Background: Antenatal education is part of antenatal care in many countries. Physical and mental ... more Background: Antenatal education is part of antenatal care in many countries. Physical and mental preparation for childbirth and information on pain management are considered key elements of antenatal education classes. Evidence suggests that women who participate in antenatal education classes appear to benefit in terms of self-efficacy and childbirth experience. In particular, women with increased fear of childbirth benefit from trained breathing and relaxation techniques in antenatal education. However, little is known about the effect of breathing and relaxation techniques on the outcomes of healthy pregnant women without fear of childbirth or who do not have medical or obstetric risks, or on neonatal outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study is to test whether including a breathing and relaxation technique in an antenatal education class will improve self-efficacy towards birth compared to a standard antenatal education class. Methods: The study will be a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Healthy pregnant women between the 12th and 30th week of gestation with singleton low-risk pregnancies and who are receiving routine antenatal care will be recruited in a hospital in Switzerland. All women included will attend an 8-hour antenatal education class. The intervention group will additionally practise a breathing and relaxation technique, receive a handbook to guide their exercise practice at home, and be provided with access to an online brochure with video and audio recordings for guidance. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected after recruitment, in the 37th week of pregnancy, and two to four weeks postpartum. Discussion: The effectiveness of including a breathing and relaxation technique in antenatal education classes on women’s self-efficacy is discussed as a means to improving women’s pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.
Background Cigarette smoking during adolescence is a major public health concern with far-reachin... more Background Cigarette smoking during adolescence is a major public health concern with far-reaching health implications. Adolescents who smoke are at an increased risk of developing long-term health problems and are more likely to continue smoking into adulthood. Therefore, it is vital to identify and understand the risk factors that contribute to adolescent smoking -which in turn facilitate the development of targeted prevention and intervention programs. Methods Data was drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted between October and December 2021, encompassing adolescents of adolescents aged 14 to 19 residing in Switzerland (n = 2,683). Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to explore which demographic, household, behavioural and psychographic factors are associated with current smoking status. The regression results showed higher odds of smoking for female respondents (OR 1.39; p-value 0.007); older adolescents (OR 1.30; p-value < 0.001); those living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland (OR 1.39; p-value 0.021), in suburban areas (OR 1.35; p-value 0.023) and with a smoker in the same household (OR 2.41; p-value < 0.001); adolescents consuming alcohol (OR 4.10; p-value < 0.001), cannabis products (OR 6.72; p-value < 0.001) and hookah (OR 5.07; p-value < 0.001) at least once a month; respondents not engaging in sports (OR 1.90; p-value < 0.001) or music (OR 1.42; p-value 0.031) as top five leisure activities and those experiencing high stress levels at home (OR 1.74; p-value < 0.001). Adolescents with high scores in health awareness (OR 0.33; p-value < 0.001), on the relational selfesteem scale (OR 0.78; p-value 0.054) and on the general well-being scale (OR 0.52; p-value 0.022) were less likely to smoke than their counterparts with lower scores. High risk-seeking was associated with higher odds of smoking (OR 2.15; p-value < 0.001). Our results suggest the importance of a comprehensive approach at both individual and institutional levels to reduce smoking rates in adolescents. More specifically, a holistic strategy that encompasses adolescents, families, schools and policymakers ranging from strengthening adolescents' self-esteem, smoking cessation support
Warum ist es so leicht, sich Ziele zu setzen und warum teils so schwer, diese erfolgreich in die ... more Warum ist es so leicht, sich Ziele zu setzen und warum teils so schwer, diese erfolgreich in die Tat umzusetzen? Neue Erkenntnisse aus der Motivationsforschung zeigen, wie die Lücke zwischen guter Absicht und erfolgreicher Tat besser überwunden werden kann
