scholarly journals Sick leave and medication use in pregnancy: a European web-based study

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e014934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bich Thuy Truong ◽  
Angela Lupattelli ◽  
Petter Kristensen ◽  
Hedvig Nordeng
Keyword(s):  
Sick Leave ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
National Differences ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Sick Leave Policies ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background and objectiveA comparison of sick leave in pregnancy between countries is difficult as most studies have been conducted in single countries in Scandinavia. The objective of this study was to explore patterns of and reasons for sick leave during pregnancy on a multinational level, focusing on medication use but also differences in sick leave policies.Design and settingCross-sectional, web-based study in 12 European countries from October 2011 to February 2012. Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire.ParticipantsPregnant women and mothers of children under the age of 1 year.Primary outcome measureSick leave prevalence in pregnancy.ResultsOf 6686 women included, 3385 (50.6%) had been on sick leave during pregnancy. The rates of sick leave varied across countries, ranging from 31.7%–34.8% in Sweden and the UK to 62.4%–71.3% in Norway, Serbia, Croatia and Poland. The most common reasons for being on sick leave were pregnancy complications (26.5%); pain in the neck, back or pelvic girdle (16.2%); and nausea and vomiting (NVP, 16.0%). Women using medications for acute illnesses were more likely to be on sick leave than their non-medicated counterparts, while an opposite trend was observed for women with chronic disorders, where non-medicated women were more likely to be on sick leave. Women from countries with ‘low’ sick leave policies were less likely to have extensions of sick leaves compared with women from countries with ‘medium’ policies (adjusted OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.82).ConclusionThe rates of sick leave in pregnancy vary greatly across European countries. Women using medications were more likely to be on sick leave, especially for acute illnesses. The differences in sick leave patterns across countries only partially reflected differences in sick leave policies, which implies that sick leave in pregnancy is also affected by other national differences.

scholarly journals Medical care contact for infertility and related medication use during pregnancy – a European, cross-sectional web-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miljana Ilic ◽  
Hedvig Nordeng ◽  
Angela Lupattelli
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Chronic Medication ◽  
Chronic Medications ◽  
In Pregnancy

Aims: The aim of the study was two-fold: i) to determine the prevalence of medical care contact for infertility in European countries; ii) to map overall and long-term/chronic medication use during pregnancy in women who sought medical care due to infertility.Methods: This is a sub-study of the Multinational Medication Use in Pregnancy Study, a cross-sectional, web-based study conducted from October 2011 to February 2012. We included 8097 participants from Europe who were pregnant or new mothers. We collected data on overall and long-term/chronic medication use, medical care seeking due to infertility, and whether women eventually conceived spontaneously or with the aid of infertility treatment.Results: Medical care contact for infertility was lower in Western Europe (prevalence estimate: 10.0-15.3%), compared with Northern (15.2-17.5%) or Eastern (17.4-20.9%), but Poland had the lowest estimate (8.0%). Overall, 660 (8.2%) women sought medical care due to infertility but conceived spontaneously; 548 (6.8%) conceived aided by fertility treatment, and 6889 (85.0%) women did not seek help. Use of any medication was comparable across the three groups (range 80.4-82.5%), but women seeking help for infertility (21.8-24.6%) took more often long-term/chronic medications than women who did not (14.8%).Conclusion: Medical care contacts for infertility varies greatly across European countries. Women who had medical contact due to infertility used more often chronic medications in pregnancy than women who did not, pointing to more co-morbidities and risk pregnancies.

scholarly journals Use and Intentional Avoidance of Prescribed Medications in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional, Web-Based Study among 926 Women in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3830
Author(s):  
Angela Lupattelli ◽  
Marta Picinardi ◽  
Anna Cantarutti ◽  
Hedvig Nordeng
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Maternal Child Health ◽  
New Mothers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Medication Use Patterns ◽  
In Pregnancy

