bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Teacher-rated school leadership and adolescent gambling: a study of schools in Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Olsson G , Brolin Låftman S , Modin B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
So-called “effective schools” are characterised by features such as a strong and purposeful school leadership and a favourable school ethos. A prior study showed that a school's degree of teacher-rated ethos was inversely associated with student gambling and risk gambling. Building on these findings, the current study aims to examine the associations that teachers' ratings of the school leadership share with gambling and risk gambling among students in the second grade of upper secondary school in Stockholm (ages 17-18 years).

Methods
Data were drawn from two separate surveys performed in 2016: the Stockholm School Survey (SSS) and the Stockholm Teacher Survey (STS), with information collected amongst 5,191 students and 1,061 teachers in 46 upper secondary schools. Gambling and risk gambling was measured by student self-reports in the STS. School leadership was assessed by teachers' responses to ten items in the STS, which were added to an index and aggregated to the school level. School-level information from administrative registers was also linked to the data. The statistical method was two-level binary logistic regression analysis.

Results
Teachers' average ratings of the school leadership were inversely associated with both gambling (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.998, p = 0.039) and risk gambling (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, p = 0.031) among upper secondary students, whilst adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics at the student and the school level.

Conclusions
The findings lend further support to the assumption that characteristics of effective schools at different levels of the school organisation may reduce students' inclination to engage in health risk behaviours.

Key messages
Teachers’ ratings of the school leadership were inversely associated with student gambling and risk gambling, whilst adjusting for student- and school-level sociodemographic characteristics. The findings indicate that a strong school leadership, being one key feature of effective schools, may reduce students’ inclination to engage in health risk behaviours.
Social media and experiences of maternity care during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Miani C , Leisse A , Wandschneider L , Batram-Zantvoort S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Social media offer expecting and new mothers a space to discuss birth-related fears, hopes and experiences. This is particularly the case during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has altered delivery of maternity care. Measures to reduce transmission risk in birth facilities and changes in birth plans are likely to have had an impact on new mothers' experiences of birth and birth care. From a feminist epidemiology perspective, seeking to incorporate more the views of the “researched”, we explored themes discussed by (expecting) mothers on social media, hoping that those real-life concerns would find echo in the design of future research instruments for data collection.

Methods
Using content analysis, we identified key themes in 200+ comments posted on a social media public page as a reaction to the dissemination of a research survey on maternity care during the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany.

Results
In the comments, the most mentioned topics were own mask wearing, having a companion of choice during birth, visiting hours, and the possibility to welcome visitors (e.g. siblings of the newborn, other relatives and friends). Those topics also generated the most reactions, revealing compassion from other women and mixed feeling about health measures (from acceptance to anger). Concerns about quality or appropriateness of care were almost absent from the data.

Conclusions
Social media content analysis shows clearly that women giving birth during the pandemic are most concerned with a specific set of disrupting and potentially upsetting measures. These spontaneous testimonies differ content-wise from what research surveys tend to ask women about (e.g. care standards). Those discrepancies are to some extent inevitable, but integrating more bottom-up generated topics from social media into research instruments could help move forward toward better care.

Key messages
On social media, women were most concerned with own mask wearing, presence of a birth companion and visits from the newborn’s siblings. Social media analysis brings valuable insights into what matters the most to women who give birth during the pandemic and could inform future research developments.
Early diagnosis and management of learning disabilities in children living in rural communities
Authors: Papadakaki M , Lioliou S , Pedioti N , Bitsakos N , Bufachrentin N , Kounali V , Milathianakis G , Papaiosif M , Pisiota S , Servou E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Children with learning disabilities have been shown to experience complex emotional and conduct difficulties, poor self-esteem and school refusal due to late diagnosis and inappropriate management. The current project has been conceived in light of the unique circumstances found in Greece, with a tremendous shortage of diagnostic services for learning difficulties in children attending primary schools and a total lack of family support services for the management of these difficulties at home. A university mobil unit was set in mid 2020 with funds raised by the Region of Crete, aiming at diagnosing learning difficulties in children living in remote areas as well as offering tailor-made biopsychosocial counselling to their families, at no cost. Diagnosis is made on the basis of reliable tools (e.g. WISC VGR, etc) by a range of specialised professionals (e.g. child psychologists, speech therapists, nurses, social workers). Children diagnosed with a learning disability receive a personalised intervention plan and a package of educational and counselling services ranging from 8-12 one-to-one tutoring sessions. Preliminary analysis of 68 records indicates 54 children being diagnosed with some type of learning disability. Nearly 40.0% of them were older than 10 years (implying delayed treatment seeking) and 46.3% lived in rural areas (implying service accessibility). Prevalence was higher among males as compared with females (61.1% vs 38.9%). A high prevalence of emotional difficulties was identified in children with learning disabilities (32.4%). Out of 54 children assessed for intelligence level, 8(14.8%) scored very low (70-79units) and 4 (7.4%) scored extremely low (below 69units). Out of the 12 who scored low, 11 were males. Family-centred and community-oriented interventions are necessary for early diagnosis and holistic management of learning disabilities. The project bears useful insight for health policy and health services planning.

