bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The “grey” digital divide in older adults during COVID-19 in Germany: Who is most at risk?
Authors: Barnils N Pedrós , Schüz B 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing was a recommended public health measure. For some older adults, distancing has not only been physical but also social due to a lack of access to the internet - either due to consciously opting out or lack of resources. This study aims to assess who is most at risk of not having access to the internet and the associated negative mental and physical health outcomes.

Methods
Participants were drawn from the 2020 German Ageing Survey (DEAS) in June and July 2020, and include community-dwelling adults above 45 years old (N = 4,823; 56.5% response rate). Two complementary analytic approaches were used to identify lack of access: logistic regression (LR) and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis, using social indicators as predictors. LR provides information about main effects of the predictors; CART, through an exploratory, non-parametric procedure, illustrates the mathematical relationship of the variables.

Results
CART analysis revealed that the strongest discriminating factor for internet access was being over or under 75 years old (n = 3,131 Pr = 0.075 vs n = 1,545 Pr = 0.385). Moreover, for older individuals high education was a protective factor (n = 739 Pr = 0.260 vs n = 805 Pr = 0.499), while for younger individuals a monthly income of 2,000€ set the internet access cut-off point (n = 2520 Pr = 0.0504 vs n = 611 Pr = 0.177). Logistic regression revealed that gender (OR = 1.50; pv &lt; 0.001), education (OR = 0.36; pv &lt; 0.001), monthly income (0.93; pv &lt; 0.001) and region in Germany (West-East) (OR = 2.42; pv &lt; 0.001) explain 29.40% of internet access’ variance. Results are preliminary.

Conclusions
In times of forced physical distancing, the “grey” digital divide increases the vulnerability of disadvantaged groups. CART analysis helped identify groups at higher risk of not having access to the internet and yields the ground for tailored public health interventions.

Key messages
Assessment of Cyberostracism and Personality Inventory In First Year University Students In Turkey
Authors: Muz FN Öznur , Ünsal A , Arslantaş D , Kılınç A , Tözün M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Being ignored, one of the most common problems among young people, can occur not only in face-to-face communication but also through social media communication tools over the internet and is called cyberostracism (CO). The effects of cyberostracism on people are at least as effective as in real social life and can cause a wide variety of affective disorders. It is thought that the family, environmental factors and the individual's own personality traits effectively control such negative emotions. This study aims to evaluate the CO level and personality types of students who have just started university in Turkey.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 spring semester and 3148 students in the first year of their university in Turkey constituted the study group. To evaluate the CO levels of the students, CO Scale (min-max score 14-70) and to evaluate the personality type, Ten Item-Personality Inventory (TIPI) was used. The questionnaire prepared in accordance with literature was filled out online by the students. Mann Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis analyses and Multiple Linear Regression was used.

Results
In the study, 1847 (62.5%) were female and the mean age was 19.9±1.8 years. The mean score obtained from the CO scale was 21.1±8.1; 41.8% of the participants had the Agreeableness personality type. Male gender, extended family, not good at face-to-face communication with friends, creating a membership by hiding their identity in social media and being ignored in social media were predictive for CO (F: 69.176, R2: 0.172, p &lt; 0.001) was shown in multiple linear regression.

Conclusions
Distance education programs during the pandemic period have limited the face-to-face communication of young people, causing them to spend more time in cyberspace. Personality type has been an important factor affecting the level of cyberostracism by determining our behaviour when exposed to difficult life events.

Key messages
Impact of the MEDEA exposure-reduction strategies on indoor air quality during desert dust storms
Authors: Achilleos S , Michanikou A , Kouis P , Papatheodorou SI , Panayiotou A , Kinni P , Middleton N , Koutrakis P , Yiallouros PK 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Desert dust storms (DDS) impact the Mediterranean basin heavily, particularly in the context of climate change, reduced precipitation and increasing desertification. There is a pressing need to develop policies protecting EU citizens’ health from DDS. While Public Health authorities in affected regions commonly issue warnings, the effectiveness of recommendations to reduce exposure has not been documented.

Methods
This work is part of the wider “MEDEA” intervention studies, co-funded by LIFE 2016 Programme. Among other outcomes, the studies examined the effectiveness of an indoor exposure-reduction intervention (i.e., decrease home ventilation and use of air cleaners) across homes of asthmatic schoolchildren and individuals with atrial fibrillation in Cyprus. Participants were randomized to either a control or indoor intervention group. The assessment took place in a sample of participants’ homes, during 2019 and 2021, with the collection of indoor and outdoor PM10 and PM2.5 samples, which were analyzed for mass and elemental concentrations.

