bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
School collective efficacy and gambling: a multilevel study on 11th grade students in Stockholm
Authors: Olsson G , Brolin Låftman S , Modin B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Earlier studies on risk factors of adolescent gambling and risk gambling have mainly focused on determinants at the individual or the family level. Yet, it is likely that also other social contexts in young people's lives affect their inclination to engage in gambling and in risk gambling. One such context is the school. The aim of the present study was to investigate the extent of between-school variation in gambling and in risk gambling, and to analyse the links between school collective efficacy and student gambling and risk gambling.

Methods
Data were derived from the Stockholm School Survey (SSS) and the Stockholm Teacher Survey (STS), conducted in 2016 among 5191 students and 1061 teachers in 46 upper secondary schools. School collective efficacy i.e. schools degree of social cohesion and informal control was assessed by teachers' responses to four items in the STS, which were added to an index and aggregated to the school level. Gambling and risk gambling were assessed by students' self-reports to four items in the SSS. Official register information on schools was also added to the data. Two-level binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results
Results show statistically significant between-school variation in both gambling (ICC=8.3%) and in risk gambling (ICC=18.1%). Compared with students attending schools with weak collective efficacy, those attending schools with strong collective efficacy were less likely to report both gambling (OR 0.58, 95% CI 9,40-0.82) and risk gambling (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.71), even when adjusting for student- and school-level sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusions
Students' inclination to engage in gambling and in risk gambling varies across schools. The findings suggest that a high level of school collective efficacy may contribute to counteract students' engagement in gambling and risk gambling.

Key messages
Students’ inclination to engage in gambling and in risk gambling varies across schools. The findings indicate that a strong school collective efficacy may contribute to reducing students’ inclination to engage in health risk behaviours.
A case-control study on physical activity of teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Marinov D , Valtcheva E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis affects 2-3% of all teenagers. It is one of the most common chronic conditions in this age group, but studies on the physical activity (PA) of AIS patients are scarce. The available trials report conflicting findings when comparing the PA of children with AIS to healthy controls. Considering its possible role in the development of AIS and the potential benefits of PA, the topic should be further researched. This study aims to investigate the subject by comparing the physical activity of children with AIS to a group of healthy peers.

Methods
The study included 80 teenagers (aged 11-18 years) with AIS and 65 healthy age and gender-matched controls from Varna, Bulgaria. Data was collected after receiving informed consent from the parents. Children with chronic conditions (except AIS) were excluded. Information on AIS was taken from the available medical documentation. Data on PA during the last 7 days was collected via a standardized physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (PAQ-A). PAQ-A results vary from 1 (lowest PA) to 5 (highest PA). PAQ-A=2.75 has been found to correspond to the minimum recommended by WHO for this age group - 60mins of daily moderate to vigorous PA.

Results
None of the participants with AIS reported reduced PA due to impaired or restricted physical functions. The majority of children (78.8%) had mild scoliotic curvatures (Cobb angle 10°-20°). The mean PAQ-A score in AIS cases was 2.59 compared to 2.88 in controls. There was a statistically significant difference in PAQ-A score between the two groups (t = 2.722, p &lt; 0.001). 59% of AIS had a PAQ-A score under 2.75, indicating that they do not meet the minimum PA recommendation by WHO, compared to 31% of the control group.

Conclusions
Patients with AIS have significantly lower PA than their healthy peers. The majority of children with AIS do not meet the minimum PA recommendations by the WHO.

Key messages
Our study reveals that children with AIS and mild curvatures have lower PA than their healthy peers despite not reporting impaired or restricted physical functions. Future prospective studies should investigate whether PA plays a role in the etiology of AIS.
Birth integrity through the lens of medicalization, risk, embodiment and intersectionality
Authors: Batram-Zantvoort S , Razum O , Miani C 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Women globally report suboptimal conditions during facility-based childbirth. Most approaches that capture abuse, violence or mistreatment in epidemiology do not reflect a theoretical perspective in their measurement. In order to contribute to a more valid consideration of the cultural drivers, institutional conditions, direct expressions and individual perceptions that violate or preserve what we define as “birth integrity”, we developed a new theory-informed approach and an accompanying multilevel framework.

Methods
We theoretically substantiated birth integrity, referring to medical anthropology, sociology, social epidemiology and a critical-feminist theory, in particular: risk and medicalization of childbirth, social embodiment and intersectionality. We then contextualized birth integrity within a multilevel framework to operationalize its potential for epidemiological research.

