Nirsevimab immunization's real-world effectiveness in preventing severe bronchiolitis: A test-negative case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Several clinical trials have shown that nirsevimab, an antibody targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), reduces RSV bronchiolitis requiring admission. In 2023-2024, Catalonia and Andorra adopted immunization strategies for children <6 months and those born during the epidemic season. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing hospitalizations from RSV bronchiolitis. METHODS: In the epidemic season of 2023-2024, a test-negative case-control study was conducted in three hospitals from Catalonia and Andorra. Patients <12 months old admitted with bronchiolitis and tested for RSV using molecular microbiology tests were included. The effectiveness in preventing RSV bronchiolitis hospitalization and severe disease was estimated using multivariate models. Comparisons between immunized, non-immunized, and non-eligible patients were made in prospectively collected epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological variables. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-four patients were included. RSV was detected in 141/234 (60.2%), being less common in the immunized group (37% vs 75%, p < .001). The rate of immunized patients among those eligible was 59.7%. The estimated effectiveness for RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection was 81.0% (95% confidence interval: 60.9-90.7), and for preventing severe disease (the need for NIV/CMV), 85.6% (41.7-96.4%). No significant differences by immunization status were observed in patients with RSV concerning viral coinfections, the need for NIV/CMV or length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides real-world evidence of the effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing RSV-lower respiratory tract infection hospitalization and severe disease in infants during their first RSV season following a systematic immunization program. Immunized patients did not exhibit a higher rate of viral coinfections nor differences in clinical severity once admitted.

Factors associated with high and low mental well-being in Spanish university students.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies conducted in various nationally representative samples of the general population show that positive mental health is related to social prosperity. However, specific studies in university populations are scarce. In this study, we set out to explore factors associated with mental well-being (MWB) in a representative sample of first-year university students in Spain. METHODS: MWB was assessed with the short version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to explore the association between different blocks of factors, including relational, adversity, stress, lifestyle, spiritual, health, and self-perceived health variables with high and low MWB, controlling for sociodemographic and university-related variables. RESULTS: Data from 2082 students (18.6 ± 1.2 years; 56.6 % females) were analysed. Being male, being born in a foreign country, "high" self-perceived support, and "high" self-perceived mental health increased the odds of high MWB. Growing up in the suburbs, stressful experiences, and anxiety disorders reduced the odds of high MWB. Mood and anxiety disorders increased the odds of low MWB. "Middle" self-perceived support, sleeping ≥8 h per day, and "high" self-perceived mental health reduced the odds of low MWB. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design precludes establishing causal relationships. Data were collected in the 2014-15 academic year using self-reported online surveys. CONCLUSION: The factors associated with high and low MWB do not always mirror each other, so specific plans are needed to successfully address each of the two poles. Interventions and policies targeting these factors for health promotion and disease prevention would improve the MWB of university students.

Suicidal ideation risk among LGB Spanish university students: The role of childhood and adolescence adversities and mental disorders.

BACKGROUND: Childhood/adolescence adversities and mental disorders are higher among LGB youths. AIMS: To evaluate the role of childhood maltreatment, bullying, and mental disorders on the association between sexual orientation and suicidal ideation (SI); and the role of mental disorders on the association between sexual orientation discrimination and SI. METHODS: Baseline and 12-month follow-up online surveys of Spanish first-year university students (18-24-year-olds). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the effects of childhood/adolescence adversities and mental disorders in the relationship between sexual orientation, discrimination and SI. RESULTS: A total of 1224 students were included (16.4 % LGBs). Risk factors of lifetime SI were sexual orientation (OR 2.4), any bullying (OR 2.4), any childhood maltreatment (OR 4.0), and any mental disorders (OR 3.8). Final model Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.78. Among homosexual and bisexual students, discrimination showed increased risk of 12-month SI (OR 2.2), but this effect was no longer statistically significant when any 12-month mental disorder was added (OR 7.8). Final model AUC 0.72. LIMITATIONS: Sample of interest was relatively small. But it was similar to comparable studies and statistical adjustments have been performed. Assessment of mental disorders and SI was not based on clinical assessment. However, validated scales showing good diagnostic agreement with clinical judgement were used. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood/adolescence adversities and mental disorders interact in the association between sexual orientation and SI. Mental disorders may mediate the association between sexual orientation discrimination and SI. Further research using larger samples and causal modelling approach assessing the mediators of SI risk among LGBs is needed.

