Media Coverage of Alcohol-Use Disorders in German Newspapers and Magazines: A Topic-Specific Frame Analysis.

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are pressing social problems. News media play a key role in setting the agenda for the public discourse and framing these problems. They provide people affected and unaffected with health-related information on different facets of the disease and present the topic in various contexts. In doing so, they shape the public opinion and influence behaviors. On the basis of an explorative quantitative content analysis of N = 402 articles published in 2019 in nine German newspapers and magazines, this study provides information on the topic-specific framing with regard to AUD. The results show only scant contextualization of the topic in the German media. This deficiency has particular regard to causal relationships and treatment opportunities, leaving room for interpretation from the audience. The topic-specific framing analysis showed that articles on AUD mostly appear either in the context of celebrities, endorsing favorable presentations of recovered people, or in the context of crime and violence, which goes hand in hand with portraying acutely affected people as perpetrators. Increased news coverage that includes the portrayal of non-famous people who have successfully engaged in alcohol treatment and recovery is necessary.

Understanding the Pathway of Cancer Information Seeking: Cancer Information Services as a Supplement to Information from Other Sources.

Cancer information services (CISs) can play an important role within the pathway of cancer information seeking, but so far, this role is not well understood. Callers (n = 6,255) who contacted the largest provider of cancer information in Germany participated in a survey in which they reported their information sources, information level, and needs leading to the call. Persons with prior information from a physician (n = 1,507) were compared to people with prior online information (n = 901) and people with prior information from both sources (n = 2,776). Nearly all callers (96.7%) stated prior sources, while physicians and the Internet were the most frequently reported sources. People, who only talked to a doctor before, are more likely to be a patient and in the disease stages during/after the first treatment or with recurrence than prior Internet users. The two groups do not differ in their prior information level but did differ in their information needs. CISs are an important supplement to other sources, while the information repertoire depends on patients' stages during the cancer journey. Specific characteristics and needs of callers with different prior information sources help to individualize the service of CISs and similar providers.

Expanding the Health Information National Trends Survey Research Program Internationally to Examine Global Health Communication Trends: Comparing Health Information Seeking Behaviors in the U.S. and Germany.

The Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) is a well-established U.S.-based research program administered by the National Cancer Institute to track the public access to and use of health information. This paper introduces a German research initiative, part of the International Studies to Investigate Global Health Information Trends (INSIGHTS) research consortium. This adaptation of the HINTS is important for initiating analyses of global health communication practices and comparing health information seeking behaviors (HISB) across nations to pinpoint potentials and challenges of health information provision and contribute to a deeper understanding of socio-contextual determinants of HISB. First cross-country comparisons revealed that the share of residents seeking for health information is high in the U.S. (80%) and Germany (74%), but different primary sources are used. Whereas a clear majority of U.S. residents chose the Internet to gather health information (74.9%), Germans most often turn to health professionals (48.0%). Socio-structural and health(care)-related predictors were found to contribute to the explanation of HISB in both countries, whereas information-related predictors were only relevant in Germany. The results indicate the need to engage in patient-provider communication to initiate HISB and to improve the access to information for residents with lower socio-economic backgrounds.

A Longitudinal Study of Physical and Mental Health and Health-Related Attitudes Among Music Students: Potentials and Challenges for University Health Promotion Programs.

Objective: Well-being of music students has been an increasing matter of concern since studies show that up to 50% of beginners suffer from playing-related pain or anxiety. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine health status, health-related attitudes, behaviors, knowledge, skills, and coping strategies of students at the beginning of their education at a music university and at the end of their second semester. Methods: Based on a longitudinal online survey conducted among students at a German music university since 2017, we investigated mental and physical health status, health-related attitudes, knowledge, skills, behaviors, and coping strategies of music students at the beginning of their first year (n = 205). We analyzed differences between performance and music education majors and between students playing different main instruments. In a subsample (n = 62), we additionally analyzed changes between the beginning of the music students' first and the end of their second semester, also depending on whether they attended courses on musicians' health. Results: Music students are already in demand when they enter a music university, practicing on average almost 3 h daily. Compared to other body regions, pain in shoulders/back is most prevalent in first-year students, especially in those playing string instruments. Performance majors reported better knowledge about health risks and protective measures for musicians, better coping abilities, and practiced more than music education majors. First-year students assessed their overall and mental health status at the beginning of their first semester mainly as good, but we found a decrease in mental health status at the end of the second semester. After two semesters, students attending courses on musicians' health showed increased knowledge and skills regarding different aspects of musicians' health. Conclusion: The health status of music students when they first enter a music university is still a concern. Information and practical courses enabling students to prevent overuse and cope with performing anxiety and other stressors are important components of a comprehensive study program. Knowledge about music students' needs can help conservatories better respond to the requirements and develop courses and measures supporting students from the beginning of their education.