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Apr 17, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Background: Patients with chronic conditions are less physically active than the general populati... more Background: Patients with chronic conditions are less physically active than the general population despite knowledge of positive effects on physical and mental health. There is a variety of reasons preventing people with disabilities from achieving levels of physical activities resulting in health benefits. However, less is known about potential facilitators and barriers for physical activity (PA) in people with severe movement impairments. The aim of this study was to identify obstacles and facilitators of PA in individuals with severe disabilities. Materials and methods: Using a qualitative approach to explore individuals' subjective perspectives in depth, five community-dwelling adults (age 52-72, 2 female, 3 male) living with chronic mobility impairments after stroke that restrict independent PA were interviewed. A semi structured topic guide based on the theoretical domains framework was utilized. The interview data was analyzed thematically, and the theoretical domains framework constructs were mapped onto the main and sub-categories. Results: The six main categories of facilitators and barriers along the capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior (COM-B) framework were: (1) physical capabilities, (2) psychological capabilities, (3) motivation reflective, (4) motivation automatic, (5) opportunity physical, and (6) opportunity social. The physical capabilities to independently perform PA were variable between participants but were not necessarily perceived as a barrier. Participants were highly motivated to maintain and/or increase their abilities to master their everyday lives as independently as possible. It became clear that a lack of physical opportunities, such as having access to adequate training facilities can present a barrier. Social opportunities in the form of social support, social norms, or comparisons with others can act as both facilitators and barriers.
Knapp 17 Prozent der Schweizer Bevölkerung leiden an psychischen Störungen oder Erkrankungen. Dav... more Knapp 17 Prozent der Schweizer Bevölkerung leiden an psychischen Störungen oder Erkrankungen. Davon entstehen viele Störungen schon in der Kindheit und treten häufig im Jugendalter auf. Besonders der Übergang ins Erwachsenenalter ist mit Herausforderungen verbunden, die nicht alle Jugendlichen gleich gut bewältigen. Psychische Erkrankungen bleiben häufig bis ins Erwachsenenalter bestehen, belasten oft die betroffene Person und ihr Umfeld und können zu hohen Folgekosten führen. Daher sind die Stärkung der psychischen Gesundheit sowie die Früherkennung von psychischen Erkrankungen zentrale Public Health Aufgaben. In diesem Vortrag wird ein Projekt zur Sensibilisierung von Jugendlichen, Eltern und Fachpersonen in den Bereichen Gesundheit, Bildung und Soziales für psychische Erkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen und zur Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit vorgestellt. Es wurden Informationsbroschüren für Eltern von Schulkindern und für Jugendliche entwickelt, welche Hinweisen und Tipps zur Stärkung der psychischen Gesundheit enthalten sowie zugehörige Fachinformationen mit Informationen zur wissenschaftlichen Evidenz zu den Tipps, zur Epidemiologie, Diagnose und Unterstützungsangeboten bei psychischen Gesundheitsproblemen. Die Materialien werden vorgestellt und die Erfahrungen aus diesem Projekt werden mit Fokus auf eine ressourcen-orientierte Annäherung an das Thema und die interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit diskutiert
Group interaction can empower groups to outperform even their best members; unfortunately, such s... more Group interaction can empower groups to outperform even their best members; unfortunately, such strong synergy is rare. The prototypical decision situation where synergy through interaction is possible is called a hidden profile (HP). The two main characteristics of these situations are that (1) each group member has new, unshared information that the other group members do not have, and (2) integrating this unshared information implies a different, better decision alternative than each member’s information alone. The hidden profile coding scheme is designed to code the initially shared and unshared information that is mentioned during the group discussion. The hidden profile coding scheme therefore aims to directly observe group decision processes that potentially lead to synergy
In an aging society, the successful transition from work to retirement becomes a major challenge ... more In an aging society, the successful transition from work to retirement becomes a major challenge for individuals, organizations, and governments. This chapter aims to explore the relationship between retirement planning and adjustment, and the general assumption according to which planning for retirement leads to positive adjustment outcomes. To do so, first the different trajectories from employment to retirement in terms of well-being are described, and a synthesis of five distinct retiree types is proposed. We then focus on Schlossberg's (2003) typology, according to which individuals combine several paths across time in retirement. Second, the chapter focuses on retirement planning as the first phase of the retirement process: Its antecedents (i.e., socioeconomic , trait, motivational and sociocognitive, and social variables) and consequences (i.e., financial security, health and wellbeing, subjective beliefs and expectations, and social life) are reviewed. Third, practical implications for career counselling interventions of retirement planning are proposed. They relate to the Transition to Retirement Questionnaire, identifying more vulnerable groups, and target four main ingredients that reinforce the positive impact of retirement planning on adjustment. Finally, future directions for research on the relationship between retirement planning and adjustment are suggested.