Key messages
Early diagnosis and targeted interventions can help children overcome their difficulties. Family-centred interventions are necessary for efficient management of learning disabilities.
Anxiety and depression levels in Malta: A year into Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Cuschieri S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a number of lifestyle changes and restrictive measures. The aim was to assess for the impact of Covid-19 on anxiety- depression levels and associated behavioural attitudes among the adult population of Malta.

Methods
An anonymous survey using Google Forms was disseminated on social media (1st to 26th of February), targeting the adult residents of Malta. The survey's questions assessed for socio-demographic characteristics, changes in physical activity levels, and body weight. The Generalised Anxiety Disorder assessment tool was used to evaluate the level of anxiety and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 assessment tool was used to evaluate the level of depression among the participants during the pandemic. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

Results
A total of 1,034 participants responded. Mild anxiety levels (41.20% CI95%:38.24 - 44.23) and minimal depression levels (54.23% CI95%:51.17-57.25) were generally reported. On stratification by employment status, students reported severe anxiety levels (p = &lt;0.01). Indeed, a participant reported, “COVID-19 made me very anxious…not knowing if I will be finishing my degree”. Covid-19 also impacted on behavioural attitudes, “I am eating more, I put on weight…resulting in feeling a bit depressed and have nothing to look forward to”. Indeed, a proportional increase in body weight was reported among those with mild to severe anxiety levels (p = &lt;0.01). An inverse trend with an increase in anxiety and depression scores and decrease physical activity levels was observed (p = &lt;0.01 respectively).

Conclusions
The population's mental health has been impacted differently, with some societal groups more susceptible than others. An increase in body weight and a decrease in physical activity appears to be linked with both anxiety and depression levels.

Key messages
Increase in mental health burden and obesity prevalence is anticipated as a resultant effect of Covid-19. Enhanced psychological support and prevention strategies targeting mental health and obesity are recommended.
Are Young Adults with Long-Standing Illness or Disability at Increased Risk of Loneliness?
Authors: McGlone M , Long E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Loneliness has become a major public health concern in the UK, with negative implications for both personal well-being and life-long health. Recent evidence has shown that young adulthood is a significantly vulnerable period for loneliness, and prevalence estimates indicate that young adults with long-standing illness or disability (LSID) may be particularly at riso. This study investigated whether young adults with LSID were more likely to experience loneliness than their ‘healthy' peers, after accounting for key socio-contextual and health-related factors associated with loneliness.

Methods
The sample consists of 4510 16-24 year old individuals from Wave 9 of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS). Loneliness was measured using the UCLA 3-item loneliness scale, in addition to a direct indicator of frequency of loneliness. Correlation tests measured associations between both measures of loneliness and LSID. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the association between LSID and UCLA loneliness, after accounting for key demographic and socio-contextual variables.

Results
Results from the correlation tests demonstrated significant associations between LSID and measures of loneliness. Results from the ordinal logistic regression models indicated that chronic illness was significantly associated with loneliness, after accounting for various demographic, social, and well-being factors. In addition, individuals with fewer close friends reported higher loneliness, as did those with poorer mental health, and low well-being scores. Younger participants, age brackets 16-18 and 19-21, were found to report higher loneliness than the individuals aged 22-24-year old.

Conclusions
Overall, the study found significant evidence of associations between the presence of LSID and loneliness in young adults (16-24 years old), suggesting these individuals are at an increased risk of loneliness, and could be a focus for future public health interventions.

Key messages
Findings from this study suggest a higher level of loneliness amongst young adult with chronic illness in the UK. Young adults with chronic illness are a potential target for public health intervention targeting loneliness.
University students' understanding and options of eating disorders: A qualitative study
Authors: Manning M , Greenfield S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Eating disorders (EDs) affect 1.25 million people in the UK. Evidence suggests the public perceive EDs as a female issue and display stigma and poor mental health literacy (MHL) towards EDs. There is a high prevalence of EDs in university populations, so it is important to determine the MHL of this at-risk group. Qualitative research exploring the MHL of this population is incomplete.

Aims
To explore university students' beliefs and opinions of EDs, their knowledge of symptoms, treatment and help sources and how these are influenced by biological sex.

