bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Declining trends of overweight and obesity in 4-year-olds during 2007-2022 in Northern Sweden
Authors: Kuisma Löfbom J , Sandström O , Ivarsson A , Lohr W , Lundberg E , Silfverdal S A , Vaezghasemi M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Overweight among preschool children is a huge public health issue. The prevalence of both childhood overweight and obesity increased during the COVID-19-pandemic. Our aim was to study the development of overweight and obesity among 4-year-olds in Västerbotten, Sweden, from 2007 until 2022 with special focus on the COVID-19-pandemic and the year after.

Methods
This is a repeated cross-sectional study that utilized individual data from most 4-year-old children living in Västerbotten County, Sweden in 2007-2022, implying that the children were born 2003-2108. We included encrypted and anonymized individual anthropometrical data from the routine 4-year-old Child Health Care visit. There were 47 004 4-year-old children living in the county and we included data from 42 584 children, 21 966 boys and 20 618 girls at the age of 46-51 months.

Results
Overweight and obesity decreased over the study period. In 2007 the prevalence of overweight was 13.4% for boys and 14.9% for girls and obesity 3.7% for boys and 2.7% for girls. In 2022 the prevalence of overweight had declined to 9.5% for boys and 12.1% for girls and the prevalence of obesity to 1.8% and 2.1%, respectively. During the COVID-19-pandemic the prevalence of overweight and obesity for both boys and girls increased and then rapidly returned to the pre-pandemic level in 2022.

Conclusions
In a setting with free standardized Child Health Care, we present a clear decline in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Swedish preschool children over time. As in other settings the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased during the COVID-19-pandemic, but we also report a rapid decline in overweight and obesity after the pandemic. It is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for this favorable trend.

Key messages
• We present clear decline in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preschool children over time in a setting with free standardized Child Health Care.
• It is important to understand the possible mechanisms of the favorable trend of decrease of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children pre- and post-pandemic.
Diabetes, hypertension, and hospitalizations during pregnancy: a multivariate analysis
Authors: Falcone V , Nisticò F , Arniani S , Messina G , De Luca A , D’urso A , Nante N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The study analyzes the correlation between socio-demographic variables and pathologies encountered by women during pregnancy. The presence of these pathologies is recorded at the time of compiling the CAP (Certificate of Assistance for Birth).

Methods
Data analysis pertains to the Certificate of Assistance for Birth (CAP) concerning residents in the territory of AUSL South-East Tuscany in the years 2021 and 2022. The number of women of childbearing age in Tuscany in 2022 is 150,959, while the number of births analyzed in the study is 9,053. The study conducts multivariate analysis between socio-demographic variables and pathological outcomes.

Results
Controlling for age, citizenship and other factors, the risk of gestational diabetes is significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) among mothers: over 40 years old (OR = 1.56), with citizenship in PFPM countries (OR = 1.60) and particularly, compared to Italians, among women from Indian subcontinent (OR = 3.73) and the Maghreb (OR = 2.04), with lower educational levels (OR = 1.28) compared to graduates, obese (OR = 2.43). The risk of gestational hypertension is significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) among mothers: over 40 years old (OR = 1.71), obese (OR = 2.50), nulliparous (OR = 1.60). The risk of one or more hospitalizations during pregnancy is significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) among mothers: not employed (OR = 1.31) and homemakers (OR = 1.32) compared to employed, from Indian subcontinent (OR = 1.82) and the Maghreb (OR = 1.75) compared to Italians, with gestational hypertension (OR = 2.06).

Conclusions
Unlike gestational diabetes and hospitalizations during pregnancy, gestational hypertension does not show significant associations with the mother’s socio-demographic characteristics. However, gestational diabetes and hospitalizations during pregnancy are correlated with different variables: they are more common among women over 40, foreigners, homemakers, with lower educational levels, obese, and with low family economic status.

Key messages
• It has been observed that some variables are also risk factors for adult age pathologies, such as diabetes and hypertension.
• The importance of Early Childhood Development and early interventions can improve children’s health and well-being.
Psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 and subsequent depression and anxiety disorders
Authors: Wahlström J , Låftman S B , Östberg V 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In recent years, the prevalence of self-reported mental health issues such as psychosomatic complaints has risen among adolescents in several countries, including Sweden. Despite this trend, a gap in the understanding remains regarding the implications of these complaints, including their ability to predict more severe mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety represent common mental health disorders among youth today, significantly affecting daily functioning. In light of this, the current study aims to investigate the association between self-reported psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 and the likelihood of being diagnosed with depression or anxiety by age 20.

