bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of communication between health care professionals and forced migrant women during birth
Authors: Gaudion M , Engelhardt M , Kamhiye J , Borde T 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Communication and information are part of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Various studies show that successful communication between birthing person and health care professionals (HCP) has a positive impact on birth and lowers risk of traumatic birth experience for women. Since information and communication is a major challenge for both forced migrant women (FMW) and health workers during birth, we investigated experiences of both sides in qualitative study.

Methods
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 7 maternal HCPs (midwifes, physicians, social workers) and with 7 FMW 1-9 months after the birth of their child in 3 regions in Germany. The refugee sample included new mothers from 6 countries of origins, 14 languages, and an average of three years living in Germany. The interviews were analyzed via framework analysis.

Results
The majority of the interviewed FMW had no or little knowledge about SRHR. Good communication is one of the main factors allowing a safe and trustful environment with the birthing women. If verbal communication is not possible nonverbal communication helps to create and maintain a care relationship with the women is given. However, due to lack of staff, time and interpreters FMW with little German language proficiencies receive hardly any relevant information and had a poorer accompaniment during birth.

Conclusions
To provide for equity and SRHRs in maternal health and care there is an urgent need for reliable professional interpretation and easily accessible information in relevant languages material about giving birth, medical possibilities, procedures and interventions. Additionally, further training on heterogeneous needs and life contexts is necessary, to improve professional care during birth in maternity wards. HCPs 1:1 support is strongly recommended.

Key messages
• Information on SRHR and communication are a fundamental part of birth work and should be made possible for all women including FMW to prevent discrimination and traumatic birth experiences.
• If given, 1:1 support by HCPs during birth can comensate missing communication.
Prospective prediction of alcohol consumption among a Tunisian sample of adolescents
Authors: Zammit N , Ghali H , Ghammam R , Ben Fredj S , Ben Belgacem W , Boujebha S , Ouertani M , Maatouk A , Maatoug J , Ghannem H 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
During adolescence, alcohol consumption represents a new experience with the advantage of facilitating the integration of a peer group. The global overall prevalence of this risk behavior among the 15-19 years old was over 25% in 2018. However, this prevalence varies between countries.

Objectives
To determine the incidence and the predictors of alcohol consumption among high school students in Sousse, Tunisia between 2017/2018 and 2018/2019.

Methods
A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in four high schools in the governorate of Sousse during the 2018-2019 school year. Pre-trained medical doctors used an anonymous self-administered questionnaire to collect data about socio-demographic and educational features, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, illicit substances use and emotional disorders.

Results
Participants accounted for 404. Their average age was 16.4 (±1.1) years. Females represented 68%. The prevalence of alcohol consumption in 2017/2018 was 5.9% while the cumulative incidence during the 2018/2019 school year was 3.5%. Among males, this incidence was of 11.9%. Among females, it was of 3% (p = 0.020). Illicit substance use among friends was the main predictor of becoming alcohol consumer with an adjusted odds ratio of 6.4 (95% CI: 1.9-21.3) on the other hand, having an anxiety trouble predicted less this risk behavior (adjusted odds ratio =0.2 95% CI: 0.1-0.8).

Conclusions
Alcohol consumption is becoming more and more common among the adolescents of Sousse especially among males. The current national strategy against substances use in schools should be reinforced. Implementation of a social skills training among adolescents to improve assertiveness is essential.

Key messages
• Alcohol consumption has an upword trend among the adolescents of Sousse.
• The current prevention programs targetting adolescents in Tunisia should be revised and integrate a comprehensive and multisectoral program.
Erasmus+sport let’s move Europa: learning units for health promotion among children and adolescents
Authors: Masini A , Zanutto G , Longo G , Marini S , Soldà G , Salussolia A , Anastasia A , Sánchez-Oliva D , Ceciliani A , Dallolio L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
School years are crucial for acquiring life-lasting healthy habits. However, an increasing rate of children and adolescents fail to maintain a healthy lifestyle. European Union has financed the Erasmus+ Sport Let’s Move Europa project to design an innovative digital tool for promoting healthy lifestyles among those age groups. University of Bologna, partner of the project, has developed 30 Learning Units (LUs) about Physical Activity, Sleep and Nutrition to be integrated in the school program by teachers.

Methods
A group of 17 teachers (15 females and 2 males, mean SD age 49,5 ±11,6) from primary and secondary schools located in Bologna province (Italy) took part in semi-structured focus groups (FGs). The investigation focused on facilitators/barriers of the intervention and possible solutions, identifying time frames and locations, suggestions for engaging the different stakeholders (teachers, students and families). All FGs were recorded, transcribed, anonymized, and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis.

