bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing mental health quality practices for vulnerable populations in five EU countries
Authors: Bempi V , Karnaki P , Zota D , Jarke H , Kulish T , Kusnierkiewicz A , Purvēna G , Enache A , Del Savio E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
Mental ill-health has been a leading cause of disability in Europe for many years, with the COVID-19 pandemic increasing incidences of both poor mental health and mental disorders. Vulnerable groups such as children, migrants, individuals with existing mental health issues, and healthcare workers are particularly affected but often lack tailored mental health support.

Description of the problem
The MENTALITY project aims to alleviate mental health distress worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic focusing on vulnerable groups. It also involves developing capacity-building tools and disseminating research results to increase awareness and knowledge sharing. Five EU countries are currently piloting four distinct good practices to address mental health issues among vulnerable populations. Specifically, Poland is aiming to support migrants (including Ukrainian and Spanish-speaking populations), Latvia is focusing on the healthcare workforce, and Romania and Slovakia are concentrating on users and community services. Meanwhile, Greece and Slovakia are implementing initiatives for children. The implementation phase began in January 2024 with a duration of 6 months.

Results
By consulting with relevant stakeholders, a Situation Analysis and Needs Assessment framework has been conducted, allowing for informed decisions regarding the elements to be pilot. Partners have developed country specific piloting plans and external evaluators are leading a common framework for monitoring and evaluation, ensuring regular assessment of the project’s progress.

Lessons
The innovative MENTALITY project aspires to enhance community-based mental health systems and promote improved mental health services across EU Member States during crises by adopting a preventative approach. Preliminary results show that the initiatives within the project were much needed and have already begun to demonstrate promising outcomes in addressing mental health challenges at both individual and community levels.

Key messages
• The MENTALITY project aims to address mental health distress of vulnerable populations in times of crisis.
• The project seeks to advance equality in health and social rights for all individuals living in the EU.
Needs assessment to design a multidisciplinary training programme within the EU-PROMENS project
Authors: De Zeeuw J , Rupppa F , Klymchuk V , Königstein H F , Shields-Zeeman L , Bolinski F , Marinetti C , Sanna L , Zuljevic-Salamon T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mental health as a public health issue warrants a comprehensive prevention-oriented approach whereby capacity building as well as a multisectoral and life-course approach are crucial. The ‘Capacity-building on mental health: multidisciplinary training programme and exchange programme for health professionals,’ project enhances and improves the capacity of professionals across Europe in the field of mental health. Various professionals are targeted 1) health professionals working in the mental health sector, 2) teachers and educators working in the educational setting, 3) social workers working in various community settings and 4) prison staff.

Objectives
To understand the needs, gaps, obstacles in capacities, competencies, and to build upon existing programmes a mixed methods study, adopting a convergent parallel design is conducted to design and develop the programme. First, a literature review is conducted complemented with interviews, focus group discussions and a survey among various stakeholders to enrich the data. The training will be piloted in The Netherlands, Spain, Czech Republic, Croatia, Finland and Austria. Thereafter it will be rolled out in the 21 remaining EU countries as well as in Norway, Iceland and Ukraine.

Results
Various gaps and competencies identified from different perspectives build a solid fundament for a comprehensive multidisciplinary training programme tailored to the needs of various professionals within the mental health arena. Preliminary results show that 98 multidisciplinary training programmes exist, with about half containing training materials and limited reports on evaluation.

Conclusions
The comprehensive needs assessment will assure a multidisciplinary training programme is suitable and relevant for various professionals to ensure a well-designed capacity-building programme.

Key messages
• Various gaps and needs among various professionals exist.
• A comprehensive study strengthens alignment of training to needs and gaps among various professionals.
Exploring the association between cyberchondria and attention to negative information
Authors: Xu R , Lin Y , Sun R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to preliminarily evaluate the relationship between cyberchondria and attention to negative information.

Methods
The data utilized for this analysis was obtained from a cross-sectional and web-based survey conducted in China between March and April, 2024. All participants were recruited from an online panel belonging to a survey company. Cyberchondria was assessed using the Chinese version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale - 12 item (CSS-12). Attention to negative information was measured using the negative subscale of the Attention to Positive and Negative Information Scale (APNIS). A multivariable linear regression model was employed to evaluate the relationship between cyberchondria and attention to negative information.

