bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual orientation and mental health disparities in US pre-teens: A longitudinal mediation study
Authors: Feinstein BA , van der Star A , Dorrell KD , Blashill AJ 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Sexual minority children are at increased risk for psychopathology compared to their heterosexual peers, but longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether sexual minority identification precedes (rather than co-occurs with) mental health disparities and what may drive these disparities during childhood. The current study examined the longitudinal associations between sexual orientation and mental health over two years in a cohort of U.S. pre-teens with two potential mediators (increased social problems and decreased perceived school safety).

Methods
We used data from Waves 1-3 (2016-2020) of the U.S. Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Multiple linear regression and auto-regressive cross-lagged mediation models were used to examine longitudinal associations and mediation. Analyses accounted for customized sampling weights to correct for attrition and missing data.

Results
The analytic sample included 5,574 children (46.0% assigned female at birth, 55.1% non-Hispanic White). Across waves, beginning to identify as gay/bisexual (0.6-2.7% of sample) was associated with increased internalizing and externalizing problems, and consistently identifying as gay/bisexual (3.4-5.0% of sample) with increased internalizing problems, compared to consistently identifying as heterosexual. For those who consistently identified as gay/bisexual, the widening disparities in internalizing problems were partially explained by increased social problems and decreased perceived school safety.

Conclusions
The health disparities affecting sexual minority children include internalizing and externalizing problems, and are partially explained by increased social problems and decreased perceived school safety. These findings demonstrate that sexual minority identification precedes increases in mental health problems relative to heterosexual children, driven by peer difficulties and feelings of unsafety at school experienced by sexual minority children.
Sexual attraction-based disparities in adolescent mental health: The role of school norms
Authors: Kiekens WJ , Baams L , Stevens GWJM 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Purpose
Few researchers have explained disparities in mental health between sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents by focusing on structural forms of stigma as, for instance, heterosexist school or classroom norms. Addressing this gap, our paper aimed to study disparities in life satisfaction, psychosomatic complaints, and emotional problems between sexual minority and heterosexual adolescents and examine the moderating role of heterosexist norms in the classroom and school.

Methods
We used data from the 2013 and 2017 Dutch Health and Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study (N = 12,756; M age = 14.02; SD = 1.54). Separate multi-level analyses for life satisfaction, psychosomatic complaints, and emotional problems were conducted in which cross-level interaction effects between sexual attraction and school and classroom-level heterosexist norms were estimated.

Results
Same-sex attracted, both-sex attracted, and adolescents unsure about their sexual attraction reported lower life satisfaction, more psychosomatic complaints (not for unsure adolescents), and more emotional problems than their other-sex attracted peers. Stronger school-level heterosexist norms were associated with higher life satisfaction and fewer psychosomatic complaints and fewer emotional problems. Stronger classroom-level heterosexist norms were associated with less emotional problems. Few moderating effects of classroom and school-level heterosexist norms were found. Contrary to expectations, disparities in life satisfaction between same-sex attracted and other-sex attracted adolescents decreased when classroom-level heterosexist norms were stronger.

Conclusions
Although our findings suggest pressing health disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority adolescents, heterosexist norms at the school- and classroom-level hardly contributed to these health disparities.
Envisioning supportive and safe learning environments: A dialogical study with LGBTQ+ adolescents living with chronic conditions or diagnoses
Authors: Cantarero Arevalo L , Skov Nielsen A , Slyngbord L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
LGBTQ+ adolescents living with mental conditions are affected by stigma based on their health status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity/expression (SOGIE), especially when navigating their learning environments. Our aim is to gain detailed insights into how LGBTQ+ adolescents living with mental conditions vision their learning environments so that they can feel safe and supported enough to freely disclose their SOGIE and health status, and hence thrive.

Methods
Aware of the participants’ vulnerabilities, a dialogical narrative-based approach was used to gather thick descriptions and deep insight, while applying the “seven C's”: conversation, curiosity, context, complexity, challenge, caution, and care (Frank, 2019). Recruitment was done through LGBTQ+ Denmark and via networks of networks. Two LGBTQ+ young adults living with chronic conditions held the dialogues. Mode of communication was chosen by the participants (either face-to-face, via internet or via telephone). Data analysis was conducted via the “analysis grid” (Roest et al. 2021).

