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Postdigital Bystanding: Youth Experiences of Sexual Violence Workshops in Schools in England, Ireland, and Canada
No full textIn this paper, we report on creative- and arts-based sexual violence and bystander intervention workshops we developed and researched in England, Ireland, and Canada, through evaluation surveys, observations, and focus group interviews with nearly 1200 young people (aged 13–18). Whist the young people generally reported benefitting from the intervention, in the context of increasing use of digital technologies amongst youth, we explore the context-specific challenges they faced in learning about and being supported through bystander strategies across a wide range of diverse school spaces. We use the term postdigital bystanding to explicitly explore how teen’s digital networks are often connected to the school-based ‘real life’ peer group, in ways that complicate clear distinctions between online and offline, arguing that these postdigital dynamics have not yet been adequately considered in bystanding interventions. We analyse how the intersectional community, cultural, and identity-specific factors in particular schooling environments shape responses to bystanding in postdigital environments, including how factors of sexism, defensive masculinity, elitism, racism, and a reluctance to report digital issues played out in the responses to the workshops. Finally, following young people’s suggestions, we recommend that schools need to cultivate better safety and support strategies for youth in order to make postdigital bystander interventions more responsive and therefore effective in challenging and preventing sexual violence in society.</p
Global, regional, and national trends in maternal mortality ratio across 37 high income countries from 1990 to 2021, with projections up to 2050: a comprehensive analysis from the WHO Mortality Database
No full textBackground: Understanding the global trends and future projections of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is crucial as it can provide insights into improving policies and healthcare systems aimed at enhancing the quality of obstetric care and reducing preventable deaths. Given recent reports of increasing MMR trends in some high-income countries (HICs), we aimed to analyze the global trends of MMR from 1990 to 2021 and project future trends until 2050 across 37 countries.Methods: Age-standardized country-specific MMR for 37 countries from 1990 to 2021 were assessed through a locally weighted scatter plot smoother (LOESS) curve, with weighting based on individual country populations, utilizing the World Health Organization Mortality Database. The impact of premature mortality due to MMR was assessed by analyzing the years of life lost (YLLs). Furthermore, projections for MMR up to 2050 were derived using the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model. Decomposition analysis identified factors contributing to MMR variations such as population growth, aging and epidemiological changes.Results: The LOESS estimate of the global MMR decreased from 25.65 deaths per 100,000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.10, 29.20) in 1990 to 10.38 (6.41, 14.36) in 2021. While most continents showed a decreasing trend, young age groups in Asia-Pacific regions and all age groups in North America exhibited no significant changes from 1990 to 2021. MMR due to direct causes declined from 25.05 deaths per 100,000 live births (95% CI, 21.71, 28.38) in 1990 to 7.66 (3.90, 11.43) in 2021 across all age groups. Conversely, MMR due to indirect causes rose from 0.33 deaths per 100,000 live births (95% CI, −0.37, 1.03) in 1990 to 4.33 (3.43, 5.23) in 2021, with a more pronounced increase in advanced age groups. YLL due to MMR decreased from 866.00 (95% CI, 692.39, 1,039.60) in 1990 to 387.05 (182.82, 591.28) in 2021. Our analysis revealed negative correlations between MMR and the Human Development Index, Socio-demographic Index, and Universal Health Coverage Service Index. BAPC models predict a continued decrease in global MMR to 4.47 (4.07, 4.89) in 2030, 2.32 (1.82, 2.89) in 2040, and 1.25 (0.86, 1.81) in 2050. However, MMR due to indirect causes is projected to consistently increase. The global decrease in MMR from 1990 to 2021 can be primarily attributed to epidemiological changes.Conclusion: This study reveals a significant global decline in MMR since 1990, with projections indicating further decreases up to 2050, despite persistent increases in indirect causes and mortality among older age groups. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted strategies to address indirect causes and protect vulnerable populations.</p
Who is Competing at the Elite Level? Exploring Impairment, Gender, and Nationality of International Blind and Partially-Sighted Footballers
No full textClassification in Para sports aims to create equitable competition. Footballers with vision impairments are allocated to one of three classes (B1, B2 or B3). This work aims to understand the effectiveness and inclusivity of the current classification system. Visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field (VF) of male and female international footballers were extracted anonymously via the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) classification database. 562 individuals were included in the analysis. 88% of footballers were male, and twelve percent were female. 99% percent of footballers were classified solely on their VA, and only 4.50% had VF included within their classification. VA was non-normally distributed for all three classes. Only 2.84% of footballers had a VA between 2.10-2.60logMAR, suggesting that VAs in this range and/or VF impairment may disproportionately impact performance compared to other footballers within their classes. The current classification system does not appear to be inclusive or create equitable competition.</p
Music Listening for Psychological Well-being in Adults with Acquired Vision Impairment: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial
