bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parental alcohol use and self-reported health among Swedish adolescents aged 10-18 years
Authors: Wahlström J , Magnusson C , Brolin Låftman S , Svensson J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Including harm that is inflicted upon the drinker's social environment is vital when calculating the cost of harmful alcohol use to society. Knowledge about the true damage of alcohol is important in order to implement adequate public health responses. Research on children of alcoholics has demonstrated that parental alcohol misuse may affect offspring negatively in several ways. Studies on the general youth population have found that parental drinking is associated with offspring alcohol use. However, the links to offspring health are less explored. The aim of the study was to examine the associations between parental drinking and children's psychological complaints, somatic complaints, and perceived stress.

Methods
Data were obtained from the nationally representative Swedish Level-of Living survey of 2010. Parents and children (aged 10-18) living together completed surveys independently. The study sample consisted of 905 children, with information from at least one parent, in 627 households. Children's self-reports of psychological complaints, somatic complaints, and perceived stress were coded into binary measures and used as dependent variables. Based on self-reports of frequency and quantity of alcohol use, parents were categorised into abstainers, low consumers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers. Gender, family structure, and parent-reported socioeconomic conditions were included as control variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results
In the fully adjusted models, children with heavy drinking parents were more likely to report psychological complaints (OR 2.52, p &lt; 0.01), somatic complaints (OR 1.96, p &lt; 0.01), and feeling stressed (OR 1.68, p &lt; 0.05), compared to children whose parents were classified as moderate drinkers.

Conclusions
The study showed that children living with heavy drinking parents were more likely to report adverse health. Implementing policies that aim to protect these children may be beneficial.

Key messages
Children living with heavy drinking parents were more likely to report psychological complaints, somatic complaints, and perceived stress. Living with heavy drinking parents may affect children’s health negatively, and measures to mitigate the harms these children experience ought to be considered.
Changing pattern of smoking behavior among Mongolian adolescents: Results from the GYTS (2003-2019)
Authors: Badarch J , Paulik E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Tobacco use has become a global health concern. Most part of smokers initiate smoking during their adolescence. This study aims to analyze the changing pattern of cigarette smoking among adolescents in Mongolia.

Methods
The retrospective data analysis is based on four repeated national cross-sectional Global Youth Tobacco Surveys (GYTS) conducted in 2003, 2007, 2014 and 2019. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. The sample represented the students aged 12-16 years. Pearson's chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses were performed by using IBM SPSS version 24 software.

Results
Altogether, 17,458 students participated in the four surveys. There was an overall decrease in the prevalence of ever smokers (40.4% in 2003, 21.2% in 2019; p &lt; 0.001), current smokers (9.2% in 2003, 4.4% in 2019), and planning of cessation (84.0% in 2003, 62.9% in 2019; p &lt; 0.001). Smoking related knowledge has been changed, e.g., the prevalence of students who thought smoking helps people feel more comfortable decreased from 28.3% to 7.2%. From the point of the media effects the percentage of students who saw anti-tobacco message in the media significantly decreased (from 84.0% to 62.9%, p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, the percentage of participants who were exposed to tobacco smoke at home decreased from 64.1% to 42.6% (p &lt; 0.001) between 2003 and 2019. The multivariate logistic regression analyses by years showed that males, those who were exposed by smoke at home, who thought that smoking makes people more comfortable were more likely to be current smokers; no association was found with anti-tobacco messages.

Conclusions
Despite of the implementation of tobacco control policies, smoking is a major problem in the Mongolian population. The findings of GYTSs provide information to the development of an adolescent specific national tobacco control program, which will help to combat the tobacco epidemic.

Key messages
A positive trend of smoking behavior among adolescents has been demonstrated in Mongolia. The findings help to develop a comprehensive adolescent specific school-based tobacco control program.
Meaningful activities during COVID-19 lockdown and association with mental health in Belgian adults
Authors: Cruyt E , Van de Velde D , De Vriendt P , Vlerick P , De Letter M , Oostra K , Calders P , De Pauw R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The spread of COVID-19 has affected people's daily lives, and the lockdown may have led to a disruption of daily activities and a decrease of people's mental health.

Aim
To identify correlates of adults' mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium and to assess the role of meaningful activities in particular.

Methods
A cross-sectional web survey for assessing mental health (General Health Questionnaire), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), meaning in activities (Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey), and demographics was conducted during the first Belgian lockdown between April 24 and May 4, 2020. The lockdown consisted of closing schools, non-essential shops, and recreational settings, employees worked from home or were technically unemployed, and it was forbidden to undertake social activities. Every adult who had access to the internet and lived in Belgium could participate in the survey; respondents were recruited online through social media and e-mails. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify key correlates.

