Changes in the prevalence of perceived discrimination and associations with probable mental health problems in the UK from 2015 to 2020: A repeated cross-sectional analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal Study.

Background: Significant social and political changes occurred in the UK between 2015 and 2020. Few studies have examined population level trends in experiencing discrimination and mental health problems during this period. Aims: To determine prevalence trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems amongst UK adults during 2015-2020. Method: Repeated cross-sectional data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study was used to estimate nationally representative trends in perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12; 4+ threshold) among adults between 2015/2016-2019/2020 (25,756 observations). Weighted logistic regression models with post-estimation margins commands determined changes between survey waves controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Mediation models explored whether changes in perceived discrimination prevalence trends explained trends in probable mental health problems. Results: From 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased significantly by 6·1% (95% CI: 3·4-8·8, p <·001) and 4·5% (95% CI: 1·3-7·7, p = ·006), respectively. These changes did not tend to reliably differ by sociodemographic grouping. Increased prevalence of probable mental health problems from 2015/2016 to 2019/2020 was partially explained (15·2% of association mediated) by the increase in perceived discrimination observed during the same time period. Conclusions: Amongst UK adults, the prevalence of perceived discrimination and probable mental health problems increased between 2015/2016 to 2019/2020. Increases in perceived discrimination partially explained increases in probable mental health problems. National measures designed to reduce both discrimination and mental health problems have potential to make substantial improvements to public health and should be prioritised in the UK.

The prevalence of common mental disorders across 18 ethnic groups in Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence for Equality National Survey (EVENS).

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted mental health in the general population in Britain. Ethnic minority people suffered disproportionately, in terms of health and economic outcomes, which may contribute to poorer mental health. We compare the prevalence of depression and anxiety across 18 ethnic groups in Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data (February-November 2021) from 12,161 participants aged 18-60 years old (N with data on outcomes = 11,540 for depression & 11,825 for anxiety), obtained from the Evidence for Equality National Survey (EVENS). Data were weighted to account for selection bias and coverage bias. Weighted regression models examined ethnic differences in depression (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7). Effect modification analyses explored whether ethnic differences in outcomes were consistent within age and sex sub-groups. RESULTS: Compared to White British people, greater odds of anxiety caseness (and greater anxiety symptoms) were observed for Arab (OR = 2.57; 95 % CI = 1.35-4.91), Mixed White and Black Caribbean (1.57; 1.07-2.30), any other Black (2.22, 1.28-3.87) and any other Mixed (1.58; 1.08-2.31) ethnic groups. Lower odds of depression caseness (and lower depressive symptoms) were identified for Chinese (0.63; 0.46-0.85), Black African (0.60; 0.46-0.79), and any other Asian (0.55; 0.42-0.72) ethnic groups. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional data limits the opportunity to identify changes in ethnic inequalities in mental health over time. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified certain ethnic groups who may require more targeted mental health support to ensure equitable recovery post-pandemic. Despite finding lower levels of depression for some ethnic groups, approximately one third of people within each ethnic group met criteria for depression.

Substance Use Within Trials of Psychological Interventions for Psychosis: Sample Inclusion, Secondary Measures, and Intervention Effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: Current clinical guidelines recommend that patients with co-occurring psychosis and alcohol or substance use disorders (A/SUD) receive evidenced-based treatment for both disorders, including psychological intervention for psychosis. However, the efficacy of such treatments for individuals with co-occurring psychosis and A/SUD is unclear. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions for psychosis were systematically reviewed, to investigate how alcohol and substance use has been accounted for across sample inclusion and secondary measures. Findings from trials including individuals with co-occurring alcohol or substance use issues were then narratively summarized using the Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis guidelines, to indicate the overall efficacy of psychological interventions for psychosis, for this comorbid population. STUDY RESULTS: Across the 131 trials identified, 60.3% of trials excluded individuals with alcohol or substance use issues. Additionally, only 6.1% measured alcohol or substance use at baseline, while only 2.3% measured alcohol or substance use as a secondary outcome. Across trials explicitly including individuals with alcohol or substance use issues, insufficient evidence was available to conclude the efficacy of any individual psychological intervention. However, preliminary findings suggest that psychoeducation (PE) and metacognitive therapy (MCT) may be proposed for further investigation. CONCLUSION: Overall, co-occurring alcohol and substance use issues have been largely neglected across the recent RCTs of psychological interventions for psychosis; highlighting the challenges of making treatment decisions for these individuals using the current evidence base.