Results
Out of 344 participants, 315 (91.6% response rate) completed the questionnaire and provided valid responses. Approximately 51.7% (n = 163) were female, 83.8% (n = 264) had completed tertiary or higher education, and 52.7% (n = 166) were urban residents. The average age was 32.6 years (SD = 6.0). The mean score for CSS-12 was 40.6 (SD = 7.8, range: 18-59). The mean scores for the different dimensions of the CSS-12 were: excessiveness, 10.6 (SD = 2.4); distress, 10.3 (SD = 2.7); reassurance, 10.6 (SD = 2.5); and compulsion, 9.1 (SD = 2.7). The mean score for the negative subscale of APNIS was 31.9 (SD = 8.6, range = 12-52). Multivariable linear regression models revealed a statistically significant relationship between cyberchondria and attention to negative information (beta = 0.42, p &lt; 0.001), after adjusting for background characteristics.

Conclusions
Our findings showed individuals with a higher level of cyberchondria tend to pay more attention to negative information. Therefore, it’s beneficial to develop strategies and interventions that provide accurate, balanced online health information and educate individuals about the risks of excessive online health searches.

Key messages
• Our findings showed individuals with a higher level of cyberchondria tend to pay more attention to negative information.
• It is beneficial to develop strategies and interventions that provide accurate, balanced online health information.
WeCare – Mental healthcare for health professionals
Authors: Sturm N , Goldberg J , Djokic G , Dagnino F , Klapa L , Kretschy S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue/Problem
Health professionals face physical and mental stressors (risk factors) due to challenging working conditions.

Description of the Problem
Despite high levels of health literacy among healthcare workers, maintaining healthy habits is challenging due to variable shifts, including nights, high workloads, and intense emotional and mental demands. Adopting a healthier lifestyle requires personal changes that can be difficult to implement, particularly in nursing and caregiving. This is critical, as retaining and attracting new staff in these fields is essential for the healthcare sector.

Results/Effects/Changes
To address these challenges, it’s crucial to boost intrinsic motivation and provide healthcare workers with practical tools to support their well-being and encourage them to remain in the sector. The WeCare project offers a mobile app designed as a ‘pocket coach,’ accessible at any time. Healthcare professionals can use the app to assess their current mental well-being through self-evaluation. With built-in assessments and predefined thresholds, the app tracks stress levels and quality of life. Depending on the outcomes, users are automatically guided to appropriate information, gamified activities, and exercises tailored to their specific needs. The project, running from 2022 to 2024, is co-funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.

Lessons
The app is beta-tested during 2024 in five countries: Germany, Austria, Serbia, Poland, and Italy, with local language support. The test group will consist of healthcare professionals and related professions. The results, including user engagement and motivational factors are analyzed. As the project concludes in autumn, comprehensive recommendations and lessons learned will be compiled and presented at the European Public Health (EPH) Conference. This will also include sharing the app and its solution with the broader healthcare community.

Key messages
• The WeCare app supports healthcare workers’ mental health with a mobile “pocket coach” that provides personalized exercises. Through gamification, it promotes healthy habits and boosts job motivation.
• It is critical to support healthcare workers, as retaining and attracting new persons is essential for the healthcare sector.
“Ajudar” – a practice with people with mental disorders treated with long-acting injectables
Authors: Cabral Ferreira M , Magalhaes C M , Silva F , Basto F 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
Mental Health problems are one of the main causes of disability and morbidity. We think it is pertinent to intervene, providing special care for people with mental disorders and their families. We developed the project “Ajudar” (“To Help”), in a municipality in Northern Portugal.

Description of the problem
“Ajudar” started in 2013. Its main goal is to contribute to reducing the impact of mental disorders. Its objectives are to identify people with mental disorders treated with long-acting injectables (LAI) and to promote treatment adherence. We identified the Health Units (HU) where these patients take the medication and verified their compliance. An informatic alert was issued when there was non-compliance and we participated in home visits when patients did not show up. We also checked the situation if there was involuntary treatment. We wanted to know if this practice contributed to treatment compliance and to reduce involuntary treatment.

Results
We gradually identified more people, from 47 in 2013 to 108 in 2024. In 2013, 7 people with mental disorders treated with LAI had an involuntary treatment, whereas in 2019 it was 4. We didn’t analyze data from 2020 to 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We don’t have the complete data from 2023 yet.

Lessons
Within the years of “Ajudar”, there was a more than twofold increase in the identified patients and a reduction of almost fourfold of the patients that had an involuntary treatment. Analyzing these data one must be careful due to small numbers bias. We think that a similar project is feasible in other settings. In our response to this Public Mental Health issue, we collaborated with everyone involved with these patients, from health profissionals to resources in the community (social services, community leaders, etc).

Key messages
• There was a decrease to almost ¾ in the number of patients that had an involuntary treatment.
• Involvement with the community is key.
“Do not forget about us.” A systematic review of needs and unmet needs in dementia care in Europe
Authors: Mercogliano M , Sorrentino M , Fiorilla C , Esposito F , Stilo I , Triassi M , Palladino R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In Europe, the prevalence and costs of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are rising due to demographic changes. The care provided does not adequately address the needs of stakeholders involved. This systematic review aims to identify the needs, and unmet needs in European dementia care, thus providing a comprehensive framework to improve dementia care services.

