bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reflective citizens as a tool for well-being and public health achievement (Novi Sad, Serbia)
Authors: Jevtic M , Flasar I , Mojovic M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Issue/Description
Reflective Citizens (RC) as ’psycho-social transitional spaces’ - were established in 2005, when Serbia joined the International Listening Posts (LP) Network of OPUS (Organization for Promoting Understanding of Society). Recognizing the need for more reflective citizens’ spaces, for continuously ongoing work through social trauma, Psycho-Social section (PSS - GAS Belgrade) began organizing them more often and in different cities. Serbian RC developed specific conceptualization and methodology, carefully integrating aspects of LP, group analysis, group’s relations, and social dreaming, which are still in the process of evaluation and improvement.

Results
RC in Novi Sad have started in 2014, with a huge enthusiasm, as a team work of PSS. It is recognized that Novi Sad, as a multinational and specific multicultural environment could develop Applied Reflective Citizens - Citizens’ dialogue in cultural spaces in Novi Sad, as supportive and open space for all citizens who wish to develop themselves, multiculturalism, tolerance and better social environment. At the seven workshops organized by now, the beginning was marked by a session of social dreaming. Free psychosocial associations in thinkrooms have defined the topics: loneliness, helplessness, walls and borders, migrations, diversity, mental malnutrition, the presence of evil and the need for goodness, lack of communication... and on the basis of them, the corresponding hypotheses.

Lessons
Applied Reflective Citizens have become the support and open space for all citizens who want to contribute to multiculturalism, tolerance, a better social environment, understanding the environment and building incentive bridges in communication through dialogue and also to contribute to a positive cultural climate, building cultural capacities and fostering cultural dialogue through mutual reflection, thus contributing the quality of life, which is of public health significance.

Key messages
Reflective Citizens can be a contribution for improving health in community through fostering dialogue and mutual reflection. Reflective Citizens give an open space for all citizens who want to contribute to multiculturalism, tolerance, better social environment, thus contributing quality of life, and to public health, also.
Interventions to reduce stress, anxiety and depression symptoms in teenagers – a systematic review
Authors: Florescu S , Mihaescu Pintia C , Ciutan M , Sasu C , Sfetcu R , Scintee S G , Vladescu C 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Stress, anxiety and depression symptoms are frequent in teenagers. Objectives: To identify the interventions effectively able to prevent or reduce anxiety, depression and psychological stress in adolescents; to assess the effectiveness, feasibility and transferability of the interventions.

Methods
Comprehensive systematic review was performed. Three steps searching strategy using the databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar identified 679 studies and reviews. Critical appraisal was performed by 2 reviewers, data extraction performed on finally selected 59 reviews, RCT, cohort studies focused on sample size, geographical context, setting, description of intervention, measures of primary and secondary outcomes.

Results
The considered interventions are: Internet-based multifaceted cognitive bias modification training (CBM), Internet (iCBT) or school-based cognitive behavioral group training (CBT), Social skills training (SST), Metacognitive therapy, Psychosocial Support Intervention, organized sports participation and voluntary outdoor play, school-based resilience-focused intervention, assertiveness group training, short-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy (STPP), brief psychosocial intervention (BPI), Guided Parent-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (GPD-CBT), Internet-based self-support method.

Conclusions
Interventions for promoting mental health in adolescents have to combine parenting programs with leisure activities and balanced curriculum; various approaches (physical activity, music, sports participation) should be tailored into the national, community and school contexts. Resilience factors (relationship with parents, communications with peers), development of help-seeking behaviours and available self-help programs could support early detection and assistance. Most interventions showed positive effects on short and medium term and potential transferability.

Key messages
Regular screening for childhood adversities and traumas and screening of symptoms as feeling sad, hopeless, worried should be performed in adolescents as they get older. Besides mental health risk factors, interventions should target developmental risk factors in transitional stages from childhood to adolescence and from adolescence to young adulthood.
Benefits of non-drug interventions for people with suicidal crises in unipolar depression
Authors: Berger E , Fuchs S , Baier N , Peters H , Busse R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Depression is one of the most common and serious diseases worldwide: According to WHO, more than 300 million people worldwide were affected by depression in 2015. In this group, the suicide rate is about 20 times higher than the population average. In Germany, around 10,000 people take their lives each year, many of them suffering from depression. The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care commissioned the Department of Health Care Management at the Berlin University of Technology to conduct a Health Technology Assessment on whether non-drug interventions influence coping with suicidal crises in unipolar depression.