Effectiveness of resilience-based interventions in schools for adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Resilience has been identified as a dynamic process that provides capabilities to face adversity. Considering the many protective factors involved in resilience and that the school is a key context to promote resilience, this review aimed to examine the effect of school-based interventions on resilience in adolescents. Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted in July 2021 on four databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates. Stratified analyses were done according to population type (general, at risk), intervention type, and follow-up assessments. Results: Of the 1,667 articles obtained, 27 were included in the systematic review and 16 in the meta-analysis. The random effects indicated a significant increase in resilience after the intervention [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI (0.29-0.87)]. Subgroup analysis showed effectiveness only in the population at risk [SMD = 1.28, 95% CI (0.53-2.03)] and early adolescence [SMD = 1.28, 95% CI (0.42-2.14), PI (-7.44 to 10.33)]. Multicomponent intervention [SMD = 1.45, 95% CI (0.11-2.80)] and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) [SMD = 0.20, 95% CI (0.06-0.34)] demonstrated substantial effectiveness. Significant results were observed within 8-week follow-ups or less [SMD = 1.55, 95% CI (0.61-2.48)]. Discussion: These findings provide evidence that multicomponent and CBT interventions increase resilience in early at-risk adolescents only in the short term. Developing resilience interventions is useful in schools exposed to unfavourable socioeconomic contexts. Furthermore, long-term interventions should be redesigned to improve their effectiveness. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO [CRD42021277493].

Assessment of the Plans to Optimize Antimicrobial Use in the Pediatric Population in Catalan Hospitals: The VINCat Pediatric PROA SHARP Survey.

In Spain, many programs have been introduced in recent years to optimize antimicrobial stewardship in pediatric care (known as pediatric PROA). However, information on the current situation of these programs is scarce. The present study assesses current antimicrobial use in pediatric care in the hospitals of Catalonia affiliated with the VINCat pediatric PROA group. Between December 2020 and January 2021, an electronic survey related to the design and use of PROA was administered to members of PROA teams in our hospital network. The survey was conducted at 26 hospitals. Twelve percent of the hospitals had pediatric PROA in operation, 42% were included in adult PROA, and 46% carried out pediatric PROA activities but not as part of an established program. At 81%, the pediatric PROA team included a pediatrician, in 58% a pharmacist, and in 54% a microbiologist. The main activities were monitoring the use of antimicrobials and bacterial resistance. Twenty-seven percent measured indicators regularly. The VINCat Pediatric PROA group's hospitals have implemented measures for optimizing antimicrobial stewardship, but few have a pediatric PROA program in place. Specific measures and indicators must be defined, and the resources available should be increased. The development of pediatric PROA should be monitored in the coming years.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and SARS-CoV-2 variants: a two-year ambispective multicentric cohort study in Catalonia, Spain.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe disease temporarily related to SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of all MIS-C cases diagnosed in children < 18 years old in Catalonia (Spain) to study their trend throughout the pandemic. This was a multicenter ambispective observational cohort study (April 2020-April 2022). Data were obtained from the COVID-19 Catalan surveillance system and from all hospitals in Catalonia. We analyzed MIS-C cases regarding SARS-CoV-2 variants for demographics, symptoms, severity, monthly MIS-C incidence, ratio between MIS-C and accumulated COVID-19 cases, and associated rate ratios (RR). Among 555,848 SARS-CoV-2 infections, 152 children were diagnosed with MIS-C. The monthly MIS-C incidence was 4.1 (95% CI: 3.4-4.8) per 1,000,000 people, and 273 (95% CI: 230-316) per 1,000,000 SARS-CoV-2 infections (i.e., one case per 3,700 SARS-CoV-2 infections). During the Omicron period, the MIS-C RR was 8.2 (95% CI: 5.7-11.7) per 1,000,000 SARS-CoV-2 infections, which was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that for previous variant periods in all age groups. The median [IQR] age of MIS-C was 8 [4-11] years, 62.5% male, and 80.2% without comorbidities. Common symptoms were gastrointestinal findings (88.2%) and fever > 39 °C (81.6%); nearly 40% had an abnormal echocardiography, and 7% had coronary aneurysm. Clinical manifestations and laboratory data were not different throughout the variant periods (p > 0.05).  Conclusion: The RR between MIS-C cases and SARS-CoV-2 infections was significantly lower in the Omicron period for all age groups, including those not vaccinated, suggesting that the variant could be the main factor for this shift in the MISC trend. Regardless of variant type, the patients had similar phenotypes and severity throughout the pandemic. What is Known: • Before our study, only two publications investigated the incidence of MIS-C regarding SARS-CoV-2 variants in Europe, one from Southeast England and another from Denmark. What is New: • To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating MIS-C incidence in Southern Europe, with the ability to recruit all MIS-C cases in a determined area and analyze the rate ratio for MIS-C among SARS-CoV-2 infections throughout variant periods. • We found a lower rate ratio of MISC/infections with SARS-CoV-2 in the Omicron period for all age groups, including those not eligible for vaccination, suggesting that the variant could be the main factor for this shift in the MISC trend.

