bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Attitudes and Perceptions Towards Blood Donation in Greece: An Analysis Aligned with the Health Belief Model
Authors: Theodoratou M. , Papandrea D. , Papathanasiou I. V. , Andriopoulou P. , Dafogianni C. , Farmakopoulou I.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study explores attitudes toward blood donation in Greece, where maintaining an adequate supply is challenging. Using the Health Belief Model, we examine factors like perceived severity, vulnerability, and self-efficacy.

Objectives

The main aims of this study are to assess public perceptions and barriers concerning blood shortage in Greece, and to identify motivators and self-efficacy levels for regular blood donation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to a sample of Greek adults. The questionnaire was designed based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model and included questions related to perceived severity, vulnerability, self-efficacy, and barriers and facilitators to blood donation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the responses, calculating means and standard deviations (SDs) for each variable.

Results

Perceived Severity and Vulnerability

Participants in our study show a heightened awareness of the severity of blood shortages, especially in summer months and during increased surgical interventions. They also acknowledge Greece’s dependency on more than just voluntary donations to meet blood supply needs. These findings align with the Health Belief Model’s constructs of perceived severity and vulnerability, suggesting avenues for promoting donation.

Perceived Benefits and Barriers

A significant 74% of participants believe they can regularly donate blood and plan to do so in the next six months. However, fear of needles, health concerns, and fears of transmissible diseases act as barriers. According to the Health Belief Model, targeting these barriers could facilitate blood donation.

Self-Efficacy

A high percentage (74%, SD=5) of participants displayed strong self-efficacy, suggesting they are likely to engage in blood donation if encouraged. This aligns with the Health Belief Model’s emphasis on self-efficacy as a motivator for health actions.

Cues to Action

Participants identified informational campaigns, digital reminders, and social encouragement as cues to action, with a disfavor for financial incentives. These cues could serve as triggers for blood donation, consistent with the Health Belief Model.

Conclusions

By aligning these findings with the Health Belief Model, it becomes evident that there are strong perceptions of severity and vulnerability, but also considerable barriers to overcome. The high self-efficacy among participants and the cues to action identified could serve as bases for targeted interventions to improve blood donation rates.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Online Support System for Mental Health Problems After the Earthquake: A Prompt Response from The Psychiatric Association of Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz-Karaman I. G. , Erim B. R. , Karaş H. , Mutlu E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Previous research demonstrated that disasters have adverse mental health outcomes. Preventive mental health interventions in the golden hours/days after a disaster may reduce psychological harm by getting in the way of emerging mental disorders or alleviating existing ones. The widespread use of smartphones and broad internet access enabled remote mental health interventions during disasters. After the 2023 Turkey earthquake, observing the mental health burden of the earthquake, The Psychiatric Association of Turkey conducted an online platform for psychological first aid. The aim was to unite volunteer psychiatrists and disaster survivors.

Objectives

This study presents the organization of an online mental health service during a disaster while reporting the characteristics of the service users.

Methods

The Psychiatric Association of Turkey called its members to volunteer for an Online Support System for Mental Problems After the Earthquake. The group regularly united to set standards of care. An action plan and algorithm were set up for applicants with acute suicidal, homicidal risk, or active psychotic symptoms in collaboration with local institutions and field volunteers. Volunteer psychiatrists were asked to collect information on the applicant’s sociodemographic characteristics, disaster experience, and mental health status.

Results

Volunteer psychiatrists collected data on 180 applications. Most cases applied for themselves (%95.5), and some asked for advice to care for their relatives (%4.5). Earthquake survivors have the highest psychopathology rate (%64.9), followed by healthcare workers and search and rescue personnel (%61.1). Figure 1 summarizes the subgroups of the service users. The earthquake survivors group had a mean age of 34.45, % and 76.1 of them were female. Only %15.7 of them had lower educational levels than high school. %75 cases reached safe places on the 5th day of the disaster. Applicants reported discrimination and aggression after the catastrophe, related to experiencing mental health problems, owning a pet, looting, and being seen as less traumatized since their relatives are alive.

Image:

Conclusions

The present experience of the Psychiatric Association of Turkey is an example of a fast and collaborative response to a disaster regarding mental health. Our results also represent the characteristics of online mental health service users during a disaster.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The association between prenatal cannabis use and congenital birth defects in offspring: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tadesse A. W. , Ayano G. , Dachew B. A. , Tusa B. S. , Damtie Y. , Betts K. , Alati R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

A body of research has examined the association between prenatal cannabis use and congenital birth defects in offspring; however, these studies have not been synthesised. We performed a comprehensive synthesis of existing research to test whether there is an association between prenatal cannabis use and congenital birth defects in exposed offspring.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of existing evidence to synthesise the association between prenatal cannabis use and congenital birth defects in exposed offspring.