Methods
A systematic search of primary studies and systematic reviews (e.g., in MEDLINE, PSYCINFO) was performed to assess the benefit of ambulatory crisis intervention programmes or psychosocial interventions compared to another non-drug treatment, drug treatment, inpatient treatment or no treatment/waiting list in adult suicidal patients with unipolar depression regarding patient-relevant outcomes (e.g., suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, depression).

Results
The search yielded a total of 4,159 hits. After two rounds of screening for relevance and removing duplicates, 4 studies remained for inclusion in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The studies present RCTs assessing the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) of the 2. and 3. wave - all short-term programmes focussing on suicidality. Results indicate a benefit of CBT compared to standard treatment, depending on the outcome, on the “wave” and on the time of follow up assessment.

Conclusions
There is some evidence on benefits of CBT for adult patients with suicidal crises in unipolar depression. However, the quality of the included RCTs is weak and evidence on benefits of other non-drug interventions in outpatient care is missing. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions, especially for the vulnerable weeks immediately after suicide attempt.

Key messages
Short term cognitive behavioural therapy with suicidal prevention elements may influence coping with suicidal crises in unipolar depression positively. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions for the vulnerable weeks immediately after suicide attempt.
Suicide in Polish migrants to Scotland
Authors: Gorman D R , Mackie P , Czarnecka M , King R , Wojcik W 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background and Methods
Suicide amongst the 91,000 Polish nationals living in Scotland has been identified as a concern by the Polish Consulate. The adult suicide rate in Poland is 20.8 / 100,000 EASR population (Eurostat Suicide and Undetermined combined 2012-15). This is significantly higher than the 2012-16 Scottish level of 14.1 / 100,000 National Records of Scotland (NRS).
We set out to establish the picture for Polish migrants in Scotland and for 2012-16: ascertained the number of such deaths from National Records of Scotland (NRS) describing the epidemiological features; andreviewed Crown Office files of each person - extracting key information from police and pathology reports.
Results There were 68 suicide deaths in the 60 months. We estimated the European age standardised suicide rate (EASR) for all Polish residents in Scotland as 21.6 / 100,000 (95% CI 13.4 - 31.4) a suicide rate consistent with Poland not Scotland. The male:female ratio of 5.8:1 also mirrors Poland (vs. Scotland’s 3:1 ratio). Polish men have a significantly higher rate than Scottish men - 31.5 vs 19.4 / 100,000. The suicide rates of Polish and Scottish women are very similar (5.4 vs 7.3 / 100,000 respectively).
Crown Office Records
A key finding is how similar the circumstances surrounding suicide deaths in both Polish and Scottish people are. In particular unemployment /irregular work, shift and manual work, relationship problems and alcohol use are all common.
For Polish people in Scotland the challenges and stresses of the ’migrant experience’ are superimposed onto other life events. Difficulties working in an English-speaking environment (and being unable to discuss emotional health), not knowing about the NHS Scottish public services and the lack of family and community networks to offer social support are all common.

Conclusions
Actions are at four levels: National- the suicide action planEmployersNHS - staff awareness and monitoring trendsPolish community groups

Key messages
Polish migrants to Scotland have a much higher rate of suicide than Scottish people - consistent with that in Poland. Addressing suicide requires examining factors in migrant and ethnic minority groups.
Gender differences in depression across Europe: a systematic review of cross-national studies
Authors: Hagen D , Goldmann E 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Across countries and cultures, depressive disorders are more common among females than among males; however, the magnitude of gender differences varies between populations and may be a result of different country-specific social policies and cultural factors. This systematic review seeks to synthesise evidence from nationally representative, cross-national studies across Europe (EU-28 plus Switzerland and Norway) and to describe the impact of country-specific factors on gender differences in depression.

Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Embase were searched through March 2019 for peer-reviewed, nationally representative studies that included at least two European countries, used structured assessment for depressive disorders or symptoms, and reported or allowed for the calculation of gender ratios or differences. No restrictions on language or publication date were applied. Risk of bias was assessed using a tool specifically designed for population-based prevalence studies.