The effectiveness of a "EspaiJove.net"- a school-based intervention programme in increasing mental health knowledge, help seeking and reducing stigma attitudes in the adolescent population: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of the universal mental health literacy intervention "EspaiJove.net" in increasing mental health knowledge, help seeking and reducing stigma attitudes in the adolescent population. We also examine whether these effects depend on the intervention intensity.  METHODS: A clustered school-based randomised controlled trial (cRCT) design. SUBJECTS: 1,298 secondary pupils aged 13 and 14 were recruited from 18 schools in Barcelona (Spain) between September 2016 and January 2018. INTERVENTION: Three programmes were assessed: 1) Sensitivity Programme (SP; 1 h); 2) Mental Health Literacy (MHL; 6 h); 3) MHL plus a first-person Stigma Reduction Programme (MHL + SR; 7 h); 4) Control group (CG): waiting list. OUTCOME MEASURES: 1) MHL: EspaiJove.net EMHL Test (First part and Second Part); 2) Stigma: RIBS and CAMI; 3) Help-seeking and use of treatment: GHSQ. ANALYSIS: The data was collected at baseline, post-intervention and 6 and 12 months later. An intention-to-treat analysis and imputation method was used to analyse the missing data. Intervention effects were analysed using multilevel modelling. RESULTS: One thousand thirty-two students were included (SP = 225; MHL = 261; MHL + SR = 295 and CG = 251). The MHL and MHL + SR interventions showed short- and long-term an increase in knowledge compared to SP and CG, but no significant change post-intervention or over time (First part p = 0.52 and Second part p = 0.62) between intervention groups and CG. No significant changes were found in stigma scores post-intervention or over time (CAMI p = 0.61 and RIBS p = 0.98) or in help-seeking scores (parent p = 0.69; teacher p = 0.23 and healthcare professional p = 0.75). The MHL + SR intervention was the best valued and recommended (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The three interventions of the EspaiJove.net programme (SP, MHL and MHL + SR) seem not to be effective in terms MHL, Stigma and help-seeking behaviours. The contact with a person who has experimented mental illness first-hand did not reduce stigma attitudes. Further research should deal with the heterogeneity of MHL interventions (concept, duration and measures) and identify which components of stigma interventions are effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03215654 (registration date 12 July 2017).

