - Varna, Bulgaria. A direct individual questionnaire was applied to obtain information on social-demographic characteristics and manifestations of various forms of allergies. Data was analyzed with SPSS v. 21.0.

Results

The relative proportion of families with evidence of allergy on the side of the mother, father, or child was 11.63% (n = 280). The incidence of allergic diseases among mothers was 60.5% (n = 127), among fathers 38.6% (n = 8), and among children 57.8% (n = 63). Rhinconjunctivitis was the leading allergic manifestation in mothers (29.5%; n = 62) and fathers (24.8%; n = 52), and atopic dermatitis was the most common manifestation of allergy in their child (30.3%; n = 33). A significant relationship was established between atopic dermatitis in the family and the overall incidence of allergies in the child.

Conclusions

The data resulting from our study may serve as a basis for further research so the mechanisms of atopy to be investigated better. Prevention strategies need to be developed to address the march of allergy, characterized by the initial manifestation of allergy in childhood with atopic dermatitis and moving to food and respiratory manifestations.

Key messages

• The incidence of allergies has been increasing in recent years both in the world and in Bulgaria.

• Тhe development of preventive measures to reduce the risk of allergic diseases could be of great importance for public health.
3.D. Round table: Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention: which opportunities from the EU Cancer Mission?
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-EPI, EUPHA-ECO, EUPHA-CHR, EUPHA-HSR, EUPHA-PHG,   Chair persons: Stefania Boccia (EUPHA-EPI), Julian Mamo (EUPHA-CHR)
Published: October 2023

While Europe accounts for a tenth of the world's population, it holds a quarter of the world's cancer cases. In the current scenario that see an increase in the proportion of elderly population in the EU, lives lost to cancer in the EU are set to increase by more than 24% by 2035, making it the leading cause of death in the EU. The overall economic impact of cancer in Europe is estimated to exceed €100 billion annually. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted cancer care, disrupting prevention and treatment, delaying diagnosis and vaccination, and affecting access to medicines. Since the pandemic began, the number of cancer diagnoses has decreased, foreshadowing a future increase in cases. In response to such challenges, the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (EBPC) published in 2021 reflects a political commitment to leave no stone unturned to take action against cancer. In the EBPC, there is a renewed commitment to invest in cancer prevention, treatment and care that recognises the growing challenges, and opportunities to overcome them, including the developments in cancer care. In order to implement the EBPC the European Commission will use all the related funding instruments of the Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) and it will be constantly guided from the experts of the Mission Board of Cancer. By establishing specific goals together with funding, the EU ensures the involvement of the Member States in tackling risk factors that are common to most non-communicable diseases. Simultaneously, there is a clear step towards health equity by collecting data stratified by equity-relevant attributes such as education or income. On another level, the focus on cancer might trigger new effective outcome-based payment models for personalised medicine, as well as better collection of data needed for a value-based approach on the effectiveness of health care. In the round table the panellists will discuss the opportunities and challenges of the EBCP implementation with the President of the Cancer Mission Board Walter Ricciardi, by addressing the epidemiological scenario of cancer disease in Europe and the related economic burden (Joao Vasco Santos), the role of the Comprehensive Cancer Control Networks and related Joint Action (Tit Albreht), and the readiness of the health services (Johan Hansen).

Key messages

• The implementation of the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan requires coordinated efforts among stakeholders with a clear leadership from Public Health Professionals.

• Many externalities can be achieved through the EBCP as cancer has same determinants of most of the non-communicable diseases.

Speakers/Panelists

Walter Ricciardi

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Rome, Rome, Italy

Tit Albreht

National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia

João Vasco Santos

EUPHA-ECO

Johan Hansen

EUPHA-HSR
Mental health support program (MHS) – Case report from Slovenia
Authors: Roškar S , Tančič Grum A , Kralj D , Cutura Sluga D
Published: October 2023

Background

MHS is a program adapted for general public. It aims to increase knowledge and awareness about mental disorders and equip individuals with skills to recognize and respond to people in mental distress. The program increases the potential for a timely intervention and reduces stigma and as such adds to combating public mental health problems. The aim of this presentation is to present the development and implementation of the MHS program in Slovenia.

Objectives

We developed and adapted MHS guidelines for depression and suicidality, launched a social media campaign and prepared a short awareness-raising film on MHS. Central to the intervention is a 5-hour educational program, covering a theoretical and a practical part on how to recognize, approach and help an individual. We were interested if (i) the program increases the knowledge of participants in regards to related topics and (ii) it affects their self-perceived competencies to approach and help an individual.

