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The First 1000 Days (the period from conception to a child's second birthday) is an important developmental period. However, little is known about experiences of parents with refugee and migrant backgrounds during this period. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Publications were identified through searches of the Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases, critically appraised, and synthesised using thematic analysis. A total of 35 papers met inclusion criteria. Depressive symptomatology was consistently higher than global averages, however maternal depression conceptualisations differed across studies. Several papers reported changes in relationship dynamics as a result of having a baby post-migration. Consistent relationships were found between social and health support and wellbeing. Conceptualisations of wellbeing may differ among migrant families. Limited understanding of health services and relationships with health providers may impede help-seeking. Several research gaps were identified, particularly in relation to the wellbeing of fathers, and of parents of children over 12 months old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the coloniality infused within the conduct and third reporting of experimental research in what is commonly referred to as the 'Israeli‐Palestinian conflict'. Informed by a settler colonial framework and decolonial theory, our review measured the appearance of sociopolitical terms and critically analysed the reconciliation measures. We found that papers were three times more likely to describe the context through the framework of intractable conflict compared to occupation. Power asymmetry was often acknowledged and then flattened via, for instance, adjacent mentions of Israeli and Palestinian physical violence. Two‐thirds of the dependent variables were not related to material claims (e.g. land, settlements, or Palestinian refugees) but rather to the feelings and attitudes of Jewish Israelis and Palestinians. Of the dependent measures that did consider material issues, they nearly universally privileged conditions of the two‐state solution and compromises on refugees' right of return that would violate international law. The majority of the studies sampled Jewish–Israeli participants exclusively, and the majority of authors were affiliated with Israeli institutions. We argue that for social psychology to offer insights that coincide with the decolonization of historic Palestine, the discipline will have to begin by contextualizing its research within the material conditions and history that socially stratify the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a conclusion to a special issue of Mediterranean Politics that has sought to promote critical approaches for a better understanding of spatial process in some of the Middle East region's most prominent in-between spaces. Following recent efforts to observe bordering processes in and around the region, this collection develops the possibility that a subtly different process of territorialization is taking place in those spaces where state power is most challenged, compromised, and uncertain – frontierization. In assessing its possibilities, this paper highlights the significant record of past geographical approaches to borderlands but also selectively explores the established phenomenon of in-betweenness in the evolution of the regional territorial framework. It concludes by suggesting that any fresh consideration of contemporary spatial process should engage with geography's long tradition of studying borderlands as cooperative features and more recent multidisciplinary coverage that tends to view them today as spaces of insecurity in state margins beyond the reach of state authority. Any reinvigorated borderland studies – to which the idea of frontierization might well have something to say – needs to be multidisciplinary but also would do well to further develop agendas for exploring these regions that have been around for some time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parents play a central role in the treatment of childhood stuttering. Addressing parental attitudes toward stuttering is helpful therapeutically. The extent to which differences in attitudes toward stuttering exist on the basis of sex, geographical region and parental status (e.g., parent of a stuttering child, parent of a nonstuttering child, nonparent) is unclear. Many studies investigating such factors have used the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes–Stuttering (POSHA–S) questionnaire. A large POSHA–S database has collected responses from over 20 000 people from 49 countries. Aims: The aim of this study was to use the POSHA‐S database to examine the extent to which the following variables influence attitudes toward stuttering: (a) parents' sex (mothers vs. fathers), (b) geographic region (Middle East vs. Europe and North America), (c) parents' children (stuttering vs. nonstuttering) and (d) parental status (parents versus nonparents). Methods & Procedures: Data used in this study were extracted from selected, relevant studies that administered the POSHA–S to respondents. The Overall Stuttering Scores were compared on the basis of sex and parent status (i.e., mothers and fathers; nonparent women and men) and were then compared within and across the two geographical areas. Group comparisons were performed using analysis of variance followed by independent t tests, and Cohen's d was calculated to determine effect sizes. Outcomes & Results: Statistically significant differences were observed upon the basis of geographical region. In general, male parents and nonparents tend to have more positive stuttering attitudes among the Middle Eastern samples while female parents and nonparents tend to show more positive attitudes in European and North American samples in the POSHA–S database. Effect sizes were small for all comparisons. Conclusions & Implications: The effect of geographic region and culture may predict sex‐based differences among mothers' and fathers' attitudes toward stuttering; however, the clinical significance is unclear. Additional research is needed to better understand how children who stutter are affected by their parents' attitudes toward stuttering. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject: The research clearly indicates that attitudes toward stuttering vary according to geographical region. Less clear is whether mothers and fathers from geographically diverse backgrounds hold different attitudes toward stuttering and the extent to which parental status (being a parent, parent of a child who stutters or nonparent) affects attitudes toward stuttering. What this study adds: This study's findings confirm that geographical differences do influence attitudes toward stuttering. Male parents and nonparents tend to have equal or more positive attitudes toward stuttering in Middle Eastern samples, whereas non‐Middle Eastern female parents and nonparents tend to show hold more positive attitudes. What are the clinical implications of this work?: In addition to being culturally sensitive when working with parents of children who stutter, clinicians should also consider that mothers and fathers may have some differences in attitudes and behaviours toward their child's stuttering. These differences should be considered when designing treatment plans. It should also be noted that, despite statistical significance, the effect sizes in this study were low, suggesting that further research as well as close collaboration with parents of children who stutter is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To augment the international scientific approach to raising public mental health through active lifestyle among adults, we added the evidence of the association between physical activity and subjective wellbeing in the Middle East and North Africa region by emphasizing the mediator—COVID-19. This study aimed to identify the correlations between active mobility and subjective wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample from Tabriz, Iran, which has not yet been tackled in previous study. Methods: We finalized an online survey (N = 603) from adults between 5 June and 15 July 2021. This group reported their individual and socio-economic characteristics and their perception features and location (e.g., home, work) during COVID-19. The paper developed three ordinal logistic regression (OLR) models to examine the association between active mobility types such as commute, non-commute, frequency of active travel to parks and services per week, and different subjective wellbeing including: 1- life satisfaction, 2- feeling energetic, and 3- peaceful mind while controlling for socio-economic variables (e.g., age, gender, education, job, and income) and objective commute distance. We also incorporated the most relevant objective (street length, land-use mix, number of intersections, and building and population density) and subjective (perceived distance to different services, perceived walking places, and perceived facilities attractiveness) factors. Results: Positive response relationships between four types of physical activity levels and subjective wellbeing scores were demonstrated in all of the three developed models (with significant levels of 0.05, and 0.1) with appropriate model fits, which confirmed the existing literature. However, these relationships showed different patterns (varied significant levels) for each type of subjective wellbeing. In addition, the factors including street length (p value: 0.004), perceived walkable places (p value: 0.021, 0.068, 0.017, and 0.025) (positively), population density, and perceived distance to shopping malls (p value: 0.076, <0.0001, and 0.059 (negatively) were associated with different indicators of subjective wellbeing. Conclusion: As for the implication of our study, special actions by urban authorities such as increasing mixed-use and creating attractive places will be required to enhance the walkability of the neighborhoods. Moreover, notifying the adults regarding the benefits of physical activity is much more needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This debate paper focuses on available strategies, policies, and challenges of health promotion for combating obesity in the Arab Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar). The paper focuses on the abovementioned countries due to their similarity on many aspects and because of their alarming obesity rates that are on the rise and keep increasing. The paper argues that there are significant efforts to be made in sectors such as policies, intersectoral work, primary healthcare, health promotion strategies development, and qualified personnel for health promotion and health education. Among the six states, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and to a degree Oman have shown some development with regard to the implementation and evaluation of obesity-related health promotion policies, and thus other Arab Gulf countries could be inspired by existing good practices and move from good intentions to using their available wealth to invest in the implementation and evaluation of published policies and strategies. All Arab Gulf countries are in need of more qualified personnel and the development of infrastructure that can help tackle the growing obesity challenge that such countries are experiencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Interprofessional continuing education (IPCE) health care educators must plan activities as members of interprofessional teams and deliver activities to an interprofessional audience. Evidence