Results
Indoor PM2.5 and PM10 mass and elements concentrations were significantly lower in the indoor intervention group compared to the control group, both during days with no dust (e.g., 55% and 48% reduction for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively) and days with desert dust (PM2.5: 47% and PM10: 40% reduction). In addition, the infiltration of PM2.5 and PM10 particles from the outdoor to the indoor air was significantly lower in the intervention vs. the control group (PM2.5: -55%, 95% CI: -42%, -65%; PM10: -41%, 95% CI: -61%, -12%).

Conclusions
The study assessed a realistic exposure-reduction strategy and provided first-time evidence that closing doors and windows along with air cleaners can reduce indoor exposure to DDS particles. This evidence can further inform decision-making and strategic planning for population-level mitigation of DDS health effects in Mediterranean Europe.

Key messages
Differences in labour market marginalisation among young immigrant groups and Swedish-born youth
Authors: Amin R , Geirsdottir G , Mittendorfer-Rutz E , Björkenstam E , Chen L , Dorner T 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
There is a knowledge gap regarding the risk for labour market marginalisation among younger cohorts of refugees and non-refugee immigrants. We investigated if the risk of long-term unemployment (LTU) and disability pension (DP) differs between young refugees and non-refuge immigrants compared to the Swedish-born. The role of age at arrival, duration of residency and morbidity in this association was also investigated.

Methods
All 19- to 25-year-olds residing in Sweden on 31 December 2004 (1691 refugees who were unaccompanied by a parent at arrival, 24,697 accompanied refugees, 18,762 non-refugee immigrants and 621,455 Swedish-born individuals) were followed from 2005 to 2016 regarding LTU (&gt;180 days annually) and DP using nationwide register data. Cox regression models were used to estimate crude and multivariate-adjusted (adjusted for several socio-demographic, labour market and health-related covariates) hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results
Compared to the Swedish-born, all migrant groups had around a 1.8-fold higher risk of LTU (range aHR=1.71-1.83) and around a 30% lower risk of DP (range aHR=0.66-0.76). Older age at arrival was associated with a higher risk of LTU only for non-refugee immigrants. Both older age at arrival and a shorter duration of residency were associated with a lower risk of DP for all migrant groups. Psychiatric morbidity had the strongest effect on subsequent DP, with no significant differences between migrant groups and the Swedish-born (range aHR=5.1-6.1).

Conclusions
Young immigrants had a higher risk of LTU and a lower risk of DP than their Swedish-born peers. No differences between the different immigrant groups were found. Age at arrival, psychiatric morbidity and duration of residency are strong determinants of being granted DP.

Key messages
Risk behaviors among migrant adolescents in Italy
Authors: Koumantakis E , Bersia M , Berchialla P , Charrier L , Comoretto RI , Borraccino A , Lemma P , Nardone P , Vieno A , Dalmasso P 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Over the last decade, the student population migrated to Italy has quadrupled, but studies on their potentially harmful behaviors such as substance use are still scarce. The aim of this research is to monitor risk behaviors among migrant adolescents in Italy and provide appropriate indications for the definition of targeted policies and interventions.

Methods
A representative sample of 15 year-old adolescents was drawn from the 2018 Italian Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey data. Smoking habits, alcohol consumption and drunkenness were investigated and differences with Italian peers were assessed.

Findings
Results were based on more than 18,500 students, of which 16% were migrants: 32.7% from Western countries (We), 32.5% from Eastern European countries (Ee), and 34.8% from non-Western/non-European countries (nW). Compared with natives, students from nW countries showed a lower risk of smoking habits (OR: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.58-0.89) and weekly alcohol consumption (OR:0.57, 95%CI:0.43-0.75), whereas drunkenness was more prevalent among Ee migrants (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.10-1.83). Overall, both migrant and Italian girls showed a lower risk of unhealthy behaviors than boys.

Conclusions
Compared to the native counterparts, migrant adolescents showed differences in substance use according to their ethnic background. We observed two different immigration patterns: the Western immigrants, who came from countries with higher affluence and share similar risk behaviors with native peers, and non-Western immigrants, who came from less affluent countries and seemed to maintain the risk behaviors of their culture of origin.

Key messages
Maternal care experience and postpartum depressive symptoms among migrant and native in Portugal
Authors: Teixeira C , Santos S , Guerra J , Barros H 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Migration is a risk factor for both, poor maternal experience with healthcare services (MEHCS) and postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS), a matter of concern due to their adverse consequences. We aimed to assess the association between MEHCS and PPDS taking into account the migration status.

