297 results
Search Results
2. The teaching body in sexuality education – intersections of age, gender, and sexuality.
- Author
-
Fingalsson, Rebecka
- Subjects
- *
SCHOOL environment , *WORK , *CORPORATE culture , *PSYCHOLOGY of teachers , *FEMINISM , *STEREOTYPES , *HUMAN sexuality , *SEX education , *SEX distribution , *INTERVIEWING , *SCHOOLS , *MASCULINITY , *TEACHING methods , *AGE distribution , *ATTENTION , *COLLEGE teacher attitudes , *INTERPERSONAL relations , *TEACHER-student relationships , *EXPERIENTIAL learning - Abstract
This paper illuminates how teachers are influenced by age, gender and sexuality in teaching about sex and relationships. In this analysis grounded in feminist theory, age, gender and sexuality are considered to be enacted as doings. Six interviews with teachers working with sexuality education in K-12 schools in Sweden were chosen from of a larger body of material consisting of 21 interviews with professionals engaged in school-based sexuality education. The six interviewees were selected because they explicitly addressed how teachers' age, gender and/or sexuality come to matter in the classroom. Findings show how male and female teachers organise their teaching in relation to normative expectations of age, gender and sexuality. In sexuality education, the diverse life-courses of (hetero)sexual women offer a wide range of pedagogic possibilities for female teachers to address issues of sexuality, consent and relationships whereas male teachers are constrained to doing safe(r) forms of masculinity by directing attention away from their bodies and experiences. In understanding these results, I argue that the figure of the tant has been key in forming the pedagogic backdrop to Swedish sexuality education, hence embedding a normative 'who' in the 'how' to teach sexuality education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Occupational differences in mortality and life expectancy persist after retirement and throughout life.
- Author
-
Marcus, Ebeling, Anders, Ahlbom, Per, Gustavsson, and Karin, Modig
- Subjects
LIFESTYLES ,LIFE expectancy ,AGE distribution ,OCCUPATIONAL exposure ,OCCUPATIONS ,RESEARCH funding ,RETIREMENT ,DEATH - Abstract
Aims: There are substantial differences in remaining life expectancy at higher ages between occupational groups. These differences may be the effect of work-related exposures, lifestyle factors of workers in specific occupations, socioeconomic position or a combination of this. The scope of this paper is the extent to which occupational differences in remaining life expectancy persist after retirement, which would suggest that occupational exposures alone are not likely to explain all the difference. Methods: All individuals born between 1925 and 1939 who reported occupational information in the Census 1985 and were residents in Sweden to the end of 2020 or who died were included and followed for death until 2020. The Nordic Classification of Occupations was used to create nine occupational groups. Partial life expectancy and age-specific death rates were applied to examine mortality differentials. Results: This study showed substantial differences in partial life expectancy across the occupational cohorts with the biggest difference being about 2 years. The mortality differences persisted with increasing age, both when measured as absolute numbers as well as relative numbers. Conclusions: The lack of convergence in mortality at high ages suggests that factors associated with lifestyle may play a larger role than occupational factors for the mortality differences between occupational groups at high ages. However, it cannot be ruled out that long-lasting effects of earlier occupational exposures also contribute. Regardless of the exact mechanism, we conclude that there is room for further reduction in mortality at high ages and, thus, for further improvement in life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. "It's Kind of Our Everyday Life. It Sort of Becomes Natural": Everyday Violence and Violent Practices Among Young People.
- Author
-
Skott, Sara
- Subjects
SAFETY ,FOCUS groups ,AGE distribution ,VIOLENCE ,INTERVIEWING ,MENTAL health ,VICTIM psychology ,SEX distribution ,SEXUAL harassment ,PHOTOGRAPHY ,SOUND recordings ,SOCIAL classes ,SEX crimes ,THEMATIC analysis ,CYBERBULLYING ,PUBLIC opinion ,ADULTS ,ADOLESCENCE - Abstract
Although violence among youth remains an important, global issue, little research has been conducted regarding how young people themselves define violence and what practices in relation to violence that are evident in their everyday lives. Using an intersectional gender perspective, specifically exploring the intersection of gender, age, and class, this paper therefore aims to explore how young people define violence, as well as to explore what practices in relation to violence that are evident in young people's everyday lives. By using a photovoice methodology, 11 focus groups of young boys and girls (17–19 years old) living in two municipalities in northern Sweden were interviewed and asked to take photographs representing themes that were discussed. Overall, three main themes in the young peoples' stories were identified: Violence as ubiquitous, Easy prey and dangerous predators, and The way forward. The findings demonstrated that violence is pervasive, all-encompassing and normalized in young people's everyday lives, and that this violence is moderated by intersecting power orders of gender, age, and class. Any future theoretical frameworks or prevention strategies should therefore aim to include an intersectional perspective as well as including the voices of the youths themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. The pros and cons of fertility awareness and information: a generational, Swedish perspective.
- Author
-
Bodin, Maja, Plantin, Lars, Schmidt, Lone, Ziebe, Søren, and Elmerstig, Eva
- Subjects
FOCUS groups ,AGE distribution ,RESEARCH methodology ,TIME ,BEHAVIOR ,INTERVIEWING ,HEALTH literacy ,SEX distribution ,FERTILITY ,HEALTH ,INFORMATION resources ,DECISION making ,REPRODUCTION ,HEALTH attitudes ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,STATISTICAL sampling ,THEMATIC analysis - Abstract
Being aware of factors that affect fertility can help people make informed decisions about their reproductive futures. To some, however, fertility information leads to worry and self-blame. In this paper, we explore how people from different generations discuss fertility and reproductive decision-making, along with their perceptions of fertility information. The study was conducted in southern Sweden with 26 focus-group discussions that included a total of 110 participants aged 17–90 years. The material was analysed thematically. Our results show that fertility knowledge and openness to talking about fertility problems have increased over generations. Participants who were assigned female at birth were more often concerned about their fertility than those who were not, and fertility concerns were transferred from mothers to daughters. While age-related fertility concerns had been uncommon in older generations, participants aged 25–40 often expressed these concerns. Young adults appreciated being knowledgeable about fertility but simultaneously expressed how fertility information could lead to distress. Our conclusion is that fertility information was best received by high-school students, and efforts to improve fertility education in schools are therefore recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Parent rating of intelligibility: A discussion of the construct validity of the Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) and normative data of the Swedish version of the ICS.
- Author
-
Lagerberg, Tove B., Anrep‐Nordin, Elin, Emanuelsson, Helena, and Strömbergsson, Sofia
- Subjects
KRUSKAL-Wallis Test ,STATISTICS ,RESEARCH evaluation ,INTELLIGIBILITY of speech ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,MULTILINGUALISM ,AGE distribution ,MANN Whitney U Test ,SEX distribution ,MULTITRAIT multimethod techniques ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,DATA analysis software ,DATA analysis ,STATISTICAL correlation ,PARENTS - Abstract
Background: Intelligibility can be defined as the speakers' ability to convey a message to the listener and it is considered the key functional measure of speech. The Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS) is a parent rating scale used to assess intelligibility in children. Aims: To describe normative and validation data on the ICS in Swedish and to investigate how these are related to age, gender and multilingualism. Methods & Procedures: Two studies were included. Study 1 included ICS forms from 319 Swedish‐speaking children (3:2–9:2 years:months). Study 2 included video recordings and ICS forms from 14 children with speech sound disorder (SSD) and two with typical speech. The video recordings were transcribed in the validation process, resulting in intelligibility reference scores to which ICS scores were correlated. Outcomes & Results: Study 1: The mean value of the ICS for the 319 children was 4.73. There were no differences in ICS score related to age or gender. The children in the multilingual group were significantly older than the monolingual group and had significantly lower ICS scores than the group of monolinguals. Study 2: There was a moderate correlation between the ICS score and the transcription‐based intelligibility score, with the two children with typical speech excluded; however, this correlation was not significant. Conclusions & Implications: We contribute mean scores and percentiles on the ICS for Swedish‐speaking children. The finding that the ICS does not provide valid measures of intelligibility for the included children with SSD suggests that the instrument measures a different construct. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: The ICS has been translated to numerous languages and validated against articulation measures in several previous studies. The validity of the Swedish version has been investigated against intelligibility based on transcription of single words. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: The study provides normative values of the Swedish version of the ICS for children aged 3–9 years. This is the first study to use a gold standard measure of intelligibility in continuous speech to validate the ICS. The results show a somewhat dubious validity regarding ICS for the group of children with SSD included in the study. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The ICS's suitability as a measure of intelligibility is questionable; however, it might be of use for speech and language pathologists to give an overview of the parents' view of their child's ability to communicate, in order to make a decision on possible further assessment and intervention. The normative values of the Swedish version of the ICS could be of use in this decision process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Combined effects of age and hearing impairment on utterances and requests for clarification in spontaneous conversation and a referential communication task.
