"Healthy immigrant effect" among individuals experiencing homelessness in Spain?: Foreign-born individuals had higher average age at death in 15-year retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals experiencing homelessness (IEHs) suffer from severe health inequities. Place of origin is linked to health and mortality of IEHs. In the general population the "healthy immigrant effect" provides a health advantage to foreign-born people. This phenomenon has not been sufficiently studied among the IEH population. The objectives are to study morbidity, mortality, and age at death among IEHs in Spain, paying special attention to their origin (Spanish-born or foreign-born) and to examine correlates and predictors of age at death. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study (observational study) of a 15-year period (2006-2020). We included 391 IEHs who had been attended at one of the city's public mental health, substance use disorder, primary health, or specialized social services. Subsequently, we noted which subjects died during the study period and analyzed the variables related to their age at death. We compared the results based on origin (Spanish-born vs. foreign-born) and fitted a multiple linear regression model to the data to establish predictors of an earlier age at death. RESULTS: The mean age at death was 52.38 years. Spanish-born IEHs died on average almost nine years younger. The leading causes of death overall were suicide and drug-related disorders (cirrhosis, overdose, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]). The results of the linear regression showed that earlier death was linked to COPD (b = - 0.348), being Spanish-born (b = 0.324), substance use disorder [cocaine (b =-0.169), opiates (b =.-243), and alcohol (b =-0.199)], cardiovascular diseases (b = - 0.223), tuberculosis (b = - 0.163), high blood pressure (b =-0.203), criminal record (b =-0.167), and hepatitis C (b =-0.129). When we separated the causes of death for Spanish-born and foreign-born subjects, we found that the main predictors of death among Spanish-born IEHs were opiate use disorder (b =-0.675), COPD (b =-0.479), cocaine use disorder (b =-0.208), high blood pressure (b =-0.358), multiple drug use disorder (b =-0.365), cardiovascular disease (b =-0.306), dual pathology (b =-0.286), female gender (b =-0.181), personality disorder (b =-0.201), obesity (b =-0.123), tuberculosis (b =-0.120) and having a criminal record (b =-0.153). In contrast, the predictors of death among foreign-born IEHs were psychotic disorder (b =-0.134), tuberculosis (b =-0.132), and opiate (b =-0.119) or alcohol use disorder (b =-0.098). CONCLUSIONS: IEHs die younger than the general population, often due to suicide and drug use. The healthy immigrant effect seems to hold in IEHs as well as in the general population.

Problematic Internet use and Internet gaming disorder: Overlap and relationship with health-related quality of life in adolescents. / Uso problemático de Internet y trastorno de juego por Internet: Solapamiento y relación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes.

General Problematic Internet Use (GPIU) is a dysfunctional use of Internet handling and management in general. In contrast, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a specific behaviour linked to online videogames. Both problems are becoming common in adolescents, but they have hardly been studied simultaneously, and the joint relationship of the two constructs with Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is unknown. The general objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between GPIU and IGD and their association with HRQoL. The study is analytical and cross-sectional with 2,024 participants (46.4% boys, n = 939) from 16 schools of 7 Spanish regions. The mean age and standard deviation were 14.20±1.42, with a range of 11-18 years. The Spanish versions of the KIDSCREEN-10, the Revised Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale were used. Of the total sample evaluated, 15.5% of the participants had high levels of GPIU, and 3.3% of video game players presented IGD. The dimensions of GPIU are strongly associated with those of IGD. HRQoL correlated significantly and negatively with all the dimensions of GPIU and IGD (p <.001). Participants who reported problems with GPIU or IGD, individually or conjointly, had significantly lower scores in HRQoL than those with no problems.

El Uso problemático general de Internet (GPIU) supone un uso disfuncional del manejo y la gestión de Internet en general. En cambio, el Trastorno de juego por Internet (IGD) es una conducta específica vinculada a los videojuegos en línea. Ambos problemas comienzan a ser frecuentes en adolescentes, pero apenas han sido estudiados simultáneamente ni se conoce el papel conjunto de ambos constructos sobre Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). El objetivo general de este estudio es analizar la relación entre el GPIU y el IGD y su asociación con la CVRS. El estudio es analítico y transversal con 2024 participantes (46,4% chicos, n = 939) procedentes de 16 colegios en 7 regiones españolas. La media de edad y desviación típica fue de 14,20±1,42 en un rango de 11-18 años. Se usaron las versiones españolas del KIDSCREEN-10, del Revised Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 y del Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Un 15,5% del total de la muestra evaluada reportó niveles altos de GPIU y un 3,3% de los jugadores de videojuegos presentó IGD. Las dimensiones del GPIU están altamente asociadas a las del IGD. La CVRS correlacionó significativa y negativamente con todas las dimensiones del GPIU y del IGD (p <,001). Los participantes que reportaron problemas en el GPIU o el IGD, individual o conjuntamente, presentan puntuaciones significativamente más bajas en la CVRS.