Methods
Data was drawn from Futura01, a cohort study of Swedish adolescents who attended grade 9 in 2017 (n = 5,225). Information on psychiatric diagnoses was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register. Psychosomatic complaints were captured through self-reported frequencies of headache, stomach ache, and difficulties falling asleep, which were aggregated into an index (ranging from 3-15). Covariates included sex, parental education, parental country of birth, family type, and prior diagnoses of ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results
The findings show that higher levels of psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 were prospectively associated with increased odds of being diagnosed with depression (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.22-1.34) as well as anxiety (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.25-1.35) by age 20, even after adjusting for prior diagnoses and other covariates.

Conclusions
This study highlights the potential for psychosomatic complaints during adolescence to act as early indicators of future mental health disorders. Recognising the importance of these complaints and implementing public health interventions targeting mental health issues among youth could help improve mental health outcomes in late adolescence and young adulthood.

Key messages
• Adolescents reporting frequent psychosomatic complaints at age 15-16 were more likely to receive subsequent specialised care due to a depression or anxiety diagnosis in a Swedish sample.
• Interventions directed at youth experiencing frequent psychosomatic complaints may have a beneficial impact on their future mental health outcomes.
Can a Universal Mindfulness Programme Improve Well-Being in Adolescents?
Authors: Qvick J , Hintsanen M , Vahlberg T , Volanen S-M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Approx. 14% of adolescents experience mental health disorders. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) could be one way to support adolescents’ well-being. We investigated the effectiveness of a 9-week school-based mindfulness intervention on adolescents’ well-being, moderated by gender, grade, and independent practice.

Methods
In total 3519 Finnish adolescents (aged 12 - 15) from 56 schools were randomized into intervention, active (relaxation), and inactive (normal school curriculum) control groups. Well-being was assessed with two life satisfaction measures (Life Satisfaction [OECD] and The Satisfaction with Life Scale-Child [SWLS-C]) and positive and negative affects (Positive and negative affects [PANAS]) at baseline, at 9 weeks and 26 weeks and analyzed using multilevel linear modeling.

Results
Significant improvement in life satisfaction (SWLS-C) was found at 9 weeks in the MBI group (β = 0.38, 95 % CI 0.08-0.68, p = 0.009) compared to the active control. Furthermore, MBI demonstrated an increase in life satisfaction (OECD) among boys (β = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.04-0.46, p = 0.016) and 6th graders (β = 0.26, 95 % CI 0.04-0.49, p = 0.015) at 9 weeks compared to the active control. Additionally, MBI participants engaging in independent practice at least once a week had a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to both the active (β = 3.01, 95 % CI 0.55-5.47, p = 0.009) and inactive control groups (β = 2.81, 95 % CI 0.23-5.40, p = 0.026). Those practicing MBI almost daily also demonstrated a higher increase in positive affect at week 26 compared to the active control group (β = 2.95, 95 % CI 0.28-5.62, p = 0.023).

Conclusions
MBI in the school context seems to have the potential to increase the well-being of adolescents, especially those who commit to regular independent mindfulness practice. Gender and grade may moderate the effects of MBI. Therefore, we need to better understand how gender and age influence the effectiveness of MBI.

Key messages
• The findings indicate the need to further examine potential mediators and moderators that may influence the effectiveness of MBI on adolescents.
• According to this study, regular mindfulness practice in schools appears to be a promising way to improve well-being of adolescents.
Predictors of high blood pressure in children from 6 to 11 years: The PREDI cohort study
Authors: Mastroeni M , Moletta A , Corrêa C , Mastroeni S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is an important cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Brazil that affects approximately 30% of the adult population and accounts for nearly 50% of CVD-related deaths in the country. Identifying the main predictors of high blood pressure (BP) during childhood will help prevent the development of other CVDs in adulthood and deaths. This study aimed to estimate the effect of biological, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics on the child’s BP at 6, 9 and 11 years of age.

Methods
Cohort study conducted with 181 children in Joinville city, southeastern Brazil. Individual data were collected during three follow-ups (2016, 2021, and 2023) in a private room of the family’s home. BP was measured by the auscultatory method. Poisson regression analysis adjusted for important covariates was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of maternal and child weight status, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics on the child’s BP at ages 6, 9 and 11.

Results
The prevalence of high BP in children at ages 6, 9 and 11 was 26.5%, 20.4% and 3.0%, respectively. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the child’s BMI were associated with high BP over the period investigated. The risk of children having high diastolic BP from 6 to 11 years of age was 6% higher (RR = 1.06; 95%CI 1.01, 1.11) when mothers had pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m2, even after adjusting for child BMI. For each one kg/m2 increase in child BMI, the risk of children having high systolic BP pressure increased by 14% (RR = 1.14; 95%CI 1.05, 1.23), even after adjusting for pre-pregnancy BMI.

Conclusions
Pre-pregnancy excess body weight and increased child BMI were associated with high BP in children from 6 to 11 years of age. Addressing pre-pregnancy excess body weight and overweight in childhood, combined with BP monitoring from the age of six, are actions that can prevent the development of CVDs in adulthood, thus reducing a serious global public health problem.