Methods

In line with the preregistered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42022368623), we systematically searched PubMed/Medline, CINHAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest, Psych-Info, and Google Scholar for published articles until 4 April 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was carried out to report the pooled effect estimates from the included studies. We further performed subgroup, leave-one-out sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses, which increased the robustness of our findings.

Results

Thirty observational studies (i.e., fifteen case-control and fifteen cohort studies) with 229,930 cases of birth defects and 26,826,741 controls (healthy babies) were included in the final analysis. We found that offspring exposed to maternal prenatal cannabis had a 56%, 69%, 47%, 23%, and 13% increased risk of any birth defects (irrespective of specific body system) [RR = 1.56: 95 % CI 1.28 – 1.92], defects of the gastrointestinal [RR = 1.69: 95 % CI 1.37 – 2.09], cardiovascular/heart [RR = 1.47: 95 % CI 1.09 – 1.97], central nervous systems [RR = 1.43: 95 % CI 1.09 – 1.89], and facial/oral cleft [RR = 1.13: 95 % CI 1.08 – 1.18], respectively.

Conclusions

The findings from the current study suggest that maternal prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with a higher risk of birth defects in offspring. The findings highlight the importance of promotive and preventive strategies to reduce cannabis use during pregnancy that contribute to minimising the risk of birth defects in offspring.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Mental Disorders in patients hospitalized due to Neurologic Disorders: a nationwide study
Authors: Gonçalves-Pinho M. , Martins B. , Costa A. , Pedro Ribeiro J. , Freitas A. , Azevedo E. , Fernandes L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The presence of psychiatric comorbidity significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and often goes unnoticed within the realm of neurology.

Objectives

This study’s objective was to elucidate and characterize psychiatric comorbidity among patients hospitalized for neurological disorders in mainland Portugal.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed hospitalizations categorized with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders, defined by Clinical Classification Software (CSS) for ICD-9-CM codes 76, 77, 79-85, 95, and 109, occurring in adult patients (≥18 years) between 2008 and 2015. Psychiatric comorbidity was determined by the presence of secondary diagnoses falling under CCS categories 650-670.

Results

A total of 294,806 hospitalization episodes were documented with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders in adult patients between 2008 and 2015 in Portuguese public hospitals. Approximately 26.9% (n=79,442) of these episodes were associated with documented psychiatric comorbidity (22.1% for female hospitalizations and 32.2% for male hospitalizations). Patients with recorded psychiatric comorbidity were younger (66.2±16.2 vs. 68.6±17.2 for those without psychiatric comorbidity, p<0.001), exhibited a lower overall in-hospital mortality rate, and experienced significantly longer mean hospital stays. Among these comorbidities, ‘Delirium, dementia, amnestic, and other cognitive disorders’ were documented in 7.4% (n=21,965) of hospitalizations, followed by alcohol-related disorders in 6.5% (n=19,302) and mood disorders in 6.1% (n=18,079). Epilepsy/seizures had the highest recorded psychiatric comorbidity rate among neurological disorders (39.9%).

Conclusions

Psychiatric comorbidity is present in more than a quarter of hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity varies across different neurological disorders and is associated with distinct demographic and clinical characteristics.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Evidence-Informed Approach to De-Prescribing of Atypical Antipsychotics (AAP) in the Management of Behavioral Expressions (BE) in Advanced Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD): Results of a Retrospective Study
Authors: Luthra A. S. , LinBin Gao R. , Carducci P. , Sue J. , Remers S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Diagnosis of behaviors in advanced neurocognitive disorders (aNCD) is one of exclusion, and the framework has been laid out in DSM-V. However, clinical assessments in aNCD become increasingly unreliable, and commonly used psychometric tools for clinical assessments lack reliability and validity, thereby making outcomes unreliable. Consequently, the syndromic and symptom management approaches for behaviors in aNCD behaviors have yielded poor results. To address this, the focus has shifted towards understanding the ‘meaning’ of behaviors in aNCD, recognizing them as a ‘mode of communication’. To date, there are no existing frameworks to ascribe ‘meaning’ to behaviors in aNCD.

Objectives

LuBAIR™ paradigm is the first step in offering such a framework for understanding the ‘purpose’ and ‘meaning’ of behaviors in NCD. The ‘meaning’ ascribed to each behavioral category was used to guide the use of atypical antipsychotics in their management. De-prescribing was attempted on patients who qualified to enter this retrospective study. De-prescribing was defined as successful if individuals were completely withdrawn from AAP and remained off them for 60 days without the re-emergence of behaviors.