Nation-wide information about medication use in pregnancy is lacking for Italy, and no study has so far investigated the prescribed medications which pregnant women deliberately avoid. In this study, we map medication use patterns in pregnancy, as well as the extent and type of prescribed medications which are purposely avoided by pregnant women in Italy. This is a sub-study within the “Multinational Medication Use in Pregnancy Study”—a cross-sectional, web-based study conducted in Italy from 7 November 2011 to 7 January 2012. Using an anonymous electronic questionnaire, we collected data from pregnant women and new mothers on medication use and deliberate avoidance during pregnancy and maternal characteristics. The sample included 926 women residing in Italy. The point prevalence of total medication use was 71.2%. Whereas 61.4% and 12.4% of women reported medication use for the treatment of short and longer-term illnesses, respectively, only 8.8% reported medication use for the treatment of both a short and a longer-term illness in pregnancy. We found no substantial differences in estimates across various geographical areas of Italy. Overall, 26.6% of women reported to have deliberately avoided a prescribed medication in pregnancy—most often nimesulide or ketoprofen, but also antibiotics. We conclude that prenatal exposure to medication is common among women in Italy, but estimates are lower than in other Western countries. Intentional avoidance of important medications by pregnant women raises concerns about the safeguarding of maternal–child health.

scholarly journals Medication use in pregnancy: a cross-sectional, multinational web-based study

BMJ Open ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. e004365 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Lupattelli ◽  
O Spigset ◽  
M J Twigg ◽  
K Zagorodnikova ◽  
A C Mårdby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
In Pregnancy

scholarly journals Two hearts and a loan? Mortgages, employment insecurity and earnings among young couples in six European countries

Urban Studies ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 2451-2469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia M Dotti Sani ◽  
Claudia Acciai
Keyword(s):  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Logistic Models ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Earned Income ◽  
Employment Insecurity ◽  
National Differences ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Employment Instability

Homeownership is increasingly understood by policy makers and social scientists as a fundamental asset against poverty risks, especially in times of economic uncertainty. However, in several Western countries, homeownership among younger generations appears to be increasingly difficult to achieve, likely a result of growing employment instability and stringent criteria to access credit. This article uses multinomial logistic models and nationally representative EU-SILC data from six European countries to examine (a) to what extent precarious employment among young couples is linked to being a mortgage holder; (b) whether earned income can compensate for employment instability in being a mortgagee; (c) cross-national differences in the relationship between being a mortgage holder, earnings, and employment insecurity. Our results indicate that the higher the levels of employment insecurity, the lower the chances of being a mortgage holder in all countries. Moreover, we find that at a given level of employment insecurity, households with higher levels of earned income have higher chances of being mortgage holders than households with lower earned income. However, while earned income has a stronger effect in achieving a mortgage among couples who have secure employment in Italy, earnings are more important among couples with lower levels of employment security in France, the UK, Spain and Poland. These results suggest that the relationship between social inequalities and housing is partially mediated by the national context.

scholarly journals Iodine and pregnancy – a UK cross-sectional survey of dietary intake, knowledge and awareness

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Combet ◽  
M. Bouga ◽  
B. Pan ◽  
M. E. J. Lean ◽  
C. O. Christopher
Keyword(s):  
Iodine Intake ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutritional Recommendations ◽  
Level Of Confidence ◽  
Healthy Growth ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Right ◽  
In Pregnancy

Iodine is a key component of the thyroid hormones, which are critical for healthy growth, development and metabolism. The UK population is now classified as mildly iodine-insufficient. Adequate levels of iodine during pregnancy are essential for fetal neurodevelopment, and mild iodine deficiency is linked to developmental impairments. In the absence of prophylaxis in the UK, awareness of nutritional recommendations during pregnancy would empower mothers to make the right dietary choices leading to adequate iodine intake. The present study aimed to: estimate mothers' dietary iodine intake in pregnancy (using a FFQ); assess awareness of the importance of iodine in pregnancy with an understanding of existing pregnancy dietary and lifestyle recommendations with relevance for iodine; examine the level of confidence in meeting adequate iodine intake. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and questionnaires were distributed between August 2011 and February 2012 on local (Glasgow) and national levels (online electronic questionnaire); 1026 women, UK-resident and pregnant or mother to a child aged up to 36 months participated in the study. While self-reported awareness about general nutritional recommendations during pregnancy was high (96 %), awareness of iodine-specific recommendations was very low (12 %), as well as the level of confidence of how to achieve adequate iodine intake (28 %). Median pregnancy iodine intake, without supplements, calculated from the FFQ, was 190 μg/d (interquartile range 144–256μg/d), which was lower than that of the WHO's recommended intake for pregnant women (250 μg/d). Current dietary recommendations in pregnancy, and their dissemination, are found not to equip women to meet the requirements for iodine intake.