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased multiple risk factors for m... more Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased multiple risk factors for mental health. Evidence-based, intersectoral public mental health responses are therefore critical. The primary aim of this study was to collate public mental health responses from across Europe. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in March 2021. Participants were public and mental health professionals from across Europe. We developed an online instrument exploring five domains: changes in mental health supports during the pandemic; mental health support for vulnerable groups; multi-sectoral and service-user involvement; published mental health response plans; and perceived quality of overall country response. Results Fifty-two individuals from 20 European nations responded. Reported changes in mental health supports included an increase in online mental health supports (n = 18); but no change in long-term mental health funding (n = 13); and a decrease in access to early interve...
Background Several studies have investigated the relationship between antenatal education classes... more Background Several studies have investigated the relationship between antenatal education classes and pregnancy outcomes. These studies have shown positive effects on mothers, such as a lower epidural rate in the intervention groups. However, until now, the impact on outcomes for mothers and newborns of antenatal education classes that focus on breathing and relaxation techniques has not been examined. Aim Investigate the effects of skilled breathing and relaxation techniques provided in antenatal education classes on maternal and neonatal birth outcomes. Methods The protocol for this study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020192289). A systematic literature search was undertaken and completed in January 2022, using the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, clinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, Embase and MIDIRS according to a priori formulated PICO criteria: population (pregnant women), intervention (antenatal education classes with integrated breathing and relaxation techniques), compa...
Background The COVID-19 containment measures, implemented to curb the pandemic, impacted health o... more Background The COVID-19 containment measures, implemented to curb the pandemic, impacted health of children and adolescents by numerous pathways. We present the impact on health care utilization and provision. Methods A systematic review on secondary health impact is ongoing (PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase). Literature is screened (title, abstract, full-text) by 2 researchers, and data of interest extracted systematically.. Inclusion criteria are age (0 - 25 yrs.), exposure: containment measures, outcome: secondary health outcome, and European data origin. Results Jan. 2020 - Aug. 2021 10112 studies were identified, 337 were included. n = 60 were on health care utilization and provision. Utilization studies relied on objective hospital or registry data, care provision studies more often on survey data (professionals, parents). Data yields a large but varying decrease in emergency department visits during the lockdown: Italy ∼75%, Spain ∼65%, France ∼60%, and Germany ∼64%, and a substanti...
Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiat... more Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in childhood. In Switzerland, the complex diagnosis and treatment are being carried out by adolescent-/child psychiatrists, and pediatricians. Guidelines recommend a multimodal therapy for patients with ADHD. However, it has been questioned whether health professionals follow this approach or favor drug therapy. This study aims to provide insights into the practice of pediatricians in Switzerland regarding diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and their perceptions of these processes. Method: An online survey (self-report) about current practices of diagnosis and management as well as challenges regarding ADHD was distributed to office-based pediatricians in Switzerland. 151 pediatricians participated. Results show that therapy options were almost always discussed with parents and older children. Exchange with parents (81%) and level of child’s suffering (97%) were central when s...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Background: Unconscious biases are one of the causes of health disparities. Health professionals ... more Background: Unconscious biases are one of the causes of health disparities. Health professionals have prejudices against patients due to their race, gender, or other factors without their conscious knowledge. This review aimed to provide an overview of research on unconscious bias among health professionals and to investigate the biases that exist in different regions of the world, the health professions that are considered, and the research gaps that still exist. Methods: We conducted a scoping review by systematically searching PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and AMED. All records were double-screened and included if they were published between 2011 and 2021. Results: A total of 5186 records were found. After removing duplicates (n = 300), screening titles and abstracts (n = 4210), and full-text screening (n = 695), 87 articles from 81 studies remained. Studies originated from North America (n = 60), Europe (n = 13), and the rest of the world (n = 6), and two studi...