Low Resilience Was a Risk Factor of Mental Health Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic but Not in Individuals Exposed to COVID-19: A Cohort Study in Spanish Adult General Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim is to analyze whether people with low resilience are at higher risk of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spanish adults. METHODS: a longitudinal cohort study was carried out. Resilience was measured with the CD-RISC. Mental health problems that were assessed included: Major Depressive Episode (MDE), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors (STB), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. RESULTS: we found statistically significant differences between groups and resilience scores in MDE [F (3; 48.40) = 19.55], GAD [F (3; 19.63) = 6.45] and STB [F (3; 111.74) = 31.94]. Multivariable analyses showed individuals with very low resilience were at a 5-fold risk of Incidence of MDE and a 4-fold risk of STB. Persistent group presented a 21-fold risk of MDE and 54-fold risk of STB. No evidence of higher risk was found for GAD. Individuals with low resilience and exposed to COVID-19 were not at higher risk. Individuals with low resilience were at higher risk of PTSD in general population [ß(95% CI) = -3.25 (-3.969 to -2.54)], but not for individuals with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: in the general population, having low or very low resilience increases the risk of suffering MDE, STB, and PTSD, but not GAD during the COVID-19 pandemic, and not in the population with COVID-19.

Development of the Individual and Environmental Resilience Model among children, adolescents and young adults using the empirical evidence: An integrative systematic review.

To create a new conceptual model of resilience based on evidence, this integrative systematic review aims to identify the evidence-based protective factors related to resilience among children, adolescents and young adults at-risk of several exposures. An Integrative Systematic review was conducted by using systematic principles according to PRISMA statement. Searching strategy was conducted through MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science (ISI) and PsycINFO during July 2021(1991-2021). Keywords were related to resilience, self-esteem, hardiness, ego-resilience, risk factors, vulnerability, protective factors, ecological model and theoretical model. Those statiscally significant protective factors found in individual studies conducted with young populations (from 7 to 24 years old) exposed to violence, trauma or socio-economic instability were included in the qualitative synthesis. Of 15,235 peer-reviewed articles initially identified, 93 articles were screened and met the inclusion criteria; finally, 31 articles were included for the quality synthesis. More than 60 protective factors were found. They were classified in 10 different domains and two dimensions of resilience (Individual skills and Environmental), developing a new model of resilience: The Individual and Environmental Resilience Model (IERM). The Environmental dimension includes the domains: Family, School, Peers, Cultural and Community and The Individual skills dimension: Biological, Behaviour, Communications, Cognitive and Emotional domains. These domains and their specific protective factors have been set up as protective factors that significantly buffer negative outcomes in the face of adverse events. Compared with other models currently available, the new IERM model is potentially a more comprehensive approach that may facilitate the development of effective interventions to promote resilience in children, adolescents and young adults.

Effectiveness of Mental Health Literacy Programs in Primary and Secondary Schools: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

In recent years, there has been an increase in studies evaluating the effectiveness of mental health literacy programs within the context of education as a universal, preventive intervention. A systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of mental health literacy interventions in schools, from 2013 to the present, on mental health knowledge, stigma, and help-seeking is conducted. Of the 795 identified references, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Mental health knowledge increased after the interventions (standardized mean difference: SMD = 0.61; 95% CI (0.05, 0.74)), at two months (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI (0.4, 1.07)) and six months (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI (0.27, 0.51)). No significant differences were observed between stigma and improving help-seeking. Mental health literacy interventions are effective in augmenting mental health knowledge, but not in reducing stigma or improving help-seeking behavior.