Key messages
• Encouraging parents to monitor their children’s BP is essential to prevent associated chronic diseases throughout life.
• Identifying children with altered blood pressure is an important public health indicator.
Public views on open data health research in Switzerland: Implications for research and policy
Authors: Daniore P , Sedlakova J , Zavattaro F , Huber Z , Knieps M , von Wyl V , Benhamou Y , Gille F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The increasing volume of publicly available data offers health researchers opportunities to explore public sentiment through open data research on issues such as vaccination hesitancy and fake news propagation. To ensure ethical conduct and maintain public trust, assessing public perceptions of open data research in healthcare is crucial.

Methods
We conducted 10 focus groups across the German, French, and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland. We presented participants with real-world examples of open data research in healthcare and guided discussions using a semi-structured format. The topic areas were: (1) using Twitter data to assess public opinion on gene-editing technology, (2) assessment of health policy documents, (3) using Twitter data to predict individual health status and (4) using YouTube data to assess public sentiment on health policies. We assessed our findings using a thematic analysis approach.

Results
Gathering insights from 75 citizens, four major themes emerged: (1) Expectations towards actors and open data research, such as using research findings for societal benefit, and ensuring transparency in data use through informed consent; (2) Supportive measures including communication strategies to raise awareness and inform the public about the use of publicly available data for health research; (3) Concerns about data reuse for purposes beyond the study’s objectives, especially for financial gain, and about data validity and privacy, particularly for sensitive health data; and (4) Mitigative measures to minimize harm, such as through the involvement of external oversight committees.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate public support for open data research in healthcare, provided that specific expectations are met. Developing a guiding framework for legitimate open data research in healthcare is a valuable next step, with a focus on enhancing public awareness through communication campaigns and providing oversight measures to foster public trust.

Key messages
• Open data research in healthcare relies on public data use without explicit consent, which can disconnect the research community from society.
• We found that public support for open data research in healthcare is generally present, however it is also conditional on communication and policy efforts addressing their concerns.
How does family support mitigate the impact of childhood adversity on adolescent mental health?
Authors: Adjei N , Jonsson K R , Straatmann V S , Bellevia A , Yaya S , McGovern R , Kaner E , Wolfe I , Taylor-Robinson D C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Childhood adversity is associated with increased risk of developing mental health problems over the life course. We investigated how family emotional support in adolescence may mitigate the impact of childhood adversity on adolescent mental health.

Methods
We used longitudinal data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study on 9,269 children followed to age 17 years. Individuals were assigned to exposure trajectories characterised using group-based trajectory models that included measures of poverty and family adversities (parental mental ill health, parental alcohol misuse and domestic violence) up to age 14 years. Using counterfactual causal mediation analysis and four-way decomposition modelling approach, we evaluated how perceived family emotional support at age 14 (measured using the three-item Short Social Provisions Scale) influences the association of childhood adversity trajectories on mental health at ages 14 and 17, assessing the relative contributions of mediation and interaction simultaneously.

Results
Compared with children experiencing low adversity and poverty, those exposed to childhood adversity were almost three times more likely to experience poor mental health (RR 2·99, 95% CI 2 ·41 to 3·57) at age 14 and age 17 (RR 2·58, 95% CI 2·09 to 3·06). Perceived emotional support mitigates up to 18% (95% CI: 9% to 26%) of this effect at age 14, and 13% (95% CI: 5% to 22%) at age 17, mainly due to interactive mechanisms.

Conclusions
Childhood adversity has a strong effect on mental health, which is partially mitigated by perceived family support in adolescence. Policies that support positive family functioning may be particularly beneficial for children who have experienced adversity.