Exploring experiences with alcohol and how drinking has changed over time among minority ethnic groups with a diagnosed mental health problem.

INTRODUCTION: Minority ethnic groups are more likely to experience poor mental health but less likely to seek formal support. Mental health problems and alcohol use (including non-drinking) co-occur, the reasons for this among minority ethnic groups are not well understood. This study explored i) alcohol use among minority ethnic individuals with a mental health problem,ii) how alcohol was used before individuals received support for their mental health,iii) how alcohol changed whilst and after individuals received treatment for their mental health. METHODS: Participants were purposively sampled through community/online mental health organisations. Participants took part if they i)were not White British, ii) had a mental health diagnosis, iii) drank at hazardous and above levels or former drinkers. Telephone/online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using framework analysis with an intersectional lens. RESULTS: 25 participants took part. Four themes were developed; "drinking motivations", "mental health literacy and implications on drinking behaviour", "cultural expectations and its influence on mental health problems and drinking practices", and "reasons for changes in drinking". Themes reflect reasons for drinking and the role of understanding the range of mental health problems and implicit cultural expectations. An intersectional lens indicated gendered, ethnic and religious nuances in experiences with alcohol and seeking support. Engaging with formal support prompted changes in drinking which were facilitated through wider support. CONCLUSION: There were specific reasons to cope among minority ethnic individuals who have a mental health problem. Applying an intersectional lens provided an insight into the role of cultural and gendered expectations on mental health and drinking practices. Mental health literacy and implicit cultural expectations within specific minority ethnic groups can affect both mental health and drinking practices. Healthcare professionals and wider community play an important role in prompting changes in drinking among minority ethnic groups who have a mental health problem.

Shorter communications: Exploring the impact of a brief smartphone-based alcohol intervention app (DrinksRation) on the quality of life of UK military veterans.

Alcohol misuse - defined as consuming more than 14 units of alcohol per week - is a well-established problem among veterans. This study investigated the change in quality of life among help-seeking UK veterans who completed a 28-day brief alcohol intervention delivered via a digital smartphone application (called DrinksRation) and have previously sought clinical help for a mental health disorder. This study was a secondary outcome analysis of data collected during a randomised control trial. In total, 123 UK veterans participated in the study and were randomly allocated to either the intervention or control arm. Participants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their alcohol use and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline, day 28 (end of intervention), day 84, and day 168. At the primary endpoint (day 84), we found significantly greater improvements in the intervention arm compared to the control arm for psychological quality of life (Cohen's d = 0.47), and environmental quality of life (d = 0.34). However, we observed no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control arm for social relationships and physical quality of life. Further, for day 168 we found no significant differences. Findings suggest that DrinksRation can increase quality of life among help-seeking veterans who have previously sought help for a mental health disorder, but the increases were modest and restricted to certain domains. Additional treatment may be needed for long-term and sustained improvements in quality of life.

Socioeconomic status, alcohol use and the role of social support and neighbourhood environment among individuals meeting criteria for a mental health problem: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Indicators of socioeconomic status (SES), such as education and occupational grade, are known to be associated with alcohol use but this has not been examined among individuals with a mental health problem. This study developed latent classes of SES, their associations with alcohol use, and examined the indirect effect via social support and neighbourhood environment. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey was conducted among participants with a mental health problem (N = 1,436). SES classes were determined using a range of indicators. Alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Social support and neighbourhood neighbourhood environment were measured using validated questionnaires. A latent class analysis was conducted to develop SES classes. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations of SES and alcohol use. Structural equation models tested indirect effects via social support and neighbourhood environment. RESULTS: A four-class model of SES was best-fitting; "economically inactive,GCSE-level and lower educated,social renters", "intermediate/routine occupation,GCSE-level educated,mixed owner/renters", "retired, no formal education,homeowners", and "professional occupation,degree-level educated,homeowners". Compared to "professional occupation,degree-level educated, homeowners", SES classes were more likely to be non-drinkers; odds were highest for "economically inactive,GCSE-level and lower educated,social renters" (OR = 4.96,95%CI 3.10-7.93). "Retired, no formal education,homeowners" were less likely to be hazardous drinkers (OR = 0.35,95%CI 0.20-0.59). Associations between "economically inactive,GCSE-level and lower educated,social renters" and "retired, no formal education,homeowners" and non- and harmful drinking via social support and neighbourhood environment were significant. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the alcohol harms paradox, among individuals with a mental health problem, lower SES groups were more likely to be non-drinkers while no associations with harmful drinking were found. There is also a need to examine the alcohol harms paradox in the context of the area in which they live.