Predictive models for first-onset and persistence of depression and anxiety among university students.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are both prevalent among university students. They frequently co-occur and share risk factors. Yet few studies have focused on identifying students at highest risk of first-onset and persistence of either of these conditions. METHODS: Multicenter cohort study among Spanish first-year university students. At baseline, students were assessed for lifetime and 12-month Major Depressive Episode and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (MDE-GAD), other mental disorders, childhood-adolescent adversities, stressful life events, social support, socio-demographics, and psychological factors using web-based surveys; 12-month MDE-GAD was again assessed at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1253 students participated in both surveys (59.2% of baseline respondents; mean age = 18.7 (SD = 1.3); 56.0% female). First-onset of MDE-GAD at follow-up was 13.3%. Also 46.7% of those with baseline MDE-GAD showed persistence at follow-up. Childhood/Adolescence emotional abuse or neglect (OR= 4.33), prior bipolar spectrum disorder (OR= 4.34), prior suicidal ideation (OR=4.85) and prior lifetime symptoms of MDE (ORs=2.33-3.63) and GAD (ORs=2.15-3.75) were strongest predictors of first-onset MDE-GAD. Prior suicidal ideation (OR=3.17) and prior lifetime GAD symptoms (ORs=2.38-4.02) were strongest predictors of MDE-GAD persistence. Multivariable predictions from baseline showed AUCs of 0.76 for first-onset and 0.81 for persistence. 74.9% of first-onset MDE-GAD cases occurred among 30% students with highest predicted risk at baseline. LIMITATIONS: Self-report data were used; external validation of the multivariable prediction models is needed. CONCLUSION: MDE-GAD among university students is frequent, suggesting the need to implement web-based screening at university entrance that identify those students with highest risk.

Comparing infant and toddler sleep patterns prior to and during the first wave of home confinement due to COVID-19 in Spain.

Recent literature has shown that sleep patterns are shaped during the first years of life, playing a relevant role in children's functioning. We focused on comparing sleep patterns in infants and toddlers in Spain before and during COVID-19 home confinement to assess the immediate impact on sleep patterns. We compared data from two cross-sectional surveys from parents of 1658 children three to 36 months of age from Spain. One conducted before COVID-19 (2017-2018, n = 1380) and another during COVID-19 pandemic (March-May of 2020, n = 254). We used an internet self-administrated questionnaire using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ) criteria in both surveys. During confinement, infants and toddlers went to sleep later (median bedtime 21:30 before confinement vs. 21:36 during confinement (p = 0.004)). More infants and toddlers showed longer sleep latencies (> 30 min) during confinement median 33.9% versus 12.3% (p < 0.001). Based on the recommended BISQ criteria, we observed an increase in poor sleepers meeting at least one criterion of inadequate patterns during confinement (p < 0.001). Parental perception of a child's sleep as problematics were 39.4% and 44.1% (adjusted p = 0.363) before and under lockdown, respectively. CONCLUSION: Home confinement generally affected infant's and toddler's sleep patterns negatively; however, parents did not report worse perception of sleep quality of their children. Follow-up studies can help understand the potential long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep patterns. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Adequate sleep patterns in infants and toddlers are relevant as they are linked to proper and long-term social-emotional development as well as adequate daytime functioning. • Regarding sleep patterns in paediatrics during the COVID pandemic, recent literature has described an increase in total daily sleep time as well as more exposure to screens in children and adolescents, providing evidence of immediate collateral consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak. WHAT IS NEW: • Comparing sleep patterns in two samples of infants and toddlers in Spain before and during COVID-confinement, we found later bedtimes as well as a significant increase in infants' and toddlers' sleep latency by >30 min during confinement. • Parental self-reported questionnaire during COVID-19 home confinement reported an overall worsening of their children's sleep based on the BISQ criteria.

Socio-economic and psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a Spanish cohort BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 study protocol / Impacto socioeconómico y psicológico de la pandemia de COVID-19 en una cohorte española protocolo del estudio BIOVAL-D-COVID-19

Objective: SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has a negative psychological impact among general population. Data comparing mental health status before and during the outbreak is needed. The BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 study assess the socio-economic and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in a representative sample of non-institutionalized Spanish adult population, and estimate the incidence of mental health disorders, including suicidal behaviours, and possible related factors. Method: Observational longitudinal study including two online surveys: baseline survey (T0) performed during 2019 and follow-up survey (T1) conducted 12-month later. The latter included nine sections: socio-demographic, health status, mental health, employment conditions and status, material deprivation, use of healthcare services, intimate partner violence and resilience. Four of the nine sections are administered in T0 and T1 assessments. Longitudinal data analyses will estimate adjusted incidence rates of mental health disorders using Poisson regression models. Risk and protective factors will be analysed through multiple logistic regression models. (AU)