Methods

The data collected on the second occasion, in the successful and failed de-prescribed groups, were compared in this retrospective study. MANOVA, Chi-Square paired t-test statistical analyses were used to detect the differences in the behavioral categories between the two cohorts. Cohen d was used to measure effect size.

Results

Patients who did not have Mis-Identification and Goal-Directed Expressions were more likely to successfully de-prescribe: X2 (1, N = 40) = 29.119 p < 0.0001 and X2 (1, N = 40) = 32.374, p < 0.0001, respectively. Alternatively, the same behavioral categories were more likely present in patients who failed de-prescribing: MANOVA and paired t-test (p < 0.0001). Atypical antipsychotics, in their role as an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer, may be used to manage Mis-Identification and Goal-Directed Expressions, respectively.

Conclusions

LuBAIR paradigm has the potential to guide the development of specific behavioral care plans and the use of AAP in managing individual behavioral categories. AAP use can be justified for managing Misidentification and Goal-Directed Expressions. Vocal expressions may warrant the use of AAP, pending further study. The LuBAIR paradigm offers guidance for de-prescribing AAP for all other behavioral categories in the LuBAIR Inventory. This study is also a preliminary step in validating the psychological theories used to support the individual categories. This workshop will educate the participants on the LuBAIR paradigm and its application in developing person-centered interventions for behaviors in a NCD.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Climate change and mental health. Polish perspective
Authors: Gawrych M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

World Health Organization estimates that climate changes are expected to cause an additional 250 000 deaths worldwide per year between 2030 and 2050 (1). We do not know, in what extense, population mental health will deteriorate due to climate change. Unfortunately, not all European countries, including Poland collect the evidence-based information about current and possible future risks for mental health.

(1)World Health Organization. Climate change and health; 2018. Available from who.int/news-room/ fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health [cited 20 October 2020]

Objectives

The aims of present study are: (1) summarize the available literature through a current review and (2) make recommendations for future actions/ prevention strategy for Poland.

Methods

Medline database (through PubMed) and Polish authorities documents was searched for records published in 2010–2024. Mental health-related descriptors (i.e. „mental health” OR “mental disorders”) and „climate change” and “Poland/ Polish” and “Europe” term were used in particular searches. The results of the screening were included in the final selection list. References of screened full-text articles and raports were manually searched for further literature. Additionally, European and worldwide publications and reports prepared by mental health and/ or climate change organizations were taken into account.

Results

Mental health risks of climate change can stem from climate-related natural disasters (e.g., extreme weather events), slower moving events (e.g., drought), or concern about the phenomenon of climate change itself. Primary mental health impact is related mostly to disasters itself and its consequences: environment of disruption, trauma and grief. Direct consequences include increased rates of high-risk behaviours. Secondary effects of climate change are due to various processes of environmental changes and ecological disruptions. They consist of damages to physical and social infrastructure, physical health effects, food and water shortages, conflict, and displacement. Long-term droughts affect food and water supplies and can subsequently affect the economic and mental wellbeing not only the land-based workers.

Conclusions

A focus on climate change impact on mental health can help enhance the understanding of factors that strengthening psychosocial resilience and adaptation. The future mental health challenges of climate change in Poland cover:

-

developing scientific knowledge regarding adaptation process and resilience,

-

focusing on high-risk groups (i.e. children, rural workers),

-

strengthened community engagement,

-

developing available locally strategies for mental health improving.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Effectiveness of AI-driven Individualized Learning Approach for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Authors: Atturu H. , Naraganti S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition with varying degrees of social, emotional and behavioural disability. These children require focused and individualised learning plan to facilitate social integration. Robots have been used for this purpose but are not routinely available in several parts of the world. Effective, point of care (POC) digital therapies that can be used anywhere by anyone is the need of the day.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven individualised learning plans delivered through POC digital platform (CognitiveBotics) for children with ASD.

Methods

After Ethical approval and parental consent, children diagnosed with ASD (Childhood Autism Rating Scale CARS 2) aged 2 years and above were screened for study inclusion and exclusion criteria and enrolled. AI driven individualised learning plan was administered through CognitiveBotics software that could be used on either computer or a tablet. Initially, interactive questions were administered to parents by the AI tool to understand child’s functioning. Based on these, an individualised learning plan was assigned. Each task is delivered using either interactive videos, chatbot and/or animated/AI games. The child’s progress is captured for attention (attempted questions, retries and timeouts) and retention (first time corrects and corrects) continuously. The initial interactive questions administered to parents were repeated to assess child’s progress in real life. Paired ‘t’ test using SPSS version 26 was used to compare initial and final data.