Halide and Sulfide Electrolytes in Cathode Composites for Sodium All-Solid-State Batteries and their Stability.

Sodium all-solid-state batteries may become a novel storage technology overcoming the safety and energy density issues of (liquid-based) sodium ion batteries at low cost and good resource availability. However, compared to liquid electrolyte cells, contact issues and capacity losses due to interface reactions leading to high cell resistance are still a problem in solid-state batteries. In particular, sulfide-based electrolytes, which show very high ionic conductivity and good malleability, exhibit degradation reactions at the interface with electrode materials and carbon additives. A new group of solid electrolytes, i.e., sodium halides, shows wider potential windows and better stability at typical cathode potentials. A detailed investigation of the interface reactions of Na3SbS4 and Na2.4Er0.4Zr0.6Cl6 as catholytes in cathodes and their cycling performance in full cells is performed. X-ray spectroscopy, time-of-flight spectrometry, and impedance spectroscopy are used to study the interface of each catholyte with a transition metal oxide cathode active material. In addition, impedance measurements were used to study the separator electrolyte Na3SbS4 with the catholyte Na2.4Er0.4Zr0.6Cl6. In conclusion, cathodes with Na2.4Er0.4Zr0.6Cl6 show a higher stability at low C-rates, resulting in lower interfacial resistance and improved cycling performance.

Inequalities in birth before arrival at hospital in South West England: a multimethods study of neonatal hypothermia and emergency medical services call-handler advice.

OBJECTIVES: To examine inequalities in birth before arrival (BBA) at hospitals in South West England, understand which groups are most likely to experience BBA and how this relates to hypothermia and outcomes (phase A). To investigate opportunities to improve temperature management advice given by emergency medical services (EMS) call-handlers during emergency calls regarding BBA in the UK (phase B). DESIGN: A two-phase multimethod study. Phase A analysed anonymised data from hospital neonatal records between January 2018 and January 2021. Phase B analysed anonymised EMS call transcripts, followed by focus groups with National Health Service (NHS) staff and patients. SETTING: Six Hospital Trusts in South West England and two EMS providers (ambulance services) in South West and North East England. PARTICIPANTS: 18 multidisciplinary NHS staff and 22 members of the public who had experienced BBA in the UK. RESULTS: 35% (64/184) of babies conveyed to hospital were hypothermic on arrival. When compared with national data on all births in the South West, we found higher percentages of women with documented safeguarding concerns at booking, previous live births and 'late bookers' (booking their pregnancy >13 weeks gestation). These women may, therefore, be more likely to experience BBA. Preterm babies, babies to first-time mothers and babies born to mothers with disability or safeguarding concerns at booking were more likely to be hypothermic following BBA. Five main themes emerged from qualitative data on call-handler advice: (1) importance placed on neonatal temperature; (2) advice on where the baby should be placed following birth; (3) advice on how to keep the baby warm; (4) timing of temperature management advice and (5) clarity and priority of instructions. CONCLUSIONS: Findings identified factors associated with BBA and neonatal hypothermia following BBA. Improvements to EMS call-handler advice could reduce the number of babies arriving at hospital hypothermic.

Working with the police service and homeless services in North West England to reduce alcohol harms: A feasibility study of a tailored Blue Light approach.

INTRODUCTION: Deaths caused by alcohol are increasing in England and 80 % of people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are not in treatment. The Blue Light approach (Alcohol Change UK) is an initiative to support people with AUDs who are not in treatment. This study aimed to tailor the Blue Light approach (combined with alcohol identification and alcohol brief interventions [ABI] training) for police officers and homeless service staff in North West England, and to qualitatively evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the training. METHODS: The Blue Light approach was tailored using co-production activities, based on Transdisciplinary Action Research. Full-day and half-day training sessions were delivered to the police (full-day N = 14, half-day N = 54) and homeless service staff (full-day N = 11, half-day N = 32), in local police stations and online (four half-day sessions). Semi-structured interviews (N = 23) were conducted to evaluate implementation and integration, analysing the qualitative data in line with Normalisation Process Theory. RESULTS: Four themes were identified, each with two to three sub-themes, reflecting: (i) the importance of training for working practice, (ii) implementation of the interventions, (iii) changes to relationships within and between organizations, and (iv) recommendations for further changes to the training. Differences in findings across the organizations (police versus homeless services) and by training type attended (full-day versus half-day, in-person versus online) are presented. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence to suggest that the training has provided worthwhile knowledge and intervention techniques that can become embedded into working practices. Nevertheless, structural barriers were apparent, primarily within the police service, with clear disparities between recognising the value of the training and what is achievable in practice, given the competing demands.