Correlates of the perceived quality of patient-provider communication among German adults.

BACKGROUND: Since a higher perceived quality of patient-provider communication is known to be associated with improved health outcomes, it is essential to analyze determinants influencing patients' perceived quality of patient-provider communication. Due to the limited knowledge about patient-related influencing factors of quality perception available so far, the objective of this study is to explore and assess determinants of the perceived quality of patient-provider communication with regards to sociodemographic, health-related, healthcare-specific and information-related factors. METHODS: Linear regression of cross-sectional data from the first wave of Health Information National Trends Survey Germany (n = 2902) was conducted. Independent variables were sociodemographic, health-, healthcare- and information-related factors; the dependent variable was the perceived quality of patient-provider communication. RESULTS: Results show that age, migration background, the perceived quality of healthcare, health-related self-efficacy and trust in health information from health professionals are significantly associated with the perceived quality of patient-provider communication. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic, healthcare- and health information-related factors influence the perceived quality of patient-provider communication. In particular, patients having a migration background and patients reporting low self-efficacy showed significant lower levels of their perceived patient-provider communication quality. With the aim to improve quality issues, patients of both target groups should be empowered and supported.

Psychological Distress and Coping Ability of Women at High Risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer before Undergoing Genetic Counseling-An Exploratory Study from Germany.

Carriers of pathogenic variants causing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) are confronted with a high risk to develop malignancies early in life. The present study aimed to determine the type of psychological distress and coping ability in women with a suspicion of HBOC. In particular, we were interested if the self-assessed genetic risk had an influence on health concerns and coping ability. Using a questionnaire established by the German HBOC Consortium, we investigated 255 women with breast cancer and 161 healthy women before they were seen for genetic counseling. The group of healthy women was divided into groups of high and low self-assessed risk. In our study, healthy women with a high self-assessed risk stated the highest stress level and worries about their health and future. A quarter of the women requested psychological support. Overall, only few women (4-11%) stated that they did not feel able to cope with the genetic test result. More women (11-23%, highest values in the low-risk group) worried about the coping ability of relatives. The results of our exploratory study demonstrate that the women, who presented at the Department of Human Genetics, Hanover Medical School, Germany were aware of their genetic risk and had severe concerns about their future health, but still felt able to cope with the genetic test result.

Studying Music During the Coronavirus Pandemic: Conditions of Studying and Health-Related Challenges.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus pandemic affects all areas of life. Performing arts and music studies have also experienced considerable changes, with university closures and a fluctuating return to normal and more limited operations. Prior studies detail the impact of the pandemic on college students, but we do not yet know what specific consequences it has for music students. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on music students' health, practicing behavior, and everyday life. METHODS: In July 2020, we conducted an online survey of 80 students enrolled in performance and music education programs at a German music university and compared these data with data from a survey of 75 students at the same music university carried out in summer 2019. RESULTS: The survey revealed that the coronavirus pandemic led to a decrease in practicing hours and an increase of stressful thoughts and feelings. Students were mostly satisfied with Corona-measures taken by the university. Of analyzed determinants, only general fear of health problems was identified as a significant predictor of mental health status. Mental health status did not significantly differ between students surveyed in 2019 and 2020. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about the specific challenges the pandemic poses for music students can help conservatories to better respond to the needs of their students. Specifically, this study will inform future measures supporting music students in coping with difficult situations like a pandemic.

[How do people in Germany seek health information? Insights from the first wave of HINTS Germany]. / Wie informieren sich die Menschen in Deutschland zum Thema Gesundheit? Erkenntnisse aus der ersten Welle von HINTS Germany.