Results
30 LUs were created based on the latest scientific evidence and the FGs output. Each LU addresses a specific topic and is tailored differently for primary and secondary school. The layout includes an investigation on the topic, classroom activities, and a section about “healthy homework” or “challenges” to be accomplished at home, engaging families in the construction of a healthy routine. All the activities were designed to be feasible and sustainable. Each LU includes a discussion phase to understand students’ feedback about proposed homework and learning content.

Conclusions
FGs have proven crucial to tailoring LUs on the needs of different stakeholders and co-designing an effective intervention. “Healthy homework” and “Challenges” encourage students to pursue healthy habits also outside the school setting, involving families. Feedback on the activity provides an insight into the progression and effectiveness of the intervention.

Key messages
• The EUmove project integrates knowledge about sleeping, nutritional and physical activity habits into the school curriculum to promote healthy lifestyles among students and their families.
• Thanks to the FGs, LUs are designed to suit the target audience. LUs integration into school curricula is therefore a feasible intervention, not requiring specialized personnel to be implemented.
Self-reported strengths and difficulties among Swedish adolescents: presence, continuity and change
Authors: Grigoryan K , Östberg V , Raninen J , Åhlén J , Låftman S B 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a screening instrument for emotional and behavioural problems. Swedish reference values based on large-scale national data are lacking for mid- and late adolescents. Also, there is a scarcity of longitudinal studies about the development of strengths and difficulties from middle to late adolescence. The study aims were 1) to report on Swedish adolescents’ assessment of their strengths and difficulties and to present joint and gender-specific reference values for identifying risk groups; 2) to examine the continuity and change of strengths and difficulties and to what extent this differs by gender.

Methods
Data was based on a national Swedish sample of adolescents aged 15-16 years in 2017 (n = 5338) who were surveyed again in 2019 (n = 3973). Mean values and reference values for “close to average” (0th-80th percentile), “slightly raised” (&gt;80th-90th percentile) and “high” (&gt;90th percentile) SDQ scores were calculated. Comparison in SDQ scores by gender and across time was approached using inferential statistics.

Results
Girls reported higher levels of emotional problems (p = &lt;0.001), whereas boys showed higher levels of conduct problems (p = &lt;0.001) at t1 and t2. Hyperactivity slightly prevailed in girls (p = 0.007), and peer problems were slightly higher in boys (p = 0.027) at t2. Prosocial behaviour was higher in girls than boys (p = &lt;0.001) at t1 and t2. Changes in SDQ scores across time were in general small. Yet, analyses focusing on risk groups showed that among those who scored &gt;80th or &gt; 90th percentile at t1 about half scored above the same threshold at t2.

Conclusions
This study provided joint and gender-specific reference values for mid- and late adolescents in Sweden, and found some gender differences in SDQ scores and degree of change. Reported national gender-specific reference values may facilitate identifying adolescents at risk and potentially increasing timely mental health intervention measures.

Key messages
• Among the subscales indicating difficulties, the highest was level of emotional problems in girls and hyperactivity in boys; the largest increase over time was in emotional problems for both genders.
• Analyses of changes in SDQ mean scores showed only minor changes between t1 and t2, while analyses of movement between categories defined by cutoffs presented a more noticeable degree of change.
Correlates of mental health in the Swiss Household Panel – a network analysis
Authors: Gondek D , McElroy E , Bernardi L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Firstly, we aim to describe any differences in the mean levels of correlates and indicators of mental health and wellbeing between young (25-39 years) and middle-aged adults (40-55 years). Secondly, we aim to compare the network models depicting interrelations between correlates and indicators of mental health and wellbeing among these age groups.

Methods
This paper draws on longitudinal data from 6 waves (2013-2018) of the Swiss Household Panel (SHP) study, with a total sample of 5,315 individuals, including 2,044 young (25-39 years) and 3,271 middle-aged (40-55 years) participants. We used network analysis to examine and present complex relationships between the correlates and the indicators of mental health and wellbeing.

Results
Middle-aged individuals had worse mental health and wellbeing on all indicators but energy and optimism, which did not differ across groups. The effect sizes (according to Cohen’s d) were small, reaching the maximum of 0.20 for sadness. Despite higher household income and financial satisfaction, perceived job insecurity and work strain were higher in midlife, with socioeconomic prestige being lower. Moreover, middle-aged individuals had lower social support, relationships satisfaction, and health satisfaction. The network was denser in midlife, with two direct interrelations being stronger in this age group: health satisfaction and energy/optimism as well as accommodation satisfaction and life satisfaction. There were also several other differences in indirect interrelations between correlates and indicators of mental health and wellbeing, including a potentially more important role of self-mastery in midlife in bridging socioeconomic indicators, wellbeing and mental health.