Results

Out of 85 registered children, 41 regularly used the AI tool. Mean age was 43.93 months (range 26 to 72 months). 37 (90.24%) were boys. The baseline mean scores (ranges), were CARS 33.48 (30-39.5); Social quotient 53.4 (27.25-80.32), Developmental quotient 71.35 (45.90-93.33) and IQ 62.34 (36.58-86.83). The base line mean score of parents assessed child function was 115.24 (range 58 to 215). A mean of 15.54 tasks were given (range 5 to 48). At the time of analysis with a mean follow up of 3 months (range 2 to 5 months) the children completed a mean of 10.10 tasks (range 0 to 42). There was significant improvement in child’s learning captured by the AI software based on attention and retention parameters (p = <0.00001). This improvement was also reflected in parent assessed child function (mean 147.15, (59 to 231)) (p = <0.00001). The percentage of improvement in both software captured and parent assessed child function was directly related to the amount of time spent by the child on the software.

Conclusions

AI driven individualised learning approach is effective in teaching skills and promote social integration for children with ASD. Such technology can capture the child’s progress on a day-to-day basis and deliver personalised training.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Brain magnetic resonance imaging outperforms clinical severity ratings in the prediction of treatment outcomes in major depressive disorder
Authors: Long F. , Chen Y. , Zhang Q. , Wang Y. , Wang Y. , Li Q. , Zhao Y. , Li F.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent and disabling condition. Approximately 30-50% of patients do not respond to first-line medication or psychotherapy. Therefore, several studies have investigated the predictive potential of pretreatment severity rating or neuroimaging features to guide clinical approaches that can speed optimal treatment selection.

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of 1) severity ratings (scores of Hamilton Depression/Anxiety Scale, illness duration, and sleep quality, etc.) and demographic characteristic and 2) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in predicting treatment outcomes for MDD. Second, to assess performance variations among varied modalities and interventions in MRI studies.

Methods

We searched studies in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases before March 22, 2023. We extracted a confusion matrix for prediction in each study. Separate meta-analyses were performed for clinical and MRI studies. The logarithm of diagnostic odds ratio [log(DOR)], sensitivity, and specificity were conducted using Reitsma’s random effect model. The area under curve (AUC) of summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was calculated.

Subgroup analyses were conducted in MRI studies based on modalities: resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI), task-based fMRI (tbfMRI), and structural MRI (sMRI), and interventions: antidepressant (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRI]) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Meta-regression was conducted 1) between clinical and MRI studies and 2) among modality or intervention subgroups in MRI studies.

Results

We included ten studies used clinical features covering 6494 patients, yielded a log(DOR) of 1.42, AUC of 0.71, sensitivity of 0.61, and specificity of 0.74. In terms of MRI, 44 studies with 2623 patients were included, revealing an overall log(DOR) of 2.53. The AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.89, 0.78, and 0.75.

Studies using MRI features had a higher sensitivity (0.89 vs. 0.61) in predicting treatment outcomes than clinical features (P < 0.001). RsfMRI had higher specificity (0.79 vs. 0.69) than tbfMRI subgroup (P = 0.01). No significant differences were found between sMRI and other modalities, nor between antidepressants (SSRIs and others) and ECT. Antidepressant studies primarily identified predictive imaging features in limbic and default mode networks, while ECT mainly focused on limbic network.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a robust promise for pretreatment brain MRI features in predicting treatment outcomes in MDD, offering higher accuracy than clinical studies. While tasks in tbfMRI studies differed, those studies overall had less predictive utility than rsfMRI data. For MRI studies, overlapping but distinct network level measures predicted outcomes for antidepressants and ECT.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): A Scotland Wide Naturalistic Study of 4,826 treatment episodes
Authors: Langan Martin J. , Fleming M. , Varveris D. , Kelly S. , Martin D.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Despite its apparent efficacy in the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is viewed by some as a contentious treatment. Although most clinicians and researchers consider ECT a safe and effective treatment, there are ongoing and significantly publicised concerns about potential side effects.

Objectives

To explore use of ECT across Scotland in a large naturalistic clinical sample across an 11-year period from 2009 to 2019. To consider the efficacy and side effects of ECT for a range of common psychiatric disorders including, depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and mania.

Methods

Using data from the Scottish Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Accreditation Network (SEAN), information was collected for all adults who had received ECT. Variables included age, sex, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile, International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) diagnosis, indication for ECT, Mental Health Act status, consent status, entry and exit Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scores (MADRS), entry and exit Clinical Global Index Severity CGI-S) scores and reported side effects. Side effects were recorded as present if the side effect was reported at any point during the episode of treatment.