Results
Nine dialogues lasting from 20 to 50 minutes were held with youth from 14 to 24 years old during spring 2022. According to their narratives, supportive and safe learning environments would: respect for change of names and pronouns, update learning materials, allow for flipped classrooms (hybrid teaching tested under COVID lockdowns), have separate neutral change rooms/bathrooms and create safe private spaces to take medications. They would also permit higher absenteeism rates for those living with chronic conditions or getting hormonal treatments, allow for more breaks/slower version of the pensum, and show proactive healthy curiosity and respect for “invisible diseases”, fluid SOGIEs and neurodiversity/neurodivergent profiles.

Conclusions
The differing participants’ narratives provide innovative ways to create safe and supportive inclusive learning environment that embrace and enhance diversity.
10.P. Round table: Public health of the future: innovations in surveillance, communication and knowledge translation
Authors:   Organised by: SESPAS, EUPHA-PHPP, ASPHER,   Chair persons: Enrique Bernal-Delgado (Spain), Gabriela Barbaglia (Spain)
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The social, ecological, economic and health crises exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic are challenges of extraordinary magnitude and complexity for global public health. Moreover, the context in which the pandemic emerged was characterized by underinvestment in public health and growing distrust in institutions. Public health responses were often fragmented and failed to make use of existing resources and expertise. Nearly 3 years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic much has been learned and much is still to be learned. Accordingly, European national public health agencies have been pushed to their limits and currently face an urgent need to be renovated incorporating innovations in surveillance, communication and knowledge translation. National agencies should network and collaborate at the EU level. EUPHA may play an important role in this effort.
On the one hand, there is the need of improving surveillance of harmful effects of the pandemic, specifically the health inequalities aggravated at local, national and global levels; and, on the other, to improve the availability of this knowledge to policymakers. Public Health communication needs to be further developed as it has been a crucial piece of national and international efforts to protect and promote health in the pandemic and so will be in the future. With this workshop proposal, we would like to bring up for discussion how could we further improve surveillance, communication and knowledge translation to policy makers and citizens in our European national public health agencies. Innovative and updated public health agencies will help regaining trust and strengthening public health institutions. National and European Public Health further development is essential and should be strengthened to protect and promote European populatiońs health.
The objectives of the workshop are:
– To discuss key innovations to implement in national public health agencies to improve surveillance, communication and knowledge transfer to policy makers and citizens.
– To reflect on supranational European coordination mechanisms that would allow for efficient surveillance and a rapid and adequate response to different public health challenges, including social inequalities in health.
– To manage public health intelligence in the European Health Data Space and the role of public health in this data lake design.

Key messages
• COVID19 pandemic has revealed the challenges of creating strong trustworthy national public health institutions to ensure the integrity of public health science and information dissemination.
• Structures to facilitate timely and efficient monitoring requires national and supranational coordination mechanisms, including data and experience sharing.

Speakers/Panellists
Robert Otok
ASPHER, Brussels, Belgium
Sofia Ribeiro
EUPHA-PHPP
Manuel Franco
University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
Urban places and Mental Health challenges (lessons learned from Covid-19 crisis)
Authors: Jevtic M , Matkovic V , Kusturica MP , Bouland C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Nature deprivation under COVID-19 lead to reduced well-being. Urban design interventions were also identified as an important contributor to the restoration of community confidence, choice, and safety. Factors related to sociodemographic, housing and lockdown were linked to changes in exposure to nature during the pandemic lockdown. Changes in exposure to nature and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 lockdown were strongly linked. Especially young people had an increased number of mental health problems. Children and youth were more bored and worried in comparison with the pre-pandemic period. The educational institutions worldwide were closed or changed to online education during the pandemic, leading to great disturbance in students’ education and outdoor events. All “green infrastructure” (GI) resources (including parks, gardens etc.) received great attention as “essential infrastructure” supporting well-being. But, the quality, functionality and position of GI in urban areas showed inequality in distribution. Frequently, societies with greater ethnic diversity, lower income and larger health inequality suffered from unsatisfactory or lack of access. GI is important in decision-making to address inequality. This work will also present an open-air activity for all generations: A reflective walk through the oldest part of Novi Sad (EU Capital of Culture 2022), as a part of Project Reflective citizens in Novi Sad. This walking tour was led by pupils from primary school - where all generations spend useful time in open space and a safe atmosphere walking tour, learning and listening about the cultural history of the oldest part of the city. It is vital to enhance urban planning and design practices in making healthier and more resilient communities. It is necessary to underline the importance of planning green spaces that need time to form in urban areas, and which have proven to be very important for mental health in the midst of the pandemic crisis.
Digital health literacy and well-being of university students in Austria during the pandemic
Authors: Reitegger F , Wright M , Gasteiger-Klicpera B 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Previous findings suggest that depressive and anxiety-related symptoms have doubled among students since the beginning of the pandemic. Digital health literacy can act as a protective resource to strengthen well-being.