With growing awareness that sustainable consumption is important for quality of life on earth, ma... more With growing awareness that sustainable consumption is important for quality of life on earth, many individuals intend to act more sustainably. In this regard, interest in reducing meat consumption is on the rise. However, people often do not translate intentions into actual behavior change. To address this intention-behavior gap, we tested the self-regulation strategy of mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII). Here, people identify and imagine a desired future and current obstacles standing in its way. They address the obstacles with if-then plans specifying when, where, and how to act differently. In a 5-week randomized controlled experimental study, we compared an information + MCII intervention with an information-only control intervention. As hypothesized, only MCII participants' intention of reducing their meat consumption was predictive of their actual reduction, while no correspondence between intention and behavior change was found for control particip...
Background: Antenatal education is part of antenatal care in many countries. Physical and mental ... more Background: Antenatal education is part of antenatal care in many countries. Physical and mental preparation for childbirth and information on pain management are considered key elements of antenatal education classes. Evidence suggests that women who participate in antenatal education classes appear to benefit in terms of self-efficacy and childbirth experience. In particular, women with increased fear of childbirth benefit from trained breathing and relaxation techniques in antenatal education. However, little is known about the effect of breathing and relaxation techniques on the outcomes of healthy pregnant women without fear of childbirth or who do not have medical or obstetric risks, or on neonatal outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study is to test whether including a breathing and relaxation technique in an antenatal education class will improve self-efficacy towards birth compared to a standard antenatal education class. Methods: The study will be a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Healthy pregnant women between the 12th and 30th week of gestation with singleton low-risk pregnancies and who are receiving routine antenatal care will be recruited in a hospital in Switzerland. All women included will attend an 8-hour antenatal education class. The intervention group will additionally practise a breathing and relaxation technique, receive a handbook to guide their exercise practice at home, and be provided with access to an online brochure with video and audio recordings for guidance. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected after recruitment, in the 37th week of pregnancy, and two to four weeks postpartum. Discussion: The effectiveness of including a breathing and relaxation technique in antenatal education classes on women’s self-efficacy is discussed as a means to improving women’s pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.
Background Cigarette smoking during adolescence is a major public health concern with far-reachin... more Background Cigarette smoking during adolescence is a major public health concern with far-reaching health implications. Adolescents who smoke are at an increased risk of developing long-term health problems and are more likely to continue smoking into adulthood. Therefore, it is vital to identify and understand the risk factors that contribute to adolescent smoking -which in turn facilitate the development of targeted prevention and intervention programs. Methods Data was drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted between October and December 2021, encompassing adolescents of adolescents aged 14 to 19 residing in Switzerland (n = 2,683). Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to explore which demographic, household, behavioural and psychographic factors are associated with current smoking status. The regression results showed higher odds of smoking for female respondents (OR 1.39; p-value 0.007); older adolescents (OR 1.30; p-value < 0.001); those living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland (OR 1.39; p-value 0.021), in suburban areas (OR 1.35; p-value 0.023) and with a smoker in the same household (OR 2.41; p-value < 0.001); adolescents consuming alcohol (OR 4.10; p-value < 0.001), cannabis products (OR 6.72; p-value < 0.001) and hookah (OR 5.07; p-value < 0.001) at least once a month; respondents not engaging in sports (OR 1.90; p-value < 0.001) or music (OR 1.42; p-value 0.031) as top five leisure activities and those experiencing high stress levels at home (OR 1.74; p-value < 0.001). Adolescents with high scores in health awareness (OR 0.33; p-value < 0.001), on the relational selfesteem scale (OR 0.78; p-value 0.054) and on the general well-being scale (OR 0.52; p-value 0.022) were less likely to smoke than their counterparts with lower scores. High risk-seeking was associated with higher odds of smoking (OR 2.15; p-value < 0.001). Our results suggest the importance of a comprehensive approach at both individual and institutional levels to reduce smoking rates in adolescents. More specifically, a holistic strategy that encompasses adolescents, families, schools and policymakers ranging from strengthening adolescents' self-esteem, smoking cessation support