Results

4826 ECT episodes were recorded. The majority of episodes were in women (68.4%, n=3,301). Average age at treatment onset was 58.52 years. Males were slightly younger (m=58.24 years vs f= 58.65 years, p= 0.20). Mean number of treatments/episode was 9.59 (95% CI 9.32 – 9.85). Mean treatment dose delivered was 277.75mC (95%CI 272.88 – 282.63mC).

2920 episodes of treatment had CGI-S entry and exit recorded. At entry, mean CGI-S indicated marked illness (5.03 95% CI 4.99-5.07). Recipients with schizophrenia had the highest CGI-S score (5.45 95% CI 5.21-5.60), followed by those with post-partum disorders (5.38, 95% CI 4.61-6.14). At exit, mean CGI scores indicated borderline illness (2.07, 95% CI 2.03-2.11), recipients diagnosed with mixed affective state had the lowest CGI-S score (1.72, 95% CI 0.99-2.47) followed by those with schizoaffective disorder (2.01, 95% CI 1.76-2.42).

Anaesthetic complications (n=34) and prolonged seizures (n=38) were rare, occurring in <1% of treatment episodes. Cardiovascular complications were reported in 2.2% (n= 102). Nausea was reported in 7.2% (n= 334) and muscle aches in 12% (n=560). Confusion was reported in 19% (n=879) and cognitive side effects were reported in 26.2% (n=1212). One third of treatment episodes reported confusion or cognitive side effects (33.1%, n=1545).

Conclusions

From this large naturalistic clinical sample, ECT appears to be effective in improving illness severity as measured by CGI-S score. While some side effects (such as prolonged seizures and cardiovascular complications) were rare, others (such as confusion or cognitive side effects) were relatively common.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Cannabis addiction in Tunisia: sociodemographic profile and neuropsychological complications
Authors: Smaoui E. , Mnif D. , Ouali R. , Sellami R. , Feki I. , Baati I. , Masmoudi J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Cannabis consumption constitutes a public health problem both because of its serious repercussions and complications and the psychological and social problems it causes.

Objectives

Our objective was to assess the level of cannabis dependence in consumers receiving care at the Sfax detoxification center in Tunisia, to describe the sociodemographic profile of these consumers and the neuropsychological complications that may be caused.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study, over a period of 13 months (September 2020 to October 2021), among cannabis users consulting the Sfax detoxification center in Tunisia. We used the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) in order to detect a “problematic” cannabis use, along with a clinical information sheet to collect epidemiological and clinical data. All patients gave their free and informed oral consent to participate in the survey while ensuring anonymity.

Results

We included 38 patients. The average age was 26 years old with a median age of starting cannabis use at 17 years old. The sex ratio was 8.5 with an over-representation of men. Most of the subjects were single, lived with their family and had a secondary school education. Consumption was daily for the majority of patients (68.5%) with an average quantity of 4 joints/day. According to the CAST scale, 36 users (94.7%) had problematic cannabis use. The factors favouring cannabis consumption were stress and anxiety in 34 patients (89.5%) followed by depression and the festive atmosphere in 14 subjects (36.8%) each. Among the participants, 26.3% had a psychiatric history including depression (5.3%), a psychopathic personality disorder (10.5%) and cannabis-induced psychotic disorder (10.5%). History of psychiatric hospitalization and history of suicide attempt were found in 21.1% and 26.3% of the patients respectively. Concerning the complications caused by cannabis, 68.4% of the patients described a phenomenon of tolerance, while 63.2% reported the sensation of craving. Psychotic symptoms such as delirium and/or hallucinations were found in 6 patients (15.8%) and 8 subjects (21.1%) reported a history of overdose in the form of cannabis psychosis. Chronic complications were an amotivational syndrome (63.2%) and social disintegration (52.6%). Treatment of cannabis dependence was considered effective with total withdrawal in 31.6% of subjects. Weaning was partial in 42.1% of the patients.

Conclusions

Cannabis use is emerging as one among many interacting factors that can affect psychological and physical health, with an impact on various levels including mood, neurocognition and general health. Although studies have shown functional brain mechanisms underlying the effects of cannabis, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Overall, treatment for substance use disorders generally prevents these complications and improves prognosis.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Diversity and gender at the largest European university hospital: The effects of discrimination on mental health
Authors: Enarovic I. , Straßburger V. M. , Berger M. , Smith J. , Stadler G. , Buspavanich P. J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Discrimination is known to have different effects on health. In particular the mental health of affected people diminishes. Although it is known that marginalized groups are discriminated against more, at present only research on gender and ethnicity has been done. Further diversity domains like socioeconomic status, care responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability, mental and physical health, and their intersections have been scarcely looked at.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of discrimination on the mental health for employees and students of a university hospital taking diversity domains into account.