- Author
-
Ellis, Rachel J., Rönnberg, Jerker, and Plejert, Charlotta
- Subjects
- *
COMMUNICATIVE competence , *SPEECH , *CONVERSATION , *TASK performance , *RESEARCH funding , *DATA analysis , *AGE distribution , *MANN Whitney U Test , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *FRIEDMAN test (Statistics) , *STATISTICS , *HEARING disorders , *INTERPERSONAL relations , *SPEECH perception , *DATA analysis software , *NONPARAMETRIC statistics , *DISEASE complications , *OLD age - Abstract
Background: The impact of hearing impairment is typically studied in terms of its effects on speech perception, yet this fails to account for the interactive nature of communication. Recently, there has been a move towards studying the effects of age‐related hearing impairment on interaction, often using referential communication tasks; however, little is known about how interaction in these tasks compares to everyday communication. Aims: To investigate utterances and requests for clarification used in one‐to‐one conversations between older adults with hearing impairment and younger adults without hearing impairment, and between two younger adults without hearing impairment. Methods & Procedures: A total of 42 participants were recruited to the study and split into 21 pairs, 10 with two younger adults without hearing impairment and 11 with one younger adult without hearing impairment and one older participant with age‐related hearing impairment (hard of hearing). Results from three tasks—spontaneous conversation and two trials of a referential communication task—were compared. A total of 5 min of interaction in each of the three tasks was transcribed, and the frequency of requests for clarification, mean length of utterance and total utterances were calculated for individual participants and pairs. Outcomes & Results: When engaging in spontaneous conversation, participants made fewer requests for clarification than in the referential communication, regardless of hearing status/age (p ≤ 0.012). Participants who were hard of hearing made significantly more requests for clarification than their partners without hearing impairment in only the second trial of the referential communication task (U = 25, p = 0.019). Mean length of utterance was longer in spontaneous conversation than in the referential communication task in the pairs without hearing impairment (p ≤ 0.021), but not in the pairs including a person who was hard of hearing. However, participants who were hard of hearing used significantly longer utterances than their partners without hearing impairment in the spontaneous conversation (U = 8, p < 0.001) but not in the referential communication tasks. Conclusions & Implications: The findings suggest that patterns of interaction observed in referential communication tasks differ to those observed in spontaneous conversation. The results also suggest that fatigue may be an important consideration when planning studies of interaction that use multiple conditions of a communication task, particularly when participants are older or hard of hearing. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Age‐related hearing impairment is known to affect communication; however, the majority of studies have focused on its impact on speech perception in controlled conditions. This indicates little about the impact on everyday, interactive, communication. What this study adds to the existing knowledge: We investigated utterance length and requests for clarification in one‐to‐one conversations between pairs consisting of one older adult who is hard of hearing and one younger adult without hearing impairment, or two younger adults without hearing impairment. Results from three tasks (two trials of a referential communication task and spontaneous conversation) were compared. The findings demonstrated a significant effect of task type on requests for clarification in both groups. Furthermore, in spontaneous conversation, older adults who were hard of hearing used significantly longer utterances than their partners without hearing impairment. This pattern was not observed in the referential communication task. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: These findings have important implications for generalizing results from controlled communication tasks to more everyday conversation. Specifically, they suggest that the previously observed strategy of monopolizing conversation, possibly as an attempt to control it, may be more frequently used by older adults who are hard of hearing in natural conversation than in a more contrived communication task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Prolonged or preserved working life? Intra-organisational institutions embedded in human resource routines.
- Author
-
Liff, Roy and Wikström, Ewa
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,RESEARCH methodology ,TIME ,WORK-life balance ,INTERVIEWING ,EMPLOYEE recruitment ,QUALITATIVE research ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,WAGES ,QUALITY of life ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RETIREMENT ,CORPORATE culture - Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of why people are still retiring earlier than would have been expected, despite policies that increase the retirement age. This is a qualitative study in a large public-service organisation in Sweden focusing particularly on how human resource routines aimed at middle management tend to inhibit the promotion of a prolonged working life, despite government efforts aimed at changing these actions. The results highlight three key routines (development talks, salary talks and internal recruitment) that inhibit prolonged working life. These routines seem rational and appropriate to the organisation's managers, because the demands of the job must have priority over employees' capabilities in recruitment routines. Furthermore, it could be considered economically rational to prioritise salary demands of younger employees over those of older employees, and it may appear economically rational to stop further training efforts for older employees. In general, then, it seems reasonable to managers to make decisions based on objective criteria like age. Nevertheless, our results suggest that these routines may need to be redesigned in order to support a prolonged working life and to avoid a discrepancy between accepted prolonged working-life policies and the actions of organisational actors. The study further reveals how intra-organisational institutions (e.g. taken-for-granted mind-sets and norms) embedded in human resource routines may promote or inhibit prolonged working life, suggesting a need for change in those institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review of Epidemiology and Public Health System Response in Nordic Region.
- Author
-
Nanda, Mehak, Aashima, and Sharma, Rajesh
- Subjects
INTENSIVE care units ,COVID-19 ,AGE distribution ,QUARANTINE ,GOVERNMENT regulation ,TRAVEL ,COMMUNITY health services ,PUBLIC health ,POPULATION geography ,SEX distribution ,HOSPITAL care ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,COVID-19 testing ,CONTACT tracing ,ISOLATION (Hospital care) ,STAY-at-home orders ,SOCIAL distancing - Abstract
This paper investigates the epidemiology and public health response of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the Nordic region. The data on cases and deaths due to COVID-19 were drawn from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The data on age- and sex-wise cases, deaths and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and public health interventions in the Nordic region through November 10, 2020, were obtained from respective countries' health ministries. Sweden accounted for 60.59% of cases (162 240 of 267 768 cases) and 81% of deaths (6057 of 7477 cases) in the Nordic region. The incidence rate for the Nordic region was 989.59 per 100 000, varying from 327.30 per 100 000 in Finland to 1616.51 per 100 000 in Sweden, and the mortality rate for the region was 27.63 per 100 000, ranging from 5.3 per 100 000 in Norway to 60.35 per 100 000 in Sweden. The case–fatality ratio of the Nordic region was 2.79%. Females were more susceptible to COVID-19 infection than males (52.30% vs 47.66%), while males had a greater proportion of deaths (54.7%) and ICU need (71.99%) than females. It is imperative to continue with social distancing, mandatory masks, testing, prohibition of mass gatherings, isolation of confirmed cases, and preventing the importation of cases from other countries to avoid the further resurgence of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Old Overnight: Experiences of Age-Based Recommendations in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden.
- Author
-
Nilsson, Gabriella, Ekstam, Lisa, Axmon, Anna, and Andersson, Janicke
- Subjects
HEALTH policy ,AGE distribution ,PRACTICAL politics ,SURVEYS ,QUALITATIVE research ,AGING ,AUTONOMY (Psychology) ,COVID-19 pandemic - Abstract
The Swedish response to the COVID-19 pandemic included age-based recommendations of voluntary quarantine specifically for those 70 years of age or older. This paper investigates the experiences of a sudden change of policy in the form of an age restriction that trumped the contemporary active aging ideal. A web-based qualitative survey was conducted in April 2020. Through manual coding of a total of 851 responses, six different ways of relating to the age-based recommendations were identified. The results show that age is not an unproblematic governing principle. Instead, in addition to protecting a vulnerable group, the age-based recommendation meant deprivation of previously assigned individual responsibility and, consequently, autonomy. It is shown how respondents handled this tension through varying degrees of compliance and resistance. Findings highlight the importance of continuously tracking the long-term consequences of age-based policy to avoid negative self-image and poorer health among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Determinants for use of direct-to-consumer telemedicine consultations in primary healthcare—a registry based total population study from Stockholm, Sweden.
- Author
-
Dahlgren, Cecilia, Dackehag, Margareta, Wändell, Per, and Rehnberg, Clas
- Subjects
MEDICAL consultation ,AGE distribution ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,MEDICAL care use ,PRIMARY health care ,INCOME ,PUBLIC hospitals ,NURSES ,LOGISTIC regression analysis ,TELEMEDICINE ,PROBABILITY theory ,EDUCATIONAL attainment - Abstract
Background: In recent years, telemedicine consultations have evolved as a new form of providing primary healthcare. Telemedicine options can provide benefits to patients in terms of access, reduced travel time and no risk of disease spreading. However, concerns have been raised that access is not equally distributed in the population, which could lead to increased inequality in health. The aim of this paper is to explore the determinants for use of direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine consultations in a setting where telemedicine is included in the publicly funded healthcare system. Methods: To investigate factors associated with the use of DTC telemedicine, a database was constructed by linking national and regional registries covering the entire population of Stockholm, Sweden (N = 2.3 million). Logistic regressions were applied to explore the determinants for utilization in 2018. As comparators, face-to-face physician consultations in primary healthcare were included in the study, as well as digi-physical physician consultations, i.e., telemedicine consultations offered by traditional primary healthcare providers also offering face-to-face visits, and telephone consultations by nurses. Results: The determinants for use of DTC telemedicine differed substantially from face-to-face visits but also to some extent from the other telemedicine options. For the DTC telemedicine consultations, the factors associated with higher probability of utilization were younger age, higher educational attainment, higher income and being born in Sweden. In contrast, the main determinants for use of face-to-face visits were higher age, lower educational background and being born outside of Sweden. Conclusion: The use of DTC telemedicine is determined by factors that are generally not associated with greater healthcare need and the distribution raises some concerns about the equity implications. Policy makers aiming to increase the level of telemedicine consultations in healthcare should consider measures to promote access for elderly and individuals born outside of Sweden to ensure that all groups have access to healthcare services according to their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Age limits for participation in child protection court proceedings in Sweden.
- Author
-
Hultman, Elin, Höjer, Staffan, and Larsson, Monica
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,CHILD development ,CHILDREN'S rights ,COURTS ,EMOTION regulation ,LAWYERS ,LEGAL procedure ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCIAL workers ,PATIENT participation - Abstract
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Swedish legislation, children have the right to participate in child protection proceedings. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse the notion of age and maturity in child protection proceedings in order to elucidate how these aspects could influence children's rights to participate. We focus on the view of three groups of actors involved in child protection proceedings in Sweden—social workers, lawyers, and laypersons in social welfare boards and administrative courts—and on how children's age and maturity should be taken into consideration in decisions on their participation in court. The analysis is based on survey data. The study found that social workers, laypersons, and lawyers have different views on when children are old enough to have the right to litigate in court. Additionally, there is no consensus on how the maturity of the child can be assessed to inform the decision about participation. More discussion is needed about what competences a child needs to participate in court and to what extent this right should be limited by their age. Importantly, courts and decision‐making proceedings can be made more child friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Swedish norms for the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for children 3–5 years rated by parents and preschool teachers.
- Author
-
Dahlberg, Anton, Fält, Elisabet, Ghaderi, Ata, Sarkadi, Anna, and Salari, Raziye
- Subjects
COMPETENCY assessment (Law) ,AGE distribution ,PSYCHOMETRICS ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SEX distribution ,PSYCHOLOGY of teachers ,EDUCATIONAL attainment ,FATHERS' attitudes ,ATTITUDES of mothers ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation ,CHILDREN - Abstract
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a widespread tool for assessing behavior problems in children and adolescents. Despite being investigated thoroughly concerning both validity and reliability, peer reviewed studies that provide norms, especially for preschool children, are lacking. This paper provides Swedish norms using data from a large community sample of children aged 3–5, based on mothers', fathers', and preschool teacher's ratings. Preschool teachers' ratings were generally lower than parents' ratings, which contradicts some previous studies. Differences between girls and boys were found, suggesting that boys display higher levels of behavior problems. Lower parental education and country of origin outside of Sweden were also associated with more difficulties. Cut‐offs are presented for each age group, gender and rater category. Population‐specific norms and percentile cut‐offs provided in this study facilitate identifying children in need of interventions in paediatric care and enable cross‐country comparisons of children's mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Cerebral palsy prevalence, subtypes, and associated impairments: a population-based comparison study of adults and children.