in the literature suggests they are not well prepared to meet this challenge. This paper reviews one strategy to improve the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices of IPCE educators. Methods: Seven faculty development workshops were conducted within the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Approximately 250 learners participated in the workshops in total, with 107 in an IRB-approved research study. Results: From the research cohorts demonstrated improved knowledge and skills over a 12-month period. Knowledge and skills scores increased most significantly from baseline to 3 months and remained above baseline at 6-12 months. The workshop was not an effective strategy to improve attitudes towards IPCE, though attitude scores were already high prior to participating. Conclusions: All participants actively engaged in the workshops. There were no observed differences in engagement by geographic region, gender, age, or profession. Participants stated they were better able to understand the roles of other team members; perspectives of patients, families, and caregivers; and their own roles on clinical teams. Participants described gaining a new appreciation for the complexity of designing IPCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of speech-language pathology--related specialists (SPs) and speech-language pathology (SLP) students toward stuttering. Furthermore, we identified the factors that influence changes in the attitudes of SLP students and SPs in various countries. Method: Using a search formula, the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were used to conduct primary and secondary screening for analysis. All previous studies included in the systematic review focused on SPs or SLP students and were published in English. Studies were collected and screened independently by the first and second authors and then discussed between them. Twenty-two studies with varying research designs and sample sizes were included in the systematic review. Finally, information on authors, publishing year, participant, country or region, assessment materials, and the results were extracted and organized before analysis. Results: Twenty-two articles from eight countries and one region (Middle East) were extracted. The results showed that SLP students and SPs in different countries have different attitudes toward stuttering depending on their education, experience, geographic location, cultural status, and societal development, but stereotypes of people who stutter (PWS) persist (e.g., nervous), and the attitudes toward the clinics appear to be more negative in Western countries. Conclusions: Negative attitudes toward PWS remain among both SLP students and SPs. Thus, the factors that may influence the attitudes of SLP students and SPs should be taken into account in academic and clinical education in fluency disorders, and the education content must be structured to improve the quality of education and the attitude toward PWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient safety in primary care is an emerging field of research with a growing evidence base in western countries but little has been explored in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (GCC) including the Sultanate of Oman. This study aimed to review the literature on the safety culture and patient safety measures used globally to inform the development of safety culture among health care workers in primary care with a particular focus on the Middle East. Methods: A systematic review of the literature. Searches were undertaken using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus from the year 2000 to 2014. Terms defining safety culture were combined with terms identifying patient safety and primary care. Results: The database searches identified 3072 papers that were screened for inclusion in the review. After the screening and verification, data were extracted from 28 papers that described safety culture in primary care. The global distribution of the articles is as follows: the Netherlands (7), the United States (5), Germany (4), the United Kingdom (1), Australia, Canada and Brazil (two for each country), and with one each from Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The characteristics of the included studies were grouped under the following themes: safety culture in primary care, incident reporting, safety climate and adverse events. The most common theme from 2011 onwards was the assessment of safety culture in primary care (13 studies, 46%). The most commonly used safety culture assessment tool is the Hospital survey on patient safety culture (HSOPSC) which has been used in developing countries in the Middle East. Conclusions: This systematic review reveals that the most important first step is the assessment of safety culture in primary care which will provide a basic understanding to safety-related perceptions of health care providers. The HSOPSC has been commonly used in Kuwait, Turkey, and Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary : Due to the high prevalence of low bone mineral density in North Africa and Middle East region, estimating its attributable burden would help to a better understanding of this neglected condition for policymakers and health researchers. This study presented the number of attributable deaths has doubled from 1990 to 2019. Purpose: This study provides the latest estimates of the burden of low bone mineral density (BMD) from 1990 to 2019 in North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region. Methods: The data were extracted from the global burden of disease (GBD) 2019 study to estimate epidemiological indices such as deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and summary exposure value (SEV). SEV is a measure of the exposure of the population to a risk factor that considers