Results
We present a six-field theoretical framework to operationalise and measure birth integrity violations, from institutional discrimination, to gender norms structuring labour room interactions and restrictions on autonomy. It allows to measure birth integrity violations that women experience at the macro-to-micro level as implicit, invisible and normalized, or explicit, visible and societally accepted.

Conclusions
Our new multilevel framework, based on a theory-informed construct of birth integrity, allows to measure drivers of health inequality and gender-based violence in more dimensions than so far represented in epidemiological research.

Key messages
The birth integrity concept integrates theories of medicalization, risk, embodiment and intersectionality into a multilevel framework. Our birth integrity framework is useful in epidemiological approaches to explicitly acknowledge and integrate cultural drivers of gender-based violence and inequalities in maternity care research.
Experiences and views on SHS exposure prevention in Middle Eastern countries: a systematic review
Authors: Hassanein Z , Langley T , Bogdanovica I , Murray R , Leonardi-Bee J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
More than 50% of non-smoking women and children are exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in Middle Eastern countries. This review aims to synthesize the evidence on experiences and views of parents, children, and professionals towards SHS exposure prevention in Middle Eastern countries.

Methods
We included qualitative studies exploring experiences and views on prevention of SHS exposure among women and children in all settings in Middle Eastern countries. A systematic review was undertaken according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for qualitative systematic reviews. Nine databases were searched from inception to January 2021. Meta-aggregation was used to synthesize the findings.

Results
Out of 5229 records identified, two qualitative studies reported in three publications met the eligibility criteria and were included. Using the JBI checklist for qualitative research, the critical appraisal scores of all papers were high. One study was conducted in Turkey and the other one in Israel, and study participants were parents of children. A total of 49 findings were extracted and aggregated into 8 categories, based on the similarity of meaning. Parents were aware that SHS is harmful, although the hazards of SHS exposure were not commonly discussed during pregnancy. However, there were conflicting views on ways of SHS exposure and approaches to minimise it. Parents implemented rules to decrease SHS exposure among children. While some parents were uncertain about the effectiveness of protective measures. Most common perceived barriers to reducing SHS exposure were beliefs about traditional values and personal psychological factors.

Conclusions
Parents in Middle Eastern countries knew that children's SHS exposure is harmful, though knowledge was not comprehensive and did not translate into actions to protect children. Health education program is essential to improve parental knowledge on hazards of SHS and effective preventive measures.

Key messages
Parents’ risk-awareness of SHS exposure is inadequate. Health education program is essential to improve parental knowledge on hazards of SHS and effective preventive measures in Middle Eastern countries.
A systematic review of mother-daughter interventions targeting physical activity
Authors: Brennan C , O' Donoghue G , Hall A , Keogh A , Matthews J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Growing gender disparities in levels of physical inactivity put women and female youths at a greater risk of associated health problems. Mother-daughter interventions have been proposed as means to promote physical activity in this at-risk cohort. However, there is a lack of clarity as to if and why these types of interventions might be effective.

Methods
This systematic review examined the intervention characteristics, and behaviour change theory and techniques used in these interventions to promote physical activity for daughters and their mothers. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases were searched for English language studies from inception to 13th May 2020. Interventions of any design that targeted daughters and mothers' physical activity were included in the review. Data was extracted using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist, and the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1.

Results
4962 articles were screened and 11 unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was generally high. Narrative summary highlighted that many studies used social cognitive theory as a theoretical foundation, were based in the community and less than three months in duration with multiple sessions per week. Thirty-seven behaviour change techniques were identified across studies. Some techniques were deemed potentially effective including credible source, information on the health consequences of the behaviour and the self-regulatory related techniques of goal-setting, self-monitoring and problem-solving.

Conclusions
Future research should consider using checklists, frameworks and formative work with mothers and daughters to ensure interventions are rigorously designed, implemented, and evaluated, which can inform public policy to combat physical inactivity in this at-risk cohort.

Key messages
This is the first review to assess the intervention characteristics, and behaviour change theory and techniques of mother-daughter interventions targeting physical activity. This review advances the evidence base for future intervention development and more broadly can inform public policy to tackle physical inactivity in this at-risk cohort.
Learning lessons from the community response to COVID-19 in Wales
Authors: Grey CNB , Homolova L , Davies AR 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
During the pandemic, community action sprang up in response to the health and social consequences of the virus. Communities were driven to support each other and those perceived as vulnerable. Community support and social capital are key for strengthening resilience, and an important contributor to population health. The aim was to explore what factors enabled community-led action in response to need amongst the most deprived areas in Wales during COVID-19.