- Author
-
Jonsson, Ulrica, Eek, Meta N, Sunnerhagen, Katharina S, and Himmelmann, Kate
- Subjects
CEREBRAL palsy ,DROOLING ,DISABILITIES ,INTELLECTUAL disabilities ,DISEASE prevalence ,QUADRIPLEGIA ,AGE distribution ,COMPARATIVE studies ,LONGITUDINAL method ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,RESEARCH ,EVALUATION research ,ACQUISITION of data ,DISEASE complications - Abstract
Copyright of Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Excess mortality in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020–2022.
- Author
-
Forthun, Ingeborg, Madsen, Christian, Emilsson, Louise, Nilsson, Anton, Kepp, Kasper P, Björk, Jonas, Vollset, Stein Emil, Lallukka, Tea, and Knudsen, Ann Kristin Skrindo
- Subjects
MORTALITY ,RESEARCH funding ,SEX distribution ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,POPULATION geography ,AGE distribution ,CAUSES of death ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,EPIDEMICS ,COMPARATIVE studies ,COVID-19 pandemic ,CULTURAL pluralism ,REGRESSION analysis ,SENSITIVITY & specificity (Statistics) - Abstract
Background The Nordic countries represent a unique case study for the COVID-19 pandemic due to socioeconomic and cultural similarities, high-quality comparable administrative register data and notable differences in mitigation policies during the pandemic. We aimed to compare weekly excess mortality in the Nordic countries across the three full pandemic years 2020–2022. Methods Using data on weekly all-cause mortality from official administrative registers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, we employed time series regression models to assess mortality developments within each pandemic year, with the period 2010–2019 used as reference period. We then compared excess mortality across the countries in 2020–2022, taking differences in population size and age- and sex-distribution into account. Results were age- and sex-standardized to the Danish population of 2020. Robustness was examined with a variety of sensitivity analyses. Results While Sweden experienced excess mortality in 2020 [75 excess deaths per 100 000 population (95% prediction interval 29–122)], Denmark, Finland and Norway experienced excess mortality in 2022 [52 (14–90), 130 (83–177) and 88 (48–128), respectively]. Weekly death data reveal how mortality started to increase in mid-2021 in Denmark, Finland and Norway, and continued above the expected level through 2022. Conclusion Although the Nordic countries experienced relatively low pandemic excess mortality, the impact and timing of excess mortality differed substantially. These estimates—arguably the most accurate available for any region in capturing pandemic-related excess deaths—may inform future research and policy regarding the complex mortality dynamics in times of a health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Impact of lower-respiratory tract infections on healthcare utilization and mortality in older adults: a Swedish population-based cohort study.
- Author
-
Abbadi, Ahmad, Gentili, Susanna, Tsoumani, Eleana, Brandtmüller, Agnes, Hendel, Merle K., Salomonsson, Stina, Calderón-Larrañaga, Amaia, and Vetrano, Davide L.
- Subjects
MORTALITY risk factors ,MEDICAL care use ,LIFESTYLES ,STATISTICAL models ,RISK assessment ,POISSON distribution ,RESPIRATORY infections ,PATIENTS ,MEDICAL specialties & specialists ,T-test (Statistics) ,SEX distribution ,HOSPITAL admission & discharge ,PRIMARY health care ,INTERVIEWING ,KRUSKAL-Wallis Test ,AGE distribution ,FUNCTIONAL status ,SYMPTOMS ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,EVALUATION of medical care ,CHI-squared test ,DISEASES ,LONGITUDINAL method ,ANALYSIS of variance ,HOSPITAL care of older people ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,LENGTH of stay in hospitals ,COMPARATIVE studies ,DATA analysis software ,OBESITY ,OLD age - Abstract
Background: Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) have an immediate significant impact on morbidity and mortality among older adults. However, the impact following the infectious period of LRTI remains understudied. We aimed to assess the short- to long-term impact of LRTIs on hospitalization, mortality, and healthcare utilization in older adults. Methods: Data from the Swedish National Study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) was analyzed, with data from 2001 to 2019 for mortality and 2001–2016 for healthcare utilization. LRTI-exposed participants were identified and matched with LRTI-nonexposed based on sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, and functional and clinical characteristics. Statistical models evaluated post-LRTI hospitalization risk, days of inpatient hospital admissions, healthcare visits, and mortality. Results: 567 LRTIs-exposed participants during the study period and were matched with 1.701 unexposed individuals. LRTI-exposed individuals exhibited increased risk of hospitalization at 1-year (HR 2.14, CI 1.74, 2.63), 3-years (HR 1.74, CI 1.46, 2.07), and 5-years (HR 1.59, CI 1.33, 1.89). They also experienced longer post-LRTI hospital stays (IRR 1.40, CI 1.18, 1.66), more healthcare visits (IRR 1.47, CI 1.26, 1.71), specialist-care visits (IRR 1.46, CI 1.24, 1.73), and hospital admissions (IRR 1.57, CI 1.34, 1.83) compared to nonexposed participants over 16-years of potential follow-up. Additionally, the 19-year risk of mortality was higher among LRTI-exposed participants (HR 1.45, CI 1.24, 1.70). Men exhibited stronger associations with these risks compared to women. Conclusions: LRTIs pose both short- and long-term risks for older adults, including increased risks of mortality, hospitalization, and healthcare visits that transpire beyond the acute infection period, although these effects diminish over time. Men exhibit higher risks across these outcomes compared to women. Given the potential preventability of LRTIs, further public health measures to mitigate infection risk are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Older people in Sweden without means: on the importance of age at immigration for being 'twice poor'.
- Author
-
GUSTAFSSON, BJÖRN, MAC INNES, HANNA, and ÖSTERBERG, TORUN
- Subjects
EMIGRATION & immigration & psychology ,IMMIGRANTS ,AGE distribution ,INCOME ,PENSIONS ,POVERTY ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,STATISTICAL models ,MIDDLE-income countries ,LOW-income countries - Abstract
This paper examines immigrant poverty at an older age in Sweden with an emphasis on late-in-life immigrants. We analyse tax data for the entire Swedish-born and non-Swedish-born population. The poverty status of a household is assessed using two criteria. First, the disposable income of the household in which the person lived in 2007 must be below 60 per cent of the median equivalent income in Sweden as a whole. Second, to be classified as 'twice poor' a household's net assets must be below SEK 10,000. The results indicate that three out of four Swedish-born older persons were not classified as poor by either of the criteria, and only 1 per cent by both criteria. In contrast, among older persons born in low-income countries almost three out of four were classified as poor according to one of the criteria and not fewer than one in three according to both. Results of estimating logistic models indicate that the risk of being considered poor according to both criteria is strongly positively related to one's age at immigration. Our results indicate that it is crucial that migrants, particularly those who arrive after age 40, be better integrated into the Swedish labour market. To alleviate poverty among those migrants who are already of older age, increased transfers are probably the only possible alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
18. Preschool teachers’ perspective on how high noise levels at preschool affect children’s behavior.
- Author
-
Persson Waye, Kerstin, Fredriksson, Sofie, Hussain-Alkhateeb, Laith, Gustafsson, Johanna, and van Kamp, Irene
- Subjects
PRESCHOOL children ,PRESCHOOL teachers ,CHILD psychology ,NOISE pollution ,AGE distribution ,LOUDNESS - Abstract
Early-age exposure to noise may have long-term health implications of which we have little knowledge of today. Age-specific hearing, learning inadequate coping strategies, and alterations in biological stress regulatory responses could play a role in the long-term health impacts. In Sweden about half a million children in the age between 1–5 years attend preschool. The noise exposure at preschools is intermittent and unpredictable and levels reach up to 84 dB LAeq (time indoors) with maximum levels of 118 dB LA
F , mostly due to child activity. To increase the overall understanding of the possible implications of preschool noise environments for children, this paper describes children’s behavioral and emotional reactions to and coping with their everyday sound environment from a teachers perspective. A postal questionnaire study performed in 2013–2014 with answers from 3,986 preschool teachers provided the data. Content analysis was combined with quantitative analysis. Eighty-two percent of the personnel considered that children’s behavior was affected rather or very much by preschool noise. The most prevalent behaviors were categorized into: be heard, be distracted, show negative internal emotions, crowd, avoid, withdraw, be exhausted, and learning. The quantitative analyses confirmed an association between the perceived loudness and noise annoyance at preschool and affirmative reporting on noise affecting the children´s behavior. Age of the personnel, with the youngest age group reporting noise related behavior less often, and age distribution of the class, with 1–5 years old seeming less affected by noise, were also indicated, while pedagogic orientation was not a significant factor. Future studies should address the long-term health effects of these behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Childhood aggression and the co-occurrence of behavioural and emotional problems: results across ages 3-16 years from multiple raters in six cohorts in the EU-ACTION project.