Results
Twenty-one studies were included in this review, ten of which were based on surveys limited to older populations. Despite the use of different analytical approaches, metrics, scales, and cut-off points, depressive disorders were more common among females than among males in all but a few instances, with substantial variation in the magnitude of gender differences between countries and across studies. There is evidence of smaller gender differences in Northern Europe and greater gender gaps in Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as among older populations.

Conclusions
Despite methodological heterogeneity between studies, there is evidence that gender differences in depression vary substantially across Europe. These differences may be associated with welfare state regimes and appear to be less pronounced in younger cohorts. Further cross-national research on gender disparities in depression between age groups, birth cohorts, and ethnic subpopulations is warranted.

Key messages
While depressive disorders are more prevalent among females than among males in virtually all of Europe, the magnitude of gender differences varies substantially between countries. There is some evidence that gender differences in depressive disorders are greater in countries with weaker welfare states and lower macro-level gender equality, as well as among older populations.
Farmers’ health and wellbeing in the context of changing farming practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Bondy M , Cole D 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Farming continues to change globally, with steady industrialization, globalization and climate change and disproportionately high reports of stress and suicide. Little research has been done to understand how changes to farming impact mental health. We aimed to understand how Canadian farmers understand their stressors and experience their health.

Methods
We recruited 16 small-medium scale, diversified farmers through farm organizations in Grey-Bruce counties in Canada. We interviewed them about their perception of changes in farming, associated stressors, mental health and well-being, and community supports. Using a constructivist paradigm, we coded each interview, discussed results, and formulated emergent themes using thematic analysis.

Results
Farmers’ relationship to change was complex with both benefits and challenges of changing farm practices, technology and weather for health - a “double-edged sword”. Farmers described the resilience associated with farming which connects them to the land “essentially being at one with place.” Farmers’ work required them to be active, an asset for keeping them healthy, but also a challenge if mobility became restricted. Farmers’ noted overwhelming stress but stated “...the last thing most farmers want to do is admit that they are stressed or have a mental health issue.” Yet “...if you don’t have strong mental health then you can’t really be resilient and cope with the stresses of climate change and all the things that will happen on a farm.” They voiced a perceived lack of support from governments - dealing with bureaucracy, community - experience of isolation or stigma, and health services - an over-stretched, often distant system.

Conclusions
Farmers’ understandings from Canada will be compared to literature from Europe to demonstrate relevance inform public health programs promoting mental health in rural communities, advocacy for government supports to diversified farmers and evaluation of intervention programs.

Key messages
Farmers experience change as a double edged sword with benefits and challenges for health and mental health. Public health needs to intervene to meet farmers where they are and to advocate with farmers for further support.
Abortion and psychological distress in Icelandic women
Authors: Vilhjalmsson R 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Previous research into the psychological consequences of abortion has presented misleading results, as some studies suggest negative consequences and others do not.
The current study focuses on the relationship between having or not having an abortion and psychological distress in the form of depression, anxiety and anger.

Methods
The study uses data from 792 female participants in a random national health survey of Icelandic adults, age 18-75. The survey was conducted in the Spring of 2015. Respondents were given the option of answering an anomymous study questionnaire via mail or online (response rate 58%). The questionnaire asked respondents about psychiatric and physical conditions requiring medical attention in the past 12 months, stressful life-events in the past 12 months, and ongoing life-strains. Female respondents were asked whether or not they had had an induced abortion in the past 12 months. Psychological distress during the past week was assessed with the depression, anxiety, and anger subscales of the SCL-90 checklist.

Results
Women who had had an abortion (2% of female respondents) reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and anger than other women. The differences were statistically significant when controlling for age, education, family income, previous psychiatric and physical conditions, and previous stressful life-events and life-strains.

Conclusions
The study indicates that women who have had an abortion are worse off psychologically than other women, and the difference is only partially accounted for by previous mental and physical health, or previous stressful circumstances. Health services for women considering abortion should be carefully considered, psychological distress assessed, and ways explored to ameliorate the distress they may experience following the abortion.