Results

The program was free of charge, open to the public and delivered to groups of maximum 25 participants (so far five groups). The evaluation showed that the program was well received, especially the practical parts (role-play). The participants reported of having acquired new knowledge, felt more confident in recognizing and responding to mental health problems and exhibited a higher level of self-perceived competencies to approach and help someone in distress. The results are of preliminary nature, but the first insights are promising.

Conclusions

Lack of knowledge can directly hinder offering help to someone who is in mental distress. Support, even when offered by an informal source, can positively affect help seeking behavior of those in need and potentially be lifesaving.

Key messages

• MHS can influence the timely recognition and referral to formal sources of help.

• The program can contribute to narrowing the help seeking gap and influence mental health outcomes in the community.
The impact of social media interventions on mental well-being: a systematic review
Authors: Plackett R , Blyth A , Schartau P
Published: October 2023

Background

There is some evidence that problematic social media use is related to poorer mental well-being. To improve users’ mental well-being, social media interventions, e.g., abstinence from social media, have been recommended. However, there is limited understanding of their effectiveness. This systematic review aimed to synthesise literature on the effectiveness of social media interventions for improving mental well-being.

Methods

Three databases were searched (2004-June 2022). Experimental studies evaluating the impact of social media interventions on mental well-being in adults were included. Outcomes such as depression, and loneliness, were included. A narrative synthesis was completed to summarise effectiveness by outcomes and intervention type. The Quality Assessment Tool was used to measure quality.

Results

Of 2,785 results, 23 studies were included for analysis. Many studies (9/23, 39%) found improvements in mental well-being, seven (7/23, 30%) found mixed effects and seven found no effect on mental well-being. Therapy-based interventions, that used techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, were more effective (83%, 5/6 of studies showing benefit) than limiting use (20%, 1/5) or full abstinence from social media (25%, 3/12). Depression was the most improved outcome with 70% (7/10) of studies showing a significant improvement after the intervention. Quality was poor, 96% (22/23) of studies received a weak score, mostly due to selection bias, as most used convenience sampling of university students (16/23, 70%).

Conclusions

This review provides some evidence that social media interventions are effective in improving mental well-being, especially for depression and when using therapy-based techniques. Further research with representative samples is needed to understand who may benefit most from social media interventions. This will help to develop guidance for policymakers and clinicians on how to manage problematic social media use.

Key messages

• The relationship between social media and mental well-being is complex and experimental evidence overall does not show conclusively that less time spent on social media improves mental well-being.

• Reflecting on why/when social can become problematic for our mental health can improve mental well-being, so policies/public health interventions should focus on how we use social media.
Loneliness trajectories, risk factors, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain
Authors: Gabarrell-Pascuet A , Domènech-Abella J , Mortier P , Felez-Nobrega M , Cristóbal-Narváez P , Vilagut G , Olaya B , Alonso J , Haro J M
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The present study investigates the courses of loneliness following the national state of emergency in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a curfew due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, associated risk factors, and the effect of loneliness on symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Methods

Data of 2,000 adults in Spain which were interviewed by telephone at the first follow-up of the MINDCOVID project (February-March 2021) and of whom 953 were interviewed nine months later (November-December 2021) were analyzed. Group-based trajectories and mixed models were constructed.

Results

Three courses of loneliness were detected: (1) invariant low loneliness (42.6%), (2) decreasing medium loneliness (51.5%), and (3) fairly invariant high loneliness (5.9%). Loneliness courses were associated with the severity and variability of symptoms of depression and anxiety. In contrast to the majority of pre-pandemic studies, younger adults more frequently reported loneliness compared to middle-aged and, particularly, older individuals. Other risk factors for loneliness were being female, being unmarried, and, notably, having pre-pandemic mental disorders.

Conclusions

Future studies should validate whether the newly observed loneliness patterns across age groups persist and assess the evolution of loneliness courses and their impact on mental health, with particular attention given to young adults and individuals with pre-existing mental disorders.

Key messages

• In contrast to the majority of pre-pandemic studies, younger adults more frequently reported loneliness compared to middle-aged and, particularly, older individuals.

• Risk factors for loneliness were being female, being unmarried, and, notably, having pre-pandemic mental disorders.
Disparities in cardiovascular mortality after diagnosed depression among people with disability
Authors: Yeob K E , Kim S Y , Park J H
Published: October 2023

Background

Persons with depression are more likely to eventually develop CVD or CVD related deaths. Depression history could be said a predictor or marker of cardiometabolic risk. However, potential disparities in cardiovascular mortality after diagnosis depression among people with and without disability rarely haven't been investigated.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study with a data set linking the National Disability Database, the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database, and Cause of Death Database. To identify cases of depression and cardiovascular mortality, we used the ICD-10 code.