scholarly journals Acceptability of HCV screening and potential use of DAAs during pregnancy in women attending antenatal care in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Scott ◽  
Elizabeth Chappell ◽  
Aya Mostafa ◽  
Alla Volokha ◽  
Nida Najmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Maternity Hospitals ◽  
Hcv Screening ◽  
The Uk ◽  
In Pregnancy

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is ≈6%, and evidence suggests HCV negatively affects pregnancy and infant outcomes. Despite this, universal antenatal HCV screening is not available in most settings, and direct acting antivirals (DAA) are yet to be approved for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding period. Larger safety and efficacy trials are needed. At current there is limited understanding of the acceptability of routine HCV screening and use of DAAs in pregnancy but only among women in high HCV burden countries.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of pregnant or post-partum (<6 months since delivery) women attending antenatal clinics or maternity hospitals in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine. In Ukraine, this included one HIV clinic. Acceptability of free universal antenatal HCV screening and potential uptake of DAA treatment in the scenario of DAAs being approved for use in pregnancy was assessed. Results were stratified by HCV status and in Ukraine by HIV status. Descriptive statistics were used to explore differences in acceptability of treatment in pregnancy by country.FindingsAmong 630 women (n=210 per country) who participated, the median age was 30 [interquartile range (IQR) 26, 34] years, 73% were pregnant and 27% postpartum, and 27% ever HCV antibody or PCR positive. 40% of women in Ukraine were living with HIV. Overall 93% of women supported free universal HCV screening in pregnancy, with no difference by country. 88% would take DAAs in pregnancy if approved for use: 92%, 98% and 73% among women in Egypt, Pakistan and Ukraine, respectively. Motivation for use of DAAs in pregnancy (to avert vertical transmission or for maternal HCV cure) varied by country, HCV status and HIV status (in Ukraine). No predictors for acceptability of DAAs were identified.InterpretationOur survey across 3 high burden countries found very high acceptability of free universal HCV screening and DAAs if approved for use in pregnancy. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of DAAs during pregnancy and breastfeeding are urgently required.FundingThis survey was conducted as part of the “HCVAVERT” study, funded by the UK Medical Research Council (ref MR/R019746/1).

scholarly journals Knowledge and (Ab)Use in Connection with Novel Psychoactive Substances: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Psychedelic Users Existing on Online Platforms

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Mohammed-Lutfi Al-Imam ◽  
Ahmed Al-Imam
Keyword(s):  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Sectional Analysis ◽  
Developed World

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of use and misuse of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been escalating at an exponential rate in the past two decades. Studies on NPS are highly concentrated in relevance to the developed world, while few have been undertaken in the developing countries.MATERIALS & METHODS: This study is observational and cross-sectional in nature; it relies on a web-based survey distributed to a population of (ab)users of psychedelics and NPS; this community was accessible via dedicated online platforms psychedelics users located on the Facebook social communication medium. The aim of the study is to estimate the level of knowledge and the extent of (mis)use in connection with psychoactive substances, including the novel ones (NPS).RESULTS: The number of participants who responded to the survey reached 458 responders. The level of knowledge and (ab)use was relatively high. The majority of participating individuals were Caucasians males from the developed world including the US, the UK, India, and western European countries. The primary religious affiliation was either agnosticism or atheism. Approximately, 26% were diagnosed with the neuropsychiatric condition.CONCLUSION: The NPS phenomenon is still a major concern primarily in the developed world. Additional studies are required in virtual and non-virtual populations. The targeted populations should include; students, medical professionals, academics, patients with psychiatric and neurological abnormalities, convicts and criminals, and even terrorists.