Methods

A web-based survey between June 22 to October 23 was conducted using the PHQ-4 and WHO-5 as well as innovative Diversity Minimal Item set to measure different diversity domains.

Results

Preliminary data shows that discrimination among employees and students is common, widespread and most frequent based on gender, ethnicity and health. The mental health of those who feel discriminated against tends to be poorer, especially looking at the intersectionality of diversity domains.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that both more measures to prevent discrimination in a university hospital have to be implemented and individuals from marginalized groups need special psychosocial support to ensure a safer working environment. In addition, greater attention to diversity and inclusion in medical research is needed to develop appropriate responses and interventions, including diversity policies.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Relations between the Arabic BFI-2 and HEXACO-60 scales among Kuwaiti Undergraduates.
Authors: Alansari B. M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Many researchers are likely to use the BFI-2 as a measure of the Big Five personality factors. The HEXACO-60 Honesty-Humility factor has no direct counterpart in the Big Five system; however, it should show modest positive correlations with Big Five Agreeableness.

Objectives

The study aimed to examine the BFI-2 in relation to a similar-length version of the HEXACO-60.

Methods

Participants were 1536 undergraduate students (960 women 576 men) at Kuwait university who completed the personality questionnaires. Participants aged 18–23-years-old mean age = 21.26 ± 1.20. The Arabic versions of HEXACO-60 and the BFI-2 instruments were administered in paper-and-pencil format in research laboratories.

Results

Cronbach’s alphas ranged from 0.75 to 0.88 for the BFI-2 Domains and 0.70 to 0.75 for the HEXACO-60 Domains denoting good internal consistency. Regarding cross-inventory correlations, these were high for the two inventories variants of Openness (0.77), Conscientiousness (0.75), and Extraversion (0.71). BFI-2 Agreeableness correlated 0.56 with HEXACO-60 Agreeableness. The HEXACO-60 Honesty-Humility was weakly related to the BFI-2 scales, showing only modest correlation with Agreeableness (0.48). In addition, the BFI-2 Neuroticism correlated 0.53 with HEXACO-60 Emotionality, −0.33 with HEXACO-60 Extraversion, and −0.30 with HEXACO-60 Agreeableness.

Conclusions

The BFI-2 scales captured well the variance of the HEXACO-60 scales apart from Honesty-Humility. In particular, the BFI-2 accounted for about as much variance in the HEXACO Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness scales as the HEXACO-60 scales accounted for in the BFI-2 scales of the same names. The results confirm the BFI-2 and HEXACO-60 are heavily overlapping.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Birth weight, leptin and adiponectin in patients initiating clozapine
Authors: Ilzarbe L. , Garriga M. , Oliveira C. , Gómez-Ramiro M. , Mallorquí A. , Ruiz-Cortés V. , Rivas Y. , Amoretti S. , Mezquida G. , Ilzarbe D. , Vieta E. , Parellada E. , Baeza I. , García-Rizo C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychotic patients often require pharmacological treatment, which may prove ineffective, leading to treatment-resistant psychosis necessitating the use of clozapine. However, the emergence of side effects can result in discontinuation, potentially triggering a relapse of psychotic symptoms. One significant side effect is antipsychotic-induced weight gain which, over time, can lead to adverse metabolic events. Recent translational research is evaluating the impact of prenatal factors on the metabolic outcomes of psychotic patients, using a surrogate marker of the intrauterine milieu such as birth weight (BW).

Objectives

We aim to evaluate the changes in leptin, adiponectin, and insulin levels in patients with treatment-resistant psychosis who initiate clozapine treatment due to persistent psychotic symptoms.

Methods

Subjects older than 18 years with a diagnostic of a major mental disorder and initiating clozapine were enrolled in this 18-months longitudinal study. Neurohormones levels, including leptin, adiponeptin, and insulin were measured at baseline, 8 and 18 months during follow-up. Statistical analysis were conducted by using a fixed-effects model.

Results

A total of 23 subjects initiating clozapine were evaluated during the initial mandatory 18-week period. Neurohormones, specifically leptin and adiponectin, were measured at three time points: baseline, 8 weeks, and 18 weeks. The changes in leptin levels were significantly associated with birth BW with sex differences, being inversely correlated only in females. Adiponectin was significantly associated with BW, being inversely correlated in males. Conversely, there was no observed association between insulin levels and BW.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the significance of prenatal factors in influencing the subsequent evolution of neurohormones in individuals initiating clozapine treatment. This suggests that subjects with lower BW tend to exhibit elevated neurohormone values, emphasizing the role of prenatal events in this context.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Adherence to therapy of patients with adolescent depression
Authors: Kaleda V. , Omelchenko M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Therapy of adolescent depression is accompanied by a number of difficulties associated with the influence of the age factor, which include the following aspects: social - with the possibility of forming a fear of stigmatization, biological – with low tolerance of psychopharmacological agents due to the immaturity of the functional systems of the body, psychological – with a combination of oppositional behavior of adolescents and their desire to “be like everyone else”. All these factors may lead to a decrease in patients’ compliance in the treatment of adolescent depression and premature refusal to continue treatment, which may provoke a relapse of the disorder.

