Health inequalities between Roma and non-Roma populations in Europe: A study of 118,834 individuals combining the UNDP Roma and the EU-SILC surveys

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482110562
Author(s):  
Daniel La Parra-Casado ◽  
Erling F. Solheim ◽  
Jesús F. Estévez

Aims: This study aimed to compare the self-rated health status of the Roma and of the general population by gender and educational level in six Central and Eastern European countries. Methods: We analysed the United Nations Development Program Regional Roma Survey and EUROSTAT’s European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions surveys from 2011 for Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. Using logistic regression, predicted probabilities of good or very good self-rated health were estimated for the Roma ( n=11,401), Roma neighbours ( n=5857) and the general population ( n=101,579) stratified by gender, and adjusted by age, country and educational level. Results: There was a distinctive social gradient in self-rated health between the groups among both men and women, and a gap between primary versus secondary or tertiary education among all three groups, but Roma (men) and their neighbours with secondary or higher education had significantly worse predicted self-rated health compared to the general population with similar qualifications. Conclusions: These results strongly suggest that ethnicity and gender should be considered as fundamental causes that explain structural health inequalities. Consequently, future research and policy initiatives to reduce health inequities should acknowledge the impact of ethnic minorities and how these fundamental causes extend the general population’s social gradient in health. Study designs enabling direct comparisons between ethnic groups and the general population should be applied. More and better data about ethnic minorities are needed to document and monitor existing health inequalities.

2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kryspin Mitura ◽  
Sławomir Kozieł ◽  
Klaudiusz Komor

More than half of physicians in Poland are over 50 years old. This raises concerns about the risk of lack of continuity of health care services due to the generational gap, particularly marked among interventional specialties. The physical and mental burden of general surgery affects those doctors in particular. The aim of the study is to assess whether the type of the profession pursued influences the average lifetime of a physician in Poland and the impact of the surgeon’s occupation on life expectancy compared to the rest of the population according to gender. Demographic data was obtained from official publications of the Central Statistical Office. Data on 189,459 physicians in Poland were obtained from the Central Register of Doctors. A total of 6,496 physicians and dentists deaths in the period from January 1st, 2010 to June 30th, 2014, including 722 surgeons, were analyzed. In general, both male physicians and dentists died at an older age than the mean population (74.9 years and 74.7 years vs. 68.9 years; p <0.05). Among women, only dentists lived longer (78.5 years) p <0.05), while women physicians died at a younger age than the average in the general population (76.4 vs. 77.2 years; p <0.05). The average lifetime of both male and female surgeons was 74.2 and 77.5 years, respectively. The average life expectancy of people aged 25 years with college/university education is 80.3 years for men and 86.6 years for women. Male surgeons live significantly longer than the average life expectancy in the general population of men. The average length of life of women surgeons is significantly lower than the average lifespan of women in the general population. The actual lifetime of surgeons in Poland is significantly lower than the expected average life expectancy for other people aged 25 with tertiary education. The average lifespan of surgeons in Poland does not differ significantly from the average life expectancy of other Polish physicians.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Nicholas Curtis

This article seeks to illuminate questions of mental health in tertiary-level musical theatre training. Professional performing artists, students of singing, dance and acting, as well as undergraduate university students are all at greater risk of mental health problems than the general population. At the nexus of these domains is the tertiary-level musical theatre student. Through a survey conducted with recent musical theatre graduates in Australia, this study investigated the impact of tertiary-level musical theatre study on the psychological wellbeing of its students, identifying relevant stressors and mitigating factors. The results demonstrate a higher instance of mental health concerns in this cohort than the general population and other tertiary-level groups. Some solutions to mitigate the issue are presented.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donata Woitas-Ślubowska

Factors Determining Participation in Leisure Time Physical Activity among Former Athletes and Male non AthletesThe aim of the study was to compare the impact of socioeconomic factors and self-rated health on participation in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among former athletes and male non athletes. In the spring-summer of 1997 - 2002, two groups of males between the ages of 18 - 51 years were enrolled in the study: former athletes (n=175) and men without any (past or present) competitive sports experience (n=197). Sample selection was deliberate according to the "easy access" criterion. An anonymous, postal self-return survey included questions concerning the variables of frequency, time spent on LTPA and form of participation in LTPA, socioeconomic variables (age, marital status, residence, educational level, occupation, income level) and selfrated health (categories: very good, good, moderate, poor and very poor). Statistical analysis of the study included test of differences between two structural components and X2test. In both groups, poor participation in LTPA was significantly associated with a negative self-rated health and low socioeconomic status (blue-collar work or unemployment, low income, low educational level), and in the group of men without any competitive sports experience, also with the age range of 35 - 51 years, and residence in a rural area. Furthermore, the impact of poor socioeconomic status on participation of men in LTPA was found to be weaker among former athletes than in men without any past competitive sports experience. The results of the study indicate that the following are necessary to improve participation of men in LTPA: propagation of competitive sports among boys and young men, and elimination of socioeconomic barriers for their physical activity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 109
Author(s):  
Massoomeh Hedayati ◽  
Aldrin Abdullah ◽  
Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki

There is continuous debate on the impact of house quality on residents’ health and well-being. Good living environment improves health, and fear of crime is recognised as a mediator in the relationship between physical environment and health. Since minimal studies have investigated the relationship, this study aims to examine the impact of the house quality on fear of crime and health. A total of 230 households from a residential neighbourhood in Malaysia participated in the study. Using structural equation modelling, the findings indicate that housing quality and fear of crime can account for a proportion of the variance in residents’ self-rated health. However, there is no significant relationship between housing quality and fear of crime. Results also show that fear of crime does not mediate the relationship between housing quality and health. This study suggests that the environment-fear relationship should be re-examined theoretically.  