No full textPurpose: Vision impairment (VI) has a profound impact on mental health and well-being. Musicbased interventions, such as active music listening, have potential to induce relaxation, improve mood, and reduce stress. This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a supportive selfcare music intervention in adults with acquired VI, who ran their listening program independently.Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group, single-blind feasibility randomised controlled trial compared:(1) daily music listening with brief mindfulness instructions and (2) daily music listening alone. The study adhered to the CONSORT extension for pilot and feasibility trials and the music reporting checklist. Feasibility was determined by collecting data on attrition, through recruitment and retention at pre-post and 3-month follow-up, including adherence and fidelity which were determined by participants' questionnaire and daily log completion, respectively. Acceptability was determined through data capture in the questionnaires. To assess whether the music intervention had an impact on anxiety and depression and stress, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) were used.Results: Eighty-one VI participants were randomised to mindful music listening (n = 41) or music listening alone (n = 40), with 85% (n = 69) completing the intervention (post intervention endpoint).A rating of 'highly satisfied' was given for the intervention by 77% (n = 53) of participants. Feasibility was determined through retention which was 71% at the three-month follow-up, and adherence to the daily log completion, which was low (16%), resulting in insufficient data to assess fidelity to the music listening. HADS and PSS-14 data indicated a reduction in anxiety, depression and stress at post-intervention phase.The recruitment and retention rates suggest that an efficacy study is feasible. However, adherence to daily log completion was low, resulting in uncertainty regarding the fidelity of the listening conditions. While completing the daily logs was not required in this study, it should be mandatory in future trials.</p
The legacy of Luca Cavalli-Sforza on human evolution
No full textArchaeology and the branch of population genetics focusing on the human past have historically lived parallel lives, often having complicated encounters when it came to unravelling the origins and evolution of Homo sapiens. These interactions were proven invaluable to obtain a deeper and more complete understanding of our past. At the same time, they sometimes uncovered biases and misinterpretations, with serious consequences for our understanding of data, methods and, most importantly, the history of our species. Cavalli-Sforza pioneered a real multidisciplinary approach, bridging population genetics and statistics with archaeology, human origins, and other fields in the humanities, inspiring researchers from these fields and blazing a trail for today’s successful interactions and collaborations. His legacy showed that these interdisciplinary approaches are possible and of vital importance, and exposed areas that still need significant development today.</p
Changes in perceived tinnitus sound qualities following internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus
No full textBackground: To examine the changes in perceived tinnitus sound qualities following internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for tinnitus. Method: This study was embedded within several clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of ICBT and used a qua-si-experimental design (N = 152). Participants completed a series of online question-naires, including measures of tinnitus sound qualities (Tinnitus Qualities and Impact Questionnaire; TQIQ), tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Functional Index; TFI), anxiety (Gen-eralized Anxiety Disorder-7; GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L Visual Analog Scale; VAS). Data were analyzed using a range of parametric and non-parametric statistics, and Cohen’s d effect sizes were reported. Results: There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in socio-demographic and clinical variables at baseline except for anxiety and depression symptoms, which were higher in the intervention group. A statistically significant re-duction in tinnitus severity, anxiety, depression, and insomnia was noted post-intervention, with small-to-moderate effect sizes. Statistically significant im-provements were also noted for the TQIQ (overall and all subscales) following ICBT compared to the no-intervention group (p ≤ 0.028), all with small-to-large effect sizes, except for the loud sounds subscale and for participants with a TQIQ Conclusions: ICBT can lead to changes in the perceived qualities of tinnitus sound in addition to reducing tin-nitus severity and other aspects, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. While these findings are preliminary, they highlight that tinnitus distress and perception may be related. However, the study has several limitations including a lack of audiological variables and objective measures. For this reason, the study results must be viewed with caution and must be treated as preliminary.</p
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on people living with HIV
No full textIntro: Public health restrictions were introduced in the UK in March 2021 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of our study was to understand the impact of the disruptions to routine healthcare services amongst people with HIV during this time, and the effect on their engagement with healthcare, social, employment and relationship networks and mental and physical well-being, to inform advanced planning in the event of future healthcare services disruptions. Methods: An online survey was conducted, recruited from one HIV clinic and one community organisation in England, containing questions on demographics, HIV infection, treatment and status, the effect of the HIV pandemic on aspects of HIV care and other social factors. Descriptive and limited statistical analysis was carried out to describe and look for associations within the data. Results: Our sample of 100 respondents were significantly older, and had more White, male participants than the UK population of people with HIV. 65% had experienced Covid-19 infection. Over a quarter (29%) of our respondents had missed HIV appointments during the pandemic. 38% reported that access to HIV treatment had worsened , and 25 % reported that their HIV -related health had worsened. Women, those diagnosed with depression, those living further from the clinic and Black respondents were significantly more likely to also report missed appointments. HIV-related health deterioration was significantly associated with missed appointments and with welfare receipt.Discussion & Conclusion: Our findings highlight the unequal effects of the Covid pandemic and disruption to HIV services on people living with HIV. Our sample under-represented women, and over-represented older, White men and this needs to be addressed in the recruitment strategies of a future nationwide sample. In preparation for future service disruption HIV services should identify vulnerable populations, including those at greater risk of missing appointments or struggling to access services, drug treatment and information. Clear targeted mitigations should be developed and put in place. Steps to allow remote provision of services to those living at distance from the clinic should be considered.</p