Results
Participants (N = 1781) reported low mental health (M = 14.85/36). In total, 42.4% of the variance in mental health could be explained by variables such as gender, having children, living space, marital status, health condition, and resilience (β= -.33). Loss of meaningful activities was strongly related to mental health (β= -.36) and explained 9% incremental variance (R2 change= .092, p&lt;.001) above control variables.

Conclusions
The extent of performing meaningful activities during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium was positively related to adults' mental health. Insights from this study can be taken into account during future lockdown measures in case of pandemics.

Key messages
Performing meaningful activities during COVID-19 lockdown contributes to better mental health. The lockdown has led to a disruption of daily activities and a decrease of people’s mental health.
Mental Health Forums for young healthcare professionals (lessons learned from Serbia)
Authors: Jevtic M , Vlaski T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Issue/problem
Mental health is an important subject for all healthcare professionals. Challenges of the current pandemic have affected the teaching process at the universities, especially on the faculties of healthcare professions.

Description of the problem
Taking care of the patients' mental health does not diminish the need to care about the healthcare workers. The pandemic crisis posed new questions and brought out existing obstacles that future healthcare workers face.

Results
The Mental Health Forum (MHF) was organized within the course “Principles of Public Health Issues” for Ph.D. students of Public health to commemorate the European week of public health 2020. The activity kept going due to students showed interest in using the practice of free associations to discuss subjects important for mental health in the community, working with patients and interpersonal relationships. MHF were hosted by a professor who facilitated the meetings while the undergraduate and PhD students of different programs deliberated on subjects of importance for mental health, both for patients and the healthcare workers. The pandemic crisis, which is still going and demands constant adjustments to be made, raised a number of questions related to individual and professional aspects of life.

Lessons
Student focus groups formed on the MHF ponder upon substantial issues related to mental health and mental hygiene. The importance that the education process and acquiring skills have on self-confidence and mental health is emphasized, as well as challenges that the pandemic created in finding a way for a young healthcare worker (doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist) to get the necessary skillset for dealing with patients in an assuring manner. MHF raised questions about the positions of the elderly and of the children, mental health of the patients, the link between mental health in the community and opinions about vaccination, preventive measures and evidence-based research.

Key messages
MHF represents a place to discuss the obstacles in mental health, both in the community and between students. MHF offers support and empowers students to pursue their goals in these troubling times.
Community nurses’ roles in hoarding prevention and management: literature review
Authors: Aso Y 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
COVID-19's high infectivity and fatality rates have generated a plethora of mental health problems worldwide. Hoarders accumulate products such as masks and daily necessities due to anxiety and restrictions on going out, which further exacerbate their symptoms. Since community nurses often visit patients' homes, they can identify hoarding symptoms in the early stages and provide support. Community nurses' knowledge pertaining to the prevention and management of hoarding can provide insight for mental health professionals.

Methods
The terms ‘hoarding', ‘prevention', and ‘public health nurse/community nurse/home nurse' were searched on PubMed, ProQuest, Science Direct, CINAHL, Medline Complete, and six Japanese databases (Ichushi Web, NDLonline, CiNii, J-stage, J-DreamIII, Saishin-kango-sakuin web) in April 2021.

Results
I selected 13 articles on community nurses' roles from the abstracts of 302 academic articles identified by the search results. The articles were categorised based on research objectives, research methods, and community nurses' roles. It was suggested that prevention requires supporting mothers, who are at risk for hoarding. Research on measures to prevent hoarding behaviour from becoming severe found that family-based interventions (harm reduction approach), education programs for collaborators, and group reminiscence therapy for elderly individuals with dementia are effective. It was also suggested that cooperation and hoarding education among non-medical providers are important.

Conclusions
Community nurses' roles in treating hoarding should be based on support and health education through cooperative relationships with families, neighbours, and establishment of related organisations.

Key messages
In the COVID-19 pandemic and aftermath, it is important to learn various practical activities for mental health. Community nurses may be able to help prevent hoarding behaviour to reduce psychological stress among hoarders, their families, and neighbours, thus prevent further hoarding deterioration.
What are the determinants of stress, anxiety and depression among university students?
Authors: Ketata N , Ben Ayed H , Maamri H , Yaich S , Baklouti M , Feki H , Damak J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
University students (US) are supposed to face academic, living conditions and mental challenges during their cursus. These challenges with stressful events of graduate education could potentially cause depression, anxiety and stress. The main objectives of the present study were to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among US and to identify their determinants.