Hazardous, harmful, and dependent alcohol use in healthcare professionals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Healthcare professionals work in high-pressured and demanding environments, which has been linked to the use of alcohol as a coping strategy. This international review aimed (i) to determine the pooled prevalence of hazardous, harmful, dependent, and frequent binge drinking in healthcare professionals, and (ii) to explore factors associated with variation in these outcomes. Methods: Scopus, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched from 2003 to 17th November 2022, for studies reporting a prevalence estimate for any outcome among healthcare professionals. Random-effects meta-analyses determined pooled prevalence estimates. Sub-group analyses were conducted, stratifying the meta-analyses by pandemic period vs pre-pandemic period. Meta-regressions explored factors that were associated with variation in the outcomes. PROSPERO (CRD42020173119). Results: After screening 9,108 records, 64 studies were identified as eligible. The pooled prevalence was 19.98% [95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 16.05-24.23%] for hazardous alcohol use (K = 52), 3.17% [95% CI: 0.95-6.58%] for harmful drinking (K = 8), 14.59% [95% CI: 7.16-25.05%] for dependent drinking (K = 7), and 17.71% [95% CI: 8.34-29.63%] for frequent binge drinking (K = 11). The prevalence of hazardous drinking was greater during the pandemic (28.19%) compared with pre-pandemic estimates (17.95%), though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.049). Studies including all hospital staff (32.04%) showed higher prevalence estimates for hazardous drinking compared with studies of doctors (16.78%) and nurses (27.02%). Conclusion: Approximately one fifth of healthcare professionals drink to hazardous levels, with higher prevalence estimates observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be that healthcare professionals used alcohol to cope with the additional trauma and stressors. Further research is needed to investigate whether this is sustained in the post-pandemic period.

Digital Therapeutic Intervention for Women in the UK Armed Forces Who Consume Alcohol at a Hazardous or Harmful Level: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol misuse is common in the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF), with prevalence significantly higher than in the general population. To date, digital health initiatives to support alcohol misuse have focused on male individuals, who represent approximately 89% of the UKAF. However, female veterans drink disproportionally more than female members of the public. OBJECTIVE: This 2-arm participant-blinded (single-blinded) confirmatory randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to assess the efficacy of a brief alcohol intervention (DrinksRation) in reducing weekly self-reported alcohol consumption between baseline and a 3-month follow-up (day 84) among women who have served in the UKAF. METHODS: In this 2-arm single-blinded RCT, a smartphone app that includes interactive user-focused features tailored toward the needs of female veterans and designed to enhance participants' motivations to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume is compared with the UK Chief Medical Officer guidance on alcohol consumption. The trial will be conducted among women who have served at least 1 day of paid service in the UKAF. Recruitment, consent, and data collection will be carried out automatically through the DrinksRation app or the BeAlcoholSmart platform. The primary outcome is change in self-reported weekly alcohol consumption between baseline (day 0) and the 3-month follow-up (day 84) measured using the Timeline Follow Back for alcohol consumption. The secondary outcome is the change in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score measured at baseline and 3-month follow-up between the control and intervention groups. The process evaluation measures include (1) app use and (2) usability ratings as measured by the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire. RESULTS: RCT recruitment will begin in January 2024 and last for 5 months. We aim to complete all data collection, including interviews, by May 2024. CONCLUSIONS: This study will assess whether a smartphone app tailored to the needs of women who have served in the UKAF is efficacious in reducing self-reported alcohol consumption. If successful, the digital therapeutics platform could be used not only to support women who have served in the UKAF but also for other conditions and disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05970484; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05970484. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/51531.

Understanding alcohol use and changes in drinking habits among people with a severe mental illness: a qualitative framework analysis study.