2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
D. Richardson ◽  
I. Silver ◽  
A. Dionne

This evaluation of the integrated Stepping Stones (SS) Teaching Certificate program, including its instructional development (workshops) and theory review (journal club) components, will inform further program development. Results of this project will also add to the limited amount of scholarly work in the area of faculty development program evaluation. Faculty development literature in the area of organized program assessment reveals use of either quantitative OR qualitative methods. In this project, a novel method combining both techniques was used to explore program impact. Participants completed 2 questionnaires to identify skill-set knowledge gaps in teaching effectiveness. Pre- and post-program quantitative gaps were generated. Focus groups were used for qualitative exploration. Areas explored pre-program included: a) motives for enrollment, b) program expectations and c) prior teaching preparation. Post-program discussion explored: the impact of the program on a) participant’s perceived gaps, b) teaching behaviour change, and c) its influence on their career in education. We believed the program’s interprofessional environment would foster development of a learning community having impact on faculty knowledge, skills and attitudes related to teaching, and potentially elicit behavioural change in teaching practices. Results from a 2004-2005 cohort of participants have identified a variety of benefits for faculty and their teaching practice. Results from a second separate cohort, 2005-2006 participants, validated the initial findings. Remarkable harmonization in the results of the qualitative analysis between the two cohort samples was evident. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in each of the domains examined qualitatively. Both qualitative and quantitatively, program effectiveness was demonstrated immediately following completion of the program. Follow up to assess the sustainability of the effects is ongoing. The analysis of the quantitative discrepancy (gaps) data has lead to a possible technique to assist in identifying unperceived educational needs. McLeod PJ, Steinert Y, Nasmith L, Conochie L. Faculty Development in Canadian medical schools: a 10-year update. CMAJ 1997; 156(10):1419-23. Hewson MG, Copeland HL, Fishleder AJ. What’s the use of faculty development? Program evaluation using retrospective self-assessments and independent performance ratings. Teach Learn Med 2001; 13(3):153-60. Moore EM. A Framework for Outcomes Evaluation in the Continuing Development of Physicians, in: The Continuing Professional Development of Physicians. Eds. Davis D, Barnes BE, Fox R. AMA Press, 2003.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Richardson ◽  
Lynda Fenton ◽  
Jane Parkinson ◽  
Andrew Pulford ◽  
Martin Taulbut ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged &lt;18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Arnaud ◽  
Carine Duffaut ◽  
Jérôme Fauconnier ◽  
Silke Schmidt ◽  
Kate Himmelmann ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Effective inclusion in society for young people with disabilities is increasingly seen as generating opportunities for self-development, and improving well-being. However, significant barriers remain in the vast majority of activities meaningful for young adults. Research argues that various personal (disabilities, health) and environmental (access to the resources needed, accessible environment, discrimination, lack of personal economic independence) factors contribute to limited participation. However, previous studies conducted in young people with cerebral palsy (CP) mainly investigated the transition period to adulthood, and did not fully consider the whole range of impairment severity profiles or environmental barriers. In this study, we will use the follow-up of the SPARCLE cohort and a comparison group from the general population (1) to investigate the impact of the environment on participation and quality of life of young adults with CP, (2) to determine predictors of a successful young adulthood in educational, professional, health and social fields, (3) to compare quality of life and frequency of participation in social, work and recreational activities with the general population, (4) to document on participation and quality of life in those with severe disabilities. Methods The SPARCLE3 study has a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional design. Young adults with CP aged 22 to 27 years in 6 European regions previously enrolled in the SPARCLE cohort or newly recruited will be invited to self-complete a comprehensive set of questionnaires exploring participation (daily life and discretionary activities), health-related quality of life, body function, personal factors (health, personal resources), and contextual factors (availability of needed environmental items, family environment, services provision) during home visits supervised by trained researchers. Proxy-reports or adapted questionnaires will be used for those with the most severe impairments. The recruitment of a large group from the general population (online survey) will enable to identify life areas where the discrepancies between young people with CP and their able-bodied peers are the most significant. Discussion This study will help identify to what extent disabilities and barriers in environment negatively affect participation and quality of life, and how previous valued experiences during childhood or adolescence might modulate these effects.


Author(s):  
Li-Chung Pien ◽  
Wan‐Ju Cheng ◽  
Kuei-Ru Chou ◽  
Li-Chiu Lin

Work–family conflicts (WFCs) are common in the healthcare sector and pose significant health risks to healthcare workers. This study examined the effect of WFCs on the health status and nurses’ leaving intentions in Taiwan. A self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 200 female nurses’ experiences of WFC from a regional hospital. Data on psychosocial work conditions, including work shifts, job control, psychological job demands, and workplace justice, were collected. Health conditions were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and self-rated health. Leaving intentions were measured using a self-developed questionnaire. The participants’ average work experience was 6.79 (Standard Deviation (SD) = 5.26) years, their highest educational level was university, and work shifts were mostly night and rotating shifts. Approximately 75.5% of nurses perceived high levels of WFCs. Leaving intentions were correlated with WFCs (r = 0.350, p < 0.01) and psychological work demands (r = 0.377, p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, educational level, and work characteristics, high levels of WFCs were associated with poor self-rated health, and depression, but not associated with high leaving intentions. Nurses’ experiences of high levels of WFCs greatly affected their health status.


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