bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confronting the Global Crisis of Youth and Firearms in the Wake of Serbia’s First School Shooting
Authors: Sebek V , Opancina V , Yang Y T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Issue
School shootings reflect crucial systemic flaws, notably the ease of firearm access and training for children, despite rigorous firearm regulations.

Description
In May 2023, Serbia was rocked by its first school shooting in Belgrade, where a 13-year-old boy, armed with guns and Molotov cocktails, killed 9 and injured 6.His actions were amplified by his proficiency with firearms, a skill honed under his father’s guidance at shooting ranges. This tragic event ignited a nationwide debate on gun control. Our study seeks to attain an in-depth analysis on regulations on minimum age for firearm training in context of school shootings in Serbia and USA as countries with highest rates of civilian gun ownership globally.

Results
Serbian regulations lack a definitive minimum age for firearm training at shooting ranges, mirroring a situation in the USA, where 17 states do not have child access prevention laws, and 43 states lack mandated safe storage requirements. A worrying trend is the escalation in mass shootings by individuals aged 21 or younger, deviating from the earlier trend of middle-aged perpetrators. This younger demographic often seeks fame, inspired by previous mass shooters, contributing to the rise in both deliberate and accidental shootings by young people.

Lessons
We need to consider the implementation of regulations on minimum age for children firearm training at shooting ranges, as well as stricter control of the ranges. This problem extends beyond national boundaries, reflecting a global issue. The accessibility of firearms to youth, coupled with their developmental susceptibility to impulsive and aggressive behavior, raises significant concerns.

Key messages
• To increase global awareness and stricter regulations on youth firearm access, emphasizing the stricter regulations on shooting ranges and the integration of firearm safety education into curricula.
• Firearm control and children safety is a collective international duty, crucial for addressing a concern that impacts public safety and youth welfare.
Childhood socioeconomic differences in type 2 diabetes: longitudinal results of The Maastricht study
Authors: Meisters R , Koster A , Albers J , Sezer B , de Galan B E , van Greevenbroek MMJ , Bosma H 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic disease that disproportionally affects disadvantaged groups. People with a low socioeconomic position (SEP) have an increased risk of developing T2DM. Knowing the potential influence of early life on T2DM risk later in life, this study aims to examine longitudinal associations between childhood SEP and type 2 diabetes, independent of adult SEP.

Methods
Longitudinal data was used from 6,727 participants of The Maastricht Study without T2DM at baseline (participants with prediabetes were included in the study sample). T2DM status was determined by a standardized oral glucose test. Sample mean (SD) age was 58.7 (8.7) years and 55.2% was female. Childhood SEP was determined by the highest level of completed education for father and mother and a measurement for childhood income inadequacy. Adult SEP was determined by the highest completed level of education, equivalent household income and occupational position. Incident T2DM was self-reported yearly. Associations were studied annually over a 12-year period (median (IQR) 8.2 (4.9) years) with Cox regression analyses.

Results
A total of 247 participants (3.7%) without T2DM at baseline reported incident T2DM. Incident T2DM was more common in people with low childhood SEP versus high childhood SEP (4.5% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.008) and for people with low adult SEP versus high adult SEP (5.2% vs. 2.1%, p &lt; 0.001). The impact of parental education on incident T2DM is mitigated by adult SEP. Childhood income inadequacy did predict T2DM independently of adult SEP, with a HR of 1.22 (1.01, 1.45).

Conclusions
Socioeconomic inequalities in childhood and adulthood are both predictive for incident T2DM. Experiencing income inadequacy in childhood increases the risk of developing T2DM in later life, independent of adulthood SEP. More attention is needed for deprivation in childhood and its impact on T2DM.

Key messages
• People who have experienced income inadequacy as a child have a higher risk of developing T2DM in later life, independent of their adult SEP.
• More attention and research is needed for the impact of childhood poverty on developing T2DM in later life.
Sociodemographic predictors of the association between self-reported sleep duration and depression
Authors: Al Balushi M , Ahmad A , Al Balushi S , Javaid S , Al Maskari F , Abdulle A , Ali R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This cross-sectional study is apart from one of the first and largest population-based prospective cohort studies in the UAE called the United Arab Emirates Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS). The aim of this study is to investigate the association between self-perceived sleep duration and self-perceived depression after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Baseline line data from UAEHFS cohort participants were included in this cross-sectional study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted, with the binarized self-reported sleep hours as an outcome. The predictors were the self-reported PHQ-8, sociodemographic factors, and body mass index (BMI). Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported.

