bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Past trends and future projections of psychological distress among general population in Finland
Authors: Parikka S , Holm M , Suvisaari J , Lahti J , Reinikainen J , Tolonen H , Lundqvist A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The aim was to examine past and future trends of psychological distress in Finland from 2013 to 2040.

Methods
Six representative cross-sectional surveys from the years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022 (N = 172,547, aged 20+ y) were used. Multiple imputation was used in projecting psychological distress (MHI-5, with cut-off value ≤60). As the COVID-19 pandemic had a strong effect on psychological distress which persisted after the pandemic, projections were made with and without data from the years 2020 and 2022.

Results
The prevalence of psychological distress was slightly declining during the period 2013-2018 for both men and women, ending up around 18% for men and 19% for women. When including the years 2020 and 2022, however, trends showed a steep increase in the prevalence of psychological distress during 2018-2022. Among 20-39-year-olds, the prevalence of psychological distress increased 9.8%-points over the four-year period. Similarly, among 40-54-year-olds, an 8.2%-points increase was observed. In older age groups (55-64, 65-74 and 75 years and older) psychological distress first increased from 2018 to 2020 but then plateaued especially among the oldest. Projections based on the observed past trends during the period 2013-2018 showed a steady decline in psychological distress, the prevalence of psychological distress ending up around 11% for men and around 15% for women in 2040. When including the years 2020 and 2022, however, the projections suggested an increase in psychological distress in the general population and the prevalence of psychological distress is projected to end up around 37 % for both men and women in 2030.

Conclusions
The prevalence of psychological distress has increased substantially in the 2020s particularly in young adults. Mental health needs to be given a priority in all policies in order to change the future projections.

Key messages
• The upward trend of psychological distress did not reverse or plateau after COVID-19 pandemic in Finland.
• Increased efforts to protect and promote mental health in all policies seem indicated especially among young adults.
Systematic review of burden&quality of life in caregivers of children with schizophrenia (SyREN)
Authors: Caminiti M , Giesen C , Grieco V , Failla G , Traglia F , Zannoner A , Silva Pires P , Gallinoro V , Mosconi C , de la Torre-Perez L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling disorder that affects 23.6 million people worldwide, with patients often needing extensive assistance and care. Main caregivers are frequently family members who may present a reduced quality of life (QoL) due to the high-level burden of care. Literature mostly focuses on the burden caused by other mental disorders or by schizophrenia in both the adult and child population. We aim to assess the burden and QoL in caregivers of children and adolescents with schizophrenia.

Methods
We conducted a Systematic Review of articles published between 2013 and 2023 on MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, APA PsycARTICLES, CINAHL. We included studies in which a validated instrument was used to measure the burden of caregiving and QoL for adult caregivers of children and adolescent schizophrenic patients. The results were reported following the PRISMA guidelines.

Results
We identified 1388 studies. We removed 610 duplicates. After screening 788 studies on title and abstract and 52 for full-text, we included one cross-sectional study in China based on the STROBE Checklist. Significant correlations between burden of care and schizophrenia severity, children’s age, period of care, education, sex, residence, and income were reported. Additionally, we screened 7 qualitative studies. Social stigma and struggle were the most frequently reported feelings, and financial burden was the most common external factor associated with a worse quality of life.

Conclusions
This review revealed a significant research gap in this field. This lack of focused research underscores the urgent need for targeted investigations into the experiences of caregivers of children and adolescents with schizophrenia. Addressing these knowledge gaps will improve support systems and interventions tailored to the unique needs of this population, such as disease-specific advisory, mental health services, social and financial support, and self-help groups.

Key messages
• We identified a research gap for burden and quality of life in informal caregivers of children with schizophrenia. Education, sex and income of caregivers relate to the burden of care.
• Further research is needed to develop strategies to improve support systems and interventions tailored to the unique needs of this population.
Physical activity and sedentarism among non-binary gender identified university students
Authors: García-Lorenzo E , Visos-Varela I , Pintos-Rodríguez S , Salgado-Barreira A , Corral-Varela M , Figueiras-Guzmán A , Caamaño-Isorna F , Rico-Díaz J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Physical inactivity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) are modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Data indicates that non-binary gender identified people find it difficult to perform PA, this is a disadvantage for them to reach their full health potential.