Objectives

To assess the adherence of adolescent patients with a first depressive episode regarding the continuation of therapy after discharge from the hospital.

Methods

124 patients (average age – 19.4) were examined after discharge from the hospital where they were treated for a depressive episode (according to ICD-10: F32.1, F32.2, F32.38, F32.8). The severity of depression during hospitalization and at discharge was assessed according to the HDRS scale. During hospitalization, 45.9% of patients (n=57) were diagnosed with severe depression (HDRS score of more than 24), 54.1% (n=67) were diagnosed with moderate depression (HDRS score of 17-23) (Zimmerman M. et al. JAD 2013; 150(2):384-8). At discharge, 35.5% of patients (n=44) had moderate depression, 38.7% of patients (n=48) had mild depression (HDRS score of more than 7-16) and only 25.8% of patients (n=32) had no depression (HDRS score of less than 7 points). This indicated the need to continue therapy after discharge. The degree of adherence to therapy and the main reasons for its refusal were analyzed using the Medication Compliance Scale (Lutova N. NIPNI, 2007; 26).

Results

The average duration of treatment continuation in patients with adolescent depression was 7.4±9.6 months. At the same time, 42 patients (33.9%) refused to continue therapy within 30 days after discharge from the hospital. 15 patients (12.1%) turned out to be fully compliant, following the doctor’s prescriptions. The main reasons for refusing therapy were: negative attitude to the fact of receiving therapy and visiting a psychiatrist (n=50, 40.3%), the development of side effects of therapy (n=46, 37.1%), negative attitude of relatives to the continuation of therapy (n=11, 8.9%), and negative attitude to the attending psychiatrist (n=2, 1.6%). In general, formally, the average duration of continuation of therapy coincides with the recommended 6-12 months (Sim K. et al. IGN 2015;19(2) pyv076), however, it is noteworthy that some patients tend to self-cancel therapy without the approval of the attending physician.

Conclusions

The results indicate a low level of adherence to therapy in patients with adolescent depression and require additional measures to improve it.

The work was carried out with the financial support of the RSF grant 22-15-00437.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
“Beenomials”: exploring beekeeping as a rehabilitation tool in the field of mental health
Authors: Barbieri A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Beekeeping is a peculiar activity able to connect people both to nature and to other people. Extant research shows how it provides beekeepers with meaning, opportunities for learning, and a sense of connection to bees as well as to the surrounding ecosystem. The relationship of care and interdependence that is established supports well-being, encourages collaboration and positive social relations.

Objectives

“Beenomies” is a pilot project inspired by the union of opposites symbolically associated with bees: love and war, sweetness (honey) and bitterness (venom), the individual and multiplicity (society), regeneration and death. As CG Jung observed, honey expresses, psychologically, “the joy of life and the life urge which overcome […] the dark and the inhibiting. Where spring-like joy and expectation reign, spirit can embrace nature and nature, spirit”. Drawing on this psychological and philosophical basis, the project aimed to introduce beekeeping in a therapeutic community placed in the Alpine environment (Mondovì, Italy), to explore its rehabilitative potential and its ability to promote well-being in the field of mental health.

Methods

The project stems from the collaboration between mental health services, a local agriculture high school, and a farm involved in social agriculture. Initially, some beehives have been settled on the land surrounding the therapeutic community. Activities of beekeeping have been conducted and supervised by experienced beekeepers of the farm involved, who engaged a selected group of users hosted in the community (n=15), instructed them and worked side by side for several weeks, according to the bees’ needs and the seasonal rhytms. Once the training was completed, teaching activities have been co-conducted by beekeepers and participants, to introduce and train a group of students from the local agriculture high school. A study encompassing observational data, surveys, and semi-structured interviews was conducted to monitor and evaluate the project as it unfolded.

Results

The performance of practical activities (i.e. beekeeping operations) proved successful in relaxing social norms around talking, lowering the emotional intensity of the encounter, allowing non-verbal communication and normalizing silence. These features supported participants with relational difficulties and encouraged the gradual development of skills in the social area. In the second part of the project, the involvement of high school students that needed to be trained allowed participants to have an active role as teachers; this contributed to the development of positive feelings, increased self-esteem and self-efficacy, eventually supporting the recovery process.

