bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5.Y.1. Refugees and mental health
Authors:   Organised by: EUPHA-MIG,   Chair persons: Jutta Lindert (EUPHA-PMH), Sonia Dias (Portugal)
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Research suggests an elevated risk of mental health conditions (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety) among refugees, due to exposure to trauma, displacement, and the challenges of adapting to new environments. Children and adolescents with refugee background face additional challenges, including family disruptions, education interruptions, and uncertain futures. However, the data are heterogeneous and more detailed data are needed. To address this gap, we present data on refugee’s mental health and resilience. First, data on resilience and mental health from Germany are presented. These data are adjusted for demographics and suggest that in case data are adjusted to the living situation in the host country the migrant status is less relevant. The second study presents the mental health of refugee adolescents and children in Greece. The third study presents results based on a Portuguese prospective cohort study Perinatal Health in Migrants: Barriers, Incentives, and Outcomes (baMBINO). This study investigates postpartum depression among refugee women in Portugal highlighting the need for access to care. Last, a systematic review and meta-analysis provides data on depression, anxiety and stress of 62,522 refugees from more than 30 countries. This data suggests that life experiences are critical for refugees’ mental health. Based on the presentations the audience will be engaged in discussion on how to better early prevent mental health conditions in refugees.

Key messages
• Mental health of refugees is a Public Health challenge.
• Pre- and post migration experiences impact refugees and migrants mental health conditions.
Depression, posttraumatic stress of migrants and refugees in Germany – a cross -sectional study
Authors: Sisenop F , Lindert J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Research shows associations between migration status and mental health conditions (e.g., depression). Yet, few representative data on migrants’ health are available. We aim to provide representative data on depression, and posttraumatic stress (PTSD) among migrants in a representative sample in Northwestern Germany.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal study with two measurement points using a standardized assessment instrument in a representative sample of 18-65 years olds in Germany. Here we report on the baseline data. To assess socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, marital status employment status, household income and migration status) we developed a standardized instrument. To assess depression, we used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to assess PTSD we used the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ-5). To investigate associations of migrant status with depression, and PTSD we estimated linear regression models.

Results
The analytical sample for this study includes n = 437 (male: n = 181, female: n = 256) individuals (age: M = 44.48, range: 18-65). In the total sample 15.1% (n = 66) showed symptoms of depression, and 6.5% showed PTSD (n = 26). Depression was more frequent in migrants than in non-migrants (22.1% vs. 13.4%, p = 0.043; 66.7). Crude linear regression models showed statistically significant associations between migration status and depression (B = 1.998, 95% CI: 0.831; 3.165, p &lt; 0.001), and PTSD (B = 0.204, 95% CI: 0.085; 0.333, p = 0.002). However, models adjusted for gender, age, marital status employment status, household income and migration status suggested significant associations between migration status and PTSD (B = 0.136, 95% CI: 0.009; 0.263, p = 0.036), but not for depression.

Conclusions
Longitudinal data are needed to better understand trajectories between mental health conditions, PTSD and migration status. Living situation after the migration is of critical importance for mental health of migrants.
Migration and mental health: the case of postpartum depressive symptoms in Portugal
Authors: Barros H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects about 17% of healthy mothers within one year of childbirth. The etiology remains unknown, but PPD is influenced by a combination of genetic, physical, psychosocial, and obstetric factors, migration could influence the risk.

Methods
We analyzed data collected within the scope of baMBINO (Perinatal Health in Migrants: Barriers, Incentives, and Outcomes), a Portuguese prospective cohort study, aimed to investigate the maternity experiences and outcomes of migrant women, defined as foreign-born women, and compared to native women. Among the 5431 women enrolled at delivery, 3006 (55%) were considered eligible for this study and interviewed in their preferred language, within six months of recruitment. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered during this interview, along with the Migrant-Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire (MFMCQ).

Results
2890 (96%) women were included in the analytical sample for this study. Among women included, 1475 (51%) were migrants or refugees. The proportions of women having EPDS scores ≥ 10 were overall greater among migrants than among native women (7.2% vs. 12.4%, p &lt; 0.001) and the risk remained higher after multiple adjustment models.

Conclusions
Migration status, poor experience with maternal care and language proficiency increased the risk of PPDS and should be carefully addressed as part of perinatal care.
Characteristics of adolescents with acute alcohol intoxication accessing emergency care in The Netherlands
Authors: Pigeaud L , de Veld L , van der Lely N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Prevent alcohol consumption amongst minors is a major concern for national governments. Collecting comprehensive data on adolescent drinking patterns is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study is to give an overview of demographic and clinical characteristics of adolescents with an acute alcohol intoxication in the Netherlands.