Methods
A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with seven male and seven female participants. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Analyst triangulation and member validation occurred.

Results
Analysis revealed six themes, each with subthemes: ED characteristics, causes, body image, seeking help, stigma and awareness. Students displayed poor awareness towards ED signs and symptoms, causes and help sources. Students were not stigmatising towards EDs, but many perceived them as a female problem and believed society to be stigmatising. Many referenced informal sources of information such as social media and expressed a desire for ED teaching. Sex did not have a significant influence on knowledge or opinions of EDs in this study, however there were some differences, for example some males were more likely to see EDs as a weakness and to perceive themselves as having low levels of knowledge.

Conclusions
University students show poor awareness of certain aspects of ED-MHL including help sources and symptom recognition. Although students were not stigmatising of EDs themselves, many perceived high levels of public stigma. This, alongside poor knowledge, may delay help-seeking. Campaigns educating students and the public about EDs would aid earlier diagnosis, improving long-term outcomes. Further research into awareness and knowledge in other populations would be beneficial.

Key messages
University students interviewed perceived high levels of public stigma around eating disorders, although not stimatising themselves. Campaigns educating students and the public about EDs would aid earlier diagnosis, improving long-term outcomes.
Prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in facial trauma patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Traore B , Tsoumbou-Bakana G , Zoukal S , Hassoune S , Nani S , Slimani F 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in facial trauma patients admitted to the Ibn ROCHD University Hospital of Casablanca, we initiated this study. Indeed, facial trauma is damage that can have serious repercussions on the mental health of patients. However, there is little data in Morocco.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca from January to April 2019 among facial trauma patients without a history of anxiety and depressive disorders, admitted to the Maxillofacial Surgery Department within 72 hours of the trauma. The patients' socio-demographic and clinical data were collected through a questionnaire, and then the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied to assess depression and anxiety. In addition to a descriptive analysis of the results, a multinomial regression analysis was performed to assess factors that might be associated with depression and anxiety.

Results
Among 50 facial trauma patients admitted to the Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca and included in our study, 11 had symptoms of anxiety (22%) and 12 had symptoms of depression (24%) according to the HADS classification. The mean HADS anxiety and depression subscale scores of the patients were 7.32±4.17 and 6.32±5.10, respectively. Although gender (OR = 2.28 [0.35; 5.70] females), marital status (OR = 3.30 [0.70; 12.70] singles), occupation (OR = 2.66 [0.58; 12.18] not employed), and circumstances of occurrence (OR = 3.66 [0.35; 15.70] public roads) increased the risk of anxiety in patients without anxiety (HADS score≤7); none of these factors was statistically associated with either anxiety or depression.

Conclusions
This cross-sectional study showed that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in victims of facial trauma is very high in Casablanca.

Key messages
The prevalence of anxiety and depression among facial trauma victims is very high. Gender, marital status, occupation, and circumstances of occurrence non-significantly increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
Supporting farmer and fisher communities in Wales through uncertainty: two mixed methods studies
Authors: Davies AR , Grey CNB , Homolova L 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Rural, farming and fishing communities in Wales were highlighted as vulnerable to uncertainty and change from Brexit, with likely impacts to mental health and wellbeing in these groups. Policy needs to understand how to prevent challenges, protect against health impacts, and promote mental health and wellbeing in these hard-to-reach/engage groups using evidence-based solutions.

Methods
Two mixed-methods studies were undertaken in 2019-20, using identical methodologies, one in farming and one in fishing communities. For both, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, NICE, and Cochrane databases were searched for keywords associated with farmers/fishers, mental health, wellbeing, resilience, support, and suicide; for studies of any design published in English, in 2005-19. Evidence was further supported by stakeholder engagement through two world café workshops in each group (farmers n = 19, fishers n = 13). For farmers, additional face-to-face and telephone consultation took place (n = 26). Challenges, existing support, and relevance of the evidence review were examined. Engagement was recorded through researcher's field notes and analysed thematically.

Results
For farmers, 843 records were identified after duplicated removed, screened, 130 full text records examined, and 14 interventions included. For fishers, 415 records identified, 135 full text examined, and 7 interventions included. Evidence-based programmes supporting farmers were centred on health promotion, mental health literacy, and cross-agency partnership development; and for fishers, support was centred solely on health promotion. Qualitative engagement uncovered challenges faced in Wales, barriers to seeking support, and assets available to each group.