Introduction: Individuals with a severe mental illness (SMI) are more likely to drink at harmful levels or abstain. While it is known that drinking patterns change over time, the reasons for this among those with a SMI are unclear. This study aimed to (i) explore the experiences with alcohol, particularly in relation to mental health symptoms, and (ii) how drinking patterns have changed over time, among individuals who have a SMI diagnosis, who either currently drink alcohol or no longer drink. Methods: One-to-one semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to address the study aims. Current drinkers' alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. A framework analysis was used to address the study aims with a specific focus on the differences in the experiences with alcohol use between current and former drinkers. Results: 16 participants were interviewed, and five themes were developed. The analysis highlighted how alcohol was increasingly used to cope with (i) trauma, (ii) SMI-related symptoms, or (iii) stress. Among those with a SMI, non-drinking was facilitated through declines in SMI-related symptoms, previous negative consequences due to alcohol and changing the social environment. Current drinking habits were facilitated through changes in the reasons for drinking and adopting different alcohol moderation techniques. Discussion: Among those with a SMI diagnosis and who either currently drink alcohol or no longer drink, our findings support the self-medication hypothesis and drinking motives model. However, our findings indicate the need for further development of drinking to cope with a focus on symptoms of a SMI and trauma. Our findings also have implications on specialist alcohol and mental health services, the need to improve individuals' understanding of SMI, and the need to identify reasons for drinking among those with a recent diagnosis of a SMI.

Protective NaSICON Interlayer between a Sodium-Tin Alloy Anode and Sulfide-Based Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Sodium Batteries.

This paper presents a suitable combination of different sodium solid electrolytes to surpass the challenge of highly reactive cell components in sodium batteries. The focus is laid on the introduction of ceramic Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 serving as a protective layer for sulfide-based separator electrolytes to avoid the high reactivity with the sodium metal anode. The chemical instability of the anode|sulfide solid electrolyte interface is demonstrated by impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 disk shows chemical stability with the sodium metal anode as well as the sulfide solid electrolyte. Impedance analysis suggests an electrochemically stable interface. Electron microscopy points to a reaction at the Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 surface toward the sulfide solid electrolyte, which does not seem to affect the performance negatively. The results presented prove the chemical stabilization of the anode-separator interface using a Na3.4Zr2Si2.4P0.6O12 interlayer, which is an important step toward a sodium all-solid-state battery. Due to the applied pressure that is mandatory for battery cells with sulfide-based cathode composite, the use of a brittle ceramic in such cells remains challenging.

How do emergency department staff respond to behaviour that challenges displayed by people living with dementia? A mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate staff experiences of, and approaches to behaviour that challenges displayed by patients with dementia in the emergency department (ED). Behaviour that challenges is defined as 'actions that detract from the well-being of individuals due to the physical or psychological distress they cause within the settings they are performed', and can take many forms including aggressive physical actions, shouting and verbal aggression and non-aggressive behaviour including repetitive questioning, inappropriate exposure and resistance to care. DESIGN: Mixed-methods study consisting of an online survey and semistructured telephone interviews. Quantitative data were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. SETTING: The EDs of three National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trusts in Southwest England. PARTICIPANTS: Multidisciplinary NHS staff working in the ED. RESULTS: Fifty-two online survey responses and 13 telephone interviews were analysed. Most (24/36, 67%) survey respondents reported that they had received general training in relation to dementia in the last 2-5 years, however, less than a fifth (4/23, 17%) had received any ED-specific dementia training. All (48/48) felt that behaviour that challenges could potentially be prevented, though resource constraints and practice variation were identified. Four main themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) the 'perfect storm' of the ED; (2) behaviour that challenges is preventable with the right resources; (3) improvisation and (4) requirement for approaches that are specific to the ED. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that ED staff do not feel that they are prepared to respond effectively to behaviour that challenges displayed by people living with dementia. Future work could adapt or develop an intervention to support ED staff in responding to behaviour that challenges.

Randomised trial of the clinical and cost effectiveness of a supraglottic airway device compared with tracheal intubation for in-hospital cardiac arrest (AIRWAYS-3): Protocol, design and implementation.