Methods
This study was conducted using a cohort of adolescents aged 14-17 years presenting with acute alcohol intoxication symptoms at the emergency department from 2015-2023. Data were collected at the Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis in Delft in order to monitor trends in admissions for acute alcohol intoxication. Data on patients age, blood alcohol concentration, sex, combined drug use and reason of admission were collected.

Results
A total of 505 patients who presented themselves with symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication at the Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis were included. The mean age of patients was 15.7 years old. The mean blood alcohol concentration was 2.0‰. During the COVID-lockdown period there were statistically significant less admissions with alcohol intoxication. The distribution of sex was nearly equal with 50.3% females and 49.7% males. Combined drug use was present in 13.4% of all cases, with cannabis as the most frequent type of drugs found. The most common known reason for admission was ‘reduced consciousness’ (35.9%).

Conclusions
These findings are relevant for both the central government’s ongoing prevention initiatives and treatment strategies within hospitals. In the future, more countries should evaluate data on adolescent drinking patterns.
Difference in long COVID prevalence due to different definitions and long COVID related risk factors
Authors: Coste J , Delpierre C , Tebeka S , Lemogne C , Robineau O , Steichen O , Rushyizekera M , van den Akker M , Makovski T T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Several definitions of long COVID are used in research and practice what challenges epidemiological investigations. Here we present differences in long COVID prevalence accounting for several definitions and concordance between the definitions, as well as the risk factors associated with long COVID. Definitions considered were WHO post-COVID19 condition (PCC) definition with several thresholds (at least low - standard definition, moderate or strong impact on daily activities), NICE1 and NICE2 definitions (reported at least one or at least two symptoms), United States National Centre for Health Statistics, and United Kingdom Office for National Statistics definitions and perceived long COVID. Prevalence of long COVID among French adult population (N = 10 615) in autumn 2022 ranged from 1.2% to 13.4%, conditional of the definition. The concordance between the definitions was at best moderate. Next, on a smaller representative sample of a French adult population (N = 1 813) eight potential risk factors groups for long COVID were assessed in a systematic epidemiological investigation, following a conceptual model. Fifteen factors from seven groups were associated with long COVID including early-defined sociodemographic characteristics, pre-existing chronic conditions, short-term work-related factors, current socioeconomic position, health behaviours, infection-related factors, and perception of COVID-19 severity and long COVID. The likelihood of long COVID was higher for individuals with higher number of diseases and for nineteen out of twenty-six most prevalent dyads and a triad. A more standardized definition would facilitate research and surveillance of long COVID. Furthermore, long COVID should be observed as an interplay of social, medical and contextual factors rather than a mere complication of SARS-COV-2 infection, while patients with multimorbidity may present some of the particularly vulnerable population groups.
Long Covid autonomic syndrome and his impact on workability: results of observational prospective study and 1-year FU in patients admitted to hospital with COVID19
Authors: Barbic F , Rinaldi L , Rigo S , Furlan R , Riboli E , Stranges S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Long-COVID19 has been recently associated with long-sick leave and unemployment. We will present recent data obtained by a prospective observational study conducted during the 2nd wave of the pandemic in Italy to assess the time course of Long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome in working age population and its impact on patient’s work ability. The patients were consecutively enrolled at the time of their hospital discharge and were followed-up for 1 year. Clinical data and work ability have been collected at 1, 6, and 12 months after hospital discharge in our out-patient clinic. Data on Long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome occurrence in working-age and the effects on work ability will be presented and discussed. Long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome occurred in one in three working-age people and was still evident 6 and 12 months after the acute infection resolution. This was associated with a significant reduction in the work ability. Timely recognition of long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome and its potential impact on work ability represents important steps in the prevention of long-term disabilities among active working adults.
Food insecurity among food banks users during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany – what have we learnt and what should we do?
Authors: Simmet A , Stroebele-Benschop N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, up to 1.65 million people visited a total of 956 food banks called “Tafel” in Germany. The start of the pandemic and the associated first lockdown led to shortages in commercial food outlets and to considerable restrictions on the range of food banks. The aim of the study “Food INsecurity Among TAfel users” (FINATA) was to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) and its association with social support and food shopping behaviours among Tafel users during the pandemic.