Methods
Our inclusion criteria, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, include studies published from 2013 to 2023, and addressing needs and unmet needs of persons living with dementia, caregivers, and dementia care professionals. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results
From an initial pool of 3738 articles, 48 studies meet inclusion criteria. Caregivers express need for support, notably in psychological and logistical assistance, in managing daily errands and healthcare tasks, and to navigate healthcare system, exacerbated by the stress and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Persons living with dementia face challenges in social inclusion due to the lack of public understanding and community-based care. Dementia care professionals emphasise need for more training and resources to manage dementia effectively, with a recent shift towards the necessity for telehealth competencies. Furthermore, caregivers from ethnic minorities highlight the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare access to overcome cultural and language barriers.

Conclusions
Educational resources, broaden community support, clear information about available care services, and public understanding of dementia were the most commonly expressed unmet needs. Addressing these needs within the dementia care network is crucial for better service integration and improving the quality of life for all stakeholders involved. Future research should focus on developing strategies to address the unmet needs, ensuring robust support for the increasing number of individuals affected by dementia.

Key messages
• Care dementia effectively needs more resources, training, and a culturally sensitive healthcare access to ethnic minorities.
• People living with dementia and caregivers need psychological and community-based support, social inclusion, clear information about available care services, and public understanding of dementia.
Abstract Strengths and difficulties Lithuania
Authors: Balukonytė A E , Stankevičiūtė E , Jakubauskienė M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Most mental health disorders begin before the age of 18, peaking at 14.5 years (Solmi, 2022) and manifest as emotional and behavioural difficulties that are more frequent in institutional social care (ISC): former foster care recipients have higher rates of depression and PTSD than the general population (Pecora, 2009). The rate of children living in residential care facilities in Europe and Central Asia is double the global average (UNICEF, 2024). This study aims to assess and compare the mental health of children in ISC centers and regular high schools.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in ISC centres and high schools in 2022-2023. The sample size consisted of children aged 11-17 living in ISC (n = 49) or in families (n = 193). Online anonymous survey was applied to assess the prevalence of endured violence, substance use and measure mental health outcomes using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-25).

Results
A total of 242 respondents (age mean 14.6, SD = 2.12) in ISC and families showed similar poor mental health rates (42% and 44%, respectively). Prosocial behaviour problems were exhibited more by boys (p &lt; 0.05), whereas emotional symptoms were more common in families (p &lt; 0.001): 90% normal SDQ-25 scores in ISC vs 60% in families. Enduring psychological (38% vs 60.2%) violence was more prevalent among children in families (p &lt; 0.05); smoking - in ISC, alcohol use - in families (p &lt; 0.05). In both groups enduring physical violence was associated with smoking and alcohol use (p &lt; 0.05), and overall poor SDQ-25 results strongly correlated (p &lt; 0.001, r = 0.815, r = 0.610, respectively) with hyperactivity.

Conclusions
A significant part of study participants reported poor mental health outcomes with most problems in relationships with peers. Mental health risk factors such as violence or substance abuse are associated with poor emotional wellbeing while being more common among children living with families.

Key messages
• Children living in ISC and in families demonstrate similar level of mental health problems.
• Varying prevalence of substance abuse among children living in different settings highlights the importance of environmental factors when addressing the issue.
Sense of community, life satisfaction and psychological distress among seniors – HUNT4 study, Norway
Authors: Haugan T , Bojanic I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Strong sense of community with one’s neighbors may benefit psychosocial well-being. Moreover, local communities with high level of belonging and social cohesion can have a positive impact on public mental health. This study aims to investigate associations between sense of community and life satisfaction - at both an individual and local community level in a Norwegian county.

Methods
Data from Trøndelag Health Study 4 (HUNT4: 2017-2019) on 22 939 participants were linked to geographic data of residence from Statistics Norway. The basic statistical unit in Norwegian, known as “grunnkrets,” serves to identify participants’ local communities. These units are subdivisions of municipalities, covering geographically contiguous areas that typically include a few hundred inhabitants. This population-based study enables investigation of variation in sense of community, trust, life satisfaction and psychological distress on individual and community level.

Results
Seniors (median age 70.3 years) with strong sense of community with their neighbors had more than three times higher odds (95%CI 3.08-3.93) of high level of life satisfaction and less than 0.3 times lower odds (95%CI 0.26-0.33) of psychological distress symptoms vs those with low sense of community, adjusted to sociodemographic variables. The average sense of community varied between local communities (N = 284). At this local geographical unit, strong sense of community was associated with high level of trust, enjoying the neighborhood and high life satisfaction.