Objetivo: el estudio BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 evaluará el impacto socioeconómico y psicológico de la pandemia de COVID-19 y del confinamiento en una muestra representativa de población española adulta no institucionalizada, y estimará la incidencia de trastornos de salud mental, incluida la conducta suicida, y los posibles factores relacionados. Métodos: estudio longitudinal que incluye dos encuestas online: la encuesta basal (T0) realizada durante 2019 y la encuesta de seguimiento (T1) realizada 12 meses después. Esta última tiene nueve secciones: variables sociodemográficas, estado de salud general, salud mental, condiciones laborales y estatus laboral, privación material, uso de servicios de salud, violencia de pareja y resiliencia. Cuatro de las nueve secciones se administran en ambas encuestas (T0 y T1). Se utilizarán modelos de regresión de Poisson para el análisis longitudinal de las tasas de incidencia ajustadas de trastornos de salud mental. Los factores de riesgo y de protección se analizarán mediante modelos de regresión logística múltiple. (AU)

Socio-economic and psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in a Spanish cohort BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 study protocol.

OBJECTIVE: SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has a negative psychological impact among general population. Data comparing mental health status before and during the outbreak is needed. The BIOVAL-D-COVID-19 study assess the socio-economic and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in a representative sample of non-institutionalized Spanish adult population, and estimate the incidence of mental health disorders, including suicidal behaviours, and possible related factors. METHOD: Observational longitudinal study including two online surveys: baseline survey (T0) performed during 2019 and follow-up survey (T1) conducted 12-month later. The latter included nine sections: socio-demographic, health status, mental health, employment conditions and status, material deprivation, use of healthcare services, intimate partner violence and resilience. Four of the nine sections are administered in T0 and T1 assessments. Longitudinal data analyses will estimate adjusted incidence rates of mental health disorders using Poisson regression models. Risk and protective factors will be analysed through multiple logistic regression models.

Validation of an Online Version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) for Alcohol Screening in Spanish University Students.

Online alcohol screening may be helpful in preventing alcohol use disorders. We assessed psychometric properties of an online version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) among Spanish university students. We used a longitudinal online survey (the UNIVERSAL project) of first-year students (18-24 years old) in five universities, including the AUDIT, as part of the WHO World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) initiative. A reappraisal interview was carried out with the Timeline Followback (TLFB) for alcohol consumption categories and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for alcohol use disorder. Reliability, construct validity and diagnostic accuracy were assessed. Results: 287 students (75% women) completed the MINI, of whom 242 also completed the TLFB. AUDIT's Cronbach's alpha was 0.82. The confirmatory factor analysis for the one-factor solution of the AUDIT showed a good fit to the data. Significant AUDIT score differences were observed by TLFB categories and by MINI disorders. Areas under the curve (AUC) were very large for dependence (AUC = 0.96) and adequate for consumption categories (AUC > 0.7). AUDIT cut-off points of 6/8 (women/men) for moderate-risk drinking and 13 for alcohol dependence showed sensitivity/specificity of 76.2%/78.9% and 56%/97.5%, respectively. The online version of the AUDIT is useful for detecting alcohol consumption categories and alcohol dependence in Spanish university students.

Mental disorders in Spanish university students: Prevalence, age-of-onset, severe role impairment and mental health treatment.