Conclusions
The evidence from the review and engagement was brought together to create action frameworks for supporting both farmers and fishers in Wales, centred on prevention, protection, and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

Key messages
Farming and fishing are contributors to Wales’ rural economy and cultural identity. A strong evidence-base of how to support mental health of these groups is vital to help them cope with change. Action for supporting both farmers and fishers in Wales should be centred on prevention, protection, and promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
Public health practice, training and workforces for the future — Lessons from the pandemic
Authors:   Organised by: European Observatory, WHO/Europe, ASPHER,   Moderator: Suszy Lessof (European Observatory)
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The evidence base for this plenary session will be a public health study by WHO Europe and the Observatory analyzing how well public health has responded to the pandemic. How did European countries perform in fighting the pandemic? We look at different dimensions: preparedness, governance, communication strategies, testing and tracing efforts, vaccination campaigns. Young professional will reflect from different perspectives: public health workforce skills and training, health equity, working across sectors, the use of behavioural sciences to monitor and design responses, the role of social media.
We will look into the future of our discipline: what is that we do well? Future public health will have people doing many roles, communication, policy design and evaluation, service planning, monitoring, and delivery, health data, health protection, environmental health, evidence analysis, and more. In all of these areas we work with people from different backgrounds. What value do we bring? What skills do we need for now and for the future?

Speakers/panelists
Natasha Azzopardi Muscat
Country Health Policies & Systems, WHO/Europe
Bernd Rechel
European Observatory
John Middleton
ASPHER
Tara Chen
Young Professional
Ines Siepmann
Young Professional
Rok Hrzic
Young Professional
Tobias Weitzel
Young Professional
Morbidity and measures of the diagnostic process in primary care for patients subsequently diagnosed with cancer
Authors: Koo Minjoung M , Swann Ruth , McPhail Sean , Abel Gary A , Renzi Cristina , Rubin Greg P , Lyratzopoulos Georgios 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
There is uncertainty regarding how pre-existing conditions (morbidities) may influence the primary care investigation and management of individuals subsequently diagnosed with cancer.

Methods
We identified morbidities using information from both primary and secondary care records among 11,716 patients included in the English National Cancer Diagnosis Audit (NCDA) 2014. We examined variation in 5 measures of the diagnostic process (the primary care interval, diagnostic interval, number of pre-referral consultations, use of primary care-led investigations, and referral type) by both primary care- and hospital records-derived measures of morbidity.

Results
Morbidity prevalence recorded before cancer diagnosis was almost threefold greater using the primary care (75%) vs secondary care-derived measure (28%). After adjustment, there was limited variation in the primary care interval and the number of pre-referral consultations by either definition of morbidity. Patients with more severe morbidities were less likely to have had a primary care-led investigation before cancer diagnosis compared with those without any morbidity (adjusted odds ratio, OR [95% confidence interval]: 0.72 [0.60–0.86] for Charlson score 3+ vs 0; joint P &lt; 0.001). Patients with multiple primary care-recorded conditions or a Charlson score of 3+ were more likely to have diagnostic intervals exceeding 60 days (aOR: 1.26 [1.10–1.45] and 1.19 [&gt;1.00–1.41], respectively), and more likely to receive an emergency referral (aOR: 1.60 [1.26–2.02] and 1.61 [1.26–2.06], respectively).

Conclusion
Among cancer cases with up to 2 morbidities, there was no evidence of differences in diagnostic processes and intervals in primary care but higher morbidity burden was associated with longer time to diagnosis and higher likelihood of emergency referral.
Strategic traits of bacteria and archaea vary widely within substrate-use groups
Authors: Westoby Mark , Nielsen Daniel A , Gillings Michae R , Gumerov Vadim M , Madin Joshua S , Paulsen Ian T , Tetu Sasha G 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
Quantitative traits such as maximum growth rate and cell radial diameter are one facet of ecological strategy variation across bacteria and archaea. Another facet is substrate-use pathways, such as iron reduction or methylotrophy. Here, we ask how these two facets intersect, using a large compilation of data for culturable species and examining seven quantitative traits (genome size, signal transduction protein count, histidine kinase count, growth temperature, temperature-adjusted maximum growth rate, cell radial diameter and 16S rRNA operon copy number). Overall, quantitative trait variation within groups of organisms possessing a particular substrate-use pathway was very broad, outweighing differences between substrate-use groups. Although some substrate-use groups had significantly different means for some quantitative traits, standard deviation of quantitative trait values within each substrate-use pathway mostly averaged between 1.6 and 1.8 times larger than standard deviation across group means. Most likely, this wide variation reflects ecological strategy: for example, fast maximum growth rate is likely to express an early successional or copiotrophic strategy, and maximum growth varies widely within most substrate-use pathways. In general, it appears that these quantitative traits express different and complementary information about ecological strategy, compared with substrate use.