Results

Even after excluding people with brain injury and heart problems, people with disabilities had a 2.82 times higher cardiovascular specific mortality than the non-disabled (6.5 vs 2.3 people per 1000), especially in those with severe disabilities (7.5 vs 2.3 people per 1000). In survival analysis, the median survival time was 78.6 months and 71.6 months in the non-disabled and those with severe disability, respectively (Log-rank, p<.0001). This higher likelihood was more evident for people with severe disability(aHR=2.02, p<.0001), disability due to renal failure (aHR=3.43, p<.0001), speech and language disabilities (aHR=2.67, p<.0001), and hearing disabilities (aHR=2.29, p<.0001).

Conclusions

Although people with disabilities were known to be in poor health, disparities were found in cardiovascular mortality after depression history, especially in severe disabilities, renal failure, speech and language, and/or hearing disabilities. This emphasizes the importance of regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors in the disabled with depression, and we should do more efforts to develop policies supporting mental and cardiovascular health.

Key messages

• Patients with disabilities had a higher cardiovascular diseases specific mortality, and had a shorter survival time than the non-disabled.

• Patients with severe disabilities, renal failure, speech and language, and/or hearing disabilities had a higher cardiovascular diseases specific mortality.
Cell phone addiction and its impact on students’ mental health
Authors: Villegas Dominguez J , Jimenez Recinos C , Gómez De La Cruz K I , Ávila Sánchez M , Trujillo Peña G J , Aguirre Ruiz E , Licona Martinez A M
Published: October 2023

Background

Stress, anxiety and depression increased during the confinement by COVID-19 and the mobile phone was a tool used for various school and communication functions in a necessary way, however, these mental health problems continue today as well as the way in which our mobiles are used. Objective: to determine the association between cell phone addiction and students’ mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional, observational, prospective and analytical study was carried out between November and April 2023. Students between the ages of 15 and 26 were included; Subjects with a diagnosis of stress, anxiety, depression or with treatment for these diseases were excluded. Data collection was carried out using Google Forms, applying the DASS-21 test for stress, anxiety and depression (A.Cronbach 0.9) and the EDAS-18 cell phone addiction test (A.Cronbach 0.74). The SPSS v22 program was used, X2 test, Odds Ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI95%).

Results

1377 students were included, with an average age of 19.2(±2.1) years, with an average use of the telephone of 8.5(±4.5) hours a day, with a prevalence of depression of 51.3%, anxiety of 59.0% and stress of 46.3%.. Cell phone addiction is associated (OR/CI95%) with stress (3.5/2.7-4.6), anxiety (3.0/2.2-4.0) and depression (3.0/2.2-0.9) and with stress, anxiety and depression severe at the same time (6.9/4.5-10.8), while proper use is associated with being without any of these 3 pathologies (3.2/2.5-4.2). The use of the telephone to view social networks is associated with depression (1.5/1.0-2.2), the same as its use for games (0.6/0.5-0.8) and multimedia (0.6/0.5-0.8) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The cell phone is a tool that is associated with the mental health of young people, however, it has the duality of favoring it with proper use, recreationally or harming it when addicted to the device, causing inappropriate use of the device. itself or, to facilitate unfavorable activities for the user.

Key messages

• The cell phone can lead to mental health problems, so we must educate the population about its correct use and the problems caused by its inappropriate use.

• The use of the cell phone could serve as an element that helps promote mental health, so it would be worth doing studies using it as a supervised therapeutic measure.
Private and public psychotherapy in Israel 5 years after the ‘mental health insurance reform'
Authors: Samuel H
Published: October 2023

Background

In 2015, Israel implemented a mental health insurance reform aiming to increase availability of mental health services in the public sector. However, little is known about the private sector.

Aim

To characterize the differences between private and public psychotherapy sectors following the reform.

Methods

Data was collected in December 2020 via an internet survey among a representative sample of 4,688 Israeli adults and included questions about patients’ characteristics, treatment seeking, choice of provider, and patient experience.