Methods
A written and/or oral survey was conducted in 2020 and 2021 among a total of 985 Tafel users. In addition to descriptive analyses, regression analyses, stratified for 2020 and 2021, were conducted to investigate associations between FI and the other variables.

Results
Participants of 2020 (n = 565) and 2021 (n = 420) differed in several socio-demographic characteristics. Whereas the prevalence of moderate FI over the 30 days prior to the survey differed between participants of 2020 (21,6 %) and 2021 (6,6 %), the prevalence of severe FI was almost identical (3,9 % vs. 4,0 %). Variables being significantly (p &lt; 0,05) associated with moderate/severe FI included being single vs. being married (2020: OR 4,89, 2021: OR 2,69), receiving at least half of food in the household from the Tafel (2020: OR 0,34), low vs. moderate/high social support (2020: OR 2,93), buying food in commercial food outlets at least once/week vs. less often (2021: OR 0,38) and time of travel to the most used commercial food outlet (2021: OR 1,04).

Conclusions
The social safety net during the pandemic failed to enable “all people to have (...) economic access to sufficient (...) food” in Germany. Future studies should investigate the relationship between social support, shopping behaviours and FI at the long-term. Food banks are recommended to introduce measures to improve the social situation of their clients such as cooperating with social cafés and restaurants.
Addressing Regional Health Disparities: Estonia’s Approach to Burden of Disease Studies
Authors: Lepnurm M , Idavain J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Estonia, a small country defined by NUTS2 regions, faces challenges in assessing health disparities across its different counties when using global health data such as the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Recognizing this limitation, Estonia initiated independent burden of disease studies in Estonia since 2013, with the findings being biennially published through the health statistics database of the National Institute for Health Development. The objective of this research is to assess the strengths and limitations inherent in various methods when calculating the years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLLs).

Methods
The approach to assess the burden of disease in Estonia differs somewhat from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) methodology. One key distinction lies in our utilization of a national life expectancy table and our presentation of results at the LAU1 regional level. These burden of disease studies utilize region-specific life tables supplied by Statistics Estonia, categorized by county and gender, to compute Years of Life Lost (YLLs), offering an opportunity to pinpoint and tackle regional health issues.

Results
Since the calculation of YLL (Years of Life Lost) in these past studies has relied upon Estonia’s regionalized life tables, categorized by county and gender, the results exhibit substantial disparities when juxtaposed with the Global Burden of Disease study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).

Conclusions
This research aims to delve deeper into these variations, examining the challenges related to methodology, the availability, and the quality of data, and most importantly, knowledge translation. Our own burden of disease studies empowers us to formulate informed policy recommendations precisely tailored to the distinctive needs of each county, thereby facilitating targeted interventions, and driving improvements in overall public health outcomes.
All-cause Years of life lost due to death at municipality level in Norway. Association to educational attainment and median income
Authors: Baravelli C , Breivik H , Forthun I , Skrindo Knudsen A K , Nguyen T T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Norway, with 5.5 million people spread across 356 municipalities, has pursued an active policy to reduce social and geographical health inequalities. Despite, studies find significant health disparities linked to socioeconomic factors at the individual-level, although evidence at larger geographical-levels has been mixed. We used a key burden of disease (BoD) metric, Years of Life Lost (YLL), to examine spatial health inequities among Norwegian municipalities and their association with socioeconomic factors.

Methods
We analysed data from all residents in Norwegian municipalities with over 1000 inhabitants as of January 1, 2019. Data was sourced from the National Population Register and Statistics Norway. All-cause YLL were calculated based on age-specific aspirational life expectancy obtained from GBD 2019. Deprivation was measured using educational attainment and median income, categorized into quartiles. Geographical maps illustrating municipality-level all-cause age-standardised YLL rates for males and females were generated. Negative binomial regression models assessed associations between socioeconomic factors and YLL rates, adjusting for age, sex, and an index of centralisation.