Methods
Students were selected by convenience sampling to complete a survey between October-November 2023. A validated PA questionnaire was included. PA and SB were classified into 4 levels: Active but sedentary, extremely sedentary, physically active and discreetly active. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results
Out of 32 students did not identified themselves as binary gender. In our sample, 28,1% (vs 12.9% binary students) don’t do PA. Of those doing PA, 52,2% don’t meet World Health Organization recommendations. Among those who perform PA, there no difference in the amount of minutes/week of moderate or intense physical activity performed. Regarding SB, 93,8% spend &gt;6 hours/day in SB (vs 84.7% binary students, mean 7,82 vs 8,75, Sg. 0,032). When grouped into PA/SB categories 65,6% (vs 40,5%) were extremely sedentary in contrast to 1,4% physically active (vs 8.8%).

Conclusions
In Spain, 1 in 4 young people does not identify with the male/female categories. In our sample, physical inactivity and sedentarism are higher among those who do not identify as male/female. Once they commit to physical activity, there is no difference in the time spent between those who meet the WHO recommendations. More research is needed to understand the reasons for these differences and ensure barrier-free access to healthy lifestyle habits on campus.

Key messages
• Non-binary gender identified students are less physically active and more sedentary than their peers.
• Once they commit to physical activity recommendations, there are no differences among their performance.
Organizational well-being in a healthcare facility in Tuscany
Authors: Viti F , Rencinai A , Lazzeri G , Nante N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Organizational climate assessment provides crucial insights into work life across sectors. While corporate culture evolves gradually, the organizational climate promptly reflects employees’ mood, motivation, enthusiasm, and perception of the work environment. This study aims to analyze the organizational well-being in a healthcare facility in southeast Tuscany to reveal both successful areas and critical issues within the organization.

Methods
Data on gender, age, tenure, qualification, and contract type were collected anonymously. Organizational climate was assessed using a Likert scale (1-10), covering workplace safety, stress, fairness, discrimination, career development, relationships, belonging, and other perceptions. STATA was used to conduct this analysis.

Results
Twenty-nine participants included 55.3% male, averaging 45.3 years. Thirty-one percent had less than 5 years of tenure, with only 14% in managerial roles. Workplace safety perception varied: 58% moderately safe, 20% unsafe, and 20% highly insecure. Bullying was reported by 14.3%, while 17.6% found compensation fully appropriate. Merit and career opportunities were unrelated for 65.5%, and 48.2% found their role aligned with their profile. Fifty-five percent felt part of a team, and 27.5% perceived good integration. Company rules were clear for 93%, but 34.5% considered changing companies, while 55.1% were satisfied. External user perception was positive at 58.5%.

Conclusions
The analysis identified positive aspects and areas for improvement in workplace well-being. Safety and fairness in job allocation were well-received, with room for improvement, mostly in promotion transparency. Colleague relationships were positive, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and employee engagement in building trust and participation. These findings can guide the development of targeted interventions to enhance organizational well-being, fostering employee satisfaction and efficiency.

Key messages
• The evaluation of organizational climate in this healthcare facility revealed a variety of employee perceptions, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement in workplace well-being.
• Enhancing transparency and communication regarding merit-based promotions within the organization is necessary to foster employee trust and engagement.
30-month work participation trajectories of employees returning to work with common mental disorders
Authors: Sikora A , Almansa Ortiz J , Arends I , Wegewitz U , Bültmann U 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Promoting a sustainable return to work (RTW) and work participation (WP) for employees with common mental disorders (CMDs) is a crucial challenge for mental healthcare, organisations, and society at large. To date, work-related factors have only very rarely been examined within RTW trajectory studies. The present study aims to examine 30-month WP trajectories and associated individual, health- and work-related factors of employees on sickness absence due to CMDs in Germany.

Methods
In a prospective cohort study with N = 259 participants, five measurements were conducted at baseline (during the last week of inpatient treatment), and 6, 12, 18 and 30 months later. WP was defined as the proportion of weeks being present at work between two measurement points (self-reported). WP trajectories over 30 months were estimated with Latent Class Growth Analysis (LCGA), and were described according to associated individual, health- and work-related factors.

Results
We extracted four trajectory classes: Class 1 ‘slowly increasing WP’ (19.6%) with a slow but constantly increasing WP over time, and finally reaching nearly 60% of WP; Class 2 ‘high maintaining WP’ (30.3%) with a maintaining high WP of over 80% after RTW until 30 months; Class 3 ‘highest maintaining WP’ (34.7%) with the highest maintaining WP throughout follow-up and reaching nearly 100% WP after RTW; and Class 4 ‘decreasing WP’ (15.4%) with a positive development of WP until 12 months, reaching of about 90% WP, but then decreasing below 60% WP until 30 months. Participants with persistent high WP (Classes 2 and 3, 65.0%) reported better individual-, health- and work-related characteristics at baseline, and more realized work accommodations during RTW.