Uso problemático de Internet y trastorno de juego por Internet: Solapamiento y relación con la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes / Problematic Internet use and Internet gaming disorder: Overlap and relationship with healthrelated quality of life in adolescents

El Uso problemático general de Internet (GPIU) supone un uso disfuncionaldel manejo y la gestión de Internet en general. En cambio, el Trastornode juego por Internet (IGD) es una conducta específica vinculada a losvideojuegos en línea. Ambos problemas comienzan a ser frecuentes enadolescentes, pero apenas han sido estudiados simultáneamente ni se conoceel papel conjunto de ambos constructos sobre Calidad de vida relacionadacon la salud (CVRS). El objetivo general de este estudio es analizar larelación entre el GPIU y el IGD y su asociación con la CVRS. El estudioes analítico y transversal con 2024 participantes (46,4% chicos, n = 939)procedentes de 16 colegios en 7 regiones españolas. La media de edad ydesviación típica fue de 14,20±1,42 en un rango de 11-18 años. Se usaronlas versiones españolas del KIDSCREEN-10, del Revised Generalized andProblematic Internet Use Scale 2 y del Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Un 15,5%del total de la muestra evaluada reportó niveles altos de GPIU y un 3,3%de los jugadores de videojuegos presentó IGD. Las dimensiones del GPIUestán altamente asociadas a las del IGD. La CVRS correlacionó significativay negativamente con todas las dimensiones del GPIU y del IGD (p < ,001).Los participantes que reportaron problemas en el GPIU o el IGD, individualo conjuntamente, presentan puntuaciones significativamente más bajas en la CVRS. (AU)

General Problematic Internet Use (GPIU) is a dysfunctional use of Internethandling and management in general. In contrast, Internet GamingDisorder (IGD) is a specific behaviour linked to online videogames. Bothproblems are becoming common in adolescents, but they have hardly beenstudied simultaneously, and the joint relationship of the two constructs withHealth-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is unknown. The general objectiveof this study is to analyse the relationship between GPIU and IGD andtheir association with HRQoL. The study is analytical and cross-sectionalwith 2,024 participants (46.4% boys, n = 939) from 16 schools of 7 Spanishregions. The mean age and standard deviation were 14.20±1.42, with arange of 11-18 years. The Spanish versions of the KIDSCREEN-10, theRevised Generalized and Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 and the InternetGaming Disorder Scale were used. Of the total sample evaluated, 15.5%of the participants had high levels of GPIU, and 3.3% of video gameplayers presented IGD. The dimensions of GPIU are strongly associatedwith those of IGD. HRQoL correlated significantly and negatively withall the dimensions of GPIU and IGD (p <.001). Participants who reportedproblems with GPIU or IGD, individually or conjointly, had significantlylower scores in HRQoL than those with no problems. (AU)

Comparison of post-COVID symptoms in patients with different severity profiles of the acute disease visited at a rehabilitation unit.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Studies in the literature suggest the severity of COVID-19 may impact on post-COVID sequelae. We retrospectively compared the different patterns of symptoms in relation to the severity of acute COVID-19 in patients visited at our post-COVID rehabilitation unit. METHODS: We compared respiratory, muscular, cognitive, emotional, and health-related-quality-of-life (HRQoL) measures in three groups of post-COVID patients: those who had not required hospitalization for the acute disease, those who had been admitted to a general hospital ward, and those who had been admitted to the ICU. The main inclusion criteria were persistent dyspnoea (mMRC ≥2) and/or clinical frailty (scale value ≥3). RESULTS: We analyzed data from 178 post-COVID patients (91 admitted to the ICU, 60 to the ward, and 27 who had not required admission) at first visit to our post-COVID rehabilitation unit. Most patients (85.4%) had at least one comorbidity. There were more males in all groups (58.1%). ICU patients were older (p<0.001). The most frequent symptoms in all groups were fatigue (78.2%) and dyspnea (75.4%). Muscle strength and effort capacity were lower in the ICU group (p<0.001). The SF36 mental component and level of anxiety were worse in patients not admitted to the ICU (p<0.001). No differences were found between groups regarding respiratory pressure but 30 of 57 patients with a decrease in maximum inspiratory pressure had not required mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Clinical profiles of post-COVID syndrome differed between groups. Muscle parameters were lower in the ICU group but patients who had not needed ICU admission had worse anxiety and HRQoL scores. Many patients who had not required mechanical ventilation had respiratory muscle weakness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04852718.