Objectives
This paper analyzes the relationship between digital health literacy, socioeconomic status and well-being and future-anxiety among students in Austria.

Methods
480 students from Austrian higher education institutions were surveyed via online questionnaire during the second wave of the Corona pandemic. Sociodemographic data, students’ self-assessments of well-being, fears regarding future development and perspectives, and digital health literacy were collected. Variance and regression analyses were used for the evaluation.

Results
About 50% of the students reported low scores in well-being and distinct fears about the future. A higher socioeconomic status correlated with higher well-being as well as lower fears about the future.Regarding digital health literacy, the ability to assess the relevance of information showed the highest correlation with well-being.

Conclusions
Individual factors such as gender or the study-program are relevant for the interaction between well-being and digital health literacy. The assessment of the relevance of information and its connection with one's own life reality seems to be important factors in promoting well-being.
Global decline in vaccine coverage; COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Laaser U 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy is a relatively new concept, developed by WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization in 2014 as a response to the growing awareness of the decline in global confidence in vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy is a context-specific behavioural phenomenon whose occurrence ranges between full acceptance and complete refusal of vaccines. Several studies have explored factors that influence people's decision to get vaccinated and in 2018 WHO and UNICEF conducted a joint study to explore the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. The study aimed to determine the reported rate of vaccine hesitancy across the globe and the reasons for hesitancy. In most studies three top reasons were identified. 1) vaccine safety concerns, 2) lack of knowledge and awareness of vaccine importance, and 3) religion, culture, gender and socio-economic issues regarding vaccines. Other factors contributing are negative perception of vaccine efficacy, safety, convenience, and price. Some of the consistent socio-demographic groups that were identified to be associated with increased hesitancy included: women, younger participants, and people who were less educated, had lower income, had no insurance, lived in a rural area, and self-identified as a racial/ethnic minority. Vaccine hesitancy is associated with the global crisis of trust in science and institutions, namely lack of political trust, which can be defined as public judgment that the system and its representatives are responsive and reliable. Furthermore, distrust in one institution is related to distrust in other, indicating the unidimensional phenomenon. This kind of distrust is exemplified by the appearance of infodemic - an overabundance of information. In addition, support for conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 which correlates with the scepticism towards vaccination has significantly higher rates among Balkans’ populations.
Co-creation of a school-based sexual health education intervention in Italy
Authors: Chinelli A , Farinella M , Rancilio L , Salfa MC , Cellini A , Ubbiali M , Torri E , Camposeragna A , Martinelli D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
School-based sexuality education (SBSE) is the most effective way to positively impact young people's behaviour and attitude towards sexuality. This study describes the development of a SBSE pilot activity targeting lower secondary schools (LSS) within the context of EduforIST project funded by the Italian Ministry of Health.

Methods
A desk review was carried out to collect information about national policies, international literature and guidelines on SE and STIs prevention. An online survey was developed to collect information on SBSE activities implemented in Italy during 2016-2020. Focus groups among project partners and open consultations with a multisectorial expert advisory board were organised. SBSE pilot activity was developed by an interdisciplinary team of pedagogists, public health and SE experts, educators.

Results and discussion
The SBSE was structured in: a) 5 interactive interventions of 2 hours each with students (4 theoretical and practical modules; 1 final intervention for students-led discussion and evaluation); b) introductory and closing meetings with teachers and with parents. The modules addressed the following dimensions: changes in adolescence; emotions and relationships; sexual identities and diversity; sexual consent, STIs/pregnancy prevention, sexual health services. Additional materials were developed: a. pre/post evaluation tools for educators and students; b. pre-implementation checklist for schools; c. materials for teachers’ and parents’ engagement before/after the SBSE activity.