BACKGROUND: The university period carries risk for onset of common mental disorders. Epidemiological knowledge on mental disorders among Spanish university students is limited. AIMS: To estimate lifetime and 12-month prevalence, persistence and age-of-onset of mental disorders among Spanish first-year university students, as well as associated role impairment and mental health treatment use. METHODS: First-year university students (N=2,118; 55.4% female; mean age=18.8 years) from five Spanish universities completed a web-based survey, screening possible DSM-IV mental disorders (major depressive episode(MDE), mania/hypomania, generalized anxiety disorder(GAD), panic disorder(PD), alcohol abuse/dependence(AUD), drug abuse/dependence(DUD), and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)). Role impairment and treatment associated with mental disorders were assessed. RESULTS: Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of any possible mental disorder was 41.3%(SE=1.08) and 35.7%(SE=1.05), respectively. Persistence (i.e., ratio of 12-month to lifetime prevalence) was 86.4%(SE=1.58). Median age-of-onset was 14 for adult ADHD, 15 for mood disorders and AUD, and 16 for anxiety disorders and DUD. One third (29.2%) of 12-month disorders were associated with role impairment. Twelve-month PD (OR=4.0;95%CI=1.9-8.5) had the highest odds for role impairment. Only 12.6% of students with 12-month disorder received any mental health treatment. Twelve-month treatment was the highest among those students with 12-month GAD (OR=7.4;95%CI=3.7-14.8). LIMITATIONS: The assessment of mental disorders was based on self-reports. Cross-sectional nature of the data prevents causal associations. CONCLUSION: One third of Spanish university students report a common mental disorder in the past year, and one third of those report severe role impairment. Only one out of eight students with 12-month mental disorders receives mental health treatment.

Effectiveness of Family Intervention for Preventing Relapse in First-Episode Psychosis Until 24 Months of Follow-up: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Relapse risk during the early years of first-episode psychosis (FEP) considerably increases the risk of chronicity. The effectiveness of family intervention for psychosis (FIp) for preventing relapse after FEP remains unknown. We assessed the effectiveness of FIp until 24 months of follow-up for preventing relapse and other relapse-related outcomes in patients following FEP. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane, PubMed, PsycINFO, and ProQuest databases in June 2018. A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), sensitivity analyses, and publication bias were performed, comparing to treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus other psychosocial interventions. Outcomes assessed were relapse rates, duration of hospitalization, psychotic symptoms, and functionality. Risk ratios (RRs) and (standardized) mean differences (SMD; MD) were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 2109 records retrieved, 14 (11 RCTs) were included. Pooled results showed that FIp was effective for preventing relapse (RR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.61) compared to TAU and/or other psychosocial interventions. It also proved effective when compared to TAU alone (RR = 0.36) and TAU plus other psychosocial interventions (RR = 0.48). FIp showed benefits in reducing duration of hospitalization (TAU, MD = -3.31; other interventions, MD = -4.57) and psychotic symptoms (TAU, SMD = -0.68), and increased functionality (TAU, SMD = 1.36; other interventions, SMD = 1.41). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that FIp is effective for reducing relapse rates, duration of hospitalization, and psychotic symptoms, and for increasing functionality in FEP patients up to 24 months. The study's main limitations were the inclusion of published research only; authors were not contacted for missing/additional data; and high heterogeneity regarding relapse definition was observed.

Development and Validation of the EspaiJove.net Mental Health Literacy (EMHL) Test for Spanish Adolescents.

There is evidence of the effectiveness of implementing mental health literacy (MHL) programs. However, there are substantial limitations in the instruments available for measuring MHL. This study aimed to develop and validate the EspaiJove.net MHL test (EMHL) for Spanish adolescents by assessing its psychometric properties. The development of the EMHL test was conducted using item pool generation and a pilot study. A convenience sample of students aged 13-15 years (n = 355) participated in the validity study. Reliability was assessed for internal consistency and via test-retest. Convergent validity was evaluated by comparing the effect sizes among known groups with different levels of mental health knowledge, the correlation with mental health-related instruments, and the item discrimination index. A final version of a 35-item EMHL test was obtained with two parts: (i) a binary choice format (yes/no) for the identification of mental disorders; (ii) a multiple choice question with four possible answer options. Internal consistency was acceptable in the first part (Cronbach's alpha = 0.744; Guttman's lambda 2 = 0.773) and almost acceptable in the second part (Cronbach's alpha = 0.615; Guttman's lambda 2 = 0.643). The test-retest evaluation supported the stability of the test (first part, ICC = 0.578; second part, ICC = 0.422). No ceiling and floor effects were found. The EMHL test scores discriminated between known groups with different levels of mental health knowledge and it is associated with several-related constructs of MHL. Conclusions: The EMHL test is a relevant measure for assessing MHL in adolescents into Spanish context with acceptable validity and stability.