Conclusions

Preliminary findings suggest further collaboration between different social actors and further research to develop inclusive, effective, and community-based interventions in the field of mental health and rehabilitation.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Participation limitations as a transdiagnostic feature in serious mental illness: confirmatory modeling
Authors: Bar Yosef J. , Lipskaya-Velikovsky L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Participation in daily life occupations of personal and community meaning is an important component of health and recovery from mental illness. Limitations in participation were found to be a hallmark of serious mental illness (SMI). Still, previous research has mainly focused on objective dimensions of participation, largely neglecting the subjective aspects that hold particular relevance for health outcomes. Next, participation was addressed by specific diagnoses, approach which is divergent from the recovery model, a transdiagnostic approach and clinical practice. Hence, further research into participation is warranted to broaden our understanding.

Objectives

We investigated objective and subjective patterns of participation across a range of SMI diagnoses to delineate differences, and to identify personal and illness-related factors associated with participation dimensions.

Methods

A secondary analysis of cross-sectional studies (N=14). The analysis included data from 489 men (40.7%) and women (59.3%) diagnosed with one of 4 SMI conditions: psychotic, affective (AD), post-traumatic (PTSD) or personality (PD) disorders. The participants were aged 18 to 60 (M=34.41; SD=10.9) and were in contact with intensive mental health services. All participants completed the Adult Subjective Assessment of Participation (ASAP), which comprised participation intensity, diversity, satisfaction and enjoyment, and standard evaluations of cognitive functioning, symptom severity, and functional capacity. Z-scores were calculated for independent variables to enable comparison. Demographic and illness-related (IR) information was also collected.

Results

Frequency of participation was found to be significantly different between diagnostic groups, but not participation diversity, enjoyment and satisfaction. Participation diversity was altered by range of demographic variables (5.26<F<10.6, p<.01, 0.3<<0.4) while participation frequency differs by employment status (t (485) =-2.84, p<0.05, Cohen’s d=0.25). No differences were found between groups in symptoms’ severity. Regression analysis indicates that cognition, functional capacity and employment status explain in a significant way integrated index of objective participation (χ2 =47.52, p<0.001). For the subjective dimension, the logistic regression was not found statistically significant (χ2 =20.99, p=0.51).

Conclusions

Limitations in diversity, enjoyment and satisfaction with participation, were demonstrated to be a transdiagnostic feature in SMI. Objective participation dimensions can be explained with demographic, personal and illness related factors, while modeling of subjective dimensions should be further investigated.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
The Startψell initiative in Action: A Project supporting Early-career Consultant Psychiatrists in a Southeast UK mental health trust.
Authors: Deepak S. , Ghazirad M. , Lowe M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Transition to a consultant role is a challenging time for an early career psychiatrist, as the high level of structure and guidance available during psychiatric training ceases when training is complete. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK therefore pioneered the Startψell initiative to ease this transition. This consultant-led initiative proposed embedding good habits and robust coping mechanisms early on, to enable psychiatrists to thrive in their roles and is based on six main pillars (New consultants (StartWell) (rcpsych.ac.uk) Image 1: Startwell framework. Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT) is a mental healthcare provider based in Southeast England where we designed a project to enhance support to new consultants, based on Startψwell principles.

Objectives

The aims of this project were to:

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Improve the experience of early career psychiatrists taking on their first consultant role in BHFT.

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Ensure that the new consultants are provided with relevant information and resources to fulfil their roles safely.

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Set up a system for ongoing support for new consultants till they complete five years in their post.

Methods

Having discussed the feasibility of setting up a local Startwell initiative in BHFT, plans were presented to the medical director and medical staff committee including new consultants, for their input. Under the guidance from senior consultants, monthly meetings were arranged which offered professional development talks and peer support. As several themes emerged at these meetings, we stratified and aligned these local to the RCPsych Startψell framework (Image 2:Themes). An induction folder was also collated with all the relevant information in paper and digital format. In addition, a yearly bespoke induction event for new consultant psychiatrists was delivered from 2019-2022 except in 2021, during the pandemic.

Results

We used Likert scales to gather quantitative feedback
(Table 1) with free box for comments to capture qualitative feedback (Image 3). Feedback response rate for the three cohorts were 75%, 70% and 80% respectively.201920202022Overall Satisfaction100%75%100%How relevant was the content of the programme to your new role?70%100%100%How far did the programme meet your expectations?100%75%100%

Image:

Image 2:

Image 3:

Conclusions

The BHFT Startwell initiative has been running successfully for the past five years and been valued by the new consultants. We are therefore continuing to working towards embedding the programme futher and ensuring sustainably for the future. W e are looking to share our experience in the hope that similar programmes are set up and our newer colleagues can enjoy a long, fulfilling, and enjoyable career.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared