Strategies, processes, outcomes, and costs of implementing experience sampling-based monitoring in routine mental health care in four European countries: study protocol for the IMMERSE effectiveness-implementation study.

BACKGROUND: Recent years have seen a growing interest in the use of digital tools for delivering person-centred mental health care. Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM), a structured diary technique for capturing moment-to-moment variation in experience and behaviour in service users' daily life, reflects a particularly promising avenue for implementing a person-centred approach. While there is evidence on the effectiveness of ESM-based monitoring, uptake in routine mental health care remains limited. The overarching aim of this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study is to investigate, in detail, reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance as well as contextual factors, processes, and costs of implementing ESM-based monitoring, reporting, and feedback into routine mental health care in four European countries (i.e., Belgium, Germany, Scotland, Slovakia). METHODS: In this hybrid effectiveness-implementation study, a parallel-group, assessor-blind, multi-centre cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) will be conducted, combined with a process and economic evaluation. In the cRCT, 24 clinical units (as the cluster and unit of randomization) at eight sites in four European countries will be randomly allocated using an unbalanced 2:1 ratio to one of two conditions: (a) the experimental condition, in which participants receive a Digital Mobile Mental Health intervention (DMMH) and other implementation strategies in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) or (b) the control condition, in which service users are provided with TAU. Outcome data in service users and clinicians will be collected at four time points: at baseline (t0), 2-month post-baseline (t1), 6-month post-baseline (t2), and 12-month post-baseline (t3). The primary outcome will be patient-reported service engagement assessed with the service attachment questionnaire at 2-month post-baseline. The process and economic evaluation will provide in-depth insights into in-vivo context-mechanism-outcome configurations and economic costs of the DMMH and other implementation strategies in routine care, respectively. DISCUSSION: If this trial provides evidence on reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of implementing ESM-based monitoring, reporting, and feedback, it will form the basis for establishing its public health impact and has significant potential to bridge the research-to-practice gap and contribute to swifter ecological translation of digital innovations to real-world delivery in routine mental health care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN15109760 (ISRCTN registry, date: 03/08/2022).

Sexual functioning in patients with multiple sclerosis and its association with social support and self-esteem.

Sexual dysfunction is very commonly reported by people with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, this problem often remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Furthermore, still very little is known about protective psychosocial factors that may help to improve sexual functioning in MS patients. Thus, we aimed to assess the associations between social support, self-esteem and sexual functioning in MS patients when controlled for clinical and sociodemographic variables. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Rosenberg Scale of Self-esteem (RSE) were used to assess the independent variables. Sexual functioning was assessed by the Incapacity Status Scale (ISS). We found a significant association between social support and sexual functioning (p = 0.01). However, this association attenuated (p < 0.05) when self-esteem (p < 0.01) was added to the model. Furthermore, we found that sexual dysfunction in MS patients was associated with older age (p < 0.001). Self-esteem was associated with sexual functioning more strongly compared to social support and sexual functioning, even though both of these variables were associated with sexual functioning as well. Our findings support the biopsychosocial model of treatment of sexual dysfunction in MS patients.

Effect of an exercise programme for reducing abdominal fat on overactive bladder symptoms in young overweight women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The effect of exercise in relation to overweight and overactive bladder (OAB) in young women has not been sufficiently supported by studies. The objective of our study was to reduce symptoms of OAB through a 3-month exercise programme in young overweight women with OAB. The sample consisted of 70 women (mean age 26.7 ± 4.8 years), 36 being treated and 34 in the control group. METHODS: We used a body composition analyser with the assessment of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (kg), body fat mass (BFM) (kg), body fat percentage (BFP) (%), visceral fat area (VFA) (cm²/level) and the waist/hip circumference index (WHR). OAB symptoms were evaluated using a voiding diary, the overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) and the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS). The intervention was a programme for the reduction of abdominal fat (PRAF), with elements of aerobic training, strengthening of the abdominal muscles and stretching. RESULTS: In the OAB symptoms assessed through the voiding diary (number of voidings per 24 h, nocturia, mean voided volume) as well as in the OAB-q and PPIUS scales after training, significant differences were reported in favour of the treatment group [number of voidings per 24 h: treatment vs. control group, baseline 9.1 ± 0.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.3, final 6.9 ± 0.2 vs. 8.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.0001; mean voided volume per 24 h (ml): treatment vs. control group, baseline 154.2 ± 9.1 vs. 162.2 ± 9.3, final 201.3 ± 9.3 vs. 164.1 ± 9.6, p < 0.0001] with a large effect size (ES). In the body composition analysis after training, significant differences were also reported in favour of the treatment group in the reduction of body mass index (BMI), BFP and VFA (p < 0.0001), with a large ES. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition analysis confirmed a reduction of BMI, body weight, body fat percentage, visceral abdominal fat, the WHR index and waist circumference in favour of the treatment group after the 12-week PRAF exercise programme. A reduction in OAB symptoms was also objectively confirmed following the PRAF exercise programme.

Health research and knowledge translation for achieving the sustainable development goals: tackling the hurdles.

We are far from reaching the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for health despite a wealth of novel insights in disease mechanisms and possible solutions. Why have we failed in knowledge translation and implementation? Starting from the case of cardiovascular diseases as one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases, we examine barriers and hurdles, and perspectives for future health research. Health has multiple links with other SDGs. To accelerate the progress towards a healthy society, health research needs to take a broader view and become more cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral. As one example, behavioural studies will underpin better prevention and treatment adherence. The next generation workforce in health and research needs an adapted education and training to implement more effective health approaches. As well, only effective dialogue and communication between researchers, practitioners, society and policymakers can lead to translation of evidence into policies, addressing the complexity of socioeconomic factors and commercial interests. Within Europe, health research needs a comprehensive vision and strategy that connects to achieving better health, as one of the interconnected SDGs.

Management of multiple sclerosis: the role of coping self-efficacy and self-esteem.

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in various coping behaviours in order to manage their disease. The aim of this study is to find out if the self-esteem of patients is associated with coping strategies - problem-focused (e.g. making a plan of action when confronted with a problem); emotion focused (e.g. get emotional support from community); and focused on stopping unpleasant emotions and thoughts (e.g. keeping oneself from feeling sad), and if it can enhance or hinder coping efforts in the disease management. We collected data from 155 consecutive MS patients who completed the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSE) and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSE). Explained variance for problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and coping focused on stopping unpleasant emotions and thoughts was 33, 24, and 31%, respectively. Self-esteem seems to be associated with coping strategies indicating that feelings of self-worth are linked with the ability to handle difficult life situations and can be helpful in chronic disease management.

Associations between self-rated health, mental health problems and physical inactivity among urban adolescents.

Background: Self-rated health is a valid and reliable subjective indicator of general health. We aimed to assess the associations between self-rated health, mental health problems, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and BMI among Slovak urban adolescents. Methods: Data were collected within the EU-FP7: EURO-URHIS 2 (The European Health Indicator System Part 2) project in two largest Slovak cities: Bratislava and Kosice. Sample included 1111 adolescents (response rate 73.7%, mean age 14.32 ± 0.48 years, 52.8% boys). Self-rated health was measured with the first item from the Short Form Health Survey 36 questionnaire, mental health problems were assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and for physical activity and sedentary behaviour questions from the WHO HBSC questionnaire were used. Logistic regression was performed to determine the associations between self-rated health and the independent variables. Results: Self-rated health was found to be significantly associated with mental health problems, sedentary behaviour and BMI. However, the strongest association was found with engagement in physical activity every day (OR 8.0; 95% CI 1.6-39.9). Conclusions: Previous research revealed that self-rated health was associated with various mental health problems. Our findings add to these results by showing that physical activity and sedentary behaviour are also very important additional factors related to self-rated health. Better understanding of these associations can help in developing more effective public health intervention programmes for adolescents.

Elderly from lower socioeconomic groups are more vulnerable to mental health problems, but area deprivation does not contribute: a comparison between Slovak and Dutch cities.

Background: Little is known about factors associated with mental health problems (MHP) of the elderly in socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods, and comparisons between Central European and Western European countries on this topic are lacking. We examined whether MHP occurred more frequently in deprived neighbourhoods and among deprived people. Next, we examined whether the association of MHP with area deprivation differed by country and whether this could be explained by the socioeconomic (SE) characteristics of the residents. We obtained data on non-institutionalized residents aged 65 years and above from the EU-FP7: EURO-URHIS 2 project from Slovak ( N = 665, response rate 44.0%) and Dutch cities ( N = 795, response rate 50.2%). An elevated score on General Health Questionnaire-12 (≥2) indicated MHP. Education and household income with financial strain were used as measures of individual SE status. We employed multilevel logistic regression. Overall rates of MHP were significantly higher in Slovakia (40.6%) than in the Netherlands (30.6%). The neighbourhood unemployment rate was not associated with the mental health of elderly in either country. Rates of MHP were significantly higher among elderly with low and medium income [odds ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16-2.62; OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.12-2.41, respectively] and financial strain (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.56-3.28) when compared with those with high income and no strain, respectively. Individual-level SE characteristics explained differences between the two countries. The risk of MHP among the elderly is associated with their individual-level SE position but not with neighbourhood deprivation in both Slovakia and the Netherlands.

Are area-level and individual-level socioeconomic factors associated with self-rated health in adult urban citizens? Evidence from Slovak and Dutch cities.

Background: Evidence shows that living in disadvantaged areas is associated with poor health. This may be due to the socioeconomic (SE) characteristics of both these residents and the areas where they live. Evidence regarding this on Central European (CE) countries is scarce. Our aim was to assess whether the prevalence of poor self-rated health (SRH) was higher in deprived urban areas, whether this can be explained by individual SE status (SES) and whether this differed between Slovakia and the Netherlands per age group. We examined the association of urban-level data and individual-level SE factors from different urban areas in different countries (Slovakia, the Netherlands) using comparable urban health indicators and area indicators. We also obtained unique data from the EU-FP7 EURO-URHIS 2 project. Multilevel logistic regression showed that poor SRH was associated with area deprivation in both countries. Regarding age by country, poor SRH occurred more frequently in the more deprived areas for the younger age group (≤64) in the Netherlands but for the older age group (≥65 years) in Slovakia. Moreover, Slovak citizens reported poor SRH significantly more often than Dutch residents. Individual SES was significantly associated with poor SRH in both age groups and both countries for most area-level SE measures. Individual SES is associated with SRH more strongly than area deprivation. Therefore, it is important to account for relative deprivation at an individual level when considering health-enhancing activities. Moreover, the effect of urban-area deprivation seems to differ between CE and WE countries.

The effect of neighbourhood unemployment on health-risk behaviours in elderly differs between Slovak and Dutch cities.

BACKGROUND: Health-risk behaviours (HRB) increase the risk of disability and chronic diseases at an older age. This study aimed to compare Slovakia and the Netherlands regarding differences in the prevalence of HRB by neighbourhood and individual deprivation and to determine whether area differences could be explained by the socio-economic position (SEP) of the residents. METHODS: We obtained data on non-institutionalized residents aged ≥ 65 years from the EU-FP7: EURO-URHIS 2 project from Slovak (N = 665, response rate 44.0%) and Dutch cities (N = 795, response rate 50.2%). HRB concerned daily smoking, binge drinking, physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables and body mass index. Area deprivation was measured by the neighbourhood unemployment rate. Individual SEP was measured by education and household income with financial strain. We used multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS: In Slovakia, no HRB was associated with either neighbourhood unemployment or individual SEP. The elderly in the Netherlands from the least favourable neighbourhoods were more likely to be daily smokers [odds ratio (OR) 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25, 4.30] and overweight (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.24, 2.75) than residents from the most favourable ones. For the Dutch elderly the gradients varied per HRB and per individual-level SEP indicator. Individual SEP explained country differences in the association of area unemployment with smoking and lack of physical activity but not that with overweight. CONCLUSION: Countries differed in the associations with HRB of both neighbourhood unemployment and individual SEP among the elderly urban residents. The local importance of socio-economic factors on both levels should be considered when developing health-promotion activities for the elderly.