bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of specific offers for mothers with mental stress
Authors: Scolik F , Ofner T , Sagerschnig S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
As part of the Austrian early intervention programme ‘Frühe Hilfen’, specific interventions (a psychotherapeutic short-term intervention and a therapeutic group) were implemented in some regions. An evaluation was carried out to gain general insights into the need for and benefits of psychosocial services as well as in-depth information on the benefits of the two selected services. The results of the project should also enable further conclusions/recommendations for appropriate services.

Methods
Mixed-methods approach: qualitative (focus groups, individual interviews, online surveys, participant observation) and quantitative (screening questionnaires) instruments involving a large number of relevant stakeholders and actors. Data analysis: content-structuring qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz; descriptive analysis of the screening questionnaires.

Results
The analysis revealed a great need for specific psychosocial services for this target group as well as a high level of satisfaction with the psychosocial services utilised. However, all respondents pointed out barriers to the utilisation of psychosocial services. The evaluation results show that the two specific services make an important contribution to improving the well-being of mothers with mental health problems. Both services largely reach their target group well and, thanks to their focus, contribute to the well-being of mothers with mental health problems. The effectiveness of the service is underpinned by the fact that all participants perceive a reduction in mental stress and notice a reduction in stress during the screenings.

Conclusions
Based on the evaluation results, it is generally recommended that low-threshold, free and needs-based services be established or expanded. In addition, there is a need for more educational and public relations work on psychosocial stress/diseases and more information on support services.

Key messages
• There is a great need for psychosocial support among mothers.
• The high level of satisfaction with the services evaluated indicates that more such services are needed to support families.
Trends and gender differentials in age-specific suicide mortality, 2004-2020, Cyprus
Authors: Middleton N , Karanikola M , Chatzittofis A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Cyprus is rarely included in international studies of suicide trends and the only published national data is two decades old. In the context of the first National Strategy for Mental Health, this study assessed suicide trends in 2004-2020, spanning the 2008 global and 2012-2013 Cyprus financial recessions, but falling short of the COVID-19 pandemic due to delays in recording.

Methods
Suicide deaths were obtained from the Mortality Registry (ICD-10, including “undetermined”). Directly standardized rates were calculated for four gender/age groups. Annual change was estimated in Poisson regression models with interaction terms to assess differential trends over time periods.

Results
There were 560 deaths (4-times more in men, &gt;80% classified as ‘violent’ in both genders). In men, the suicide rate doubled from 4-5 to 9-10 per 100000, with most of the increase prior to 2012, representing 9% annual change (Rate Ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.15; p = 0.002). From 2013, the trend reversed (effect modification p-value &lt; 0.001) with 4% annual decrease (95% CI -9%, 1%). Declines were not uniform across age-groups; rates in males aged 45-64 continued to rise, surpassing the previously high rate in males 25-44. In women, rates presented a declining trajectory from 4-5 per 100000 to 2-3 over this period, widening the gender differential. M-to-F ratio was 5.33 (95% CI 3.46, 8.19) in 2017-2020 compared to 2.73 (1.88, 3.95) in 2004-2008. A shift to violent methods was observed, with hanging now ranking as most common in both females (1 in 3) and males (1 in 2).

Conclusions
While relatively lower compared to other European countries, the gender differential in suicide mortality has widened in Cyprus, with steep rises in all male age-groups up to 2012 and continuing rises in males 45-64, but declines in female rates over the same period. Further analysis of trends in relation to unemployment and other socio-economic indicators is warranted as well as continuous monitoring of trends.

Key messages
• After steep rises in suicide across all male age-groups up to 2012, against a declining trajectory in female rates, rates in males 45-64 continued to rise, further widening the gender differential.
• The age profiling and shift towards more violent methods in both genders should inform the first National Strategy for Mental Health, while continuous monitoring of trends is warranted.
Impact of retirement on physical activity in older adults: a longitudinal analysis from SHARE
Authors: Vigezzi G P , Bertuccio P , Mosconi G , Maggioni E , Vandoni M , Stenholm S , Odone A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
With ageing populations experiencing longer post-retirement years, understanding the influence of major life transitions on health behaviours such as physical activity (PA) is crucial. This study assesses how retirement affects PA levels by analysing longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).