- Author
-
Hendriks, Anne, Fung Ip, Hill, Hagenbeek, Fiona, Nivard, Michel, van Dongen, Jenny, van Beijsterveldt, Toos, Bartels, Meike, Boomsma, Dorret I., Finkenauer, Catrin, Middeldorp, Christel, Roetman, Peter, Gatej, Raluca, Lamers, Audri, Vermeiren, Robert, Lu, Yi, Lichtenstein, Paul, Hankemeijer, Thomas, Kluft, Cees, Lundström, Sebastian, and Rose, Richard
- Subjects
AFFECTIVE disorders ,ANXIETY diagnosis ,DIAGNOSIS of mental depression ,BEHAVIOR disorders ,AGGRESSION (Psychology) ,AGE distribution ,ATTENTION-deficit hyperactivity disorder ,CHILD Behavior Checklist ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PARENTING ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,SELF-evaluation ,SEX distribution ,COMORBIDITY ,DIAGNOSIS - Abstract
Childhood aggression and its resulting consequences inflict a huge burden on affected children, their relatives, teachers, peers and society as a whole. Aggression during childhood rarely occurs in isolation and is correlated with other symptoms of childhood psychopathology. In this paper, we aim to describe and improve the understanding of the co-occurrence of aggression with other forms of childhood psychopathology. We focus on the co-occurrence of aggression and other childhood behavioural and emotional problems, including other externalising problems, attention problems and anxiety-depression. The data were brought together within the EU-ACTION (Aggression in Children: unravelling gene-environment interplay to inform Treatment and InterventiON strategies) project. We analysed the co-occurrence of aggression and other childhood behavioural and emotional problems as a function of the child’s age (ages 3 through 16 years), gender, the person rating the behaviour (father, mother or self) and assessment instrument. The data came from six large population-based European cohort studies from the Netherlands (2x), the UK, Finland and Sweden (2x). Multiple assessment instruments, including the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Multidimensional Peer Nomination Inventory (MPNI), were used. There was a good representation of boys and girls in each age category, with data for 30,523 3- to 4-year-olds (49.5% boys), 20,958 5- to 6-year-olds (49.6% boys), 18,291 7- to 8-year-olds (49.0% boys), 27,218 9- to 10-year-olds (49.4% boys), 18,543 12- to 13-year-olds (48.9% boys) and 10,088 15- to 16-year-olds (46.6% boys). We replicated the well-established gender differences in average aggression scores at most ages for parental ratings. The gender differences decreased with age and were not present for self-reports. Aggression co-occurred with the majority of other behavioural and social problems, from both externalising and internalising domains. At each age, the co-occurrence was particularly prevalent for aggression and oppositional and ADHD-related problems, with correlations of around 0.5 in general. Aggression also showed substantial associations with anxiety-depression and other internalizing symptoms (correlations around 0.4). Co-occurrence for self-reported problems was somewhat higher than for parental reports, but we found neither rater differences, nor differences across assessment instruments in co-occurrence patterns. There were large similarities in co-occurrence patterns across the different European countries. Finally, co-occurrence was generally stable across age and sex, and if any change was observed, it indicated stronger correlations when children grew older. We present an online tool to visualise these associations as a function of rater, gender, instrument and cohort. In addition, we present a description of the full EU-ACTION projects, its first results and the future perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Youthful mothering? Exploring the meaning of adulthood and youthfulness within the maternal identity work of young Swedish mothers.
- Author
-
Sjöberg, Magdalena and Bertilsdotter-Rosqvist, Hanna
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,DISCOURSE analysis ,GROUP identity ,LIFE expectancy ,MOTHERHOOD ,PARENTING ,TEENAGE mothers ,TASK performance ,PSYCHOLOGY - Abstract
In this paper, we explore meanings of adulthood and youthfulness in relation to notions of life course, good motherhood, and girlhood among young mothers in Sweden. Our analysis was informed by a discursive psychological approach and was based on interview conversations with 17 mothers who were 13–25 years old at the birth of their first child. In our analysis, we identified two repertoires – the ‘social age’ repertoire and the ‘chronological age’ repertoire. The interviewees invoked the two repertoires to position themselves and others as either responsible adult mothers or as responsible youthful mothers. Meanings of adulthood are central within the idea of motherhood, and by deviating from their expected life course young mothers are often understood as non-adults who are incapable of fulfilling the developmental task of motherhood. Our work suggests that the maternal identity work of young mothers takes place within discourses of both adulthood and youthfulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. Dutch Norms for the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory: Comparisons with other Western Countries.
- Author
-
Weeland, Joyce, van Aar, Jolien, and Overbeek, Geertjan
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,CHILD behavior ,COMPARATIVE studies ,POPULATION geography ,RURAL conditions ,SEX distribution ,BEHAVIOR disorders ,PARENT attitudes ,RESEARCH methodology evaluation - Abstract
The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is one of the most widely used and well-validated parent rating scales for children’s disruptive behavior. This screening instrument is a short, targetted and easy to implement inventory with good psychometric properties and is normed for different countries, among which the United States, Spain, Sweden and Norway. The ECBI has been successfully used for research and clinical purposes, in several countries including The Netherlands. To date, Dutch studies have relied on Scandinavian or US norm scores. However, this may be problematic because of cross-cultural differences in the degree to which certain behaviors are seen as problematic by parents. The main goal of this paper therefore was to obtain norm scores for The Netherlands among 6462 Dutch children aged 4 to 8 years (M
age = 6.37 years; SD = 1.32; 50.6% boys). In line with previous research, we found small differences on the mean sum scores across children of different ages (intensity scale) and gender (intensity and problem scale). Therefore, Dutch norm scores were provided age- and gender specific. Our results showed that disruptive behavior of children in the most rural areas was reported as occurring less frequently and was seen as less problematic by parents compared to the disruptive behavior of children in less rural areas. Finally, we found that Dutch norm scores on the ECBI were significantly lower than US norm scores, and significantly higher on the intensity scale (but not the problem scale) than Norwegian and Swedish norm scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
22. Young care leavers' expectations of their future: A question of time horizon.
- Author
-
Bengtsson, Mattias, Sjöblom, Yvonne, and Öberg, Peter
- Subjects
PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation ,AGE distribution ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,EXPERIENCE ,FOSTER children ,FOSTER home care ,GOAL (Psychology) ,INTERVIEWING ,LONGITUDINAL method ,RESEARCH methodology ,QUALITATIVE research ,JUDGMENT sampling ,RESIDENTIAL care ,REPEATED measures design ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Abstract: This paper investigates young care leavers' expectations of their future after discharge from care. The results are based on qualitative longitudinal data where 16‐ to 21‐year‐old care leavers (n = 15) were interviewed twice, first when still in care but planning for their discharge (T1) and the second time 6–9 months later (T2). The analysis using a general inductive approach showed that their expectations were dependent on the time horizon and that there was an obvious difference between the young informants' short‐ and long‐term expectations. Their short‐term expectations consisted of worries connected to their approaching discharge (at T1) and how to cope with challenges of everyday life after discharge from care (at T2). These results seem to echo negative outcomes shown in previous quantitative research. However, the informants' long‐term expectations provide a different picture, being mainly positive in both interviews (T1 and T2). The results are discussed from a life course perspective, where the informants' visions of their future are framed and understood in terms of the different stages of their transition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Education level explains participation in work and education later in life.
- Author
-
Bjursell, Cecilia, Nystedt, Paul, Björklund, Anita, and Sternäng, Ola
- Subjects
EDUCATIONAL attainment ,AGE distribution ,EMPLOYMENT ,AGING ,CONTINUING education ,RETIREMENT ,SEX distribution ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,PSYCHOLOGY ,STANDARDS - Abstract
A prolonged working life is crucial for sustaining social welfare and fiscal stability for countries facing ageing populations. The group of older adults is not homogeneous; however, differences within the group may affect the propensity to continue working and to participate in continuing education. The aim of this paper is to explore how participation in work and education vary with gender, age, and education level in a sample of older adults. The study was performed in Sweden, a context characterized by high female labour-market-participation rates and a high average retirement age. The participants were 232 members of four of the major senior citizens’ organizations. We found no differences in participation in work and education based on gender. People older than 75 years were found to be as active as people 65–75 years old in education, but the older group worked less. There were positive associations between education level and participation in both work and education. Hence, this study implies that socio-economic inequalities along these dimensions are widened later in life. This highlights the importance of engaging workers with lower education levels in educational efforts throughout life. It also emphasizes the need for true lifelong learning in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Income disparities in loss in life expectancy after colon and rectal cancers: a Swedish register-based study.
- Author
-
Syriopoulou, Elisavet, Osterman, Erik, Miething, Alexander, Nordenvall, Caroline, and Andersson, Therese Marie-Louise
- Subjects
RESEARCH funding ,INCOME ,LIFE expectancy ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,SEX distribution ,REPORTING of diseases ,COLORECTAL cancer ,EVALUATION of medical care ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,AGE distribution ,COLON tumors ,RECTUM tumors ,HEALTH equity ,COMPARATIVE studies ,SOCIAL classes - Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. A Comparison of Out-of-home Care for Children and Young People in Australia and Sweden: Worlds Apart?
- Author
-
Healy, Karen, Lundström, Tommy, and Sallnäs, Marie
- Subjects
AFFECTIVE disorders ,AGE distribution ,BEHAVIOR disorders in children ,CHILD abuse ,CHILD welfare ,COMPARATIVE studies ,FAMILIES ,FOSTER home care ,GUARDIAN & ward ,HOMELESSNESS ,HOUSING ,INDIGENOUS peoples ,JUVENILE offenders ,GOVERNMENT policy ,RESIDENTIAL care ,CROSS-sectional method - Abstract
In this paper we present a comparative analysis of out-of-home care in Australia and Sweden. We compare the age structure of the out-of-home care population and the types of out-of-home care services provided to children and young people in both countries. Our analysis reveals that in Australia the out-of-home care service system is focused mainly on children who are deemed to be abused or neglected within their families, while in Sweden the majority of the out-of-home care population are teenagers who cannot live with their families for emotional or behavioural reasons. These population differences intersect with variations in the forms of service provision in both countries, with a much greater reliance on home-based care in Australia than in Sweden, while there is more extensive use of residential care in Sweden. We envisage that this paper will demonstrate how the age structure of the out-of-home care population, though rarely considered in international comparative child welfare research, reveals much about the assumptions on which State intervention with children and young people is based. We intend that this analysis will assist social workers to better understand and address the gaps in the quality and comprehensiveness of out-of-home care service provision to children and young people in both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Comment on: A Comparison of Out-of-home Care for Children and Young People in Australia and Sweden: Worlds Apart?
- Author
-
Katz, Ilan
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,CHILD welfare ,COMPARATIVE studies ,FOSTER home care ,HOMELESSNESS ,JUVENILE offenders ,RESIDENTIAL care - Abstract
The article presents the author's views on a paper by K. Healy and colleague on comparative child welfare and children in out-of-home-care (OOHC). The author states that although there is a great deal of evidence about high levels of investment in early childhood services in Sweden, it is not necessarily borne out by figures offered in the paper.
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Response to Katz's Comment on “Comparison of Out-of-home Care for Children and Young People in Australia and Sweden: Worlds Apart?”.
- Author
-
Healy, Karen, Lundström, Tommy, and Sallnäs, Marie
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,CHILD welfare ,COMPARATIVE studies ,FOSTER home care ,HOMELESSNESS ,INDIGENOUS peoples ,JUVENILE offenders ,SOCIAL case work ,CROSS-sectional method ,PSYCHOLOGICAL vulnerability - Abstract
A response by Karen Healy and colleague to a letter to the editor about their article on comparison of out-of-home care for children in Australia and Sweden published in previous issue of the journal is presented.