Survival from in-hospital cardiac arrest is approximately 18%, but for patients who require advanced airway management survival is lower. Those who do survive are often left with significant disability. Traditionally, resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients has included tracheal intubation, however insertion of a supraglottic airway has gained popularity as an alternative approach to advanced airway management. Evidence from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest suggests no significant differences in mortality or morbidity between these two approaches, but there is no randomised evidence for airway management during in-hospital cardiac arrest. The aim of the AIRWAYS-3 randomised trial, described in this protocol paper, is to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of a supraglottic airway versus tracheal intubation during in-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients will be allocated randomly to receive either a supraglottic airway or tracheal intubation as the initial advanced airway management. We will also estimate the relative cost-effectiveness of these two approaches. The primary outcome is functional status, measured using the modified Rankin Scale at hospital discharge or 30 days post-randomisation, whichever occurs first. AIRWAYS-3 presents ethical challenges regarding patient consent and data collection. These include the enrolment of unconscious patients without prior consent in a way that avoids methodological bias. Other complexities include the requirement to randomise patients efficiently during a time-critical cardiac arrest. Many of these challenges are encountered in other emergency care research; we discuss our approaches to addressing them. Trial registration: ISRCTN17720457. Prospectively registered on 29/07/2022.

Factors that influence the administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) to trauma patients in prehospital settings: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: In the UK there are around 5400 deaths annually from injury. Tranexamic acid (TXA) prevents bleeding and has been shown to reduce trauma mortality. However, only 5% of UK major trauma patients who are at risk of haemorrhage receive prehospital TXA. This review aims to examine the evidence regarding factors influencing the prehospital administration of TXA to trauma patients. DESIGN: Systematic literature review. DATA SOURCES: AMED, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science, Embase and MEDLINE were searched from January 2010 to 2020; searches were updated in June 2022. CLINICALTRIALS: gov and OpenGrey were also searched and forward and backwards citation chasing performed. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: All primary research reporting factors influencing TXA administration to trauma patients in the prehospital setting was included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers performed the selection process, quality assessment and data extraction. Data were tabulated, grouped by setting and influencing factor and synthesised narratively. RESULTS: Twenty papers (278 249 participants in total) were included in the final synthesis; 13 papers from civilian and 7 from military settings. Thirteen studies were rated as 'moderate' using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Several common factors were identified: knowledge and skills; consequences and social influences; injury type (severity, injury site and mechanism); protocols; resources; priorities; patient age; patient sex. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights an absence of high-quality research. Preliminary evidence suggests a host of system and individual-level factors that may be important in determining whether TXA is administered to trauma patients in the prehospital setting. FUNDING AND REGISTRATION: This review was supported by Research Capability Funding from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration South West Peninsula. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020162943.

The clustering of physical health conditions and associations with co-occurring mental health problems and problematic alcohol use: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence for the co-occurrence of mental health conditions and alcohol problems, yet physical health outcomes among this group are not well characterised. This study aimed to identify clusters of physical health conditions and their associations with mental health and problematic alcohol use in England's general population. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (N = 7546) was conducted. The survey used standardised measures of problematic alcohol use and mental health conditions, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised. Participants self-reported any lifetime physical health conditions. Latent class analysis considered 12 common physical illnesses to identify clusters of multimorbidity. Multinomial logistic regression (adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, education, and occupational grade) was used to explore associations between mental health, hazardous drinking (AUDIT 8 +), and co-occurring physical illnesses. RESULTS: Five clusters were identified with statistically distinct and clinically meaningful disease patterns: 'Physically Healthy' (76.62%), 'Emerging Multimorbidity' (3.12%), 'Hypertension & Arthritis' (14.28%), 'Digestive & Bowel Problems'' (3.17%), and 'Complex Multimorbidity' (2.8%). Having a mental health problem was associated with increased odds of 'Digestive & Bowel Problems' (adjusted multinomial odds ratio (AMOR) = 1.58; 95% CI [1.15-2.17]) and 'Complex Multimorbidity' (AMOR = 2.02; 95% CI [1.49-2.74]). Individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions and problematic alcohol use also had higher odds of 'Digestive & Bowel Problems' (AMOR = 2.64; 95% CI [1.68-4.15]) and 'Complex Multimorbidity' (AMOR = 2.62; 95% CI [1.61-4.23]). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with a mental health condition concurrent with problematic alcohol use experience a greater burden of physical illnesses, highlighting the need for timely treatment which is likely to include better integration of alcohol and mental health services.

Prevalence of perceived discrimination and associations with mental health inequalities in the UK during 2019-2020: A cross-sectional study.