Conclusions
We suggest further exploring the workplace as an avenue to improving population mental health and wellbeing, with a particular focus on the role of self-mastery.

Key messages
• Middle-aged individuals appear to have worse mental health and lower wellbeing than young adults.
• Health satisfaction is not only lower in midlife, but it seems of greater importance for mental health and wellbeing.
Anxiety among students during the pandemic - Results from the C-19 German Student Well-being Study
Authors: Heumann E , Helmer SM , Busse H , Negash S , Pischke CR , Trümmler J , Niephaus Y , Stock C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Anxiety is widespread among university students. The COVID-19 pandemic af-fected students’ mental health negatively. Given the long duration of the pandemic monitoring mental health remains important. This study aims to determine to which extent anxiety is preva-lent among students (1), what factors are associated with it (2) and which student groups are mostly affected (3).

Methods
The cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study (C19 GSWS) sur-veyed mental health and well-being of students at five universities in Germany from 27.10.-14.11.21. Anxiety was assessed using the GAD-2. Associations between anxiety and sociodem-ographic, socioeconomic/social support factors as well as health- and COVID-19-related factors were determined using multiple binary logistic regression models.

Results
The mean age of students was 24.1 years (SD = 4.9), 67% were women and 31% men. The prevalence of anxiety was 32% and diverse gender (OR = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.71-9.23), a com-plicated relationship status (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.06-2.60), the lack of a confidant (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.80-3.46), and financial difficulties (e.g., being able to cover monthly expenses; OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.36-2.29) were associated with anxiety. Participants who were worried about (re)infection with COVID-19 had a 1.28-times higher chance (OR, 95% CI: 1.03-1.59) for anxie-ty. Students who were (rather) not worried that a relative would become severely ill with COVID-19 had a lower chance to experience anxiety (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53-0.98) as well as those who were confident receiving medical care in case of an infection with COVID-19 (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65-0.98).

Conclusions
Concepts for prevention and counselling in terms of mental health problems in students should be developed considering specific stressors due to the pandemic.

Key messages
• This study shows that anxiety is widespread among university students and associated with a variety of stressors.
• The findings can help to develop specific concepts for prevention and counselling.
Stress, anxiety, and depression among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kosovo
Authors: Arenliu Qosaj F , Merrill Weine S , Sejdiu P , Hasani F , Statovci S , Behluli V , Arenliu A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a very large workload burden on health systems worldwide, Kosovo is no exception to this trend. A pandemic may have a negative impact on health care workers’ (HCWs) mental health. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the self-reported prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression and identified their predictive factors among HCWs in Kosovo.

Methods
Data were collected on sociodemographics (sex, age, occupation, education, workplace) and the presence and severity of depression, anxiety, and stress through the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and linear logistic regression were used to analyze the data.

Results
Of the 545 respondents, the majority were male (53.0%), under 60 years of age (94.7%), and married (81.7%). Most of them were physicians (78.2%), while the remaining respondents were nurses, midwives, and other health professionals (22%). The prevalence rates for moderate to extremely high levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were 21.9%, 13.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. Nurses reported significantly higher mean scores for depression and anxiety than physicians (P &lt; 0.05). Being married, having poor health, not exercising, and reporting ‘burnout’ from work significantly predicted higher levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms among health workers (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
HCWs require specific national mental health intervention programs that will, among other effects, help raise awareness of the early recognition of symptoms related to stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout due to workload as well as the importance of regular physical exercise. These programs should be part of the national emergency preparedness, emergency response, and health sector strategy, aiming to build and sustain a resilient health system.