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Salivary IgA in minor-gland saliva of children, adolescents, and young adults.
- Author
-
Sonesson, Mikael, Hamberg, Kristina, Wallengren, Marie‐Louise Lundin, Matsson, Lars, and Ericson, Dan
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,ANALYSIS of variance ,ASIANS ,COMPARATIVE studies ,STATISTICAL correlation ,ENZYME-linked immunosorbent assay ,IMMUNOGLOBULINS ,SALIVARY glands ,STATISTICAL hypothesis testing ,T-test (Statistics) ,U-statistics ,WHITE people ,SAMPLE size (Statistics) ,PILOT projects ,CHILDREN - Abstract
Sonesson M, Hamberg K, Lundin Wallengren M-L, Matsson L, Ericson D. Salivary IgA in minor-gland saliva of children, adolescents, and young adults. Eur J Oral Sci 2011; 119: 15-20. © 2011 Eur J Oral Sci According to previous studies, minor glands produce about 35% of the total salivary immunoglobulin A (salivary IgA). The age-dependent increase in whole-saliva salivary IgA concentrations has been studied extensively, but we found no published reports comparing the minor-gland saliva concentrations of salivary IgA in children, adolescents, and adults. In this study we measured the concentration of salivary IgA in saliva from the labial and the buccal minor glands of children, adolescents, and adults. Three age groups donated saliva for analysis: 3-yr-old children, 14-yr-old adolescents, and 20- to 25-yr-old adults. Minor-gland saliva was collected on filter paper and unstimulated whole saliva was collected by draining into a tube, and the salivary IgA concentration was determined by ELISA. The salivary IgA concentration in labial saliva was significantly lower among 3-yr-old children (0.037 mg 100 ml, SD = 0.035) than among 14-yr-old adolescents (0.126 mg 100 ml, SD = 0.128) and adults (0.128 mg 100 ml, SD = 0.13). The 3-yr-old children also had significantly lower whole-saliva salivary IgA values compared with the other age groups (0.09 mg 100 ml, SD = 0.091; 0.179 mg 100 ml, SD = 0.149; and 0.170 mg 100 ml, SD = 0.099, respectively). This increase in salivary IgA concentrations with age might reflect a developing immune response in the growing child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. Human capital and economic growth: Sweden 1870–2000.
- Author
-
Ljungberg, Jonas and Nilsson, Anders
- Subjects
HUMAN capital ,ECONOMIC development ,SCHOOL enrollment ,AGE distribution ,ESTIMATES ,INDUSTRIALIZATION ,INDUSTRIAL revolution - Abstract
This paper presents newly constructed series on human capital in Sweden 1870–2000. The estimates are based on enrolment in different forms of education, stretching as far back as 1812, and the size and age distribution of the population within age range 15–65 years. The secular accumulation of human capital has closely matched the long-term trend in aggregate productivity and both grew at a rate of 2.4% annually. Our estimates differ significantly from the data attributed to Sweden in the international short-cut estimates of human capital for the period since 1960. The basic question addressed is about causality: whether human capital causes economic growth or if causality goes in the other direction. We address this problem with modified Granger-causality tests. According to our results, changes in the stock of human capital have in a systematic way preceded changes in aggregate productivity up to the structural crisis in the 1970s. This allows us to conclude that human capital has been a causal factor in Swedish economic growth since the industrialisation. However, after 1975, the growth of human capital has not been able to match the demands of the third industrial revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Age at adiposity rebound and body mass index trajectory from early childhood to adolescence; differences by breastfeeding and maternal immigration background.
- Author
-
Besharat Pour, M., Bergström, A., Bottai, M., Magnusson, J., Kull, I., and Moradi, T.
- Subjects
RISK of childhood obesity ,ADIPOSE tissues ,AGE distribution ,BODY weight ,HUMAN body composition ,BREASTFEEDING ,CHILD development ,COMPARATIVE studies ,IMMIGRANTS ,LONGITUDINAL method ,MOTHERS ,PROBABILITY theory ,STATURE ,BODY mass index ,REPEATED measures design ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Summary: Objective: This paper aims to assess association between breastfeeding and maternal immigration background and body mass index development trajectories from age 2 to 16 years. Methods: A cohort of children born in Stockholm during 1994 to 1996 was followed from age 2 to 16 years with repeated measurement of height and weight at eight time points (n = 2278). Children were categorized into groups by breastfeeding status during the first 6 months of life and maternal immigration background. Body mass index (BMI) trajectories and age at adiposity rebound were estimated using mixed‐effects linear models. Results: Body mass index trajectories were different by breastfeeding and maternal immigration status (P‐value < 0.0001). Compared with exclusively breastfed counterparts, never/short breastfed children of Swedish mothers had a higher BMI trajectory, whereas never/short breastfed children of immigrant mothers followed a lower BMI trajectory. Ages at adiposity rebound were earlier for higher BMI trajectories regardless of maternal immigration background. Conclusion: Differences in BMI trajectories between offspring of immigrant and of Swedish mothers suggest a lack of beneficial association between breastfeeding and long‐term BMI development among children of immigrant mothers. Given the relation between long‐term BMI development and risk of overweight/obesity, these differences challenge the notion that exclusive breastfeeding is always beneficial for children's BMI development and subsequent risk of overweight/obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Impact of population changes on education cost.
- Author
-
Arriaga, Eduardo E. and Arriaga, E E
- Subjects
POPULATION ,EDUCATION ,FERTILITY ,DEMOGRAPHY ,HISTORY of education ,AGE distribution ,BIRTH rate ,COMPARATIVE studies ,EMPLOYMENT ,HISTORY ,LIFE expectancy ,MATHEMATICAL models ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,MORTALITY ,RESEARCH ,SEX distribution ,STATISTICS ,STUDENTS ,COST analysis ,THEORY ,EVALUATION research - Abstract
This paper has two principal aims: (1) to analyze and measure how the demographic variables-mortality, fertility, and immigration- affect the cost of education; (2) to evaluate what possibilities developing countries, such as those of Latin America, have for a rapid educational improvement. The paper relates demographic and educational variables of three different populations: Sweden, 1840-1965; the United States, 1850-1960; and Latin America, 1930-2000. Three educational variables are also cone sidered: (a) school attendance rates by sex and age; (b) distribution of students of same age by grade; and (c) cost of student by grade. Demographic changes in countries such as Sweden and the United States were favorable for the development of education. For the future, unless an increase of fertility occurs, mortality and fertility changes will not have a significant effect on the cost of education in these countries. In current less developed countries the demographic changes during the past were less favorable to educational development. A future reduction of fertility will significantly help them to achieve a higher educational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1972
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. Using Laplace Regression to Model and Predict Percentiles of Age at Death When Age Is the Primary Time Scale.
- Author
-
Bellavia, Andrea, Discacciati, Andrea, Bottai, Matteo, Wolk, Alicja, and Orsini, Nicola
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,LIFE expectancy ,LONGITUDINAL method ,REGRESSION analysis ,RESEARCH funding ,SMOKING ,SURVIVAL analysis (Biometry) ,TIME ,COMORBIDITY ,DEATH certificates ,DATA analysis software ,STATISTICAL models ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ODDS ratio - Abstract
Increasingly often in epidemiologic research, associations between survival time and predictors of interest are measured by differences between distribution functions rather than hazard functions. For example, differences in percentiles of survival time, expressed in absolute time units (e.g., weeks), may complement the popular risk ratios, which are unitless measures. When analyzing time to an event of interest (e.g., death) in prospective cohort studies, the time scale can be set to start at birth or at study entry. The advantages of one time origin over the other have been thoroughly explored for the estimation of risks but not for the estimation of survival percentiles. In this paper, we analyze the use of different time scales in the estimation of survival percentiles with Laplace regression. Using this regression method, investigators can estimate percentiles of survival time over levels of an exposure of interest while adjusting for potential confounders. Our findings may help to improve modeling strategies and ease interpretation in the estimation of survival percentiles in prospective cohort studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Prescribing style and variation in antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat: cross-sectional study across six countries.
- Author
-
Cordoba, Gloria, Siersma, Volkert, Lopez-Valcarcel, Beatriz, Bjerrum, Lars, Llor, Carl, Aabenhus, Rune, and Makela, Marjukka
- Subjects
STREPTOCOCCAL disease diagnosis ,AGE distribution ,ANTIBIOTICS ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,DRUG prescribing ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL records ,PHARYNGITIS ,POPULATION geography ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,STATISTICAL sampling ,SEX distribution ,PHYSICIAN practice patterns ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,CROSS-sectional method ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ODDS ratio - Abstract
Background: Variation in prescription of antibiotics in primary care can indicate poor clinical practice that contributes to the increase of resistant strains. General Practitioners (GPs), as a professional group, are expected to have a fairly homogeneous prescribing style. In this paper, we describe variation in prescribing style within and across groups of GPs from six countries. Methods: Cross-sectional study with the inclusion of 457 GPs and 6394 sore throat patients. We describe variation in prescribing antibiotics for sore throat patients across six countries and assess whether variation in “prescribing style” - understood as a subjective tendency to prescribe - has an important effect on variation in prescription of antibiotics by using the concept of prescribing style as a latent variable in a multivariable model. We report variation as a Median Odds Ratio (MOR) which is the transformation of the random effect variance onto an odds ratio; Thus, MOR = 1 means similar odds or strict homogeneity between GPs' prescribing style, while a MOR higher than 1 denotes heterogeneity in prescribing style. Results: In all countries some GPs always prescribed antibiotics to all their patients, while other GPs never did. After adjusting for patient and GP characteristics, prescribing style in the group of GPs from Russia was about three times more heterogeneous than the prescribing style in the group of GPs from Denmark - Median Odds Ratio (6.8, 95% CI 3.1;8.8) and (2.6, 95% CI 2.2;4.4) respectively. Conclusion: Prescribing style is an important source of variation in prescription of antibiotics within and across countries, even after adjusting for patient and GP characteristics. Interventions aimed at influencing the prescribing style of GPs must encompass context-specific actions at the policy-making level alongside GP-targeted interventions to enable GPs to react more objectively to the external demands that are in place when making the decision of prescribing antibiotics or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Age and sex differences in cause-specific excess mortality and years of life lost associated with COVID-19 infection in the Swedish population.