Young migrants on the move: ethics and methods of conducting qualitative research ‘in the moment’
No full textQualitative forms of enquiry offer valuable opportunities to generate rich data that deepens our understandings of contemporary social issues, such as migration. Qualitative methods are often championed for enabling the engagement of so-called hard-to-reach or vulnerable groups in research and through using techniques that support the building of research relationships and rapport with participants. However, possibilities for building rapport can be problematic in contexts of flux and precarity. In this paper, we reflect on (and problematise) our decision-making in relation to the ethics and methods of a qualitative study exploring the livelihoods of young African migrants in Ghana. Our reflections highlight the challenges of investigating youth mobilities, including how frequent movements influence the generation of in-depth data with young people occupying precarious circumstances. Capturing data ‘in the moment’ challenged us to rethink our approaches, offering alternative ways to conduct qualitative enquiry with young people frequently on the move.</p
Changing life expectancy in European countries 1990–2021: a subanalysis of causes and risk factors from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
No full textBackgroundDecades of steady improvements in life expectancy in Europe slowed down from around 2011, well before the COVID-19 pandemic, for reasons which remain disputed. We aimed to assess how changes in risk factors and cause-specific death rates in different European countries related to changes in life expectancy in those countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe used data and methods from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 to compare changes in life expectancy at birth, causes of death, and population exposure to risk factors in 16 European Economic Area countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden) and the four UK nations (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) for three time periods: 1990–2011, 2011–19, and 2019–21. Changes in life expectancy and causes of death were estimated with an established life expectancy cause-specific decomposition method, and compared with summary exposure values of risk factors for the major causes of death influencing life expectancy.FindingsAll countries showed mean annual improvements in life expectancy in both 1990–2011 (overall mean 0·23 years [95% uncertainty interval [UI] 0·23 to 0·24]) and 2011–19 (overall mean 0·15 years [0·13 to 0·16]). The rate of improvement was lower in 2011–19 than in 1990–2011 in all countries except for Norway, where the mean annual increase in life expectancy rose from 0·21 years (95% UI 0·20 to 0·22) in 1990–2011 to 0·23 years (0·21 to 0·26) in 2011–19 (difference of 0·03 years). In other countries, the difference in mean annual improvement between these periods ranged from –0·01 years in Iceland (0·19 years [95% UI 0·16 to 0·21] vs 0·18 years [0·09 to 0·26]), to –0·18 years in England (0·25 years [0·24 to 0·25] vs 0·07 years [0·06 to 0·08]). In 2019–21, there was an overall decrease in mean annual life expectancy across all countries (overall mean –0·18 years [95% UI –0·22 to –0·13]), with all countries having an absolute fall in life expectancy except for Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, which showed marginal improvement in life expectancy, and Belgium, which showed no change in life expectancy. Across countries, the causes of death responsible for the largest improvements in life expectancy from 1990 to 2011 were cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms. Deaths from cardiovascular diseases were the primary driver of reductions in life expectancy improvements during 2011–19, and deaths from respiratory infections and other COVID-19 pandemic-related outcomes were responsible for the decreases in life expectancy during 2019–21. Deaths from cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms in 2019 were attributable to high systolic blood pressure, dietary risks, tobacco smoke, high LDL cholesterol, high BMI, occupational risks, high alcohol use, and other risks including low physical activity. Exposure to these major risk factors differed by country, with trends of increasing exposure to high BMI and decreasing exposure to tobacco smoke observed in all countries during 1990–2021.InterpretationThe countries that best maintained improvements in life expectancy after 2011 (Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden) did so through better maintenance of reductions in mortality from cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms, underpinned by decreased exposures to major risks, possibly mitigated by government policies. The continued improvements in life expectancy in five countries during 2019–21 indicate that these countries were better prepared to withstand the COVID-19 pandemic. By contrast, countries with the greatest slowdown in life expectancy improvements after 2011 went on to have some of the largest decreases in life expectancy in 2019–21. These findings suggest that government policies that improve population health also build resilience to future shocks. Such policies include reducing population exposure to major upstream risks for cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms, such as harmful diets and low physical activity, tackling the commercial determinants of poor health, and ensuring access to affordable health services.</p
Trust as a weapon of war: fighting corruption and corporate crime in Ukraine
No full textWe explore the ways in which elite crimes impact the development of society, and specifically address the harmful impact of such activities on social trust. We single out the issue of corruption in Ukraine during the Russian war to analyse the ways in which political elites exploit social trust in emergency situations. Employing a critical criminological approach to crime and justice, we analyse the effect of anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine, paying particular attention to the issue of trust to consider how and why trust has been “weaponized” by war. The war has changed Ukrainian attitudes towards state authorities and engendered in them a remarkably high degree of trust. We hypothesise that this change is based more on emotion than on rationality. The understanding of how and why the political elite might use this trust in the future is important for the development of anti-corruption policy both in Ukraine and generally in Europe. We conclude that the weaponization of trust poses a number of risks to advancing anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine. Sustaining progress in this area, therefore, will require a careful navigation of competing wartime priorities.</p
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