Methods
This analysis utilised longitudinal data from 2004 to 2020, categorising PA according to WHO guidelines adapted to individual-level data from successive waves of SHARE. The study examined the relative risks (RR) of being physically active, using generalised estimating equation models to compare periods before and after retirement.

Results
The cohort consisted of 8,998 individuals aged 50 and older who were employed at baseline and retired during the study period. Initially, 83.6% of participants were categorised as physically active. A noticeable decline in PA was observed post-retirement, with RR decreasing from 1.08 (95%CI 1.07-1.10) more than 10 years before retirement to 0.90 (95%CI 0.88-0.93) more than 10 years after retirement, compared to the year of retirement. Previously inactive individuals often increased their PA levels, peaking 3 to 4 years post-retirement (RR increased from 0.79, 95%CI 0.70-0.88, to 1.49, 95%CI 1.36-1.63), suggesting a temporary boost in moderate-intensity PA during the so-called “honeymoon phase”.

Conclusions
Retirement can serve as a window of opportunity for enhancing leisure-time PA, particularly among those previously inactive. Sustained increases in PA are less common, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support continued engagement in PA among retirees. The variations in PA trends suggest that interventions should be tailored to individual characteristics such as age at retirement, previous job type, and educational background to maximise public health impact. This study underscores the challenges of ensuring long-term health benefits through PA.

Key messages
• Retirement significantly alters physical activity patterns, highlighting an opportunity for targeted health interventions.
• Longitudinal data reveals critical periods post-retirement that could benefit from public health strategies to maintain or increase physical activity among older adults.
Prevalence and social determinants of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana systematic review
Authors: Awortwe V , Maharani F , Daivadanam M , Adjorlolo S , Olsson EMG , Rajabzadeh V , Woodford J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Anxiety and depression are major public health concerns, yet their prevalence and social determinants contributing to mental health disparities remain underexplored. This review, to our knowledge, is the first of its kind, aiming to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and disorders among adults in Ghana, along with social determinants associated with their occurrence.

Methods
A search of nine electronic databases and seven grey literature sources was conducted up to September 25, 2023. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised the studies. Forty-six studies were included. Prevalence estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression explored potential moderators. A narrative synthesis explored social determinants associated with anxiety and depression.

Results
Preliminary results showed a high prevalence of anxiety (43.7%, 95% CI: 35.6-54.4%) and depression (37.8%, 95% CI; 32.5% to 46%), with regional variations. There were significant differences in the prevalence of anxiety and depression across chronic physical conditions and method of condition assessment. Meta-regression showed significant association between average age and anxiety prevalence. Social determinants associated with anxiety included being female, non-Christian, low income, self-employed, limited social support, and basic education, while that for depression included being young (&lt; 25yr), low income, government employed, childhood physical and sexual abuse, gender-based violence and urban residence. Protective factors for both were male gender, strong social support and higher education.

Conclusions
Preliminary results indicate a high prevalence of anxiety and depression linked to social determinants. While methodological limitations exist (eg, study heterogeneity), findings highlight a need for evidence-based interventions targeting social determinants to reduce the burden of anxiety and depression among adults in Ghana.

Key messages
• Our review suggests addressing the social determinants of mental health, aligned with sustainable developmental goals, may reduce the burden of anxiety and depression.
• While Ghana is working towards improving mental health via its revised 12year Mental Health Policy launched in 2021, this review can facilitate planning and resource allocation for mental healthcare.
Suicide in young and middle-aged individuals: lessons from a psychosocial autopsy study
Authors: Balt E , Mérelle S , Eikelenboom M , Zeric A , Wiggers D , Gilissen R , Creemers D , Popma A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sociodemographic characteristics of suicides are available from Statistics Netherlands. To improve suicide prevention, it is not only necessary to know who dies but also why people die. A psychosocial autopsy was conducted in the Netherlands to investigate differences in psychosocial characteristics and precipitating factors of suicides of young (&lt;30) and middle-aged (40-70) suicide decedents.

Methods
Data were collected from bereaved individuals. A questionnaire detailed sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics of the decedents. We reconstructed the suicidal process in the months preceding the suicide in an interview. Findings from the questionnaire and interview were integrated. An independent expert committee formulated recommendations for suicide prevention.