Conclusions
For the majority of the employees, returning to work resulted in sustainable WP during the 30 months study period. However, about one third of the employees should be given more attention in their complete RTW process from treatment to workplace support.

Key messages
• Sustainable work participation after returning to work with common mental disorders is a long and complex journey.
• Employees with a better individual, health- and work-related situation at baseline seem to be more likely to achieve a sustainable work participation.
Are migrant workers at greater risk of workplace deaths? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lau K , Aldridge R , Norredam M , Mkoma G F , Kugan M , Lin RCY , Kiss L , Zimmerman C , Hargreaves S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Globally, 170 million individuals migrate for work. Yet, evidence on their mortality risk remains unclear. Our aim was to synthesize global evidence on migrant worker mortality risk compared to local workers and to identify the multiple intersecting social determinants of mortality.

Methods
We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature which reported on mortality outcome of migrant workers. Studies published between 1 Jan 2000 to 17 Jan 2023 in English were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Ovid Global Health. Meta-analysis using random effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and narrative synthesis was used to develop a data-driven framework on intersectional social determinants.

Results
Out of 11,495 identified records, 44 were included, of which 11 were pooled in meta-analyses. The combined migrant worker death count was 44,338, with data from 16 countries, including migrants from agriculture, construction, and service industries. Compared to local workers, migrant workers had a higher risk of fatal occupational injury (pooled RR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.22-2.38, I² = 99.4%), and a lower risk of all-cause mortality (pooled RR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.88-0.99, I² = 90.7%). Key social determinants associated with increased mortality risk were either migration-related (e.g. lower language proficiency, undocumented status) or labour-related (e.g. precarious employment, labour migration policies) interacting over migrant workers’ life course.

Conclusions
As the largest evidence synthesis to date, these findings indicate that migrant workers have higher fatal occupational injury rates than local workers, indicating the need for tailored protections for migrant workers. These data confirm that the all-cause mortality advantage observed in migrant populations applies to the working population. Future interventions should be designed to address both migration- and labour-related determinants of migrant worker health.

Key messages
• Migrant workers have a higher risk of workplace fatality despite being generally healthier than local workers, explained by structural determinants such as precarious employment.
• Future interventions must address migration- and labour-related social determinants of health at structural levels, such as extending labour protection laws to migrant workers.
The paradoxical surplus of healthcare workers in Africa: the need for research and policy engagement
Authors: Hutchinson E , Kiwanuk S , Muhindo R , Nimwesiga C , Balabanova D , McKee M , Kitutu F E 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In many countries in Africa, there is a paradoxical surplus of under and unemployed nurses, midwives, physicians and pharmacists which exists amidst a shortage of staff within the formal health system. By 2030, the World Health Organisation Africa Region may find itself with a shortage of 6.1 million healthcare workers (HCWs) alongside 700,000 un- or underemployed health staff. This study aims to bring the nature and consequences of an existing paradoxical surplus of HCWs in low income countries into the HCW migration debate and to explore novel solutions.

Methods
The study draws on a rapid review of the literature and deeper insights from expert information, using examples from Uganda, Kenya and Niger.

Results
In Niger, between 2010-2014, 55% of health graduates were unable to find permanent work in the sector leaving 15 000 HCWs unemployed or in precarious jobs. In Sudan, an 8-fold increase of the number of places at medical colleges (between 1996-2012) was not accompanied by a commensurate investment in physician positions leading to increased unemployment and brain drain. In Kenya, in 2021, 27243 HCWs were un or under-employed. In Uganda, 20590 nurses and midwives were reported as unemployed in 2023. Despite this, the emphasis in policy debates about the healthcare workforce crisis in most national and global levels is on staff shortage and the need to train more HCWs. In contrast, an existing surplus HCWs and their association with patterns of migration are largely unknown. Little time is given over to understand the economic, political and social factors that have driven their emergence and the governance challenges and potential interventions to improve employment rates.

Conclusions
The results highlight the complexity of migration, labour market conditions and health systems, in particular in low income countries in Africa. Both qualitative and quantitative data is necessary for policy makers to find effective solutions to the problem.
Forced displacement and the healthcare workforce crisis: Venezuelan healthcare workers in Peru
Authors: Rees G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The migration of healthcare workforces tends to be economically based benefiting high income countries, while draining lower-income countries of workers and skills. However, national instability or civil conflict may also have the effect of forcing out health workers. Few articles focus on the experiences of these types of migrants. This study aims to close a gap in the migration debate by exploring the capacity of integrating displaced healthcare workers in middle-to-low resourced health systems, using Peru as a case study.