Results
Of 11,455 participants, 4,295 (37.5%) were included in the complete case analysis after omitting missing values. We applied a complete case analysis following omitting missing values. Participants’ median age was 32.0 years (Interquartile-Range: 24.0, 39.0). In total, 63.6% of the participants reported sleep duration of more than 7 hours. Statistically significant negative association was observed between the total PHQ-8 score and binarized self-reported sleep, OR = 0.961 (95% CI: 0.948, 0.974). For one unit increase in age and BMI, the odds ratio of reporting shorter sleep with OR of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.969, 0.990) and 0.987 (95% CI: 0.977, 0.998) respectively.

Conclusions
The study findings indicate a correlation between higher total PHQ-8 scores and an increased probability of individuals reporting shorter self-perceived sleep durations when considering some sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status and employment status. However, there was no difference between females and males in reporting self-perceived sleep duration among depressed individuals.

Key messages
• There is a correlation between higher total PHQ-8 scores and an increased probability of individuals reporting shorter self-perceived sleep durations.
• Our results can help contribute to the knowledge based on current and potential population mental health in the UAE and Gulf Region.
Poor psychosocial status and cardiovascular risk factors are associated with depression or anxiety
Authors: Peer N , Mashiane T , Hill J , Kengne A P 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Depression and anxiety are rising in South Africa but their associations with psychosocial and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) remain under explored. This study determined the associations of depression and anxiety traits with poor psychosocial wellbeing, risky lifestyle behaviours and cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods
In a population-based cross-sectional study, data were collected via administered questionnaires, clinical examinations and biochemical assessments. Depression and anxiety traits were ascertained via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder screening questions. Multivariable logistic regressions determined the associations with depression and anxiety traits; the basic model comprised sociodemographic factors, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and alcohol misuse (CAGE ≥2). Psychosocial and cardiometabolic variables were entered individually in separate models.

Results
Among 678 participants, median age 52 years and mainly women (81%), prevalence of depression scores ≥10 were 14.2% (men:12.7%, women:14.6%, p = 0.498) and anxiety scores ≥10 were 10.2% (men:10.3%, women:10.2%). In the basic regression models, depression, but not anxiety, was associated with being separated, living as married/widowed vs. single (OR:2.01, 95%CI:1.02-3.94), and alcohol misuse (2.07, 1.13-3.78). Depression and anxiety were associated with decreasing social support (depression: 1.09, 1.04-1.12; anxiety: 1.09, 1.04-1.14), and increasing number of adverse life events. Hypertension (1.76, 1.07-2.90, p = 0.025), diabetes (1.98, 1.03-3.82, p = 0.041) and dyslipidaemia (1.97, 1.01-3.85, p = 0.048) were associated with depression but not anxiety.

Conclusions
The high burden and associations of depression and anxiety traits with poor psychosocial wellbeing suggest a need for holistic care approaches. The associations of depression traits with CVRFs warrant screening and care of depression in the presence of cardiometabolic diseases and alcohol misuse.

Key messages
• The high burden of depression and anxiety traits in South Africa is associated with poor social support and quality of life, and increasing adverse life events experienced.
• The associations of depression traits with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and alcohol misuse highlight the need for integrated management strategies.
Modification in Quality of Life and Health in Medical Students across Graduation
Authors: Szemik S , Kowalska M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Medical students experience numerous demands during the education process, determining their quality of life (QoL) and health status. POLLEK study aims to identify and evaluate the quality of life by simultaneously assessing their determinants in Polish medical students during long-term observation. We have also examined the prevalence of chronic diseases, specifically focusing on overweight and obesity, and identified their risk factors.

Methods
The POLLEK is the follow-up cohort study conducted among medical students at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. Students were followed during two observation periods: in their first year of studies, the academic year 2021/2022 (T1), and in their second year, the academic year 2022/2023 (T2).

Results
The total number of participants in the first year of observation (T1) was 427 while in the second year (T2) was 335. We identified that the QoL score significantly decreased in their second year of studies mainly in the somatic and psychological domain. The determinants of QoL domains common to T1 and T2 remained self-declared health status, frequency of physical activity, and current financial situation. In the initial year of evaluation, 56 students (13.10%) were overweight or obese, and 52 (15.8%) in the second. Regardless of the academic year, the increased risk of being overweight or obese was significantly associated with dissatisfaction with personal health, financial deficiencies, and a diet abundant in animal products.