Key messages
Abortion is related to higher levels of anxiety, depression and anger in Icelandic women. Health services for women considering abortion should be carefully considered and psychological distress assessed.
Validating record-linkage based methodology for addressing health survey non-participation
Authors: McMinn M A , Martikainen P , Härkänen T , Tolonen H , Pitkänen J , Leyland A H , Gray L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
As a consequence of declining levels of participation in health surveys, the results purported to be population-representative may be biased. Traditional adjustments for non-participation, such as weighting, can fail to correct for such biases. We aim to validate our developed methodology, which simulates non-participants, and compare results from the inferred sample to the ’gold standard’ sample of participants and true non-participants, and participants alone.

Methods
Participants and non-participants of the Finnish Health 2000 survey, and a contemporaneous population sample are available, with alcohol-related hospitalisations and deaths (“harms”, individually record-linked for all Health 2000 invitees). Synthetic observations on non-participants were simulated through comparison of participants and population sample. Alcohol consumption of true and inferred non-participants were multiply imputed based on harms and education as well as age and sex, assuming data are Missing At Random (MAR). Results are compared via the relative differences (RD) between the inferred sample and 1) gold standard sample, and 2) participants alone.

Results
Average weekly estimates for men are 129g in the inferred sample, and 130g in the gold standard (RD -1.2%, 95%CI -2.0, -0.4%), and 35g for women in both samples (RD -0.8%; -1.9, 0.3%). Estimates for men with secondary levels of education had the greatest RD (-1.9%; -3.3, -0.5%). Comparisons between the participants and the inferred sample revealed few differences.

Conclusions
All RD between the inferred and gold standard samples lie within our ±5% acceptability limits, in support of the use of our methodology for adjusting for non-participation in health surveys. However, under MAR, there are no significant differences between the results generated from the inferred sample and the participants alone. Further work exploring Missing Not At Random scenarios is required to ensure utility for reliable population health monitoring.

Key messages
Survey weights alone cannot adjust for non-representativeness, but we have shown that data linkage can be used to match the characteristics and outcomes of the selected sample. Non-participation in health surveys may be adjusted for using our methodology, with further exploration into alternative missing data scenarios required.
Tobacco smoking and binge drinking among university students in three European countries, 2009-2017
Authors: Tavolacci M , De Bruyn S , Van der Heijde C , Vonk P , Ladner J , Van Hal G 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Attention is needed on students as high levels of substance use are often part of the university experience. The aim of the study is to identify the trend of tobacco smoking and binge drinking among university students (US) of Belgium, France and the Netherlands over a 9 years period.

Methods
Three repeated cross-sectional studies in US were performed in 2009-10, 2012-13 and 2016-17 in university of Antwerp (Belgium), Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and Rouen (France). US between 18 and 25 voluntarily filled out a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, curriculum, job and accommodation) of the US were collected. Tobacco smoking and binge drinking in the previous 12 months were also collected. The trend test of Cochran-Armitage was used for comparisons.

Results
In 2010, 1388 US were included in Antwerp, 1907 in Amsterdam, and 1137 in Rouen. In 2013, 1665 US were included in Antwerp, 3590 in Amsterdam, and 1488 in Rouen. In 2016, 2347 US were included in Antwerp, 4157 in Amsterdam, and 1011 in Rouen. Female gender was 63.4% in Antwerp, 68.7% in Amsterdam and 65.4% in Rouen. The prevalence of tobacco smoking was respectively in 2010, 2013 and 2016: in Antwerp: 31.0%, 33.5% and 27.6% (p = 0.008); in Amsterdam: 13.7%, 16.5% and 17.0% (p = 0.003); in Rouen: 21.3%, 23.7% and 23.5% (p = 0.21). The prevalence of binge drinking (more than once a month) was respectively in 2010, 2013 and 2016: in Antwerp: 16.2%, 12.3% and 16.7% (p = 0.30); in Amsterdam: 26.5%, 27.4% and 26.5% (p = 0.82); in Rouen: 8.6%, 16.6% and 7.1% (p = 0.44).

Conclusions
Risk behaviours as tobacco smoking and binge drinking in US show a different prevalence according to country. Tobacco smoking decreases in two countries and frequent binge drinking did not change during the 9 years period. Further analyses need to be conducted taking into account the curriculum and the socio-demographic characteristics.

Key messages
Risk behaviours as tobacco smoking and binge drinking in university students show a different prevalence according to the European country. Binge drinking does not worsen for 9 years among university students.