Gender commonalities and differences in risk and protective factors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A cross-sectional study of Spanish university students.

AIM: To assess gender differences in the association between risk/protective factors and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB); and whether there is any gender-interaction with those factors and STB; among Spanish university students. METHODS: Data from baseline online survey of UNIVERSAL project, a multicenter, observational study of first-year Spanish university students (18-24 years). We assessed STB; lifetime and 12-month negative life-events and family adversities; mental disorders; personal and community factors. Gender-specific regression models and gender-interactions were also analyzed. RESULTS: We included 2,105 students, 55.4% women. Twelve-month prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) was 10%, plans 5.7%, attempts 0.6%. Statistically significant gender-interactions were found for lifetime anxiety disorder, hopelessness, violence between parents, chronic health conditions and family support. Lifetime mood disorder was a common risk factor of SI for both genders (Females: OR= 5.5; 95%CI 3.3-9.3; Males: OR= 4.4; 95%CI 2.0-9.7). For females, exposure to violence between parents (OR= 3.5; 95%CI 1.7-7.2), anxiety disorder (OR= 2.7; 95%CI 1.6-4.6), and alcohol/substance disorder (OR= 2.1; 95%CI 1.1-4.3); and for males, physical childhood maltreatment (OR= 3.6; 95%CI 1.4-9.2), deceased parents (OR= 4.6; 95%CI 1.2-17.7), and hopelessness (OR= 7.7; 95%CI 2.8-21.2), increased SI risk. Family support (OR= 0.5; 95%CI 0.2-0.9) and peers/others support (OR= 0.4; 95%CI 0.2-0.8) were associated to a lower SI risk only among females. CONCLUSIONS: Only mood disorder was a common risk factor of SI for both genders, whereas important gender-differences were observed regarding the other factors assessed. The protective effect from family and peers/others support was observed only among females. Further research assessing underlying mechanisms and pathways of gender-differences is needed.

Accuracy of online survey assessment of mental disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Spanish university students. Results of the WHO World Mental Health- International College Student initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of WMH-ICS online screening scales for evaluating four common mental disorders (Major Depressive Episode[MDE], Mania/Hypomania[M/H], Panic Disorder[PD], Generalized Anxiety Disorder[GAD]) and suicidal thoughts and behaviors[STB] used in the UNIVERSAL project. METHODS: Clinical diagnostic reappraisal was carried out on a subsample of the UNIVERSAL project, a longitudinal online survey of first year Spanish students (18-24 years old), part of the WHO World Mental Health-International College Student (WMH-ICS) initiative. Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of MDE, M/H, PD, GAD and STB were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Screening Scales [CIDI-SC], the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview [SITBI] and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale [C-SSRS]. Trained clinical psychologists, blinded to responses in the initial survey, administered via telephone the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview [MINI]. Measures of diagnostic accuracy and McNemar χ2 test were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to maximize diagnostic capacity. RESULTS: A total of 287 students were included in the clinical reappraisal study. For 12-month and lifetime mood disorders, sensitivity/specificity were 67%/88.6% and 65%/73.3%, respectively. For 12-month and lifetime anxiety disorders, these were 76.8%/86.5% and 59.6%/71.1%, and for 12-month and lifetime STB, 75.9%/94.8% and 87.2%/86.3%. For 12-month and lifetime mood disorders, anxiety disorders and STB, positive predictive values were in the range of 18.1-55.1% and negative predictive values 90.2-99.0%; likelihood ratios positive were in the range of 2.1-14.6 and likelihood ratios negative 0.1-0.6. All outcomes showed adequate areas under the curve [AUCs] (AUC>0.7), except M/H and PD (AUC = 0.6). Post hoc analyses to select optimal diagnostic thresholds led to improved concordance for all diagnoses (AUCs>0.8). CONCLUSION: The WMS-ICS survey showed reasonable concordance with the MINI telephone interviews performed by mental health professionals, when utilizing optimized cut-off scores. The current study provides initial evidence that the WMS-ICS survey might be useful for screening purposes.