Methods
The study draws on a policy analysis, statistical data and expert information from Peru.

Results
Peru has become the second largest Latin American destination for Venezuelan forced displaced migrants, a number of which are healthcare workers. While the exact numbers of these workers is unknown, it is estimated that 4,000 and 3,000 physicians and about 2,500 nurses and health technicians from Venezuela reside in Peru. These workers find entry into the heath system difficult due to bureaucratic and costly registration and qualification validation procedures. However, during Covid-19 the conditions were relaxed, and a large number of these workers entered the healthcare workforce. They were primarily physicians and worked in urban medical facilities, though there was some distribution across the country’s departments. This avenue to the healthcare workforce allowed the mobilisation of dormant health skills and assisted to lift density numbers.

Conclusions
Peru’s experiences bring into focus the potential benefits of mobilising new resources through integrating displaced healthcare worker migrants. It is too early to assess the sustainability of these policies on the country’s healthcare workforce and its Universal Health Coverage goals, yet there seem to be some positive experiences.

Speakers/Panelists
Tomas Zapata
WHO/Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
Can we adapt fairly? Systematic review of health equity implications of climate change in coastal communities in the UK
Authors: Turner G , Kovats S , Brisley R , Landeg O , Brown S , Connor L O 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
As climate change becomes more apparent, it is important to evaluate the equity implications of adaptation interventions and policy measures. Many coastal populations experience high levels of social deprivation, which can be compounded by environmental factors. Coastal hazards, such as erosion and flooding can cause short and long term impacts on physical and mental health. To systematically review the published evidence on the differential impacts of coastal change on health inequalities and review the implications of adaptation responses for health inequality. We systemically reviewed the evidence for the UK only on a) inequalities in coastal flood impact or risk, and b) effectiveness and equity implications of current measures to manage the climate risks to an acceptable level of impact. Interventions included: plans and guidance, insurance, and infrastructure, including natural flood management. We found 8 papers quantifying differentials in current and future impacts of coastal flood risk and 6 papers assessing equity implications of adaptation measures. Coastal flood risk is unevenly distributed. Those owning their own home were more likely to experience flood impacts including increased stress and displacement. There is good evidence that policies for household insurance and property level protection measures have the potential to increase inequalities; other measures (community engagement; planning; defences) may reduce health inequalities, depending on implementation and local context. Adaptation to coastal change requires a range of approaches in the short and longer term, which potentially exacerbate current inequalities. Adaptation responses that rely on individual behaviour change, such as relocation, purchasing insurance, or retrofitting dwellings, may exacerbate inequalities within coastal communities. Climate change challenges organisations to deliver national and local policy responses ensuring that adaptation is effective and equitable.
Child-targeted foods in the Portuguese market 2024: Nutritional characteristics and claims
Authors: Brazão R , Fernandes P , Lopes A , Dias M G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Excessive consumption of high-energy products with high saturated fats, sugars, and salt contents, contribute to the prevalence of overweight, obesity and other related diseases in Portugal, especially among children. Children represent a vulnerable group whose food choices are significantly influenced by advertisements and marketing methods that often promote highly palatable and less healthy foods. This study aimed to assess the nutritional characteristics of visually appealing products targeted at children in Portugal and analyse nutritional, health, and other mentions and claims, as well as icons present in the package. The goal is to contribute to the promotion of healthier food choices and inform public health policies.

Methods
Nutritional information and mentions/claims from child-targeted foods, featuring labels with cartoons and other appealing images, were collect. These were compared with the reference values (RV) of Integrated Strategy for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (EIPAS) and of Directorate-General of Health Label Decoder (RVLD), as well as the limit values (LV) defined by a Portuguese law related to restrictions on food advertising aimed at children.

Results
247 products from six categories were monitored. Only 1.2% met the EIPAS RV for sugar and salt evaluated together, while 10.1% complied with the law LV. According to the RVLD, 19.0%, 26.3%, 49.4%, and 0.4% of the products presented high levels of fat, saturates, sugars, and salt, respectively. The majority of the products (68.0%) had one or more types of mentions/claims, predominantly nutritional (64.3%) and all featured one or more icons, with 10.5% being licensed.

Conclusions
The majority of these pre-packed child-target foods do not have a healthy nutrient profile. In this context, public health actions, namely legislative measures to further regulate food marketing and labeling elements aimed at children along with literacy and product reformulation initiatives are essential.

Key messages
• The child-targeted food products in the Portuguese market present inadequate nutritional profiles.
• Public health actions are needed to promote healthier food choices and protect children from foodborne non-communicable diseases.