- Author
-
Lundberg, Christina E, Santosa, Ailiana, Björk, Jonas, Brandén, Maria, Cronie, Ottmar, Lindgren, Martin, Edqvist, Jon, Åberg, Maria, Adiels, Martin, and Rosengren, Annika
- Subjects
CAUSES of death ,COVID-19 ,SCIENTIFIC observation ,AGE distribution ,LIFE expectancy ,SEX distribution ,RESEARCH funding ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,PEOPLE with disabilities - Abstract
Background Estimating excess mortality and years of life lost (YLL) attributed to coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection provides a comprehensive picture of the mortality burden on society. We aimed to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on age- and sex-specific excess mortality and YLL in Sweden during the first 17 months of the pandemic. Methods In this population-based observational study, we calculated age- and sex-specific excess all-cause mortality and excess YLL during 2020 and the first 5 months of 2021 and cause-specific death [deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, other causes and deaths excluding COVID-19] in 2020 compared with an average baseline for 2017–19 in the whole Swedish population. Results COVID-19 deaths contributed 9.9% of total deaths (98 441 deaths, 960 305 YLL) in 2020, accounting for 75 151 YLL (7.7 YLL/death). There were 2672 (5.7%) and 1408 (3.0%) excess deaths, and 19 141 (3.8%) and 3596 (0.8%) excess YLL in men and women, respectively. Men aged 65–110 years and women aged 75–110 years were the greatest contributors. Fewer deaths and YLL from CVD, cancer and other causes were observed in 2020 compared with the baseline adjusted to the population size in 2020. Conclusions Compared with the baseline, excess mortality and YLL from all causes were experienced in Sweden during 2020, with a higher excess observed in men than in women, indicating that more men died at a younger age while more women died at older ages than expected. A notable reduction in deaths and YLL due to CVD suggests a displacement effect from CVD to COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. The collective voice: Legitimation strategies in focus group discussions with nurses in municipal palliative care for older people in Sweden.
- Author
-
RAHM, HENRIK, ANDERSSON, MAGDALENA, and EDBERG, ANNA-KARIN
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,COMMUNICATION ,CONCEPTUAL structures ,CONVERSATION ,DISCOURSE analysis ,FOCUS groups ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICINE ,NURSES ,PALLIATIVE treatment ,PUBLIC hospitals ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCIAL attitudes ,ACQUISITION of data - Abstract
This paper explores focus group discussions of registered nurses in municipal palliative care for older people, using data collected by researchers with an interest in health sciences. The linguistically based discourse analysis builds on a combination of Bakhtinian notions of dialogicity, the Other and addressivity, the use of quotations, and also van Leeuwen's framework for legitimation in discourse. The aim is to investigate strategies of addressing and legitimizing palliative care. Three types of narrative are discerned: the cautionary tale, fictionalization of professional experiences and the enactment of a fictive dialogue. The other professions involved (physicians, assistant nurses) are positioned as the Other as a means of legitimizing the perspectives of the registered nurses. As the patients and their next of kin are the objects of professional activities, the notion of the Third (connecting to the Other) is proposed. The objectification is a manifestation of commitment with routinized and professional distance to the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Swedish Dairy Farmers' Perceptions of Animal-Related Injuries.
- Author
-
Lindahl, Cecilia, Lundqvist, Peter, and Norberg, AnnikaLindahl
- Subjects
WORK-related injuries risk factors ,AGE distribution ,ATTITUDE (Psychology) ,ATTITUDE testing ,CATTLE ,DAIRY products ,HEALTH facility design & construction ,INDUSTRIAL safety ,INTERVIEWING ,RESEARCH methodology ,RESEARCH funding ,RISK perception ,RISK-taking behavior ,QUALITATIVE research ,OCCUPATIONAL hazards ,DATA analysis software ,PSYCHOLOGY of agricultural laborers ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics - Abstract
Animal-related injuries are among the most common occupational injuries in agriculture. Despite the large number of documented animal-related injuries in dairy farming, the issue has received relatively limited attention in the scientific literature. The farmers' own perspectives and views on risks and safety during livestock handling and what they think are effective ways of preventing injuries are valuable for the future design of effective interventions. This paper presents results from a qualitative study with the aim to investigate Swedish dairy farmers' own experience of animal-related occupational injuries, as well as their perceptions of and attitudes towards them, including risk and safety issues, and prevention measures. A total of 12 dairy farmers with loose housing systems participated in the study. Data collection was conducted by means of semistructured in-depth interviews. Three main themes with an impact on risks and safety when handling cattle were identified: the handler, the cattle, and the facilities. They all interact with each other, influencing the potential risks of any work task. Most of the farmers believed that a majority of the injuries can be prevented, but there are always some incidents that are impossible to foresee. In conclusion, this study indicates that Swedish dairy farmers are aware of the dangers from working with cattle. However, even though safety is acknowledged by the farmers as an important and relevant issue, in the end safety is often forgotten or not prioritized. One concern is that farmers are willing to take calculated risks to save money or time. In situations where they work alone with high stress levels and under economic distress, safety issues are easily given low priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Using anti-Müllerian hormone to identify a good prognosis group in women of advanced reproductive age.
- Author
-
FRIDÉN, Barbro, SJÖBLOM, Peter, and MENEZES, Judith
- Subjects
INFERTILITY treatment ,AGE distribution ,ANALYSIS of variance ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,ENZYME-linked immunosorbent assay ,EPIDEMIOLOGY ,FERTILIZATION in vitro ,FISHER exact test ,MEDICAL function tests ,SEX hormones ,MATERNAL age ,SCIENTIFIC observation ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,OVULATION detection ,STATISTICS ,U-statistics ,DATA analysis ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,PREDICTIVE tests ,RECEIVER operating characteristic curves ,DATA analysis software - Abstract
Background: The probability of pregnancy after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) declines with age in parallel with a reduction in the ovarian reserve. However, there is considerable variation in the ovarian reserve in women of advanced reproductive age; so to give such women accurate advice about the prospects of treatment success, factors other than age must be considered. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been shown to be a good indicator of ovarian reserve, and its utility is explored in this paper. Aims: To determine the utility of AMH serum levels for prediction of ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation and outcome in IVF in women of advanced reproductive age. Methods: The material consists of 127 women with a median age of 42 years (range 39-46) having had their first cycle of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment from November 2006 to December 2008. During this period, a total of 772 oocyte retrievals and 715 embryo transfers were performed at the clinic (median age 36.4 years). AMH was analysed with the Beckman Coulter DSL ELISA. Agonist and antagonist protocols were used and monitored by ultrasound and oestradiol; embryo transfer was performed on day 2, 3 or 5 of culture. Results: The lower the AMH, the higher the risk of cycle cancellation, low oocyte yield and treatment failure. Women with a serum AMH above 8.6 pmol/L had a good chance of achieving live birth after IVF/ICSI treatment. Conclusions: Anti-Müllerian hormone is useful for identifying a good prognosis group in women of advanced reproductive age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. A modular cementless stem vs. cemented long-stem prostheses in revision surgery of the hip.
- Author
-
Weiss, Rüdiger J, Stark, André, and Kärrholm, Johan
- Subjects
AGE distribution ,ANALYSIS of variance ,BONE resorption ,COMPUTER software ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,LONGITUDINAL method ,ORTHOPEDIC apparatus ,ORTHOPEDIC implants ,PROSTHETICS ,REOPERATION ,RESEARCH funding ,SURVIVAL analysis (Biometry) ,TOTAL hip replacement ,DATA analysis ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,PROPORTIONAL hazards models - Abstract
Background and purpose Modular cementless revision prostheses are being used with increasing frequency. In this paper, we review risk factors for the outcome of the Link MP stem and report implant survival compared to conventional cemented long-stem hip revision arthroplasties. Patients and methods We used data recorded in the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register. 812 consecutive revisions with the MP stem (mean follow-up time 3.4 years) and a control group with 1,073 cemented long stems (mean follow-up time 4.2 years) were included. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine implant survival. The Cox regression model was used to study risk factors for reoperation and revision. Results The mean age at revision surgery for the MP stem was 72 (SD 11) years. Decreasing age (HR == 1.1, 95% CI: 1--1.1), multiple previous revisions (HR == 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1--6.2), short stem length (HR == 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1--5.2), standard neck offset (HR == 5, 95% CI: 1.5--17) and short head-neck length (HR == 5.3, 95% CI 1.4--21) were risk factors for reoperation. There was an overall increased risk of reoperation (HR == 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3--2.4) and revision (HR == 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2--3.1) for the MP prostheses compared to the controls. Interpretation The cumulative survival with both reoperation and revision as the endpoint was better for the cemented stems with up to 3 years of follow-up. Thereafter, the survival curves converged, mainly because of increasing incidence of revision due to loosening in the cemented group. We recommend the use of cemented long stems in patients with limited bone loss and in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. Age patterns of mortality and cause-of-death structures in Sweden, Japan, and the United States.
- Author
-
Himes CL
- Subjects
- Accidents mortality, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Disease classification, Female, Humans, Japan epidemiology, Male, Middle Aged, Regression Analysis, Risk Factors, Sex Factors, Suicide, Sweden epidemiology, United States epidemiology, White People statistics & numerical data, Age Distribution, Cause of Death, Life Expectancy
- Abstract
This paper uses a new standard model of adult mortality to compare the mortality patterns of Swedes, Japanese, and U.S. whites between 1950 and 1985. It examines changes in the age patterns of mortality and the cause-of-death structures within the populations, and the relationships between those two factors. As Japan has reached a level of mortality similar to that in Sweden, the age patterns of mortality in the two populations have become more similar despite distinct differences in causes of death. The United States has a cause-of-death structure similar to that of Sweden, but the age pattern of mortality is very different. High mortality in the middle age range in the United States results in approximately a one-year loss of life expectancy at age 45 in comparison with Sweden.