Results
High-deprivation municipalities exhibited a 9% higher YLL rate in terms of education (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 1.09, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.01-1.17) and a 10% higher YLL rate in terms of income (IRR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.02-1.08) compared to the least deprived, translating to absolute differences of 1391 and 1466 YLL per 100,000 population, respectively. Additionally, we discuss the potential expansion of this study to incorporate cause-specific outcomes and other BoD metrics based on previous county-level analyses.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using BoD methods to assess geographical deprivation and premature mortality at the municipality level, providing valuable insights for public health policy targeted at small administrative areas.
Planetary health as a paradigm shift towards health and well-being
Authors: Jevtic M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Planetary health is a concept that focuses not only on human health but wider - on the health of our planet. Health is not only a privilege of human beings. Planetary health emphasizes the interconnected nature of human health and environmental health. This also makes a shift in the direction from human anthropocentricity to a more fair approach - health of the whole planet. Human well-being is dependent on the health of the planet, including clean air, water, and food sources. Paradigm shift towards planetary health promotes a holistic view of health that encompasses social, economic, and environmental factors. It considers the complex interactions between humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. Planetary health insists on a preventative approach by addressing root causes such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We should be aware of human responsibility linked to terrible symptoms of our Planet like heat waves, fires, droughts, floods... Planetary health approaches underline the importance of sustainable practices that protect the environment, promoting human health, but also actions to achieve that. By adopting sustainable lifestyles, industries, and policies, we can ensure the well-being of current and future generations. Planetary health calls for global collaboration, interconnecting nature, environment and human health challenges. By prioritizing planetary health, we show that we can be less selfish and that we respect nature and the environment. Planetary health insists on a paradigm shift towards a more integrated and sustainable approach using social and nature sciences in a holistic approach. But, we should also use Planetary health concept as a call for peace, which is a condition for all other achievements.
Community gardening: metaphorical reconstruction of transformative health governance
Authors: Bekker M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Transdisciplinary working has been defined by the inclusion of non-academic stakeholders in the process of knowledge production. While theoretical, phenomenological and experimental dimensions have been described in the literature, Rigolot proposes transdisciplinarity as a ‘way of being’ that stretches beyond professional life. The promise of transdisciplinarity however does not always meet the expectations in practice. How to get started, maintain and overcome barriers requires guidance. In an action-oriented evaluation research study we explored this dimension in the Dutch All about Health collaborative platform, which since 2014 facilitates a continuous development of bottom up health initiatives, networks, alliances and other forms of collaboration and learning. From our case studies we developed the Transformative Health Governance model. The model shows the ongoing and reciprocal connections between the actions, the context and intermediate results that were verified in a survey among 103 platform participants. Five types of returns are also building blocks that increase the chance of real (yet hardly measurable) increasing health benefits. They reinforce each other in a continuous process of ideation, integrative approach, innovation, implementation, and impact. The context provides for acceleration or deceleration of that process. With the help of a cartoonist we translated our model into an ongoing cycle of community gardening and maintenance. This metaphor makes the intangible of underlying social processes more tangible, providing a bit more grip on the building blocks, timing and time aspects, as well as deeper understanding the role and necessity of conflict and explicit conflict engagement rather than management. Moreover the cartoon elicits recognition, acknowledgement and spirit to continue their rowing against the systems-invoked tide for better health. It serves as a concrete aid to transdisciplinary working towards planetary health.
Health literacy & somatic education: a salutogenic self-resource critical health intervention
Authors: Bertani J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as musculoskeletal conditions, cause severe functional limitations. Therapeutic practices in this field have employed a theoretical-practical framework with a pathogenic and mechanistic bias. However, the causes of these NCD’s are also related to biopsychosocial factors. Therefore, a critical theoretical-practical approach, such as Somatic Education, becomes relevant as it introduces a subjective experience to an educational praxis, modifying the meaning processes in human movement experience in a complimentary approach to the pathogenic perspective.

Description of the problem
There is a perceptual poverty in movement experience, which dissociates doing from feeling. Somatic practices aim to foster movement awareness (perception) and autonomy (self-regulation), placing the individual as a valuable resource, strengthening the capacity for understanding, reflection and habitus change. This presentation will focus on the following research questions: Can Somatic Education, as a critical intervention of the body, contribute to increased levels of health literacy? Can somatic practices contribute to sustainable health development? Is it possible to create a new meaningful process in human movement experience through this practice incrementing its salutogenic emphasis?

Results/Effects
Somatic practices foster integrative approaches of health, promoting subjective bodily experience (interface between doing, thinking and feeling). Integrative progress can urge the embodiment of health literacy, encouraging more active and awareness of individuals related to their well-being, contributing to sustainable health development. Moreover, subjective bodily experience transforms the process of meaning in movement experience.

Lessons
Somatic practices enhance NCDs prevention and education, increasing health literacy rates through innovative conceptual foundations.