Warum ist es so leicht, sich Ziele zu setzen und warum teils so schwer, diese erfolgreich in die ... more Warum ist es so leicht, sich Ziele zu setzen und warum teils so schwer, diese erfolgreich in die Tat umzusetzen? Neue Erkenntnisse aus der Motivationsforschung zeigen, wie die Lücke zwischen guter Absicht und erfolgreicher Tat besser überwunden werden kann
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Apr 17, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Background: Patients with chronic conditions are less physically active than the general populati... more Background: Patients with chronic conditions are less physically active than the general population despite knowledge of positive effects on physical and mental health. There is a variety of reasons preventing people with disabilities from achieving levels of physical activities resulting in health benefits. However, less is known about potential facilitators and barriers for physical activity (PA) in people with severe movement impairments. The aim of this study was to identify obstacles and facilitators of PA in individuals with severe disabilities. Materials and methods: Using a qualitative approach to explore individuals' subjective perspectives in depth, five community-dwelling adults (age 52-72, 2 female, 3 male) living with chronic mobility impairments after stroke that restrict independent PA were interviewed. A semi structured topic guide based on the theoretical domains framework was utilized. The interview data was analyzed thematically, and the theoretical domains framework constructs were mapped onto the main and sub-categories. Results: The six main categories of facilitators and barriers along the capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior (COM-B) framework were: (1) physical capabilities, (2) psychological capabilities, (3) motivation reflective, (4) motivation automatic, (5) opportunity physical, and (6) opportunity social. The physical capabilities to independently perform PA were variable between participants but were not necessarily perceived as a barrier. Participants were highly motivated to maintain and/or increase their abilities to master their everyday lives as independently as possible. It became clear that a lack of physical opportunities, such as having access to adequate training facilities can present a barrier. Social opportunities in the form of social support, social norms, or comparisons with others can act as both facilitators and barriers.
Knapp 17 Prozent der Schweizer Bevölkerung leiden an psychischen Störungen oder Erkrankungen. Dav... more Knapp 17 Prozent der Schweizer Bevölkerung leiden an psychischen Störungen oder Erkrankungen. Davon entstehen viele Störungen schon in der Kindheit und treten häufig im Jugendalter auf. Besonders der Übergang ins Erwachsenenalter ist mit Herausforderungen verbunden, die nicht alle Jugendlichen gleich gut bewältigen. Psychische Erkrankungen bleiben häufig bis ins Erwachsenenalter bestehen, belasten oft die betroffene Person und ihr Umfeld und können zu hohen Folgekosten führen. Daher sind die Stärkung der psychischen Gesundheit sowie die Früherkennung von psychischen Erkrankungen zentrale Public Health Aufgaben. In diesem Vortrag wird ein Projekt zur Sensibilisierung von Jugendlichen, Eltern und Fachpersonen in den Bereichen Gesundheit, Bildung und Soziales für psychische Erkrankungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen und zur Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit vorgestellt. Es wurden Informationsbroschüren für Eltern von Schulkindern und für Jugendliche entwickelt, welche Hinweisen und Tipps zur Stärkung der psychischen Gesundheit enthalten sowie zugehörige Fachinformationen mit Informationen zur wissenschaftlichen Evidenz zu den Tipps, zur Epidemiologie, Diagnose und Unterstützungsangeboten bei psychischen Gesundheitsproblemen. Die Materialien werden vorgestellt und die Erfahrungen aus diesem Projekt werden mit Fokus auf eine ressourcen-orientierte Annäherung an das Thema und die interprofessionelle Zusammenarbeit diskutiert
Group interaction can empower groups to outperform even their best members; unfortunately, such s... more Group interaction can empower groups to outperform even their best members; unfortunately, such strong synergy is rare. The prototypical decision situation where synergy through interaction is possible is called a hidden profile (HP). The two main characteristics of these situations are that (1) each group member has new, unshared information that the other group members do not have, and (2) integrating this unshared information implies a different, better decision alternative than each member’s information alone. The hidden profile coding scheme is designed to code the initially shared and unshared information that is mentioned during the group discussion. The hidden profile coding scheme therefore aims to directly observe group decision processes that potentially lead to synergy