- Published
- 1994
40. The harmonic mean as the basis of a realistic two-sex marriage model.
- Author
-
Schoen, Robert and Schoen, R
- Subjects
MARRIAGE ,AGE groups ,MATHEMATICAL models ,SOCIAL science research ,CHILDBIRTH ,AGE distribution ,COMPARATIVE studies ,DEMOGRAPHY ,MATHEMATICS ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,RESEARCH ,STATISTICS ,THEORY ,EVALUATION research - Abstract
The "two-sex problem" is one of attempting to preserve the essential character of male and female rates of marriage (or birth), since the expression of those rates is influenced both by the age-sex composition of the population and the underlying age-sex schedule of preferences. The present paper focuses on marriage and advances a theoretically based, realistic, and conceptually simple solution. In the continuous case, where exact male and female ages are used, equation (11) provides a mathematical relationship which equates the sum of the male and female marriage propensities of the observed population with that of the model. When discrete age intervals are used, the two-sex consistency condition is given by equation (14) which equates observed and model population rates calculated using the harmonic means of the number of persons in the relevant male and female age groups. The harmonic mean consistency condition is shown to be fully sensitive to the competitive nature of the "marriage market." When compared with alternative approaches to the two-sex problem in the context of data for Sweden, 1961-64, the simple harmonic mean method yields results fairly similar to those of the other methods. None of the two-sex methods do particularly well at predicting the actual distribution of marriages, however. The likely reason is that the underlying marriage preferences changed, a circumstance which emphasizes the importance of carefully conceptualizing how observed behavior can be decomposed into the effects produced by age-sex composition and those produced by the underlying preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1981
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Disruption and selection: the income gradient in mortality among natives and migrants in Sweden.
- Author
-
Östergren, Olof, Rehnberg, Johan, Lundberg, Olle, and Miething, Alexander
- Subjects
NOMADS ,MORTALITY ,AGE distribution ,DISCRIMINATION (Sociology) ,EMIGRATION & immigration ,INCOME ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,RESEARCH funding ,LABOR market ,POISSON distribution - Abstract
Background The income gradient in mortality is generated through an interplay between socio-economic processes and health over the life course. International migration entails the displacement of an individual from one context to another and may disrupt these processes. Furthermore, migrants are a selected group that may adopt distinct strategies and face discrimination in the labour market. These factors may have implications for the income gradient in mortality. We investigate whether the income gradient in mortality differs by migrant status and by individual-level factors surrounding the migration event. Methods We use administrative register data comprising the total resident population in Sweden aged between 30 and 79 in 2015 (n = 5.7 million) and follow them for mortality during 2015–17. We estimate the income gradient in mortality by migrant status, region of origin, age at migration and country of education using locally estimated scatterplot smoothing and Poisson regression. Results The income gradient in mortality is less steep among migrants compared with natives. This pattern is driven by lower mortality among migrants at lower levels of income. The gradient is less steep among distant migrants than among close migrants, migrants that arrived as adults compared with children and migrants that received their education in Sweden as opposed to abroad. Conclusions Our results are consistent with the notion that income inequalities in mortality are generated through life-course processes that may be disrupted by migration. Data restrictions prevent us from disentangling life-course disruption from selection into migration, discrimination and labour market strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Differences in genetic risk score profiles for drug use disorder, major depression, and ADHD as a function of sex, age at onset, recurrence, mode of ascertainment, and treatment.
- Author
-
Kendler, Kenneth S., Ohlsson, Henrik, Bacanu, Silviu, Sundquist, Jan, and Sundquist, Kristina
- Subjects
GENETIC risk score ,SUBSTANCE abuse treatment ,MENTAL depression genetics ,TREATMENT of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ,SUBSTANCE abuse ,AGE distribution ,GENETIC testing ,RISK assessment ,ATTENTION-deficit hyperactivity disorder ,SEX distribution ,DISEASE relapse ,COMPARATIVE studies ,AGE factors in disease ,MENTAL depression ,RESEARCH funding - Abstract
Background: Do genetic risk profiles for drug use disorder (DUD), major depression (MD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) differ substantially as a function of sex, age at onset (AAO), recurrence, mode of ascertainment, and treatment? Methods: Family genetic risk scores (FGRS) for MD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcohol use disorder, DUD, ADHD, and autism-spectrum disorder were calculated from 1st–5th degree relatives in the Swedish population born 1932–1995 (n = 5 829 952). Profiles of these FGRS were obtained and compared across various subgroups of DUD, MD, and ADHD cases. Results: Differences in FGRS profiles for DUD, MD, and ADHD by sex were modest, but they varied substantially by AAO, recurrence, ascertainment, and treatment with scores typically higher in cases with greater severity (e.g. early AAO, high recurrence, ascertainment in high intensity clinical settings, and treatment). However, severity was not always related to purer genetic profiles, as genetic risk for many disorders often increased together. However, some results, such as by mode of ascertainment from different Swedish registries, produced qualitative differences in FGRS profiles. Conclusions: Differences in FGRS profiles for DUD, MD, and ADHD varied substantially by AAO, recurrence, ascertainment, and treatment. Replication of psychiatric studies, particularly those examining genetic factors, may be difficult unless cases are matched not only by diagnosis but by important clinical characteristics. Genetic correlations between psychiatric disorders could arise through one disorder impacting on the patterns of ascertainment for the other, rather than from the direct effects of shared genetic liabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Use of 5α-reductase inhibitors and survival of oesophageal and gastric cancer in a nationwide Swedish cohort study.
- Author
-
Rabbani, Sirus, Mattsson, Fredrik, Lagergren, Jesper, and Xie, Shaohua
- Subjects
STOMACH tumors ,CAUSES of death ,ADENOCARCINOMA ,ANTIANDROGENS ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,AGE distribution ,MULTIVARIATE analysis ,CANCER patients ,RISK assessment ,TUMOR classification ,SURVIVAL analysis (Biometry) ,KAPLAN-Meier estimator ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,DATA analysis software ,ESOPHAGEAL tumors ,LONGITUDINAL method ,PROPORTIONAL hazards models ,COMORBIDITY ,SQUAMOUS cell carcinoma - Abstract
We hypothesised that the use of the anti-androgenic drug 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) improves survival in patients with oesophago-gastric cancer. This nationwide Swedish population-based cohort study included men who underwent surgery for oesophageal or gastric cancer between 2006-2015, with follow-up until the end of 2020. Multivariable Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HR) for associations between 5-ARIs use and 5-year all-cause mortality (main outcome) and 5-year disease-specific mortality (secondary outcome). The HR was adjusted for age, comorbidity, education, calendar year, neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy, tumour stage, and resection margin status. Among 1769 patients with oesophago-gastric cancer, 64 (3.6%) were users of 5-ARIs. Compared to non-users, users of 5-ARIs were not at any decreased risk of 5-year all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.79-1.63) or 5-year disease-specific mortality (adjusted HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.79-1.52). Use of 5-ARIs was not associated with any decreased risk of 5-year all-cause mortality in subgroup analyses stratified by categories of age, comorbidity, tumour stage, or tumour subtype (oesophageal or cardia adenocarcinoma, non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma, or oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma). This study did not support the hypothesis of improved survival among users of 5-ARIs after curatively intended treatment for oesophago-gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. Fatigue in the general population- associations to age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sitting time and self-rated health: the northern Sweden MONICA study 2014.
- Author
-
Engberg, Isak, Segerstedt, Johan, Waller, Göran, Wennberg, Patrik, and Eliasson, Mats
- Subjects
HEALTH & social status ,FATIGUE (Physiology) ,PHYSICAL activity ,MENTAL fatigue ,SEDENTARY behavior ,EPIDEMIOLOGY ,AGE distribution ,COMPARATIVE studies ,EXERCISE ,HEALTH status indicators ,LONGITUDINAL method ,RESEARCH methodology ,MEDICAL cooperation ,PUBLIC health surveillance ,RESEARCH ,SELF-evaluation ,SEX distribution ,SOCIAL classes ,EVALUATION research ,DISEASE prevalence ,CROSS-sectional method ,SEDENTARY lifestyles - Abstract
Background: Fatigue is widespread in the population and a common complaint in primary care. Little is known about prevalence of fatigue in the population and its predictors. We aimed to describe the pattern of fatigue in the general population and to explore the associations with age, sex, socioeconomic status, self-reported physical activity, sitting time and self-rated health.Methods: One thousand, five hundred and fifty-seven out of 2500 invited subjects in the Northern Sweden MONICA Study 2014, aged 25-74 years, filled out the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), consisting of four subscales: General fatigue (GF), Physical fatigue (PF), Reduced activity (RA) and Mental fatigue (MF). Questions regarding age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sitting time and self-rated health were also included.Results: Higher age correlated significantly with lower fatigue scores for the GF and MF subscales. Women had higher fatigue scores than men on all subscales (p < 0.05). Among men, higher socioeconomic status was related to lower fatigue for the GF, PF and RA subscales (age adjusted p < 0.05). Among women, higher socioeconomic status was related to lower fatigue for the PF and MF subscales (age adjusted p < 0.05). Higher physical activity was connected to lower levels of fatigue for all subscales (age and sex adjusted p < 0.001) except for MF. Longer time spent sitting was also related to more fatigue on all subscales (age and sex adjusted p < 0.005) except for MF. Better self-rated health was strongly associated with lower fatigue for all subscales (age and sex adjusted p < 0.001).Conclusion: Older, highly educated, physically active men, with little sedentary behavior are generally the least fatigued. Self-rated health is strongly related to fatigue. Interventions increasing physical exercise and reducing sedentary behavior may be important to help patients with fatigue and should be investigated in prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. Nurse staffing levels in critical care: The impact of patient characteristics.
- Author
-
Falk, Ann‐Charlotte
- Subjects
MEDICAL quality control ,LENGTH of stay in hospitals ,STATISTICS ,INTENSIVE care units ,NURSING ,SCIENTIFIC observation ,CRITICALLY ill ,AGE distribution ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,PATIENTS ,FISHER exact test ,SEX distribution ,CRITICAL care nurses ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,SEVERITY of illness index ,CRITICAL care medicine ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CHI-squared test ,WORKING hours ,DATA analysis software ,DATA analysis ,NURSE-patient ratio - Abstract
Background: Intensive care is one of the most resource‐intensive forms of care because seriously ill patients are cared for in units with high staffing levels. Studies show that the number of registered nurses (RNs) per patient and nurse education level affects patient outcome. However, there is a lack of studies that consider how nurses/patient ratio with an advanced educational level of specialized nurses in intensive care, affect the intensive care performed in different patient populations. Aim: To investigate if differences in patient characteristics and nurse–patient ratio have an impact on the quality of care. Study Design: This is a retrospective observational study with a review of all patients >15 years receiving care at two general intensive care units with different nurse/patient ratio (unit A, 1:1 nurse/patient ratio and unit B, 0.5:1 nurse/patient ratio). Results: There was no significant difference in the initial severity of illness between the units. However, younger patients, male patients and patients requiring surgery entailed a higher workload and a longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay despite a 1:1 critical care nurse/patient ratio. A small difference, but not significant, with more unplanned re‐intubations occurred at unit A compared with unit B. Conclusion: The differences in the nurse/patient ratio did not reflect a difference in the severity of illness among admitted patients but might be explained by patient characteristics with different needs. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Health care managers should consider not only the number of nurses but also their educational level, specific competencies and skills mix and nursing‐sensitive measures to provide high‐quality ICU care in settings with different patient characteristics. Nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes should be considered in relation to nurse/patient ratio, as important to measure to ensure a high quality of patient care in the ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Retirement and Sexual Satisfaction.