Methods
This is part of a population-based study (baMBINO project), enrolling native (PT; n = 1568), permanent migrant (PM; n = 676) and temporary migrant (TM; n = 757) women recruited at delivery (2017-2019) in 32 Portuguese public hospitals. MEHCS was assessed based on 39 items of the Migrant Friendly Maternal Care Questionnaire asking about how women have experienced maternal care during pregnancy, during delivery and after birth. Items were grouped into 9 components each one assessing a different issue of MEHCS. For each component women were classified as having “good” or “less than good” experience. PPDS were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (cut-off≥12). Multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to estimate the association between MEHCS and PPDS. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and respective 95% confidence interval were obtained.

Results
PPDS were reported by 3.8%, 5.8% and 8.2% of PT, PM and TM women, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). After adjustment, 4 out 9 components of MEHCS appeared related with PPDS, such that women reporting less than good experience with “understanding information” (aOR=1.72 95%CI:1.14-2.60), “decisions according to maternal wishes” (aOR=1.56 95% CI:1.04-2.34), “time waiting for healthcare” (aOR=1.50 95%CI:1.04-2.18) and “healthcare provider's attitudes during pregnancy” (aOR=1.58 95%CI:1.01-2.47) showed higher odds of PPDS than women reporting good experience.

Conclusions
Further than the migration status, poor experience with some issues of maternal care seems play a role in the risk of PPDS

Key messages
Reporting guidelines for burden of disease studies: why and how?
Authors: Devleesschauwer B , Haagsma JA , Charalampous P , Assunção R , Bari C Di , Gorasso V , Grant I , Hilderink H , Idavain J , Lesnik T , Majdan M , Santric-Milicevic M , Pallari E , Pires SM , Plass D , Wyper GMA , Von der Lippe E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) is a frequently used metric to assess burden of disease (BoD). Many independent BoD studies have been performed across Europe, showing wide variations and inconsistencies in the application and reporting of DALY specific methods. The European Burden of Disease Network (burden-eu) aims to develop guidelines for reporting DALY calculation studies which may enhance transparency and comparability of BoD estimates across Europe and beyond.

Methods
A burden-eu working group of experts generated a list of potential reporting items based on existing literature, guidance for developing guidelines and consultations with BoD experts. To pilot the drafted product, we asked BoD experts and non-experts to apply it to existing BoD studies. We received feedback and we revised the guidelines accordingly.

Results
The guide for DALY calculation studies comprises about 25 items that should be reported in BoD studies. We included information about the study setting, data input sources including methods for data corrections, DALY-specific methods (e.g., YLL life table, YLD approach, disability weights etc), data analyses, and data limitations. We also included information on how users can compare their new estimates with previously available BoD estimates.

Conclusions
We introduced a reporting instrument for DALY calculations that can be used to document input data and methodological design choices in BoD studies. The application of such guidelines will enhance usability of BoD estimates for decision-makers as well as global, regional, and national health experts.

Key messages
Understanding the relationships between dietary risk behaviour and social factors in older adults
Authors: Geigl C , Spagert L , Loss J , Leitzmann M , Janssen C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The relationships between social factors and dietary risk behaviour in older adults have not yet been thoroughly investigated. In this analysis, we aimed to develop a brief index of dietary risk behaviour and examine its associations with sociodemographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioural factors.

Methods
A community-based postal survey was conducted to collect cross-sectional data from German adults aged 65 and older (n = 1687; 33% response proportion; 52% female). Using principal component analysis, we developed a 3-item dietary risk behaviour index (DRB), including the food groups vegetables/fruit, whole grains, and dairy products. Dietary risk behaviour was defined as food group consumption frequencies below national dietary recommendations. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse associations between dietary risk behaviour and social factors.

Results
Physical activity, female gender, education level, and social support were negatively associated with dietary risk behaviour, while alcohol consumption and smoking were positively associated (Adj. R2 = 0.16, p &lt; 0.001). The brief DRB based on vegetables/fruit, whole grains, and dairy products has proven to be appropriate in analysing dietary behaviour among older adults.

Conclusions
A better understanding of the relationships between social factors and dietary risk behaviour among older adults can assist in group-specific targeting of dietary-related interventions. Demand-oriented dietary interventions should address underlying social factors to reduce inequities in dietary risk behaviour among older adults. The results may be transferable to municipalities in high-income European countries.