Effects of a Brief Preventive Intervention in Cyberbullying and Grooming in Adolescents / Los efectos de una intervención preventiva breve en ciberacoso y grooming en adolescentes

The development of brief and inexpensive interventions that reduce risky behaviors in adolescence constitute a challenge for current research. This study addresses the prevention of two online behavior problems in adolescents (cyberbullying and online grooming). Two pilot studies evaluated the effects of a 1-hour intervention, which combined self-affirmation (SA) with the incremental theory of personality (ITP), for cyberbullying and online grooming. Study 1 involved 339 adolescents (51% male, mean age = 14.12 years, SD = 0.70), who were randomly assigned to the SA + ITP intervention or one of two control conditions. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the SA + ITP intervention reduced the reciprocity between sexual solicitation and sexualized interaction with adults, as well as between cyberbullying victimization and perpetration. Study 2 included 214 adolescents (50.3% male, mean age = 14.06 years, SD = 0.96), who were randomly assigned to the SA + ITP or a control condition. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses indicated that the SA + ITP reduced the reciprocity between sexual solicitation and sexualized interaction with adults, and reduced cyberbullying perpetration. The studies provided preliminary evidence of the benefits of the SA + ITP intervention. (AU)

El desarrollo de intervenciones breves y económicas que reduzcan las conductas de riesgo en la adolescencia constituye un desafío para la investigación actual. Este estudio aborda la prevención de dos problemas de comportamiento online en adolescentes (ciberacoso y grooming en Internet). Dos estudios piloto evaluaron los efectos de una intervención de una hora que combinó autoafirmaciones (AA) con la teoría incremental de la personalidad (TIP) en el ciberacoso y el grooming. En el estudio 1 participaron 339 adolescentes (51% chicos, edad media = 14.12 años, DT = 0.70), que fueron asignados aleatoriamente a la intervención AA + TIP o una de dos condiciones de control. Los análisis de regresión jerárquica indicaron que la intervención AA + TIP redujo la reciprocidad entre la solicitud sexual y la interacción sexualizada con adultos, así como entre la victimización y la perpetración de ciberacoso. El estudio 2 incluyó a 214 adolescentes (50.3% chicos, edad media = 14.06 años, DT = 0.96), que fueron asignados aleatoriamente a AA + TIP o a una condición de control. Los análisis de modelos lineales jerárquicos indicaron que AA + TIP redujo la reciprocidad entre la solicitud sexual y la interacción sexualizada con adultos y redujo la perpetración de ciberacoso. Los estudios aportaron evidencia preliminar de las ventajas de la intervención AA + TIP. (AU)

Absence of Objective Differences between Self-Identified Addicted and Healthy Smartphone Users?

Smartphones are used by billions of people worldwide. However, some psychologists have argued that use of this technology is addictive, even though little research utilises objective smartphone usage records to verify this claim. We conducted an exploratory study to identify whether behavioural differences exist between those who self-identify as addicted smartphone users and those who do not. We gathered retrospective smartphone usage data from 131 Android users and asked them about their past use to compare their perception of their usage against their actual usage. We could not identify any reliable differences between the smartphone activity of those self-identified as addicted smartphone users and other users. Furthermore, smartphone scales are generally good at identifying who believes themselves to be addicted, although they do not reflect objective smartphone use. This study questions the use of self-report measures to diagnosis behavioural addictions without relevant psychopathological constructs and emphasises the need for more rigorous study to conceptualise smartphone addiction.

Spanish Validation of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF): Prevalence and Relationship with Online Gambling and Quality of Life.