Methods
Mixed-methods approach, with a strong focus on qualitative research with a systems-lens. Quantitative data was collected through a survey of 2500 adults &gt;18 years; living, working or volunteering in Wales engaged in community action, and analysed descriptively. Outcomes were motivation, benefits, current and past activities, barriers, socio-economic characteristics [age, education, employment, postcode], digital volunteerism, resilience [RRC-ARM 12], and health and wellbeing [WEMWBS-14]. Qualitative data was collected in two communities in South Wales from 46 semi-structured interviews with recipients, volunteers, and strategic leads and analysed thematically. This explored determinants and experience of community-led action, levers and drivers, and integration with the wider system.

Results
Results are preliminary. They include individual-level factors underlying volunteerism and pro-social behaviour across different categories of volunteer (unstructured, informal, formal) and across national area-level deprivation indicators (WIMD), and perspectives across the system on community-led response and its role in community empowerment in supporting the vulnerable within communities.

Conclusions
Improved understanding of the role of community-led action as a protective factor against widening health inequalities during, and in recovery from COVID-19, was brought together to develop and coproduce a framework to empower community-led action and support sustainable integration with existing services.

Key messages
Understanding how community-led action sustained and be better supported and integrated into the health, third sector and social support system is important for building resilient communities. Understanding community-led action during COVID-19 will inform how this can best supported to help protect against the longer-term differences in the health, social and economic impact.
Internalized weight bias in the relationship between mental health and obesity in UK adolescents
Authors: Creese H , Saxena S , Nicholls D , Pascual-Sanchez A , Hargreaves D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
It is crucial to promote mental and physical health during adolescence to protect against lifetime risks of mental health problems and obesity. Internalized weight bias (self-directed stigmatizing attitudes about perceived weight status) and bullying are implicated as potential mechanisms in the relationship between mental health and obesity in adolescence. We examined internalized weight bias and bullying as potential mediators of the relationship between mental health and weight status across adolescence in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods
We analysed data on 8,688 adolescents from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Weight status was defined using sex and age specific International Obesity Taskforce cut points for body-mass index (not overweight/obese; overweight; obese) at 11 and 17 years. Mental health was defined using parental reported emotional (anxiety and depression), and externalizing (aggression and impulsivity) symptoms at 11 and 17 years (low; moderate; high). Self-reported measures of internalized weight bias captured via body-dissatisfaction and self-esteem and bullying at 14 years were tested as mediators. We used Generalized Structural Equation Models to examine longitudinal pathways between weight status and mental health across 11 and 17 years, whilst accounting for concurrent associations and potential confounders.

Results
Adolescents with high emotional (relative risk (RR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.07) or externalizing symptoms (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.48) at 11 years were twice as likely to be obese at 17 years compared with those who had low symptoms. The impact of emotional and externalizing symptoms on weight status was found to be partially attributable to internalized weight bias, but not bullying, with significant mediation for body-dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.

Conclusions
Internalized weight bias partially explains the relationship between mental health and weight status across adolescence.

Key messages
There is a need for a holistic, early prevention strategy to focus on reducing weight stigma to encourage healthy mental and physical development of children. The relationship between mental health and weight status across adolescence is partly attributable to internalized weight bias.
Patients’ attitudes to and experience of the use of technology in mental health in Ireland
Authors: Finucane J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Mental health issues represent a significant proportion visits to GPs. It is estimated that 90% of mental health issues in Ireland are addressed in general practice, with an international trend towards making mental health services available in primary care. However, at present the mental health services, both locally in Ireland and internationally, are unable to meet the growing needs of those suffering mental ill health. Healthcare services internationally have examined novel and innovative ways of bridging with gap between patient needs and the available mental health services including e-mental health - “the use of information and communication technology to support and improve mental health”. The aim of this research was to explore patients' attitudes towards and experience of the use of technology and online resources with regard to mental health. Data was gathered by means of a patient survey. 8 point questionnaires were distributed and completed anonymously by 61 patients at the Carlton Clinic in Bray, Co. Wicklow. The objectives of the questionnaire were to ascertain patients' levels of awareness of the technology based resources available; whether they were using them; what patients' experience of using this technology was. The research showed low levels of awareness and usage with 39% of respondents aware of technology based resources and only 11% having ever used them. 15% of respondents reported that a GP had recommended digital resources to them. 72% of those surveyed reported they would find it useful if a GP recommended digital resources to them with regard to mental health issues.