Results
162 suicides were investigated. Young decedents showed high levels of substance use and academic pressure. Young adults with developmental disorders were vulnerable in the transition to adulthood. Young males reached out less to support and care. By contrast, suicides of young females were distinguished by comorbidity of psychiatric disorders, frequent suicidal behaviours, high levels of care use, wait lists and a loss of (treatment) perspective, harmful social media use and bullying. Work and financial problems were common in middle-aged decedents. Physical disability and pain were frequently mentioned for middle-aged females. Suicide in middle-aged males was characterized by financial distress, interpersonal conflicts such as divorce, high levels of binge drinking and addiction.

Conclusions
Our data provide a topology of the needs of individuals at risk for suicide. Suicide prevention strategies can be improved by better transition support and explicit suicide monitoring in young adults with a developmental disorder, active waitlist policies in mental healthcare, and improved collaboration between debt counsellors and mental care professionals based on shared accountability.

Key messages
• Bereaved individuals elucidated a wide range of psychosocial problems in suicide decedents.
• Suicide prevention should adhere to a needs-based approach.
Social inequalities in the mental well-being of adolescents in Barcelona (2016-2021)
Authors: Olivella-Cirici M , Vilagut G , Sánchez-Ledesma E , Serral G , Cortés-Albaladejo M , Pasarín M I , Alonso J , Pérez G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Crises have the potential to affect mental well-being (MWB), especially at vital stages of personal development such as adolescence. The objective of this study was to investigate the 2016-21 trends of social inequalities in the MWB of adolescents in Barcelona, stratifying by sex. Sequential, cross-sectional study based on the FRESC survey, held by the ASPB, representative of 8th and 10th grade adolescents (13-16 years old) schooled in Barcelona, in 2016 (N = 2,154) and 2021 (N = 2,299). MWB was examined using the validated WEMWBS, scoring from 14 (lowest) to 70 (highest) MWB. A temporal trend analysis of inequalities in MWB was carried out using the student socioeconomic status (SES) (low/average/high), measured with the validated FAS. For each group, the effect size of the WEMWBS means was measured with Cohen’s D. Linear regressions were performed, adjusting for academic grade, student country of origin, type of school and school index of vulnerable students. Adjusted β coefficients (aβ) and their statistical significance (p&lt;.05) were estimated. In 2016, boys had higher MWB mean scores than girls (54.0 vs 50.8) (p&lt;.01). In 2021, sex differences persisted, but with lower scores (51.7 vs 47.0) (p&lt;.01) and still with a moderate effect size (0.52 in 2021 vs 0.40 in 2016). In multivariate regression models, boys in low SES showed the greatest MWB decrease in 2016 (low vs high SES: aβ= -3.44; p&lt;.01). A significant temporal trend 2016-2021 of MWB worsening was observed in all groups, except for boys in low SES. The greatest deterioration in MWB was observed in girls, similarly in different SES (low SES: aβ= -3.52; p&lt;.01). Boys in low SES showed the worst MWB in 2016 whereas all SES categories of girls had a significant trend of deterioration in MWB (2016-21). The latter could be attributed, among other factors, to a differential effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results underline the importance of addressing inequalities in the MWB, particularly among adolescent girls.

Key messages
• This study reveals a deterioration in mental well-being temporal trends (2016-2021) among adolescents in Barcelona, especially in girls.
• Findings emphasize the need to address social inequalities for improving mental well-being outcomes in adolescent populations.
Barriers and facilitators to healthcare services of people with mental ill-health in Europe
Authors: Schäfer K , Wrzesińska M , Kostyła M , Mancebo Salas N , Gomez Trenado R , Radaios V , Gogos T , Gil-Salmeron A , Grabovac I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
People with mental ill-health (PMIH) have higher cancer mortality rates than the general population. Barriers to healthcare service access may be a contributing factor. The EU-funded CO-CAPTAIN project aims to reduce health inequalities by improving overall health and reducing cancer burden by adapting and implementing the Patient Navigation (PN) Model targeted at PMIH. This qualitative study explored healthcare system experiences of PMIH in Austria, Greece, Poland, and Spain.