- Author
-
Henning, Georg, Segel-Karpas, Dikla, Björk, Marcus Praetorius, Bjälkebring, Pär, and Berg, Anne Ingeborg
- Subjects
CONFIDENCE intervals ,AGE distribution ,HEALTH status indicators ,MENTAL health ,SPOUSES ,SEX distribution ,PSYCHOLOGICAL tests ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,CHI-squared test ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,MENTAL depression ,CENTER for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale ,RETIREMENT ,SEXUAL excitement ,SECONDARY analysis ,LATENT structure analysis ,EDUCATIONAL attainment ,OLD age - Abstract
Background and Objectives Although interest in sexuality in older age has increased over the last decades, few studies have focused on longitudinal change in sexual satisfaction around retirement age. In the present study, we studied change in sexual satisfaction across retirement in a sample of Swedish older adults with a partner. Research Design and Methods Our analyses were based on n = 759 participants (359 male, 400 female) from the longitudinal Health, Aging, and Retirement Transitions in Sweden study. For this study, we used 5 waves spanning over a period of 4 years. Results On average, sexual satisfaction did not change significantly before retirement, but decreased after retirement. Interestingly, women showed higher sexual satisfaction than men, as well as a more positive development of both pre- and postretirement sexual satisfaction. Individuals with higher relationship satisfaction had a higher sexual satisfaction until retirement, but their sexual satisfaction also decreased faster after retirement, whereas those with lower relationship satisfaction showed a stable but lower sexual satisfaction. Discussion and Implications Sexual satisfaction can change in the retirement transition in several important ways and further studies on the impact of retirement and other late-life stage transitions are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Use of CAM among cancer patients: Results of a regional survey in Sweden.
- Author
-
Källman, Mikael, Bergström, Stefan, Carlsson, Tobias, Järås, Jacob, Holgersson, Georg, Nordberg, Johanna Hök, Nilsson, Jonas, Wode, Kathrin, and Bergqvist, Michael
- Subjects
TUMOR treatment ,TUMOR diagnosis ,VITAMINS ,PRAYER ,ADJUVANT chemotherapy ,CROSS-sectional method ,AGE distribution ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,CANCER patients ,SEX distribution ,GREEN tea ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,RESEARCH funding ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ALTERNATIVE medicine ,ODDS ratio ,NATURAL foods ,DATA analysis software ,EDUCATIONAL attainment ,PALLIATIVE treatment - Abstract
Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients is widespread. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the extent and details of patient CAM use in Sweden, especially in rural Sweden. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of CAM use among cancer patients in Region Gävleborg. Methods: A total of 631 questionnaires were distributed to which 376 responses were registered, yielding a response rate of 59.6%. Questionnaires were distributed to oncology patients at their first visit for curative treatment at the Department of Oncology, Gävle Hospital. Palliative patients were recruited at their first visit and during enrollment in palliative outpatient care in their own homes. The characteristics of the respondents were presented with standard descriptive statistics. A multivariable logistic model was fitted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and identify potential predictors (Age, Gender, Education, Diagnosis) of CAM use post-cancer diagnosis. Results: 54% of all participants reported lifetime CAM use, 34% reported CAM use post-diagnosis. The most common CAM methods used after diagnosis are vitamins, health food preparations, herbal teas, prayer and dietary methods. The most common source of information reported is family and friends. Almost 70% of those who used CAM after their diagnosis stated that they did not discuss their use with healthcare professionals. Most patients reported that they would like some CAM modalities to be offered within conventional care regardless of their own CAM use. Conclusions: The use of CAM is common among patients with cancer in the region of Gävleborg, and previous studies show a similar use in Sweden in general. Based on the widespread use of CAM and patient interest in discussing CAM use with healthcare professionals, greater attention and focus should be placed on creating a basis for this dialogue. If we, as healthcare professionals, are to emphasise our commitment to providing patient-centred care, we must acknowledge that patients use CAM and are seeking a dialogue about CAM use in their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Macroeconomic fluctuations and individual use of psychotropic medications: evidence from Swedish administrative data.
- Author
-
Dackehag, Margareta, Ellegård, Lina Maria, Gerdtham, Ulf-G, and Nilsson, Therese
- Subjects
PSYCHIATRIC drugs ,UNEMPLOYMENT ,HEALTH services accessibility ,RECESSIONS ,MORTALITY ,AGE distribution ,HEALTH outcome assessment ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,SEX distribution ,DRUGS ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,RESEARCH funding ,LABOR market ,STATISTICAL correlation - Abstract
Background A growing literature finds that adult mental health worsens during economic downturns. Current insights on the relationship between macroeconomic fluctuations and psychotropic medication are based on self-reported information or aggregate measures on prescriptions. This study assesses the relationship between local macroeconomic conditions and individual use of psychotropic medication as reported in administrative registers. Methods We use local information on unemployment linked to individual-level longitudinal data on detailed psychotropic drug consumption from administrative registers, for individuals in working age (20–65) in Sweden 2006–13. Any psychotropic medication uptake and the related number of redeemed prescriptions are the primary outcomes. Mortality is considered a secondary outcome. Results Among young men (aged 20–44) and older women (aged 45–65), we find reduced use of psychotropic medication (2–4% compared to the mean) when the local labor market conditions deteriorate. The relationship is driven by reduced use of antidepressants. The same age-gender groups experience a significantly higher risk of mortality in bad times. Conclusions This study shows that economic downturns may not only put strain on individuals' mental health but also on their access to psychopharmaceutic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. eHealth literacy and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of parents of children needing paediatric surgery in Sweden.
- Author
-
Kristjánsdóttir, Ólöf, Welander Tärneberg, Anna, Stenström, Pernilla, Castor, Charlotte, and Kristensson Hallström, Inger
- Subjects
RESEARCH ,RESEARCH methodology ,MOTIVATION (Psychology) ,AGE distribution ,SURGERY ,PATIENTS ,QUANTITATIVE research ,TERTIARY care ,HEALTH literacy ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,INFORMATION literacy ,INCOME ,SEX distribution ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,ACCESS to information ,RESEARCH funding ,DEMOGRAPHY ,STATISTICAL correlation ,RESIDENTIAL patterns ,STATISTICAL sampling ,TELEMEDICINE ,PARENTS ,PEDIATRIC surgery ,EDUCATIONAL attainment ,CHILDREN - Abstract
Aim: The aim of the study was to describe different eHealth literacy domains among parents of children needing paediatric surgery in Sweden, and the correlation between these eHealth literacy domains and parents' socioeconomic factors and demographic characteristics. Design: Descriptive correlational design. Method: Thirty‐five Swedish‐speaking parents participated as a historical control group within an ongoing Swedish clinical trial developing eHealth solutions for families after hospital care; of these, 30 completed the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire and the socioeconomic and demographic questionnaire. Results: Of the seven eHealth literacy domains assessed, parents' strengths lay in those pertaining to their own digital competence, control and safety, while their weakness concerned their motivation to engage with digital services, and their ability to access eHealth platforms that work. Overall, parents presented adequate eHealth literacy. Of the five socioeconomic and demographic variables assessed (i.e. monthly wages, education levels, age, gender and residency), monthly wages correlated the strongest, and positively, with the seven eHealth literacy domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. The association between early introduction of tiny tastings of solid foods and duration of breastfeeding.
- Author
-
Stern, Jenny, Funkquist, Eva-Lotta, and Grandahl, Maria
- Subjects
MOTHERS ,OBESITY ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,MULTIPLE regression analysis ,AGE distribution ,RETROSPECTIVE studies ,REGRESSION analysis ,TWINS ,INFANT nutrition ,SOCIOECONOMIC factors ,BREASTFEEDING ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,MATERNAL age ,STATISTICAL models ,BODY mass index ,DATA analysis software ,EDUCATIONAL attainment - Abstract
Background: Conflicting advice and non-evidence-based recommendations have a negative effect on breastfeeding. Since 2011, the National Food Agency in Sweden has informed parents that they can introduce tiny tastings (1 mL of solid food, i.e. other sources of nutrition than breastmilk/formula) to infants from four months of age. It is unknown how national recommendations, which differ from the Word Health Organisation's recommendation, affect breastfeeding. We hypothesised that introduction of tiny tastings of solid foods would shorten the duration of continued breastfeeding. Methods: This retrospective study utilises data from the longitudinal 'Swedish Pregnancy Planning Study', in which mothers were recruited at antenatal clinics on a national level. The participants completed three questionnaires up to one year after birth (n = 1,251). Linear regression models were used to analyse the association between the introduction of solid foods and the duration of breastfeeding. Results: As hypothesised, introduction of tiny tastings shortened the duration of continued breastfeeding. Half of all infants (48%) were fed with tiny tastings already in the fourth month. The correlation analysis showed that the earlier the infants started with tiny tastings, the earlier they ate larger amounts of solid food. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, five factors were identified as having a negative effect on the duration of breastfeeding: low infant age upon introduction of tiny tastings, low maternal age, low level of maternal education, high maternal BMI and twin birth. Conclusions: Early introduction of tiny tastings of solid foods shortened the duration of breastfeeding. It is difficult to influence most conditions that affect breastfeeding, for example, the mother's educational level, BMI, age and if she has given birth to twins. In contrast, national guidelines can always be updated. Recommendations from the Swedish authorities should adhere to the WHO's recommendation, which states exclusive breastfeeding for six months and continued breastfeeding for at least two years or longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
Discovery Service for Jio Institute Digital Library
For full access to our library's resources, please sign in.