Conclusions
The study can inform public health policy to consider development of social infrastructures that bolster sense of community among seniors within neighborhoods. Policy and action plans targeting to increase the overall sense of community in neighborhoods may contribute to create mental health-promoting and age-friendly local communities in Norway.

Key messages
• At individual level, sense of community with neighbors are associated with life satisfaction and psychological distress among Norwegian seniors.
• The average sense of community varies between geographic local areas and are associated with level of trust, enjoying the neighborhood, average life satisfaction, and psychological distress.
Focus on residents’ mental health: the Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy (PHRASI)
Authors: Caminiti M , Cedrone F , Stacchini L , Gianfredi V , Minutolo G , Berselli N , Sabato M , De Nicolò V , Ancona A , Catalini A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The ‘Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy” (PHRASI) represented the first study to specifically investigate mental health and its determinants among Italian public health residents (PHRs). Using a voluntary, anonymous, electronic, 88-item questionnaire, the PHRASI study generated evidence on well-being, eating disorders, sleep disorders, alcohol abuse, depressive symptoms, and anxious symptoms among PHRs. This highlights the correlation with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and work-related characteristics during COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected in a nationally representative sample of PHRs enrolled in any of the four course years of Italian Public Health schools. The recruitment took place through the communication channels of the Medical Residents’ Council of the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine in the summer 2022. The key findings reveal prevalence rates of mental health conditions comparable to those seen in other healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: 61% of residents report depressive symptoms and 36% report anxious symptoms. The study also highlights a negative correlation of these symptoms with characteristics of the training and working environment, such as the level of supervision and peer-to-peer support. A stronger social network and higher levels of physical activity emerged to be positively associated with well-being and depression. These and other findings will be available in the final report of the survey that will be presented during the congress. PHRASI led the way to the Residents’ Mental health Investigation, a Dynamic longitudinal study in Italy (ReMInDIt), that aims to explore potential cause-effect relationships between risk/protective factors and mental health outcomes. This evidence could guide the scientific community, school directors, universities, and policymakers in the continuous process of improving the educational quality and working conditions of PHRs.

Key messages
• Residency training and work environment impact the mental health of the PHR workforce.
• It is important to deploy concrete efforts into building healthy work environments and guarantee adequate training for PHRs.
Population trends and demographic disparities in sexual identity in Stockholm County, 2010 to 2021
Authors: Zhang G , Tynelius P , Mathur M B , Brandén G , Liljeros F , Kosidou K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexual identity, linked to experiences of disadvantage and discrimination, is crucial in equality monitoring. Sweden’s gender-neutral marriage laws, introduced in 2009, provide a unique context. This study examines the population trends and demographic disparities in sexual identity over time.

Methods
We analyzed three population surveys (2010, 2014, 2021) from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort, including around 50,000 individuals per survey. Sexual identity was assessed via self-administered questionnaires. Demographic data were sourced from Swedish national registers. Weighted multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance estimators was used to identify demographic disparities in sexual identity. Results were presented as proportion ratio (PR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
Overall, 29,607 (2010), 20,249 (2014), and 22,558 (2021) individuals reported sexual identity. Heterosexual identity decreased from 95.7% (95% CI 95.4-96.0%) in 2010 to 89.0% (88.5-89.4%) in 2021, while bisexual identity increased from 1.4% (1.2-1.6%) in 2010 to 2.0% (1.8-2.3%) in 2014, and further up to 2.7% (2.4-2.9%) in 2021. Homosexual identity increased slightly from 1.5% (1.4-1.7%) in 2010 to 1.8% (1.6-2.0%) in 2021. Multivariate analyses showed that female, older age, and lower education were inversely associated, while never-married status and living alone were positively associated, with homosexual identity. In contrast, female, younger age, lower income (100 SEK/year) ( &lt; =2,500 vs &gt; 4,500: 2010: PR 3.32 [95% CI 1.92-5.75]; 2014: 1.83 [1.28-2.60]; 2021: 1.51 [1.14-2.01]), and never-married status (never vs currently married: 2010: 2.03 [1.47-2.80]; 2014: 1.92 [1.39-2.65]; 2021: 1.50 [1.15-1.95]) were positively associated with bisexual identity.

Conclusions
Heterosexual identity decreased while homosexual/bisexual identities increased in Stockholm County during 2010-2021. Socioeconomic disparities persist in sexual minorities and vary by sexual identity.

Key messages
• Marked socioeconomic disparities persist in sexual minorities and vary by sexual identity in Stockholm County, although income and marital status disparities in bisexual group seem narrowing.
• Future studies are warranted to investigate the social dynamics that continue to produce sexual minority disadvantages.