Online gaming is a very common form of leisure among adolescents and young people, although its excessive and/or compulsive use is associated with psychological impairments in a minority of gamers. The latest (fifth) edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, Section III) tentatively introduced Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Since then, a number of evaluation tools using the DSM-5 criteria have been developed, including the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS9-SF). The main objective of this study was to translate and adapt the IGDS9-SF into Spanish, as well as to obtain indicators relating to its validity and reliability. The Spanish version of four scales were administered: IGDS9-SF, Mobile Phone-Related Experiences Questionnaire (CERM), Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q), and KIDSCREEN-27. The sample comprised 535 Vocational Training students (mean age 18.35 years; SD±2.13; 78.5% males) who reported playing video games in the past 12 months. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a one-dimensional model with a good fit while the reliability indicators were satisfactory. Findings indicated that 1.9% of gamers were classified with IGD (meeting five or more criteria for more than 12 months). Additionally, another 1.9% were considered gamers 'at-risk' because they endorsed four criteria. Positive and significant relationships were found between the IGDS9-SF, the CERM, and the OGD-Q. Participants classified with IGD had poorer health-related quality of life. In conclusion, the Spanish IGDS9-SF is a valid and reliable instrument to assess IGD according to the DSM-5.

Design and Measurement Properties of the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q) in Spanish Adolescents.

Gambling disorder is of great clinical and social relevance since it seriously affects people who suffer from it. More recently, the Internet has exacerbated the problem with online casinos, poker, and sports betting. However, there is little evidence of this problem, and we know of no diagnostic questionnaire. The main objectives of this study were to develop the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q) for adolescents, evaluate its main psychometric properties, and establish diagnostic criteria to differentiate pathological from non-pathological online gamblers. We conducted a study in 16 schools across seven regions of Spain, sampling 2691 adolescents, 883 of whom had reported some online gambling experience. Of those, 602 were boys (68.2%) and 281 were girls (31.8%) Sampling was non-probabilistic and incidental. Mean age and standard deviation were 14.25 ± 1.55 (11-19 years). Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a one-dimensional model with a good fit. The reliability indicators were satisfactory (>0.94). The scores on the OGD-Q were related to other constructs, such as Internet gaming disorder, problematic Internet use, and nomophobia. Participants classified as having problems or being at risk of online gambling disorder presented significantly more stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants categorized as having online gambling disorder comprised 0.89% (n = 24) of the total sample and 2.71% of those who have gambled at some time. We discuss these findings and their practical implications in this article and propose future lines of research.

Características del uso de Internet en los cibercafés / Characteristics of Internet use in cybercafes

En este artículo se analizan las características del uso de Internet en una muestra de 93 jóvenes usuarios de cibercafés de la ciudad de Concepción (Chile). Fueron evaluados mediante dos instrumentos: el Cuestionario de Datos Sociodemográficos y Hábitos de Uso de Internet y el Cuestionario de Experiencias Relacionadas con Internet (CERI), que evalúa específicamente el uso problemático de la red. Los resultados mostraron que la mayor parte de los usuarios de los cibercafés eran hombres que utilizaban Internet con fines lúdicos o de comunicación. El tiempo medio de uso era de 2.5 horas por sesión, y la aplicación más utilizada era el correo electrónico. Los usuarios con puntuaciones más altas en el CERI eran aquellos que utilizaban los juegos de rol online (MMORPG) y Youtube. En estos casos, la principal motivación para el juego era de carácter social-relacional, todos eran hombres y pasaban hasta 12 horas seguidas en el cibercafé.

This article discusses the pattern of Internet use from 93 young users of cybercafés in the city of Concepción (Chile). Two instruments were administrated: a questionnaire about Sociodemographic Data and Internet habits and another one about Internet problematic use (CERI). Additionally, the main motivation for using the Internet was analyzed. The results showed that most users of cybercafés were men and the frequented this place in search of games or communication. The users spent an average of 2.5 hours per session and email was the most used service. Users with higher scores in CERI were those of role playing games (MMORPG) and youtube. The main motivation of MMORPG players was social-relational. All players were men and spent extended periods in the cybercafé (up to 12 hours).

A bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on Internet, video games, and cell phone addiction.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to locate the scientific literature dealing with addiction to the Internet, video games, and cell phones and to characterize the pattern of publications in these areas. METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine valid articles were retrieved from PubMed and PsycINFO between 1996 and 2005 related to pathological Internet, cell phone, or video game use. RESULTS: The years with the highest numbers of articles published were 2004 (n = 42) and 2005 (n = 40). The most productive countries, in terms of number of articles published, were the United States (n = 52), China (n = 23), the United Kingdom (n = 17), Taiwan (n = 13), and South Korea (n = 9). The most commonly used language was English (65.4%), followed by Chinese (12.8%) and Spanish (4.5%). Articles were published in 96 different journals, of which 22 published 2 or more articles. The journal that published the most articles was Cyberpsychology & Behavior (n = 41). Addiction to the Internet was the most intensely studied (85.3%), followed by addiction to video games (13.6%) and cell phones (2.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The number of publications in this area is growing, but it is difficult to conduct precise searches due to a lack of clear terminology. To facilitate retrieval, bibliographic databases should include descriptor terms referring specifically to Internet, video games, and cell phone addiction as well as to more general addictions involving communications and information technologies and other behavioral addictions.

[Internet and cell phone addiction: passing fad or disorder?]. / La adiccion a Internet y al movil: ¿moda o trastorno?

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) generate new styles of meeting people or connecting with friends or strangers. In this context, the internet and the mobile phone deserve special attention. This article deals with the maladaptive use of these technologies. By reviewing the literature published between 1991 and 2005 and indexed in the databases of PsycINFO, Medline, Psicodoc, IME, and ISOC, we aim to determine whether maladaptive use of these technologies can be considered a mental disorder, and if so, of which type. We describe the psychological phenomena of maladaptive use of the internet and mobile phones, we review research on prevalence and possible risk groups, and finally we discuss some of the criticisms made with regard to the existence and classification of this disorder. It is concluded that excessive use of the internet can lead to a mental disorder of the addictive type, which can particularly affect individuals with special emotional needs, as well as adolescents and young adults. Among specific applications of the internet, a major risk is found for the use of communicative and synchronic applications, such as chats and online role games, since they permit hyperpersonal communication, playing with different identities, and projections and dissociation without consequences in real life. Furthermore, the internet can play an important role in the development and maintenance of other addictions, such as pathological gambling and sex addiction. In contrast to the case of the internet, maladaptive use of mobile phones may be considered abuse, but not addiction, since their use does not lead to the rapid emotional changes or the playing with identities that can take place in chats and online role games.

La adicción a Internet y al móvil: ¿moda o trastorno? / Internet and cell phone addiction: passing fad or disorder?

Se describen los síntomas del uso desadaptativo a Internet y al móvil, encontrados en estas investigaciones, se revisan los estudios sobre prevalencia y grupos de riesgo, y se comentan algunas de las críticas hechas respecto de la existencia y clasificación de este cuadro. Se concluye que el uso excesivo de Internet representa un trastorno mental de tipo adictivo que puede afectar sobre todo a personas con necesidades emocionales especiales y a jóvenes y adolescentes. Entre las aplicaciones específicas de Internet, la posibilidad de adicción se centra en el uso de aplicaciones comunicativas y sincrónicas como chats y juegos de rol en línea porque permiten la comunicación hiperpersonal, el juego de identidades, las proyecciones y la disociación sin consecuencias en la vida real. Además, Internet podría jugar un papel importante en el desarrollo y mantenimiento de otras adicciones como el juego patológico y la adicción al sexo. A diferencia de Internet, el uso desadaptativo del móvil puede llegar a ser un abuso, pero no una adicción, porque no se producen ni las alteraciones emocionales rápidas ni el juego de identidades que pueden producirse en chats y juegos de rol en línea

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) generate new styles of meeting people or connecting with friends or strangers. In this context, the internet and the mobile phone deserve special attention. This article deals with the maladaptive use of these technologies. By reviewing the literature published between 1991 and 2005 and indexed in the databases of PsycINFO, Medline, Psicodoc, IME, and ISOC, we aim to determine whether maladaptive use of these technologies can be considered a mental disorder, and if so, of which type. We describe the psychological phenomena of maladaptive use of the internet and mobile phones, we review research on prevalence and possible risk groups, and finally we discuss some of the criticisms made with regard to the existence and classification of this disorder. It is concluded that excessive use of the internet can lead to a mental disorder of the addictive type, which can particularly affect individuals with special emotional needs, as well as adolescents and young adults. Among specific applications of the internet, a major risk is found for the use of communicative and synchronic applications, such as chats and online role games, since they permit hyperpersonal communication, playing with different identities, and projections and dissociation without consequences in real life. Furthermore, the internet can play an important role in the development and maintenance of other addictions, such as pathological gambling and sex addiction. In contrast to the case of the internet, maladaptive use of mobile phones may be considered abuse, but not addiction, since their use does not lead to the rapid emotional changes or the playing with identities that can take place in chats and online role games

