[Validation of adolescent computer addiction test in a greek sample].

The goal of this study is the validation of a reliable research tool for diagnosing computer addiction in adolescents and the description of its particular psychometric properties. 482 students in the city of Trikala, which is Greece's leading city in Internet provision, and 907 students of the city of Larisa took part in this study which was run during the first trimester of 2006. The samples were obtained through randomized stratified sampling for their respective cities. Those students who reported using a personal computer at the time filled in the ACAT (Adolescent Computer Addiction Test), which was modeled after the 20-question Internet Addiction Test. The psychometric tests applied included test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. Factor analysis revealed four factors which account for 59.15% of total variability of the scale. The ACAT scale was proven to hold excellent test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. The important role of timely education in new technologies is pointed out. This study is a first attempt in creating and applying a reliable tool in the evaluation of adolescent addiction to personal computers in Greece.

Surgical complications of hyperglycaemia.

We review the mechanisms leading to hyperglycaemic damage and draw functional extrapolations aiming to an improved management of surgical complications, which are common among diabetic patients.

Public opinions about mental illness in a Greek area: The influence of socio-demographic factors.

The importance of certain socio-demographic factors, which influence the attitudes and ideas regarding the mentally ill, were investigated in a resident population of a Greek region. An urban and a rural sample of 1,975 inhabitants were selected with an age range between 18 and 65 years. The Greek version of the Opinions about Mental Illness Questionnaire (OMIQ) was used for measuring the attitudes of social discrimination, social restriction, social care, social integration towards the mentally ill and the beliefs for the aetiology of the mental illness. The collected data were statistically analysed with stepwise multiple regression analysis and for the coding of the variables the method of dummy or indicator variables was followed. Educational level, age and place of residence are the main socio-demographic variables on which the OMIQ score depend. The results of this study could lead to the identification of target groups for the organisation of prevention programs aiming at changing public beliefs towards the mentally ill.