Key messages
The situation of older Emergency Department patients. Results from a participatory observation study
Authors: Deutschbein J , Wagenknecht A , Schneider A , Moeckel M , Schenk L 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Elderly patients make up a substantial share of Emergency Department (ED) populations which will increase steadily in the coming decades. This poses a challenge for EDs that are not designed to care for multimorbid, frail, and care-dependent older patients. However, too little is known about the current situation of older ED patients and their specific needs. This study seeks to explore ED stays of older and geriatric patients from a patient-centered perspective.

Methods
Participatory observations of older patients’ ED stays were conducted in five different EDs in a central district of Berlin. This included the passive company of ED patients aged 65 years and older, as possible from admission to discharge or referral. The sampling strategy followed the logic of theoretical sampling. Observation notes were captured in a semi-structured protocol and subjected to systematic, comparative analysis based on the Grounded Theory approach.

Results
N = 71 cases of older ED patients were included. Patients’ mean age was 80 years and 52% were female. The total observation time amounted to 332 hours, the mean observation time was 4 hours and 40 minutes. Long waiting hours and uncertainty about the further course turned out to be burdensome for the patients. Other problems were the dependency of patients in their ability to satisfy basic needs such as toileting and hydration. Personnel mostly tried to address these needs but did not always have the capacities.

Conclusions
Like most health care institutions, EDs need to prepare for the consequences of aging societies. Older patients are more vulnerable to stressful situations such as ED stays and depend on more attention and nursing support. ED staff often lack the resources for this. Strategies are needed to adjust ED structures and processes to the specific needs of older patients. This includes the prevention of ED stays.

Key messages
Integrated health and social care evaluation framework for mental health and drug addiction care
Authors: Barbaglia G , Robles N , Hilarión P , Torres M , Gotsens M , Colell E , Puigdomènech E , de la Torre J Arias , Espallargues M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Guiding the decision-making process in mental health investments is advisable. The objective of the study is to develop a framework for evaluating the quality of integrated health and social care in Mental Health and Drug Addiction (MH&DA)

Methods
A literature review helped to establish a definition of integrated care specific to MH&DA and to identify potential indicators for its evaluation. The quality of integrated care was assessed through focus groups (FGs) and interviews (INs) with three different profiles: professionals (2FGs & 2 INs), patients (3 FGs & 2 INs) and families/carers (2FGs & 2 INs). Additional indicators were also obtained from them.

Results
Out of 2,226 publications identified, 87 (4%) were reviewed in full. According to the literature, integrated care in MH&DA is based on four main components: case management, comprehensive assessment, individualised care plan and care coordination among different providers. Based on these components, an operational definition of integrated care was developed and validated in the FGs and INs. Positive aspects identified were a respectful approach and positive experiences of coordination between social and community network. Regarding indicators about 400 were identified, after screening were reduced to 60: 25% corresponded to accessibility, 20% person-centred care, 16% each to care coordination and to effectiveness. In general, the main threats to the quality of care, identified in FGs and INs, matched the dimensions with the highest proportion of indicators (i.e., limited care resources, poor coordination and communication among professionals and services, and barriers in accessing specialized treatment).

Conclusions
According to literature, integrated care in MH&DA seems to be mainly evaluated in terms of accessibility and person-centred care. In a following phase, a large group of experts will be key to select the most relevant dimensions and indicators for the evaluation in a Delphi study.

Key messages
Determinants of Homelessness (SODH) in North West England in 2020
Authors: Mabhala M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Poverty creates social conditions that increase the likelihood of homelessness. These include exposure to traumatic life experiences; social disadvantages such as poor educational experiences; being raised in a broken family, care homes or foster care; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; and neglect at an early age. These conditions reduce people's ability to negotiate through life challenges.

Methods
This cross-sectional study documents the clustering and frequency of adverse social conditions among 152 homeless people from four cities in North West England between January and August 2020.

Results
Two-step cluster analysis showed that having parents with a criminal record, care history, and child neglect/abuse history was predictive of homelessness. The cluster of indicator variables among homeless people included sexual abuse (χ2 (N = 152) = 220.684, p &lt; 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.7), inappropriate sexual behaviour (χ2 (N = 152) = 207.737, p &lt; 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.7), emotional neglect (χ2 (N = 152) = 181.671, p &lt; 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.7), physical abuse by step-parent (χ2 (N = 152) = 195.882, p &lt; 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.8), and physical neglect (χ2 (N = 152) = 205.632, p &lt; 0.001, Cramer's V = 0.8).

Conclusions
Poverty and homelessness are intertwined because of the high prevalence of poverty among the homeless. Poverty sets up a chain of interactions between social conditions that increase the likelihood of unfavourable outcomes: homelessness is at the end of the interaction chain. Interventions supporting families to rise out of poverty may also reduce entry into homelessness.

Key messages