Methods
A cross-sectional-questionnaire based study was conducted among a randomized sample of 1071 US in Sfax Universities, on April 2021. Data collection was performed using an anonymous questionnaire including a short version of depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21).

Results
A total of 1071 US participated in the study with a mean age of 22.2 ± 2.5 years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 69.2%, 75.4% and 45.5%, respectively. Severe or extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress were noted among 312 (29.1%), 468 (43.7%) and 195 (18.2%) US, respectively. Both depression and stress were significantly more frequent among US having a low monthly income (OR = 1.5; p = 0.045 and OR = 2.2; p = 0.042, respectively) and those who were not satisfied of their university (OR = 2.1; p = 0.002 and OR = 2.2; p = 0.008, respectively). Tobacco use was associated with higher score of depression (OR = 3.8; p = 0.046) and higher score of anxiety (OR = 1.53; p = 0.007). In addition, having a chronic disease was statistically associated with stress, anxiety and depression (OR = 2.8; p &lt; 0.001; OR = 2.2; p &lt; 0.001 and OR = 2.3; p &lt; 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions
A substantial proportion of US are suffering from depression, stress and particularly from anxiety. These findings suggested an urgent need for establishment of preventive measures and interventions to learn how to cope with these conditions positively to improve the mental health of students.

Key messages
Stress, anxiety and depression. University students.
A survey on psychological distress and problematic smartphone use: two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Covolo L , Della Vedova AM , Muscatelli M , Loscalzo Y , Giannini M , Gelatti U 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is defined as a maladaptive smartphone use causing significant impairment in several areas of the individual and interpersonal functioning. Smartphones allow people to access the internet and social media at all times, providing the illusion of being in constant connection with the world. Literature has shown that maladaptive smartphone use is more frequent in young adults, and it is associated with psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, and feelings of tension and emotional discomfort, which can generally be referred to a condition of psychological distress.

Aim
The aim of the study was to investigate the role of psychological distress and possible risk factors associated with PSU, as well as to evaluate the factor structure of the Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV) test Italian translation in a sample of students.

Methods
A sample of 2260 students (aged 18-25 years) filled in a web-based survey that included a sociodemographic questionnaire, also investigating time spent using smartphone and the preferred social media; the SAS-SV, the Internet Addiction Test and the Matthey Generic Mood Questionnaire were also part of the survey.

Results
A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that moderate-high perception of psychological distress, time spent using smartphone overnight and during the day, education, and sex are independent predictors of potential smartphone addiction, as measured by the SAS-SV. An Exploratory Factor Analysis followed by a Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed a reliable two-factor structure of SAS-SV.

Conclusions
The results of the study highlighted predictors that can be useful in prevention, confirming the impact of the extent of time spent using the smartphone, especially at night, and underlining the role of psychological distress in maladaptive smartphone use.

Key messages
The findings raise concerns about the potential spread of smartphone addictive behaviour in Italian young adults. Perceiving a psychological distress condition was associated with potential smartphone addiction. It is important for prevention to have reliable screening tools that are quick and easy to fill out.
Organization of mental health services to face COVID-19 in Brazil
Authors: Nascimento Monteiro C , Freire Sousa AA , Teles de Andrade A , Eshriqui I , Moscoso Teixeira de Mendonça J , do Lago Favaro J , Menon Pelissoni A , Bonfim D , Ferreira Martins AC , Costa Palacio D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Issue/problem
Covid-19 pandemic requires rapid responses. The reconfiguration of the psychosocial care network was needed to ensure access to all patients during this period.

Description of the problem
Psychosocial Care Centers (PCC) are strategic equipment for strengthening the mental health policy in Brazil. These services work with a multi and interdisciplinary team, aiming to assist crisis and rehabilitation processes of people with severe and persistent mental disorders or those with impairments due to the use of psychoactive substances. This work shares the experience of two PCC over the COVID-19 pandemic in São Paulo, Brazil. In April 2020, in front of the increasing Covid-19 cases and hospitalization, lack of hospital beds for mental health care, suspension of PCC group activities, and restriction of face-to-face assistance, it was necessary to adjust the PCC work process and physical structure.

Results
Telemedicine was implemented to assure assistance and monitoring. An internal flow was implemented to identify and assess patients seeking the service with respiratory symptoms and proceed with case notification if confirmed. A station for respiratory symptoms screening was settled outside the PCC, an isolation room to symptomatic respiratory patients was defined to medical assessment, and referral criteria to the emergency care established. To reinforce beds for hospitals in the region, inpatient beds were created in the PCC to attend hospitalization of acute crisis cases. Further, professionals from Primary Health Care were relocated and trained to support PCC assistance.