the amount of exposure by the level of risk. Results: Our findings showed that in 1990–2019, the number of deaths and DALYs attributable to low BMD had almost doubled in the region and caused 20,371 (95% uncertainty intervals: 14,848–24,374) deaths and 805,959 (630,238–959,581) DALYs in 2019. However, DALYs and death rates showed a decreasing trend after age standardization. Saudi Arabia had the highest, and Lebanon had the lowest age-standardized DALYs rates in 2019, with rates of 434.2 (329.6–534.3) and 90.3 (70.6–112.1) per 100,000, respectively. The highest burden attributable to low BMD was in the 90–94 and over 95 age groups. Also, there was a decreasing trend in age-standardized SEV to low BMD for both sexes. Conclusion: Despite the decreasing trend of age-standardized burden indices, considerable amounts of deaths and DALYs were attributable to low BMD, especially in the elderly population, in the region in 2019. As the positive effects of proper interventions will be detectable in the long term, robust strategies and comprehensive stable policies are the ultimate solutions to achieving desired goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intro: The literature indicates that economic complexity (the geography of economic activities) is an important explanatory factor in income inequality; however, empirical evidence is still inconclusive. This study addresses this gap by considering the nonlinear influence of economic complexity on income inequality. Methods: Panel quantile regression with fixed effects is applied for a global sample of 121 countries from 1995 to 2018, showing robust findings. Results: Economic complexity appears to have an inverted‐U‐shaped effect on income inequality. That is, economic complexity likely increases income inequality up to a threshold, beyond which economic complexity helps to reduce income inequality. This inverted‐U‐shaped effect is found consistently in low‐income, lower‐middle‐income, and upper‐middle‐income countries, while the opposite effect is found in high‐income countries. Evidence of an inverted‐U‐shaped effect is also documented in most regions except the Middle East & North Africa and South Asia. Interestingly, the study finds that improvements in economic complexity appear to have U‐shaped effects on the income share of the bottom earners and inverted‐U‐shaped effects on the income share of the top earners. Conclusion: These effects explain the inverted‐U‐shaped effect of economic complexity on income inequality. The results are robust across different quantiles, proxies of income inequality, and various control variables [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the recent trends in migration throughout the Middle East, identifying the major implications of this movement, and isolating the critical policy issues for both Egypt and other Arab states. The author argues that international migration in the Middle East harbors political and economic effects that may be potentially explosive. It is demonstrated that current migration related policies may be counter-productive for all parties concerned. This paper highlights the emergence of new issues in Middle East politics without attempting a detailed analysis of their many facets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is classified into seven genotypes and more than 100 subtypes. The treatment regimen, duration and efficacy of HCV therapy may vary according to the HCV genotype. Therefore, the HCV genotype should be determined prior to antiviral therapy. The objective of the current study was to review systematically all studies reporting the distribution of HCV genotypes in the countries that make up the Middle East. Evidence Acquisition: Articles were identified by searching electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed and Google scholar, with timeline limits (articles published between 1995 and 2016). We carried out a systematic search regarding the distribution of HCV genotypes in Middle Eastern countries. Results: A total of 579 studies were identified by the electronic search. Of these, a total of 187 were identified as eligible papers including 60,319 patients who were meta-analyzed for pooled distribution of HCV genotypes. In Turkey, Israel, Cyprus, and Iran, genotype 1 was the most prevalent HCV genotype with rates of 82% (95% CI, 82%-83%), 68% (95% CI, 67%-69%), 68% (95% CI, 59%-77%), and 55% (95% CI, 54%-55%), respectively. In Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, HCV genotype 4 was the most common genotype with rates of 86% (95% CI, 85%-88%), 60% (95% CI, 56%-64%), 56% (95% CI, 54%-55%), and 57% (95% CI, 54%-61%), respectively. On the basis of adjusted data, HCV genotype 4 was the most prevalent genotype in the Middle East region, with a rate of 74.7% (95% CI, 73.4%-76%), followed by genotype 1 at 15.1% (95% CI, 14.1%-16%). Conclusions: Our results showed that HCV genotype 4 is the most prevalent genotype in the Middle East region. However, HCV genotype 1 is the most prevalent among non-Arab countries in the region including Turkey, Iran, Cyprus, and Israel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiology, aetiology as well as the knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to burn injuries in Palestine. A mixed‐method approach was used. A survey was distributed to a total of 1500 households selected by randomised approach. The survey was standardised based on World Health Organisation's guidelines for conducting community surveys on injury. Additionally, there were 12 focus group discussions and 10 key informant interviews to collect rich qualitative data. In the West Bank and Gaza, 1.5% of Palestinians had experienced serious burn injuries in the 12 months. The total sample of 1500 yields a margin of error (plus/minus) = 2.5% at a 95% level of confidence and a response distribution (P = 50%) with 3% non‐response rate. Of the 1500 households approached, 184 reported a total of 196 burn injuries, with 87.2% occurring inside the home: 69.4% were females and 39.3% were children. The main source of reported cause of burn was heat and flame (36%), electric current (31.6%), hot liquid (28.6%), and chemicals (2.7%). The most common first aid for burns was pouring water (74.7%). People in rural, refugee, and Bedouin settings had the highest incidence of burns. This study provides the burn prevalence rate, explanatory factors that contribute to the frequency of burns in Palestine. Making burn prevention a higher priority within the national policy is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although several studies assessing the needs of advanced cancer patients have been conducted globally, most have focused on a specific type of cancer such as lung or breast cancer. The variation across studies has also created difficulties in generalizing the results and applying the findings in other countries. The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive information on the needs of Palestinian advanced cancer patients. The quality of life (QOL), distress levels, depression, anxiety, and spiritual well-being of the patients were also assessed. Methods: A hospital-based study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on a convenience sample of patients aged 18 or above who had been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer. The unmet needs of the patients were assessed using the Short form of the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). Four instruments were utilized to examine their distress, anxiety, depression, QOL, and spirituality. A modified Supportive Care Framework was adopted to guide the design of this study. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regression were utilized to analyse the data. Results: Of the 404 cancer patients invited to the study, 379 patients consented to participate and complete the questionnaire. Of them 96.8% stated that they had at least one 'moderate to high' level unmet need. The most frequent unmet needs were those in the physical aspects of daily living (Mean 58.94; SD ± 20.93) and psychological (Mean 58.84; SD ± 19.49) domains. Most of the patients (91%) were physically ill and reported experiencing physical symptoms. About 78.1% had a high level of distress. Almost 90% reported signs of depression and anxiety. Although they felt that their spiritual well-being was good, their QOL was poor. Hierarchical linear regression analyses confirmed that educational level, age, gender, marital status, cancer stage, cancer type, physical symptoms, depression, anxiety, distress, QOL, and spirituality were independently associated with unmet supportive care needs. Conclusion: Palestinian advanced cancer patients exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of unmet needs than those in other countries, indicating a need to develop a palliative care programme within the healthcare system. They have a great need for physical, emotional/psychosocial, self-management and other services, which should be made available to them, particularly in the routine delivery of cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most frequent functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the different aspects of IBS among Middle Eastern residents. METHODS: During the study period, patients attending gastroenterology clinics of nine tertiary referral centers in four Middle Eastern couturiers (Iran, Egypt, Kuwait, and Turkey) were evaluated by Rome IV diagnostic criteria, and those who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of IBS were asked to fill in a questionnaire covering different demographics and clinical aspects. RESULTS: Overall, during a 6-month period, 509 patients with IBS were included. 41.3% of the participants were male (210 patients), and 37.4% of them had academic education. 50% of the participants were Caucasian, and 34% were Arab, and originally, they were citizens of 18 countries. 77.4% of the participants were residents of subtropical areas, while 22.2% were living in temperate regions. The average age of the participants during the first presentation in subtropical and temperate areas were 38.4 ± 12.19 and 38.06 ± 12.18 years, respectively (P = 0.726). The most common subtypes of IBS in subtropical areas were unclassified (IBS-U, 44.4%), constipation dominant (IBS-C, 27.6%), mixed pattern (IBS-M, 21%), and diarrhea dominant (IBS-D, 6.8%) in descending order while in temperate areas the most common subtypes were IBS-U (43.3%), and IBS-D (22.1%), respectively (P < 0.001). Besides abdominal pain, the most common symptom of patients in each region was bloating (62.2% and 68.1%, respectively, P = 0.246). The rate of depression and anxiety were significantly higher among the residents of temperate areas in comparison with subtropical regions (41.6% vs. 16.5% and 80.5% vs. 58.4%, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the average age of IBS presentation is the same in subtropical and temperate areas, it seems that in temperate areas, the rate of IBS-D is more prevalent than in subtropical regions. The rate of anxiety and depression are significantly higher among those who searched social media and the internet to get information about their problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the research on distinct characteristics of human trafficking in the Middle East. Concerns over migration dynamics of the Mashreq and the Arabian Peninsula; Phenomenon of human trafficking in terms of trafficking routes; Implementation of strict policies of job nationalization, particularly in the private sector.