BACKGROUND: Dynamic developments in the healthcare system are associated with a more active and more participatory patient role, in which patients make informed decisions and help shape their care. This points to the increasing role of health information and health information seeking behaviors. But to date, the health information seeking behavior of people in Germany hasn't been subject to systematic survey research. The German Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS Germany) closes this gap. METHODS: HINTS Germany was fielded as a telephone survey with a sample of N = 2902 people. The questionnaire covers various aspects of the search for and use of health information, healthcare, health status, and health-related behaviors. RESULTS: First results show regional and gender differences in health information seeking. One in four respondents reports problems concerning the process of health information seeking. The most used health information sources are doctors and other health professionals as well as the Internet, whereby respondents trust health information from doctors by far the most. DISCUSSION: The rather rare use of the Internet as the primary source corresponds to the lower level of trust that the respondents place in the Internet as a source of health information, which is also known from other studies. However, this should not hide the fact that the Internet can be of great importance as a supplementary source, i.e., used in combination with other information, for example after a doctor's visit. HINTS Germany provides a data basis representative of the adult population in Germany, with which the importance of health information seeking for health-related attitudes and behaviors can be analyzed in a differentiated manner.

[Trends in cancer information services over 25 years : An analysis of inquiries from patients and relatives made to the Cancer Information Service of the German Cancer Research Center from 1992 to 2016]. / Langzeittrends beim Krebsinformationsdienst (KID) des Deutschen Krebsforschungszentrums (DKFZ) : Eine Analyse der Anfragen von Patientinnen und Patienten sowie Angehörigen von 1992 bis 2016.

BACKGROUND: Cancer information services (CISs) are a valuable source of evidence-based information. Previous studies in the field of CISs often investigate only short periods of time. However, there is a need for long-term analyses to identify changes in the use of CISs. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in the inquiries of patients and surrogate seekers to a CIS. METHOD: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the inquiry records of the German CIS (Krebsinformationsdienst, KID) hosted by the German Cancer Research Center from 1992 until 2016 (N = 545,070). Trends in the number of inquiries were described using the whole sample, while the description of further characteristics is based on a sample (n = 55,046) of patients, their family members, and friends. RESULTS: The inquiries increased in the period examined (1992: 11,344 inquiries; 2016: 34,869 inquiries). Since 2005, a greater share of patients (between 52 and 60%) than surrogate seekers have been contacting the CIS. The mean age of both self-seeking and supported patients increased from under 55 years between 1992 and 2000 up to over 60 years in the year 2016. Breast cancer is at all times the most frequently inquired cancer type (patients: n = 11,319, 39%; surrogate seekers: n = 4173, 17%). Even after the implementation of e­mail as an additional communication channel, the majority of inquirers still prefer contact by phone (between 80 and 98%). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the utilization of a CIS over time are discussed against the background of structural changes, such as shifts in prevalence rates, family structures, or media environments.

Demographic and cancer-related differences between self-seeking patients and supported patients: Analysis of cancer information-service data.

OBJECTIVE: Surrogate information seeking is quite common, and several studies have presented data on caregivers, family members, and friends who seek health information on the Internet or from a cancer-information service (CIS) on behalf of cancer patients. However, these studies provide little information about the patients who are supported by surrogate seekers. Therefore, this study analyzed demographic and cancer-related differences, including diverse informational needs, between self-seeking patients and patients who benefited from surrogate seekers (ie, caregivers, family, or friends) requesting information on their behalf. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective audit of phone and e-mail inquiries to a German CIS between January and December 2016 from self-seeking patients (n = 13 723) and surrogate information seekers, as well as the corresponding supported patients (n = 6696). RESULTS: Supported patients were more likely to be males (P < 0.001), older than self-seeking patients (P < 0.001), and older than the corresponding surrogate seekers (P < 0.001). They were also more likely to be in the diagnostic or palliative stage (P < 0.001) and were less likely to suffer from breast cancer or prostate cancer (P < 0.001) than self-seeking patients. There were significant differences in the CIS requests of self-seekers and surrogate seekers. CONCLUSIONS: The results point to different support needs of self-seekers and surrogate seekers. Thus, surrogate seekers and their corresponding supported patients should be seen as a separate target group to self-seeking patients, with the former requiring informational and emotional support on diverging topics and at different disease stages.