Conclusions
Awareness and usage of digital resources in primary care population is low. However, the majority of patients were positive towards the option of digital resources and are willing to discuss them in mental health consultations.

Key messages
Readinzess of patients to embrace technology as means of delivering care and treatment for mental health problems in primary care in Ireland. Need for improved awareness of e-health options.
Mental health burden and self-efficacy among undergraduate students in the health sciences
Authors: Papadakaki M , Lioliou S , Kounali V , Liangou A , Chliaoutakis J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Perceived professional competence and self-efficacy are complex terms, which have been widely identified in concurrent literature as predictive criteria of future development and settlement of higher education students. The current study aimed at exploring factors affecting perceived professional competence and self-efficacy of Social Work and Nursing students of the Hellenic Mediterranean University. The study employed a sample of 313 students (171 Social Work, 142 Nursing). The questionnaire explored participants' sociodemographic and academic factors, perceived professional competence and self-efficacy (Nursing Competency Self Efficacy (NCSE) Scale for Outgoing Nursing Students), mental health symptoms during the past month (Symptom Checklist List, SCL 90-R) and life stressors during the past year (Life Stress Inventory, LSI). A total of 67.3% of the participants reported life stressors during the past year, with 17.6% reporting the highest burden. All the mental health scales of SCL-90 were found to have a negative linear relationship with perceived professional competence and self-efficacy but no relationship was detected with regard to life stressors. Participants' age, working status, subject and year of studies, as well as prior knowledge and high preference of the study subject, were shown to be significantly related with perceived professional competence and self-efficacy. The study has several implications for the educational and the health policy.

Key messages
Mental illness is a major public health concern with significant impact on students’ academic achievement. University-based mental health services could reach students in need and facilitate early intervention.
Why Talk Tough? Explaining Japanese Prime Ministers’ Proactiveness in National Defense Rhetoric
Authors: Liu Christine 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
What explains variations in the proactiveness of Japanese Prime Ministers (PMs) toward national defense? Although the Japanese Constitution renounces the use of force, leaders sometimes speak assertively over national security. Drawing on competing international relations and Japanese foreign policy theories, this study seeks to quantitatively model and analyze predictors of political rhetoric in PMs’ speeches and statements from 2009 to 2019. Each statement is coded into four sets of binary dependent variables through content analysis and tested against five competing hypotheses. The main finding reveals that leaders become more likely to advocate for specifically assertive national security policy when Chinese vessel intrusion increases, but not when North Korea missile tests and aircraft scrambles increase. Instead of a diversionary use of words, an emboldening effect is evident in rhetoric that evokes responsibility in international defense, moderated by ruling government strength. The findings advance academic understandings of Japanese national security policy messaging and highlight the effect of external threat perception on political rhetoric.
Glia maturation factor-γ is involved in S1P-induced marginal zone B-cell chemotaxis and optimal IgM production to type II T-independent antigen
Authors: Li Yingqian , Tang Yue , Liu Jun , Meng Xin , Wang Ying , Min Qing , Hong Rongjian , Tsubata Takeshi , Hase Koji , Wang Ji-Yang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Marginal zone B cells (MZBs) represent a unique B-cell sub-population that rapidly differentiate into IgM-secreting plasma cells in response to T-independent (T-I) antigen. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) promotes MZB localization to the marginal zone. However, intracellular molecules involved in MZB localization and migration remain largely unknown. Here, we show that MZBs lacking the glia maturation factor-γ (GMFG) are impaired in chemotaxis toward S1P under both in vitro and in vivo conditions, suggesting that GMFG is an effector downstream of S1P receptors. GMFG undergoes serine phosphorylation upon S1P stimulation and is required for S1P-induced desensitization of S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1). Compared with wild-type mice, Gmfg−/− mice produce elevated levels of 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl-acetyl (NP)-specific IgM against a T-I type II antigen, NP–Ficoll, accompanied by dysregulated MZB localization. These results identify GMFG as a regulator of S1P-induced MZB chemotaxis and reveal a role for MZB localization in the marginal zone for optimal IgM production against a T-I antigen.