Key messages
• During COVID-19 pandemic, certain factors predicted higher levels of mental health burden among HCWs.
• Addressing these factors require policy recommendations with concrete systemic interventions.
Mental health of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic: additional stressors, increased inequalities
Authors: Marques MJ , Gama A , Pedro AR , Magano R , Tiessen C , Hollanders P , Dias S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedent range of negative mental health outcomes across populations worldwide. Such effects are increasingly being documented, however an evidence gap persists on the consequences on most vulnerable groups, as certain subgroups of migrants. These populations already suffer from increased psychological burden, and the pandemic effects may potentially exacerbate adverse experiences and outcomes. This study aims to uncover the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of migrants in Portugal and the associated sociodemographic aspects. A survey was conducted with a community-based sample of 1126 adult migrants in Portugal, assessing sociodemographics, migration-related characteristics and the perceived impact of the pandemic on mental health. Association between sociodemographics and mental health indicators was measured through bivariable analysis. In total, 1126 adult migrants were surveyed: 53.4% female, mean age of 35.8 years (range 18-77), 48.9% from African countries, 29.5% from Middle East/Asian countries, 21.6% from Brazil. Most participants (80%) reported feelings of agitation, anxiety or sadness during the pandemic period with 26.4% experiencing these feelings most days. The pandemic had a disproportionate impact on women (86.9% reported negative impact compared to 72.5% of men, p &lt; 0.05), those undocumented (83.3% vs 75.4%, p &lt; 0.05), those whose financial situation got worse since the pandemic (82.8% vs. 77.3%, p &lt; 0.05) and those who had increased food shortages (84.4% vs 79%, p &lt; 0.05). Migrants perceived an elevated deterioration of their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, particular groups such as women and those with a more insecure income or residence status are particularly susceptible to experiencing negative mental health outcomes.

Key messages
• There is a need to recognize the detrimental mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on particular migrant groups and to develop interventions that target their unique needs.
• Investigating sociodemographic and migration aspects could help identifying migrants at a higher risk of experiencing mental health distress.
Up to the TASG: a participatory study on sexual health of trans and non-binary persons in Germany
Authors: Koppe U , Spurgat C , knoop JM , Hahne A , Appenroth MN , Pöge K , Hamm J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Problem
Comprehensive data on the sexual health of trans and non-binary people are not available due to lacking focus on these groups and inappropriate study designs that often fail to capture the lived realities of these communities.

Description of the practice
A participatory study was developed with trans and non-binary representatives with a qualitative part involving single and group interviews as well as the development and roll-out of a quantitative online questionnaire. After securing funding, we started the study in 2020 ensuring community involvement in as many parts as possible.

Results
A crucial component is the advisory board including people representing a broad spectrum of trans and non-binary communities, organizations, who are also representing a variety of intersectional perspectives, e.g. BIPoC and neurodiverse people. The advisory board provides crucial input to the design and conduct of the study components. For the qualitative part, a unique study design was developed using sexual health & empowerment workshops for trans and non-binary people in a trustful peer setting combined with qualitative data collection. This way, participants of the study truly benefit from participation and the data quality is improved. The quantitative study was created together with &gt;20 community representatives. Items on gender identity, transition, and experiences of discrimination were developed using online workshops and written feedback. The questionnaire was checked by community members to ensure appropriate language. Through diverse community channels and social media, we recruited 58 participants for the qualitative part and more than 2000 participants for the online questionnaire. The results are expected in late 2022.

Lessons
Involvement of community representatives and the participatory study design ensured strong community support. This enables the capture of meaningful information on the sexual health of trans and non-binary people.

Key messages
• Using a participatory study design was crucial to the success of this study.
• We were able to conduct a study capturing meaningful data on the sexual health of trans and non-binary communities.
Psychiatric and somatic health of homeless individuals in the context of their migration history
Authors: Bertram F , Hajek A , König H-H , Wulff B , Ondruschka B , Püschel K , Heinrich F 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Descriptions of homeless individuals’ somatic and psychiatric health status remain scarce. The heterogenicity of the population is increasing, with more people migrating within the European Union. Migration history has been described as a determinant of health and healthcare access.

Methods
A multicenter cross-sectional study design included homeless individuals in Germany. Using interview-based questionnaires, the prevalence of mental and somatic illnesses, as well as healthcare use and access, were determined. Multinominal logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of the homeless migration history on health status.

Results
306/635 (48.2%) of the homeless individuals were born outside Germany; 213/306 (69.6%) came from another EU country. Homeless people from EU countries frequently reported economic reasons for leaving their home country (51.0%) and entering Germany (64.4%). Compared to homeless individuals of German origin and homeless non-EU migrants, they stated to live rough (48.2% p = 0,03), not hold health insurance (62.4% p &lt; 0,0001), and not receive state funds (82.6% p &lt; 0,0001) more often. Prevalences of psychiatric and somatic illnesses among homeless people were high compared to the general German population. There were no differences observed between the prevalence of chronic diseases if stratified by the origin of the homeless individuals.

Conclusions
Homeless individuals report higher prevalences of psychiatric and somatic illnesses than the general population. Compared to homeless people of other origins, homeless EU migrants may be disadvantaged in their housing situation and integration into the German social security system.

Key messages
• Programs aiming to integrate homeless people into mainstream health care should focus on homeless EU migrants.
• Our data underline the need for specific care services for homeless individuals.