In an aging society, the successful transition from work to retirement becomes a major challenge ... more In an aging society, the successful transition from work to retirement becomes a major challenge for individuals, organizations, and governments. This chapter aims to explore the relationship between retirement planning and adjustment, and the general assumption according to which planning for retirement leads to positive adjustment outcomes. To do so, first the different trajectories from employment to retirement in terms of well-being are described, and a synthesis of five distinct retiree types is proposed. We then focus on Schlossberg's (2003) typology, according to which individuals combine several paths across time in retirement. Second, the chapter focuses on retirement planning as the first phase of the retirement process: Its antecedents (i.e., socioeconomic , trait, motivational and sociocognitive, and social variables) and consequences (i.e., financial security, health and wellbeing, subjective beliefs and expectations, and social life) are reviewed. Third, practical implications for career counselling interventions of retirement planning are proposed. They relate to the Transition to Retirement Questionnaire, identifying more vulnerable groups, and target four main ingredients that reinforce the positive impact of retirement planning on adjustment. Finally, future directions for research on the relationship between retirement planning and adjustment are suggested.
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased multiple risk factors for m... more Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased multiple risk factors for mental health. Evidence-based, intersectoral public mental health responses are therefore critical. The primary aim of this study was to collate public mental health responses from across Europe. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in March 2021. Participants were public and mental health professionals from across Europe. We developed an online instrument exploring five domains: changes in mental health supports during the pandemic; mental health support for vulnerable groups; multi-sectoral and service-user involvement; published mental health response plans; and perceived quality of overall country response. Results Fifty-two individuals from 20 European nations responded. Reported changes in mental health supports included an increase in online mental health supports (n = 18); but no change in long-term mental health funding (n = 13); and a decrease in access to early interve...
Background Several studies have investigated the relationship between antenatal education classes... more Background Several studies have investigated the relationship between antenatal education classes and pregnancy outcomes. These studies have shown positive effects on mothers, such as a lower epidural rate in the intervention groups. However, until now, the impact on outcomes for mothers and newborns of antenatal education classes that focus on breathing and relaxation techniques has not been examined. Aim Investigate the effects of skilled breathing and relaxation techniques provided in antenatal education classes on maternal and neonatal birth outcomes. Methods The protocol for this study was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020192289). A systematic literature search was undertaken and completed in January 2022, using the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, clinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, Embase and MIDIRS according to a priori formulated PICO criteria: population (pregnant women), intervention (antenatal education classes with integrated breathing and relaxation techniques), compa...
Background The COVID-19 containment measures, implemented to curb the pandemic, impacted health o... more Background The COVID-19 containment measures, implemented to curb the pandemic, impacted health of children and adolescents by numerous pathways. We present the impact on health care utilization and provision. Methods A systematic review on secondary health impact is ongoing (PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase). Literature is screened (title, abstract, full-text) by 2 researchers, and data of interest extracted systematically.. Inclusion criteria are age (0 - 25 yrs.), exposure: containment measures, outcome: secondary health outcome, and European data origin. Results Jan. 2020 - Aug. 2021 10112 studies were identified, 337 were included. n = 60 were on health care utilization and provision. Utilization studies relied on objective hospital or registry data, care provision studies more often on survey data (professionals, parents). Data yields a large but varying decrease in emergency department visits during the lockdown: Italy ∼75%, Spain ∼65%, France ∼60%, and Germany ∼64%, and a substanti...
Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiat... more Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in childhood. In Switzerland, the complex diagnosis and treatment are being carried out by adolescent-/child psychiatrists, and pediatricians. Guidelines recommend a multimodal therapy for patients with ADHD. However, it has been questioned whether health professionals follow this approach or favor drug therapy. This study aims to provide insights into the practice of pediatricians in Switzerland regarding diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and their perceptions of these processes. Method: An online survey (self-report) about current practices of diagnosis and management as well as challenges regarding ADHD was distributed to office-based pediatricians in Switzerland. 151 pediatricians participated. Results show that therapy options were almost always discussed with parents and older children. Exchange with parents (81%) and level of child’s suffering (97%) were central when s...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Background: Unconscious biases are one of the causes of health disparities. Health professionals ... more Background: Unconscious biases are one of the causes of health disparities. Health professionals have prejudices against patients due to their race, gender, or other factors without their conscious knowledge. This review aimed to provide an overview of research on unconscious bias among health professionals and to investigate the biases that exist in different regions of the world, the health professions that are considered, and the research gaps that still exist. Methods: We conducted a scoping review by systematically searching PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and AMED. All records were double-screened and included if they were published between 2011 and 2021. Results: A total of 5186 records were found. After removing duplicates (n = 300), screening titles and abstracts (n = 4210), and full-text screening (n = 695), 87 articles from 81 studies remained. Studies originated from North America (n = 60), Europe (n = 13), and the rest of the world (n = 6), and two studi...
With growing awareness that sustainable consumption is important for quality of life on earth, ma... more With growing awareness that sustainable consumption is important for quality of life on earth, many individuals intend to act more sustainably. In this regard, interest in reducing meat consumption is on the rise. However, people often do not translate intentions into actual behavior change. To address this intention-behavior gap, we tested the self-regulation strategy of mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII). Here, people identify and imagine a desired future and current obstacles standing in its way. They address the obstacles with if-then plans specifying when, where, and how to act differently. In a 5-week randomized controlled experimental study, we compared an information + MCII intervention with an information-only control intervention. As hypothesized, only MCII participants' intention of reducing their meat consumption was predictive of their actual reduction, while no correspondence between intention and behavior change was found for control particip...
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Papers by Frank Wieber
Objective: The aim of this study is to test whether including a breathing and relaxation technique in an antenatal education class will improve self-efficacy towards birth compared to a standard antenatal education class.
Methods: The study will be a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Healthy pregnant women between the 12th and 30th week of gestation with singleton low-risk pregnancies and who are receiving routine antenatal care will be recruited in a hospital in Switzerland. All women included will attend an 8-hour antenatal education class. The intervention group will additionally practise a breathing and relaxation technique, receive a handbook to guide their exercise practice at home, and be provided with access to an online brochure with video and audio recordings for guidance. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected after recruitment, in the 37th week of pregnancy, and two to four weeks postpartum.
Discussion: The effectiveness of including a breathing and relaxation technique in antenatal education classes on women’s self-efficacy is discussed as a means to improving women’s pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.
Objective: The aim of this study is to test whether including a breathing and relaxation technique in an antenatal education class will improve self-efficacy towards birth compared to a standard antenatal education class.
Methods: The study will be a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Healthy pregnant women between the 12th and 30th week of gestation with singleton low-risk pregnancies and who are receiving routine antenatal care will be recruited in a hospital in Switzerland. All women included will attend an 8-hour antenatal education class. The intervention group will additionally practise a breathing and relaxation technique, receive a handbook to guide their exercise practice at home, and be provided with access to an online brochure with video and audio recordings for guidance. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected after recruitment, in the 37th week of pregnancy, and two to four weeks postpartum.
Discussion: The effectiveness of including a breathing and relaxation technique in antenatal education classes on women’s self-efficacy is discussed as a means to improving women’s pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.