Lessons
This experience reaffirms the role of PCC as an articulator of the psychosocial network. Reorganization of PCC work process enabled the continuity of mental health outpatient care as well as rearguard from inpatient beds.

Key messages
The COVID-19 pandemic reinforce the necessity of integrated healthcare networks to provide care access and continuity of care. This experience reaffirms the role of PCC as an articulator of the psychosocial network.
Parental stress and depression of children with learning disabilities: preliminary results from Crete
Authors: Lioliou S , Pedioti N , Kargiotaki A , Kounali V , Loukadakis E , Papaiosif M , Papanikolaou M , Pitsikaki S , Spyridaki A , Papadakaki M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Past research has identified high levels of stress among parents of children with learning disabilities, which negatively affects children's well-being. The current presentation aims at reporting on parental stress experienced by individuals who utilised the newly introduced services of a mobile unit offering diagnostic and counselling services to children with learning difficulties in the region of Crete. Individuals in the current study represent a non-clinical sample from community settings across a region of 600.000 residents. More specifically, a university mobil unit was set in mid 2020 with funds raised by the Region of Crete, aiming at diagnosing learning difficulties in children aged 8-12yrs old as well as offering tailor-made biopsychosocial counselling to their families, at no cost. The mobil unit employs a pioneering child-in-environment perspective aiming to improve child's well-being through interventions targeting the family system. The staff consists of special education tutors, child and school psychologists, social workers, speech therapists and nurses offering a full range of diagnostic services, with up to date psychometric tools and literacy tests. Upon detection of stress/depression symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory,BAI; Beck Depression Inventory,BDI), parents receive a brief CBT or family therapy intervention of 4 sessions with a psychologist and/or a social worker via teleconference. Preliminary analysis of parental records (53 BDI,46 BAI) indicates 12 (22,6%) being above the cut off point for depression (7 mild to moderate, 5 moderate to severe) and 13 (28,2%) meeting the criteria for moderate anxiety disorder. 9 cases scored within the clinical range for both disorders. Symptoms of anxiety disorder were recorded only in parents of males. Comparisons between individuals with and without symptomatology will be presented in terms of personal and family profiles. The study has serious implications for health and educational policy.

Key messages
Coping with parental stress can be a challenge, but is also a skill that can be learned. Strength-based family support services should be considered at community level.
A snapshot of Malta’s Covid-19 acute and post-acute symptoms
Authors: Cuschieri S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The end of the year 2019 saw the emergence of a novel coronavirus (Covid-19) with patients presenting with severe pneumonia in China. Infected individuals with Covid-19 were noted to present with different symptoms, if at all. Some remained with symptoms even after testing negative for Covid-19. The aim was to explore for the most common acute and post-acute Covid-19 symptoms among adult residents in Malta.

Methods
Using Google forms, an anonymous survey was distributed on social media (1st to 26th February 2021) targeting the adult residents of Malta. The survey assessed for previous/current Covid-19 infection and for acute and post-acute (&gt;4 weeks after negative test) symptoms. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.

Results
Out of the 1,034 participants, 6.38% (CI95%: 5.04-8.95) reported to have been positive for Covid-19, with a female predominance (71.21% CI95%:59.30-80.79; p = &lt;0.01). Various combination of symptoms was reported. However, asymptomatic (13.64% CI95%: 7.12-24.15) dominated followed by the combination of fever, cough, headaches, fatigue, loss of taste and smell, aches and pains, and diarrhoea (10.61% CI95%:4.94-17.60). Although the majority did not report post-acute symptoms, a proportion reported the continuation of aches and pains with fatigue or the loss of taste and smell (6.06% CI95%:1.94-14.01; respectively).

Conclusions
Although small case numbers were evaluated in this study, it is clear that Covid-19 is affecting a proportion of the population. Asymptomatic Covid-19 is common, enforcing the fact that infectivity rate is higher than reported. However, multi symptomatic representation is also common, possibility requiring medical attention. Within this cohort, post-acute symptoms did not appear to be dominating. Health system resilience is essential to continue caring for both acute Covid-19 and other conditions including long Covid-19 patients.

Key messages
Covid-19 community spread is higher than reported due to a substantial proportion of asymptomatic individuals. Preventive mitigation measures should continue to be encouraged as well as strengthening health systems to care for acute and long Covid-19 along with other co-existing conditions.