Methods
Eighty-one participants (22-76 years old), including 34 PMIH, 10 caregivers, 14 care team members, 12 mental health organization representatives, and 11 service manager representatives, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews focused on awareness of cancer risk factors, healthcare system experiences, and perspectives on PN as an intervention. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results
Three major themes emerged: (1) somatic health relevance and preventive services utilization and (2) barriers / (3) facilitators to preventive services access. Knowledge of cancer prevention services varied greatly. Participants were aware of associations between risky health behaviors and health. Burden of mental health problems and discrimination, insufficient access to information, and lack of service flexibility were noted as barriers. Considerations of individual circumstances, social support, and empowerment were named as facilitators.

Conclusions
Tailored interventions involving healthcare professionals and PMIH in development of supportive environments and health literacy have the potential of overcoming identified barriers to the use of healthcare services.

Key messages
• People experiencing mental ill-health are faced with significant structural barriers when accessing somatic health services.
• Understanding people’s needs in terms of access and utilization of health care allows us to define guidelines for future personalized healthcare solutions.
Self-esteem and illness perception in multiple sclerosis: Unveiling key factors for self-management
Authors: Mikula P , Timkova V , Szilasiova J , Nagyova I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by demyelination and variable symptomatology, and typically appears during young adulthood, making it a condition of considerable public health concern. Given its chronic nature, understanding of the illness perception plays a crucial role in long-term disease management. Our research aims to examine the factors affecting illness perception among people with MS.

Methods
The study sample consisted of 166 patients with MS (75.3% women; mean age: 40.9±11.3 years; mean disease duration: 11.6±7.1 years). People with MS underwent medical examination to assess their functional disability measured by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and structured interview, during which data on age, sex, education, employment status, income and disease duration were obtained. Finally, they were asked to fill in the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSE). Data were analysed with multiple linear regression analysis.

Results
Our results showed an association between functional disability and illness perception (β = 0.22; p &lt; 0.05). However, this association lost its significance upon adding self-esteem into the model (β=-0.53; p &lt; 0.001), with overall explained variance in illness perception rising from 2.7% to 27.5%. No statistically significant contribution of other socio-demographic or clinical variables was observed.

Conclusions
Higher self-esteem in people with MS appears to be intricately connected to their illness perception. Given that the management of chronic conditions heavily relies on patients’ personal resources, healthcare providers could play a crucial role in fostering self-esteem. By encouraging the development of self-esteem, patients may come to view their illness as more manageable and less daunting, potentially leading to mitigation of negative consequences of functional disability. [Grant support: VEGA 1/0608/23]

Key messages
• Self-esteem may be stronger predictor of illness perception than functional disability in people with MS.
• MS patients may benefit from psychological support aimed at promoting self-esteem.
Gambling disorder and its associated factors in university students
Authors: Sert S , Aydilek O H , Arslangiray O , Onsuz M F , Metintas S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Gambling disorder (GD) is defined as persistent and uncontrollable gambling behaviour that has negative effects on an individual’s life. This can lead to financial problems, poor academic performance, and health problems. GD has been associated with psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We aimed to examine the gambling disorder and its associated factors in university students.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among students at a university in Eskisehir (Türkiye) in 2024. A stratified random sample design was used. Five faculties were randomly selected. A total of 1,201 students were included according to the stratum weight of the faculties. A questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was applied. Data were analysed through descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results
The mean age was 21.5±2.8 years, and 46.8% were male. While 48.7% of the students stated that they had gambled at least once, 2.2% had a gambling disorder. The three most common types of gambling played by students were stock market (28.2%), bet on sports (22.0%), and scratch cards (18.2%). In multivariate analysis, being male (Odds ratio-OR:6.5, 95%CI:1.4-29.8), having lost years during education (OR:2.7, 1.1-6.8), having relatives with gambling problems (OR:8.0, 1.8-36.2), investing greater amounts of money in gambling (OR:3.7, 1.0-13.0), and having a high probability of ADHD (OR:4.3, 1.4-12.8) were found to be predictors for GD.

Conclusions
Although about half of the students had engaged in gambling activities, only a small proportion showed signs of GD. We can conclude that being male, having lost years in education, having relatives with gambling problems, investing larger amounts of money in gambling, and having a higher probability of ADHD are predictors of GD among students.

Key messages
• Implementing educational campaigns at universities to raise awareness of the potential risks and consequences associated with GD could be beneficial.
• It may be helpful if mental health services at the university were equipped to consider mental health conditions such as ADHD, that contribute to GD.