Experiencing discrimination is associated with poorer mental health and the demographic patterning of discrimination may explain social inequalities in mental health. The present research examined prevalence of perceived discrimination in the UK and associations with social inequalities in mental health. Data were taken from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (n = 32,003). Population subgroups (sex, age, ethnicity, health, religiousness, income, education, and occupation), perceived personal discrimination (personal experience) and perceived belonging to a discriminated group (identified as belonging to a group discriminated against in this country), and probable mental health problems (GHQ-12 assessed, cut off 4+) were reported on in 2019/2020. Nineteen percent of participants perceived personal discrimination in the last year, 9% perceived belonging to a discriminated group, and 22% had probable mental health problems. There were significant inequalities in both perceived discrimination and mental health. Being a younger adult, of mixed ethnicity, having health problems, having a university degree, and being unemployed increased risk of mental health problems and these associations were partially explained by perceived discrimination being more common among these groups. Perceived discrimination is common among UK adults, but prevalence differs by population subgroup. Perceived discrimination may contribute to social inequalities in mental health.

Mental health problems and admissions to hospital for accidents and injuries in the UK military: A data linkage study.

PURPOSE: Accidents are the most common cause of death among UK military personnel. It is a common misconception in the general public that accidental injuries are always the result of random events, however research suggests that mental health problems and the increased levels of risky behaviour in military personnel may play a role. The objective of this study was to further our understanding of injuries and deaths not related to deployment by examining the associations of mental health, alcohol misuse and smoking with inpatient admission to hospital for accidents and injuries, and attendance to accident and emergency (A&E) departments. METHODS: Data on all hospital admissions for accidents and injuries and A&E attendance at NHS hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales were linked to data on self-reported mental health problems, alcohol misuse and smoking from a large, representative UK military cohort of serving and ex-serving personnel (n = 8,602). Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between having a hospital admission for an accident or injury with self-reported mental health problems, alcohol misuse and smoking. Cox proportional-hazards regression was then conducted to assess the associations of mental health problems, alcohol misuse and smoking with time to hospital admission for an accident or injury. Finally, negative binomial regression was used to examine associations between the number of A&E attendances with mental health problems, alcohol misuse and smoking. RESULTS: Personnel reporting symptoms of common mental disorder (CMD) or probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely to have an admission to hospital for an accident or injury (fully adjusted odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.84), than those who did not report these symptoms, and also had more attendances to A&E (fully adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.32, 95% CI 1.16-1.51). A&E attendances were also more common in personnel who were smokers (fully adjusted IRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.35) following adjustment for demographic, military and health characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that accidents and injuries among military personnel are not always random events and that there are health and behavioural factors, including poor mental health and smoking, which are associated (with small effect sizes) with an increased risk of being involved in an accident. Clinicians treating individuals attending hospital after an accident should consider their healthcare needs holistically, including issues related to mental health and health damaging behaviours.

Recruiting Military Veterans into Alcohol Misuse Research: The Role of Social Media and Facebook Advertising.

Background: The use of digital technology within health care service delivery, monitoring, and research is becoming progressively popular, particularly given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile health (m-health) apps, one form of digital technology, are increasingly being used to promote positive health related behavior change. Therefore, it is important to conduct research to understand the efficacy of m-health apps. The process of participant recruitment is an essential component in producing strong research evidence, along with ensuring an adequately powered sample to conduct meaningful analyses and draw robust conclusions. Methods: In this work we outline and reflect on the strategies used to recruit help-seeking military veterans into an intervention study, which aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an app (Drinks:Ration) to modify behavior in alcohol misusers. Recruitment strategies included through (1) partner organizations and (2) social media and Facebook advertising (ads). Results: Facebook ads were live for a period of 88 days and were viewed by a total audience of 29,416 people. In total 168 military veterans were recruited across all recruitment strategies, meaning that Drinks:Ration exceeded its recruitment targets. Half of the sample (n = 84) were recruited through social media, including Facebook ads. Conclusions: The current article highlighted that targeted Facebook ads were an efficient strategy to recruit military veterans into a digital intervention trial aiming to reduce alcohol consumption because they reduced the amount of time and resources required to contact a large number of potentially eligible individuals for our study. This article acts as a starting point for other researchers to evaluate their recruitment pathways for recruiting military veterans into alcohol misuse research.