Given the importance of comparing different groups in terms of perceptions of justice and justice effects, it is essential that the instrument used to measure perceptions behaves the same way across all groups. This study investigates the measurement invariance of the four-factor structure of organizational justice across nine Arab countries. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis is used with 2,914 employees working in the public sector to represent the variety of cultures among the Arab nations. We assess organizational justice using a measure developed by Alkhadher and Gadelrab primarily for Arab cultural perspectives of justice. This study shows that the four-dimensional model of justice is valid across the nine countries at the configural, metric, and scalar invariance. Fit indices showed sufficient to optimal fit, and difference test values were not significant across the set of the increasingly constrained confirmatory factor models. According to these results, we conclude that comparisons could be made safely on the justice latent variable level across the nine Arab groups. Moreover, justice dimension intercorrelations were found to be moderate to high and independent of cultural groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim was to study the effect of country of birth, educational level and county of residence on overweight and obesity among pregnant women in Norway. Methods Observational study based on Medical Birth Registry Norway and Statistics Norway. The study population consisted of 219 555 deliveries in 2006–2014. Body mass index (BMI) was registered at the first antenatal care visit. Multivariate regression analysis was used to explore the study aims. Results Overweight (BMI 25–29.9) was recorded in 22.3% of the women, obesity (BMI ≥30) in 12.2%. Highest rates of overweight (30.8%) and obesity (13.5%) was recorded among women from the Middle East and North Africa or with no education (30.7% and 17.2%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 39.5% in sparsely populated counties and 26.4% for women living in Oslo. Adjusted for country of birth, education level, age, parity, smoking and marital status, the relative odds of overweight and obesity were 65% (95% CI 59–72%) higher in sparsely populated counties compared to Oslo. Conclusions The prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥25) was 34.5%. The factors associated with overweight were living in rural districts in Norway, lower education and being born in countries in the Middle East or Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite calls for greater social work attention to the centrality of place in human life, the profession has yet to hone frameworks that fully capture the role of place in individual–collective identity and well-being. To move this agenda forward, this article draws on data from a series of focus groups to explore the placed experiences of women in Palestine. Analytically, it is informed by critical place inquiry , which emphasises the deeply interactional relationships between people and places, views place-centred practice and research as catalysts for active responses to the spatialised nature of power and injustice, and focuses centrally on the geographic and spatial dynamics of colonisation, and particularly settler colonialism, as key determinants of individual and collective well-being. Women's spatial narratives revolved around individual–collective identity and sovereignty, focusing in particular on three interdependent factors: freedom of movement; possession and dispossession; and continuity of place. Findings also illuminated spatial practices of resistance by which women defend and promote identity and sovereignty. We conclude with recommendations for more explicit, critically informed attention to place in social work practice, education and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Identifying ethnic inequalities in health requires data with sufficiently 'granular' (fine detailed) classifications of ethnicity to capture sub-group variation in healthcare use, risk factors and health behaviors. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), in the USA, commissioned us to explore granular approaches to ethnicity data collection outside of the USA, commencing with the European Union. Methods We examined official data sources (population censuses/registers) within the EU-28 to determine the granularity of their approach to ethnicity. When ethnic information was not available, related variables were sought (e.g. country of birth). Results Within the EU-28, we found 55% of countries collected data on ethnicity. However, only 26% of these countries (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) had a granular approach, with half of these being within the UK. Estonia, Lithuania, Croatia, Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus and Slovenia collected one to six categories. A 'write-in' option only was found in Latvia, Romania and the Czech Republic. Forty-five percent of countries did not collect ethnicity data but collected other related variables. Conclusions (i) Although there is reasonable attention to the diversity of ethnic groups in data collection, a granular approach does not predominate within EU-28 classifications. (ii) Where ethnicity is collected, it is conceptualized in different ways and diverse terminology is used. (iii) A write-in option provides the most granular approach. (iv) Almost half of the countries did not collect data on ethnicity, but did collect related variables that could be used as a proxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate differences in immunovirological response to combination antiretroviral therapy ( cART) in migrant and native men and women within a European collaboration of HIV cohorts Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research in Europ ( COHERE) in EuroCoord, 2004-2013. Methods Migrants were defined as those with geographical origin ( GO) different from the