Conclusions
The QoL of medical students and selected indicators of their health status deteriorated during the observation period. Our findings suggest that medical schools should actively promote the activity needed to achieve a balance between schoolwork and the personal life of medical students from the beginning of university study.

Key messages
• Medical students experience numerous demands during the education process, determining their quality of life (QoL) and health status.
• Medical schools should actively promote the activity needed to achieve a balance between schoolwork and the personal life of medical students from the beginning of university study.
The UFair-Questionnaire: Perceived university fairness and its association with mental health
Authors: Soedel C A , Herr R M , Deyerl V M , Diehl K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
University students face different stressors that might jeopardise their mental health. Hitherto, mainly general stress perceptions were assessed, which appeared inappropriate to indicate stress directly linked to the university or for deriving specific preventative measures. The aim of this study was to adapt the concept of organisational justice to universities, develop and validate a corresponding questionnaire (UFair: University Fairness Questionnaire), and estimate its association with mental health.

Methods
In total, 1,105 students (average age: 25.5 years [SD: 5.43]; female: 50.1%; university: 67.2%, university of applied sciences: 32.8%) were surveyed online. Perceived unfairness at the university was measured using the newly developed 20 item UFair Questionnaire. Mental health was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8, depression) and Maslach Burnout Inventory for Students (MBI-SS, burnout). Linear regression models estimated the adjusted (age, gender, type of university, lifestyle factors) relationship between perceived university injustice and mental health indicators.

Results
The UFair questionnaire showed good psychometric properties (Cronbach’s alpha = .960) and a unidimensional factor structure. There was a considerable association with depression (beta = .485; p &lt; .001; R2 = .261) and burnout (beta = .481; p &lt; .001; R2 = .250).

Conclusions
Perceived injustice represents not only a stressor at the workplace but also in the university setting, showing a considerable relationship with students’ mental health. University justice includes the perception of organisational aspects, the treatment of students, and consideration of the individual situation of students. The relevance of these aspects to the health of students should be recognised and taken into account by universities. The valid measurement by the UFair Questionnaire represents the basis for possible preventive approaches and interventions.

Key messages
• Organisational injustice exists not only in the workplace but also among students in the university setting.
• Perceived unfairness among students is associated with depression and burnout.
Dose-response associations between physical activity and mental health among USA adolescents
Authors: Fornaguera M , Dowda M , Pate R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Adolescent mental health is a critical public health concern. Physical activity has been shown to reduce risk of negative mental health outcomes. However, in adolescents little is known about the dose-response nature of this relationship. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the association between varying levels of self-reported physical activity and the odds of reporting depressive symptoms and poor mental health, among US high school students.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study using data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Physical activity exposure was assessed as students’ self-reported weekly frequency of ≥ 60min moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), as well as frequency of participation in muscle-strengthening activities, sports teams, and physical education (PE) classes. For the dose-response analysis three categories were created for each item. Depressive symptoms and poor mental health were measured using established survey items. Multivariate logistic regression risk models were used.

Results
A total of 8,015 high-school students were included. Depressive symptoms were reported by 43% of students, and 28% reported poor mental health. Moderate doses (1-4 days) of muscle-strengthening activities reduced the odds of depressive symptoms by 23% and the odds of poor mental health by 38% compared to low doses (0 days). Higher reductions were observed for higher doses (5-7 days). Similar results were observed for sports teams (1 vs 0 teams). Moderate doses (1-4 days) of MVPA ≥60min showed a significant reduction in the odds for poor mental health (38%) but not depressive symptoms compared to low doses (0 days). No effect was observed for any dose of PE attendance.

Conclusions
The findings suggest a dose-response pattern in the association between physical activity and mental health in adolescents. Any increase in physical activity levels among young adults would be valuable in preventing poor mental health.

Key messages
• A dose-response pattern was observed between self-reported mental health and physical activity exposure in adolescents.
• Moderate levels of physical activity significantly reduced the risk of self-reported poor mental health among adolescents.
Barriers and facilitators for implementing ABCs for Mental Wellbeing intervention model in Finland
Authors: Tamminen N , Vauhkonen T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The ABCs for Mental Wellbeing study aims to improve mental health and wellbeing by adopting, implementing and evaluating a universal, community-based mental health promotion intervention model in Finland. The study gathers information and experiences of the implementation processes, identifies barriers and facilitators, and best practices for the implementation, and the feasibility and contextual adaptability of the intervention in different settings and specific target groups.

Methods
The implementation took place in four municipality community settings. In total, 40 participants attended the ABC activities. The study employs a mixed methods approach to look at the implementation processes: a quantitative survey before and after the implementation, and qualitative interviews with the employees implementing the model and the participants involved with the ABC activities.