Conclusions
This pilot activity represented a first step towards the development of a standardised, evidence-based and comprehensive approach to SBSE, for future implementation across the country.
Anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries and Australia
Authors: Gemes K , Bergström J , Sijbrandij M , Pinucci I , Quero S , van der Waerden J , Burchert S , Bryant RA , Mittendorfer-Rutz E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Studies on mental health changes during the COVID-19 pandemic report no change or increasing prevalence of mental health problems in general, but less is known on changes in potentially disadvantaged groups over time. We investigated changes in anxiety and depression symptoms during the first year of the pandemic in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Australia by prior mental disorders and migration status.

Methods
Overall, 4,674 adults answered a web-based survey in May-June 2020 and were followed by three repeated surveys up to February 2021 in these countries. Information on socio-demographic, living conditions, psychosocial factors, diagnosis of mental disorders before, depression and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic and migration status (being a resident or not) was collected. Weighted general estimation equations modelling was used to investigate the association between prior mental disorders, migration status, and symptoms over time.

Results
Most participants were &lt;40 years old (48%), women (78%), and highly educated (62%) with some variations across countries. The baseline prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms ranged between 19%-45% and 13%-35% respectively. In most countries, prevalence remained unchanged throughout the pandemic and was higher among people with prior mental disorder than without even after adjustment for socioeconomic, psychosocial, living and health factors. We observed interactions between previous mental disorders and symptoms of anxiety or depression over time in Germany (p = 0.01) and in Spain (p = 0.04). No prevalence difference was noted by migration status.

Conclusions
Depression and anxiety symptoms were worse among individuals with prior mental disorders than without, but there was no clear trend of mental health worsening in the observed groups during the first year of the pandemic. Still, monitoring mental health should be continued in the long-term, with special focus on vulnerable groups.

Key messages
• Depression and anxiety symptoms were higher in individuals with prior mental disorders during the first year of the pandemic in an international sample of six European countries and Australia.
• There were no clear trends of mental health worsening in any of the observed groups in neither of the countries between May-June 2020 and February 2021.
The effect of financial support on depression among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Coulaud P , Salway T , Jesson J , Bolduc N , Ferlatte O , Bertrand K , Desgrées du Loû A , Jenkins E , Jauffret-Roustide M , Knight R 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
To mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial resources, governments provided financial support (e.g., emergency aid funds) as well as family via personal assistance. This study aims to assess the moderating effect of financial support from the government or from family on the association between income loss and depression among young adults.

Methods
Two online cross-sectional surveys among young adults (18-29) living in Canada and France were conducted in October-December 2020 (n = 4511) and July-December 2021 (n = 3329). Depressive symptoms were measured using PHQ-9 score+10. Two logistic regression models were performed for each survey with an interaction term between income loss and financial support (government or family modeled separately), controlling for demographics (e.g., country, age, gender, income, living conditions).

Results
In the total sample, half reported depressive symptoms (2020/2021: 53%/46%), and over a third lost income (2020/2021: 10%/12% all income, 38%/22% some income). In 2020, 41% received government financial support (2021: 18%) while family/friends support was constant (12%). In both surveys, among those who received government support, income loss was associated with depression, whether participants lost all income (2020: AOR 1.75 [1.29-2.44]; 2021: AOR 2.17 [1.36-3.44]), or some income (2020: AOR 1.31 [1.17-1.81]; 2021: AOR 1.46 [0.99-2.16]). However, among those who received family support, income loss was no longer significantly associated with depression, whether participants lost all income (2020: AOR 1.37 [0.78-2.40]; 2021: AOR 1.51 [0.88-2.56]), or some income (2020: AOR 1.31 [0.86-1.99]; 2021: AOR 1.10 [0.67-1.81]).

Conclusions
Association between income loss and depression was moderated by receipt of family financial support but not by receipt of government support. Financial support may help to mitigate the negative effects of income loss on young adults mental health during public health crisis.

Key messages
• Financial support may help to minimize risk of depressive symptoms among youth who lost income related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Financial support through personal assistance (e.g., family, friends) appears to have a greater impact on youth mental health than COVID-specific government assistance funds.