reporting country and were grouped as originating from Western Europe and Western Countries ( WEWC), Eastern Europe ( EE), North Africa and the Middle East ( NAME), sub-Saharan Africa ( SSA), Latin America ( LA), Caribbean ( CRB) and Asia/Oceania ( ASIA/ OCE). Native ( NAT) individuals were defined as those originating from the reporting country. CD4 cell counts were modelled using piecewise linear mixed-effects models with two slopes, whereas models to estimate subdistribution hazard ratios ( sHRs) were used for time to virological response ( VR) (i.e. time from cART initiation to the first of two successive HIV RNA measurements < 400 HIV-1 RNA copies/ ml). Results Of 32 817 individuals, 25 799 (78.6%) were men. The percentage of migrants was higher in women (48.9%) than in men (21.2%) and migrants from SSA accounted for the largest migrant group (29.9% in men and 63.3% in women). Migrant men and women from SSA started at lower CD4 cell counts than NAT individuals, which remained lower over time. VR was ≥ 85% at 12 months for all groups except CRB women (77.7%). Compared with NAT men and women, lower VR was experienced by NAME [ sHR 0.91; 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.86-0.97] and SSA ( sHR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82-0.95) men and CRB ( sHR 0.77; 85% CI 0.67-0.89) women, respectively. Conclusions Immunovirological response to cART in Western Europe varies by GO and sex of patients. ART benefits are not equal for all, underlining the point that efforts need to prioritize those most in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High rates of mental health problems are consistently found among immigrants from refugee generating countries. While refugees and their family members may have experienced similar traumas, refugees are more likely to have undergone a stressful asylum period. This study aims to determine whether their mental health differs. Using national registry data, refugees and non-refugees from the same countries were compared on primary healthcare service use for mental health problems and purchase of psychotropic medicine. Refugees had higher odds of using primary health care services than non-refugees. Refugee women were more likely to purchase psychotropic medicine than non-refugee women. Refugee men were more likely to purchase anti-depressants. The findings suggest that refugees have poorer mental health than non-refugees. This may be due to a combination of greater pre-migration trauma and post-migration stressors such as enduring a difficult asylum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Air quality across the northern hemisphere over the past two decades has witnessed dramatic changes, with continuous improvement in developed countries in North America and Europe, but a contrasting sharp deterioration in developing regions of Asia. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the historical trend in the long-term exposure to PM[sub 2.5] and PM[sub 2.5]-related premature mortality (PM[sub 2.5]-mortality) and its response to changes in emission that occurred during 1990-2010 across the northern hemisphere. Implications for future trends in human exposure to air pollution in both developed and developing regions of the world are discussed. METHODS: We employed the integrated exposure-response model developed by Health Effects Institute to estimate the PM[sub 2.5]-mortality. The 1990-2010 annual average PM[sub 2.5] concentrations were obtained from the simulations using the WRF-CMAQ model. Emission mitigation efficiencies of sulfur dioxide (SO[sub 2]), nitrogen oxides (NO[sub x]), ammonia (NH3), and primary PM are estimated from the PM[sub 2.5]-mortality responses to the emission variations. RESULTS: Estimated PM[sub 2.5]-mortalities in East Asia and South Asia increased by 21% and 85% respectively, from 866,000 and 578,000 in 1990, to 1,048,000 and 1,068,000 in 2010. PM[sub 2.5]-mortalities in developed regions (i.e., Europe and high-income North America) decreased substantially by 67% and 58% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past two decades, correlations between population and PM[sub 2.5] have become weaker in Europe and North America due to air pollution controls but stronger in East Asia due to deteriorating air quality. Mitigation of primary PM appears to be the most efficient way for increasing health benefits (i.e., providing the largest mortality reduction per unit emissions). However, reductions in emissions of NH[sub 3] are needed to maximize the effectiveness of NO[sub x] emission controls. CITATION: Wang J, Xing J, Mathur R, Pleim JE, Wang S, Hogrefe C, Gan CM, Wong DC, Hao J. 2017. Historical trends in PM[sub 2 5]-related premature mortality during 1990-2010 across the northern hemisphere. Environ Health Perspect 125:400-408; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP298 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a common harmful traditional practice in many communities in Africa and to a lesser extent in Middle East and other regions in the world. In order to better understand publishing on this topic, we conducted a bibliometric study on FGM/C. Bibliometric analyses can be used as an indicator of the extent of interaction of researchers, health authorities, and communities with a particular health issue. Methods: Scopus database was used to retrieve data on FGM/C. Keywords used were "female genital mutilation", "female genital circumcision", "female genital cutting" and "female circumcision". Specifically, the number of publications, top productive countries and institutions, highly cited articles, citation analysis, co-authorships, international collaboration, role of African countries, top active authors, and journals involved in publishing articles on FGM/C were reviewed and analyzed. We indirectly assessed the impact of publications