Results
Based on qualitative analysis, the most identified facilitator is management support alongside the competencies of professionals. The observed effects of group activities aligned with the ABC model on mental wellbeing show that participants not only experienced the benefits of model-compliant activities on their mental wellbeing but also increased their awareness of factors influencing their mental wellbeing. The results of the quantitative analysis will be ready during the spring.

Conclusions
The study offers fresh insights into the obstacles and enablers affecting the implementation of a mental health promotion intervention model. The best practice strategies and guidelines identified are being shared both nationally and internationally and utilised to enhance future programme implementation and adaptation of these practices in various settings.

Key messages
• Best practice strategies and guidelines for successful implementation of mental health promotion identified.
• The ABCs for Mental Wellbeing increased participants’ awareness of the factors influencing their mental wellbeing.
Multidimensional assessment and analysis of the mental health of teachers and police officers
Authors: Oláh C , Oláh Z , Orosz S , Baksa-Varga E , Oláh B , Horváth Á , Bánné Gál B , Papp M , Godzsák M , Szekér Z 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The years-long COVID-19 pandemic, the proximity of the Russian-Ukrainian war, high inflation, and the economic recession are significant stressors for the Hungarian people. Numerous domestic and international surveys are prepared every year, in which the most stressful professions are ranked. In recent years, based on Hungarian, American and European surveys, teachers and police officers have always been included in the 10 most stressful jobs. They also rank the most valued jobs and highest paid jobs every year. In this relation, police and teaching jobs never made it into the top 10, despite the fact that both professions are very important on a social level.

Methods
20 male and 20 female teachers and police officers completed a complex quality of life and psychological assessment using international tests with ethics approval. We measured pain syndromes, such as headache, neck and back pain, joint pain, assessed depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Results
For police officers and teachers, gender differences were not verified with regard to any parameter. None of the parameters differed significantly for male police officers and teachers. Many significant differences were confirmed between female police officers and female teachers, in all of them the results of the teachers were worse: depression (9,4±10,3 vs 2,9±4,3; p = 0.02) anxiety(43,3±12,2 vs 33±4,6; p = 0.01), sleep disorders(32,7±8,2 vs 24,3±7,8; p = 0.01), gastrointestinal complaints(24,7±9,4 vs 17,6±2,3; p = 0.01).

Conclusions
The sleep quality, depression and anxiety levels of female teachers are worse than those of female police officers who live at least as stressful a life. There is no difference between the mental and psychological state of male teachers and police officers. It is important to pay attention to the mental support of female teachers.

Key messages
• We consider the assessment of the mental state of police officers and teachers and the creation of primary prevention programs and a mental support network to be an important public health task.
• In particular, the mental state of female teachers should be monitored and supported.
Self-harming behaviours and social support among a sample of young men in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Authors: Morse A , Higgins K 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Psychiatric morbidity is substantially higher in Northern Ireland (NI) than in peer nations and men are disproportionately represented in suicide mortality data, particularly at early adulthood and middle age. To better scale interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality among young men, a mixed-methods study was conducted combining interviews and validated quantitative tools.

Methods
A non-random community sample of 30 working-class young men in Belfast aged 16-19 was recruited via organisations focused on job training, restorative justice, and youth work. Participants completed the Self-Harm Inventory and a semi-structured interview. Analyses were completed in NVivo and RStudio.

Results
The prevalence of self-harm was more than 8 times higher than for the general population of adolescents in NI, with 83.3% reporting ever engaging in self-harm. Only 2 of the 28 participants reported making a suicide attempt and most injuries were minor, suggesting nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) represented almost all injuries. Although the sample had a higher risk profile than the general population-with high levels of trauma, substance use, and socioeconomic deprivation-participants also endorsed strong social connections to friends, family, and community. While many expressed concerns about sharing their own emotional distress, almost all reported that disclosures are important to avert poor mental health and shared times when they or friends sought support.

Conclusions
Although there was a high prevalence of NSSI in the sample, the low prevalence of suicide attempts may be associated with the high levels of protective social connections reported by participants. Gender-based concerns regarding emotional support were common, but there was also strong endorsement for the importance of seeking support from trusted relationships. This suggests that there may be an appetite for male role models to provide education around the “bravery” of help-seeking.

Key messages
• Prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury may be substantially more elevated in some populations of adolescent males.
• Gender-based concerns continue to act as a barrier to young men sharing their emotional distress with trusted individuals.