La producción científica española sobre dependencia de drogas en el contexto de la Unión Europea: 1976-2000 / Spanish scientific publications on drug dependence in the European Union context: 1976-2000

Objetivo: Analizar la producción científica sobre dependencia de drogas (DD). Método. Se analizaron los artículos españoles sobre DD publicados en 1976-2000 indizados en PsycINFO y se comparó con la producción de los otros países miembros de a Unión Europea (UE) en 2000. Resultados y discusión: PsycINFO es útil para compara países porque incluye el nombre de la institución y el país. El número de publicaciones de la UE y de España en DD aumentó entre 1976 y 2000. La producción científica española en DD ha crecido más que la de la UE. Se recuperaron 501 referencias de España y 4.324 de los otros países de la UE. A partir de 1990, la producción española representa alrededor del 10% de la de la UE. Los artículos de la UE se publicaron en 13 idiomas y los de España en 3: castellano, inglés y francés. Además del inglés, el castellano fue el único idioma cuyo uso creció. Los trabajos de la UE se publicaron en 521 revistas y los de España en 100; en ambos casos, tendieron a concentrarse en revistas específicas sobre DD y psiquiatría. Las revistas extranjeras que publicaron más artículos de autores españoles tienen un factor de impacto elevado. En 1996-2000, el índice de colaboración de autores fue 3,24 en la UE y 3,49 en España. Las comunidades autónomas más productivas fueron Cataluña,Madrid, Galicia y Andalucía. La Universidad fue la institución más representada, seguida de los hospitales y los centros de tratamiento de adicción a alcohol y drogas

Objective: to analyse scientific literature on drug dependence (DD). Method: Spanish articles about DD published in 1976-2000 as indexed by PsycINFO were analysed, and compared with the rest of European Union (EU) countries in 2000. Results and Discussion: PsycINFO is useful compare countries because it includes the name of institution and country. The number of publications on DD from EU and Spain increased between 1976 and 2000. The Spanish scientific production onDD has increased more than that of the EU. 501 references of Spain and 4,324 of the other 14 EU countries were collected. From 1990, the Spanish production stands for about 10% of that of the EU. EU articles were published in 13 languages and those from spain in three: spanish, english and French. Apart from English, Spanish was the only language with an increase in use. EU works were published in 521 journals and those from Spain in 100; in both cases, they tended to concentrate in journals specialised in DD and psychiatry. Foreing journals that published more articles by Spanish authors have a high impact factor. In 1996-2000, the collaboration index of authors was 3.24 in the EU and 3.49 in Spain. The Autonomous Communities with more production were Catalonia, Madrid, Galicia, and Andalucia. The University was the most represented institution, followed by hospitals and alcohol and drug addiction treatment centres

European Union scientific production on alcohol and drug misuse (1976-2000).

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and drug misuse is a social and health phenomenon of great relevance in the European Union (EU). One indicator of scientific production in a given area is the analysis of publications included in bibliographic databases. Scientific production on alcohol and drug misuse was analysed in EU member countries, and comparisons were made between countries. METHODS: Analysis of articles on alcohol and drug misuse published during the period 1976-2000 by institutions based in a country of the EU, indexed by PsycINFO. RESULTS: A total of 4825 citations was retrieved. Great Britain published 38.6%, while Sweden, Germany and Spain accounted for a further 30%. The articles dealt with drug and alcohol usage (12.8%), substance abuse (53.5%) and drug and alcohol rehabilitation (34.5%). The articles were published in 13 different languages, more than three-quarters being in English. Spanish was the second language, and was followed by French, German, Dutch and Italian. The articles were published in 521 different journals, and 62 of these published more than 10 articles. The journals publishing most were Addiction, Alcohol and Alcoholism and Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Sixty-eight per cent of the articles were signed by more than one author, and the index of collaboration, between 1996 and 2000, was 3.24. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: PsycINFO is useful for making comparisons between countries, because it includes the name and country of the institution. The number of publications in the EU on alcohol and drug misuse increased over the quarter-century analysed. The most used language was English, as it also is for PsycINFO as a whole, and a tendency towards its increased use was observed. Classification of the articles by subject by the Classification Code is too general, and makes it difficult to distinguish between the areas it proposes. Production tends to be concentrated in journals dealing specifically with drug dependence and psychiatry. The index of collaboration is similar to that found in other scientific areas.