Results

400 participants (8%) reported receiving psychotherapy treatment in the community in 2020. Of those, 49% were treated privately. Logistic regression showed that ultra-Orthodox Jews (95% CI 1.7-15; OR = 5), individuals with higher education (1.7-4.4; 2.7) and women (1.3-3.4; 2.1) were more likely to be treated privately, while Arabs (0.17-0.95; 0.4), individuals over 60 (0.2-0.6; 0.3), and those receiving psychiatric care (0.2-0.4; 0.3) were less likely. Private treatment was characterized by shorter waiting times (50% waited < 2 weeks vs. 25% in the public sector; p < 0.05), longer treatments (44% treated > 1 year vs. 28%; p < 0.05), and higher patient experience score (9.1 vs. 8.3 out of 10; p < 0.05). The leading causes for choosing private care were the ability to choose the therapist and shorter waiting times. 20% of those treated privately had sought public treatment before opting for private care.

Conclusions

Following the insurance reform, private psychotherapy is still used by half of the patient population. The study highlights the existence of a population interested in receiving public care but not receiving it, and of differences in quality of care between the two sectors. Other countries considering publicly financed mental health care should consider scenarios where private care remains advantageous, and the public service is not responsive enough.

Key messages

• Despite the right to publicly funded care, half of the patients in Israel use private care. Patients who sought public care but turned to private providers suggest unmet needs in the public sector.

• Differences in treatment characteristics and in patient experience between the private and public sectors suggest differences in quality.
The resilience of elderly during the pandemic: data on mental health from the Italian surveillance
Authors: Casigliani V , Benoni R , Contoli B , Minardi V , Possenti V , Asta F , Masocco M
Published: October 2023

Background

Among the elderly mental health is an essential but often underestimated issue. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mental health but its effects on this population are still unclear.

This study aims to describe the trend of depression in the elderly over the period 2016-2022 and its associated factors.

Methods

We used data on the elderly population (65+) collected from 2016 to 2021 by the Italian ongoing surveillance system PASSI d'Argento to analyse socio-demographic characteristics, isolation, and the prevalence of depression symptoms (through the Patient Health Questionnaire-2). In 2020-21 specific questions investigating the perception of the pandemic were introduced.

Results

Depression symptom prevalence decreased from 13.4%(IC:12.7-14.2) in 2016-2019 to 10,5%(IC:9,4-11,7) in 2020-21. People being female, aged over 85 years, having many economic difficulties and a low education level, and living alone and in a South region were at high risk of reported depressive symptoms in both periods. However, 66.6% reported being worried about COVID-19, and almost one-third of the sample had a painful experience related to the pandemic. Considering social isolation, people who didn't talk with anyone during a typical week decreased (20.4%,19.9-21 in 2016-19; 16.3%, 5.5-17.2 in 2020-21), while those who couldn't participate in social activities increased (70%,69.3-70.7 in 2016-19; 76.9%,75.8-78).

Conclusions

The Italian elderly population showed a decreasing trend in the prevalence of depression symptoms, with a marked drop during the pandemic. At the same time, worries and stressful experiences related to the pandemic were highly reported and participation in social activities was significantly affected: it may have impacted mental health among the elderly, who seemed to show resilience.

Key messages

• The surveillance system is relevant to monitor changes in elderly health and the factors associated in order to implement targeted interventions.

• Elderly Italians seem to have shown resilience with regard to mental health during the pandemic.
Child development of kindergarten immigrant and non-immigrant boys and girls in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Urquia M , Fafard St-Germain A A , Godoy M , Brownell M , Janus M
Published: October 2023

Background

The child development of immigrant children faces challenges related to integration and discrimination. Yet, little is known about differences in child developmental vulnerability before school entry according to maternal birthplace and sex.

Methods

Official immigration records were linked with the Early Development Instrument (EDI) assessments among 77,085 children in kindergarten in the province of Manitoba, Canada (2005-2017), 11,773 (15.3%) of whom had an immigrant mother. The EDI is a 103-item validated questionnaire completed by kindergarten teachers in publicly funded schools across five domains covering physical, emotional, social and cognitive skills. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios of developmental vulnerability associated with 11 maternal birthplaces and child sex.

Results

Children of immigrant mothers from most birthplaces had higher adjusted odds of developmental vulnerability than non-immigrants in domains related to language, communication skills and general knowledge (Adjusted Odds Ratios ranging from 1.2 to 5.9), except those of the rest of North America & Oceania. Children of Sub-Saharan African mothers were more vulnerable in four domains. Boys were consistently more vulnerable than girls across domains and maternal birthplaces.

Conclusions

Children of immigrant mothers exhibited higher developmental vulnerability than non-immigrants in domains related to language and communication skills, potentially reflecting exposure to English and French as second languages, but not on physical health or emotional maturity.

Key messages

• Children of immigrants experience language and communication developmental challenges.

• The girl’s advantage in early development is confirmed among immigrant children from various origins.