using total number of citations received, average number of citations per article, Hirsch-index, percentage of highly cited articles, and journal's impact factor. Results: One thousand and thirty-five publications on FGM/C were retrieved. The h-index of retrieved articles was 37. A steep rise in number of publications was noticed in mid-1990s and again in 2012. More than half of retrieved articles were published from 2006 - 2015. A total of 65 countries contributed. The top ten productive countries included ones from Northern America, Europe and Africa. Nigeria and Egypt were the most active African countries in FGM/C publications. At least nine African academic institutions were actively involved on FGM/C publications. Articles on FGM/C that received the highest number of citations were those that focused on negative physical and psychosexual consequences of FGM/C. Journal topic areas were obstetrics/gynecology, public health, and psychological sociology. Collaboration between African and European countries on FGM/C research was evident. Conclusion: Bibliometric analysis reveals that research publications on FGM/C have been increasing since the l970s, with collaboration between African and Western countries, and articles are being published in higher impact journals, not only obstetrics, but also public health and social sciences. FGM/C research can be helpful to international health agencies and governments not only to document negative outcomes, but also to identify best practices, and to note gaps in implementation and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the activities and concerns of critical care nurses and professional critical care nursing organizations around the world and to identify expectations held of nursing leaders and policy makers to help address their concerns. Background: This study is the fourth worldwide review of its type. Previous surveys were undertaken in 2001, 2005 and 2009. Methods: An online descriptive survey was emailed to 88 potential participants from countries with critical care nursing organizations or known critical care nursing leaders. Responses were downloaded into Survey Monkey™ (Version 22) and analysed by geographical region and income level. Results: Fifty ‐ nine respondents from 58 countries completed the questionnaire, of whom 43 had critical care nursing organizations established in their countries and 29 were members of the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses. The services provided by the organizations to be of most value were national conferences, website, professional representation, and practice standards and guidelines. Professional policies had been developed by some organizations on workforce, education and practice, while almost half provided their members with either a newsletter or journal. Collectively, the most important issues for critical care nurses were working conditions, provision of formal practice guidelines and competencies, staffing levels and access to quality education programmes. Conclusions: Important issues continue to challenge the specialty of critical care nursing as new developments, priorities, clinical issues and other global events and influences impact critical care nursing worldwide. Implications for Nursing and Health Policy: This study will help guide nursing leaders and policy makers to address the needs of critical care nurses and their patients. Collaborative approaches between the specialty, nursing leaders and health policy advisors will assist to inform appropriate change in areas recommended for further action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a reply to comment made by A. M. T. Moore regarding an article on seasonal mobility and agriculture in the Levant. Moore questions the assumption that the behavioral ecology of mountain gazelle remained relatively stable over the Late Pleistocene. He states that although it is clear that the geographic distribution of these zones changed as a result of Upper Pleistocene climatic fluctuations, the floral and faunal composition remained the same throughout the period. Furthermore, Moore does not agree with the evidence that hunter-gatherers preferred lowlands in one season and uplands in another. However, the authors believe that the evidence shows a radiating mobility pattern in which humans repeatedly returned to the same sites over the course of many seasons.

Background: A higher risk of common mental health disorders has been found for first-generation migrants in high income countries, but few studies have examined the use of mental health care. This study aimed to identify the level of antidepressant use amongst the largest first generation migrant groups resident in Finland. Methods: This cohort study used record-based data linkage methodology to examine the hazard of antidepressant use between migrant groups in Finland using Cox proportional hazard models. Data was derived using socio-demographic and prescription data from Statistics Finland and the Finnish Population Registry. The cohort included a random sample of 33% of the working age population in 2007 (N = 1,059,426, 49.8% women, 2.5% migrants) and dispensed antidepressant prescriptions from 2008 to 2014. Results: After adjustment for socio-demographic characteristics, results show higher antidepressant use for female migrants from North Africa and the Middle East compared to the Finland-born majority, a similar level of use for migrants from Western countries, and lower use for migrants from other non-Western countries. Conclusions: The gender and country of origin dependent use of antidepressant medication is discussed in terms of socio-political and cultural between-group differences. Recommendations are made to address inequalities in accessing services, particularly for migrants from non-Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]