Key messages
• Socio-economic – associated mental health problems in adolescence differed based on levels of family support.
• Approximately 20% of the social inequality in mental health outcomes in adolescence may be mitigated or reduced by improving levels of family support.
EvalDepApps: How to evaluate depression management based on evidence and end users
Authors: Robles N , Moretó S , Fuster A , Duarte A , Padilla M , Pérez A , Subirà S , Gelabert E , Gómez C , Carrion C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The use of apps is increasing in the field of mental health due to their ease of use and accessibility, although there is not enough evidence on their effectiveness and safety. EvalDepApps aims to develop an evaluation tool for depression management apps. A systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apps for depression, and to identify the evaluation criteria used. PRISMA methodology was followed. The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase databases were consulted. The risk of bias was assessed with the RoB2 scale. An online 2 rounds Delphi was carried out to prioritize the most relevant criteria identified. 44 people (26 professionals, 18 patients) were invited. They were asked to rate the importance of each criterion on a Likert scale (1 - 6). Those that obtained a high consensus were selected; those with a medium were submitted to the 2nd round. Empathization (6) and co-design (6) sessions were held with patients (23) and professionals (33) in Catalonia, the Canary Islands and Andalusia to identify what relevant aspects the tool should have. Twenty-nine studies were included in the SRMA (67% unclear bias), finding a significant effect of mHealth interventions in reducing depressive symptoms compared to non-active control (Hedges g = −0.62, 95% CI: −0.87 to − 0.37, I2 = 87%). In Round 1 of the Delphi (59% participation) 24 criteria obtained a high consensus, 20 a medium and 7 a low. In Round 2 (52% participation), 4 criteria reached high consensus. The empathy sessions showed that the actions most requested by patients were reduce anxiety, and information about their condition; for professionals, suicide prevention. Regarding co-design, it was proposed that the tool provide ranking of the apps, recommendation systems and a very visual format. The RSMA and Delphi guarantee that the tool will be based on scientific evidence and expert judgment, while empathization and co-design that it will fit with the needs of end users.

Key messages
• It is relevant to evaluate the quality of health apps, especially those addressed to vulnerable populations such as people with depression.
• It is crucial that the development of evaluation tools for digital health interventions will be developed based on evidence-based but also includes end users.
Innovative risk score to diagnose depression using data from the UAE Healthy Future Study
Authors: Al Balushi M , Guan J , AlBlooshi M , Al Balushi S , Ahamd A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Depression has been recognized as a major mental health disorder. Diagnosing depression remains a challenge due to its complex multifactorial nature. The UAE Healthy Future Study is a long-term cohort study that focuses on understanding the factors that contribute to chronic disease among Emiratis. It involves answering a comprehensive questionnaire, undergoing physical measurements such as Body Mass Index (BMI), and biological samples for analysis. We analyized the eight-item depression screening instrument Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) for this project.

Methods
Out of 487 participants included in the PHQ-8, 205 participants (42.1%) were included in the statistical analysis after omitting missing values. A multivariate Least Absolute Selection Shrinkage Operator (LASSO) logistic regression model was performed using gender, age, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat percentage, high-density lipoprotein (mg/dL), lowdensity lipoprotein (mg/dL), total cholesterol (mg/dL), diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C, as predictors. The primary outcome was the binarized total PHQ-8 using a cutoff value of ten Tenfold cross-validation was applied.

Results
A cutoff value that yields an approximate sensitivity of 90% was selected to maximize the ability of the novel risk score to correctly identify subjects with depression symptoms. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A novel depression risk score was computed as the linear predictor of the selected five variables in the LASSO regression analysis, as following: Risk score = -3.284 + 0.471*gender - 0.053*age + 0.049*BMI + 0.022*HDLmgdL - 0.072*HBA1c

Conclusions
We have shown that a novel depression risk score provides useful information for screening of depression. Further validation studies are needed to confirm the application of the risk score in daily practice.

Key messages
• A novel depression risk score provides useful information for screening of depression.
• If the risk score can be verified in a different population, then it can improve the screening methods for depression.
Digital Pathology: A Cost-Effective Solution For Healthcare Systems
Authors: Chng JJH , Chong CZY 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Digital pathology represents a transformative technology in healthcare, utilizing digital analysis and interpretation of pathology microscopy images. While traditional light microscopy remains the standard, digital pathology offers potential advantages: improved diagnostic accuracy, increased efficiency, and enhanced collaboration. However, cost-effectiveness remains a crucial consideration for widespread adoption. This systematic review aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of digital pathology in various healthcare settings.

Methods
A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library, using keywords “digital pathology”, “telepathology” “cost”, and “effectiveness”. The search was limited to English-language studies discussing digital pathology and its cost effectiveness. Prior to inclusion, studies were evaluated for relevance and applicability. Included studies were analyzed for methodology, sample size, data collection methods, and key findings.

Results
Of 125 articles identified, 16 studies met inclusion criteria. Key findings included streamlined workflows allowing for smoother collaboration across institutions, enabling simultaneous evaluation of multiple slides, and utilizing image processing software to automate time-consuming tasks. Additionally, digital pathology reduces the need for physical slide transportation, reducing costs and enabling access to specialist expertise in remote or underserved areas. This combination of efficiency gains and potential cost savings suggests digital pathology’s potential for long-term cost-effectiveness in healthcare systems.

Conclusions
Digital pathology has the potential to increase cost-effectiveness and improve quality and efficiency of pathology services. Further research is necessary to determine optimal implementation strategies, but the evidence suggests digital pathology warrants continued investment and adoption by healthcare systems to improve public health outcomes.

Key messages
• Digital pathology demonstrates potential for cost-effectiveness.
• Despite the need to refine implementation, the efficiency and potential cost savings of digital pathology warrant further exploration.