Knowledge about Medicine Use in Pregnancy: A National Study among Pharmacy Students in Jordan

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esra’ Taybeh ◽  
Rawan Kokash ◽  
Ahmad Talhouni ◽  
Mervat Alsous
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
National Study ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Undergraduate Study ◽  
Pharmacy Curriculum ◽  
In Pregnancy

Background: Knowledge of medication use during pregnancy presents a concern to pharmacists upon graduation since they will be responsible for drug related inquiries and counselling pregnant women about their medications. The present study aimed to assess undergraduate senior pharmacy students’ knowledge about medication use during pregnancy in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jordanian universities. A total of 409 senior pharmacy students participated in the study. Results: The results found that the majority of the students (60.6%) did not have enough instruction on medications during pregnancy through their undergraduate study. Overall, only 2.5% of the participating students were considered to have good knowledge about medicine use during pregnancy and accordingly the majority (52.6%) were not confident to recommend medicines for pregnant women in the future. In view of that, participating students suggested the addition of an obligatory course to the current curriculum. Students in public universities, Pharm.D. students, and those in their sixth year of study were more knowledgeable than others (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that pharmacy students have low knowledge regarding medication use in pregnancy. The results call for a reassessment of the current pharmacy curriculum.

The state of play in children's occupational therapy: A comparison between Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland

2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Lynch ◽  
Maria Prellwitz ◽  
Christina Schulze ◽  
Alice H Moore
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
The State ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Primary Focus

Introduction Play is viewed as an important occupation in childhood and consequently in children's occupational therapy. However, few studies have explored the place of play in therapy practice. This study aimed to contribute to this knowledge gap by exploring play in occupational therapy in three European countries. Method A cross-sectional survey of occupational therapists in Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland was conducted to examine the use of play with children under 12 years old. A web-based survey was distributed to 935 occupational therapists, resulting in 338 returned surveys (36%). Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results Results were organised into three themes: (1) demographics and practice context; (2) play education and (3) use of play in practice. Respondents reported that although they valued play as an occupation, their primary focus was on play as a means to achieving other goals. Lack of education on play (research, theory and interventions) and pressures in the workplace were identified as barriers to play-centred practice. Conclusion Findings indicate that there is a mismatch between therapists valuing play as an occupation and how play is utilised in therapy practice. There is a need to strengthen education and research on play occupation to strengthen play-centred practice.

scholarly journals Usage of purchased self-tests for HIV infections among migrants living in the UK, France and the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 95 (8) ◽  
pp. 629-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janneke P Bil ◽  
Maria Prins ◽  
Ibidun Fakoya ◽  
Alain Volny-Anne ◽  
Fiona Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Male Sexual Partners ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesSelf-tests are performed and interpreted autonomously by a person without involving a healthcare professional or a certified laboratory. To gain insight into the usage of purchased HIV self-tests (HIVST) among migrants living in high-income countries, we studied the prevalence and determinants of HIVST usage among migrants living in the UK, France and the Netherlands.MethodsWe used web-based questionnaire data collected between April 2014 and July 2015 among migrants living in the UK, France and the Netherlands who participated in the cross-sectional community survey of the aMASE (advancing Migrant Access to health Services in Europe) study. HIVST usage in the preceding 12 months and the corresponding 95% CIs were calculated. Using univariate logistic regression analyses, determinants of HIVST usage were evaluated.ResultsAmong 477 migrants living in the UK (n=235), France (n=98) and the Netherlands (n=144), HIVST usage in the preceding 12 months was 1.89% (9/477, 95% CI 0.66% to 3.11%). As all nine HIVST users were men who have sex with men (MSM), we restricted our univariate analyses to MSM (n=240). HIVST usage was borderline significantly lower among MSM living in France and the Netherlands compared with those living in the UK (UK: reference; France: OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.14; the Netherlands: OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.05). Age, region of birth, educational level, registration at a general practitioner, recent number of male sexual partners and hard drug use were not associated with HIVST usage among MSM.ConclusionsHIVST usage among migrants from the UK, France and the Netherlands was relatively low between 2014 and 2015 but higher among migrant MSM. To increase HIV testing rates among migrants, programmes need to be developed to promote HIVST among this group. Also, as more countries approve usage of HIVST, systems need to be established to ensure linkage to confirmatory testing and care following a positive test.

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