Tag:

COVID-19* / epidemiology

Community Mental Health Improves Functioning and Quality of Life in Severe Mental Illness Patients

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor October 24, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Community-Based Mental Healthcare Considerably Improves ⁢Outcomes in Southeast Europe, Landmark ⁤Study Finds

SOFIA, ⁣Bulgaria ⁤ – A large-scale, multi-country study reveals that⁤ a recovery-oriented, community-based mental healthcare (CMH) approach ⁢dramatically improves functioning and quality of life⁢ for individuals‌ with severe mental illness compared to traditional, treatment-as-usual ⁤(TAU) care.‌ The findings, stemming ⁤from pooled data across five randomized trials⁢ in ⁢Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, ‌Montenegro, and Romania, offer compelling evidence for a shift in mental healthcare⁣ delivery across Southeast ‌Europe and beyond.

The research, published today, demonstrates a critically importent reduction in disability and a boost in‍ overall‍ well-being⁤ for patients⁣ receiving⁣ CMH. This is especially‍ crucial as healthcare systems worldwide grapple with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, wich ‍exacerbated existing challenges in mental ⁢health‍ service provision. The study’s rigorous methodology, including sensitivity analyses⁢ to account for pandemic-related disruptions, strengthens⁣ the reliability of its conclusions⁣ and ⁣provides a roadmap‌ for scalable, effective interventions.

The five-country study followed participants with ‌schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression for 18 months. Results ‌showed those receiving CMH experienced a 4.55 point reduction in WHODAS ⁢disability scores (b=-4.55, SE=1.21, ⁤z=-3.75, p<0.001) – a statistically significant advancement.Furthermore,quality‍ of life⁤ improved by 0.07 utility ⁣units (b=0.07, SE=0.014, z=4.56, p<0.001), translating to ‌an estimated 25⁣ additional days of full health. These positive effects were consistent across all five ‌countries and ‍across all assessed WHODAS subdomains, including cognition,‌ mobility, self-care, social interaction, ⁤and daily activities.

Researchers employed mixed modelling and a sensitivity analysis to adjust for the impact of‍ COVID-19 on healthcare delivery and outcomes,ensuring the robustness of the findings. The study’s implications are clear: recovery-oriented CMH is ‌an effective model for improving the lives of people living with severe mental illness, and its implementation should‍ be prioritized across diverse healthcare systems.

Trial⁢ registration numbers are ⁣available for each country: Bulgaria⁣ (NCT03922425), ⁢Croatia (NCT03862209), Macedonia (NCT03892473), Montenegro (NCT03837340), and Romania (NCT03884933).

Keywords: Health services research; Mental Health ⁣& psychiatry; Randomised control trial.

October 24, 2025 0 comments

Sport

Sports Injuries, Costs, and COVID-19 Impact in Norwegian Athletes

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor October 20, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Sports Injury Patterns and Economic Consequences Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Norwegian Study (2017-2020)

This ⁢study investigated sports-related injury incidence, associated costs, and the impact ‌of the ‍COVID-19 pandemic on these metrics across five popular Norwegian sports.⁣ Analyzing‌ insurance data from ‌licensed⁢ athletes aged 13-50 years⁢ between ⁣2017 and 2020,researchers examined injury rates,affected body regions,and economic burdens in football,handball,athletics,gymnastics,and swimming.

the‌ four-year analysis revealed significant variations in injury rates between sports. Athletics and handball demonstrated the highest incidence ‌rates, exceeding those observed in football, gymnastics, and swimming. Across all sports studied,lower extremity injuries were the most frequent and contributed the largest proportion of overall injury costs. Notably, surgical ⁣interventions accounted for over half‍ of ⁣the total ⁢costs associated‍ with injuries in both handball ⁢and football.

A particularly concerning finding was the high ⁢rate of permanent medical impairment following injuries⁣ in gymnastics, affecting more ‌than 20% of cases.

The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) brought changes to sports participation and injury patterns. ‍while the number of licensed athletes and⁢ overall injury ⁤incidence ‍decreased in most sports, athletics ‍experienced an ⁢increase in both athlete numbers‍ and injury rates.

These findings underscore the importance of developing targeted injury prevention strategies. Specific focus should be placed on athletics due to its high overall injury rate, and on lower extremity injuries ‌in handball and football ⁤given ⁣their ⁣significant economic impact. The elevated risk of long-term medical impairment⁣ in gymnastics also warrants focused attention. The study highlights how external ‍factors, such as a global pandemic, can significantly influence sports ⁢participation and injury trends.

Keywords: athletic‌ injuries; athletics; ‍football; gymnastics; handball; injury costs; swimming.

October 20, 2025 0 comments

World

Ukraine Hepatitis Prevalence: B, C, and D Seroprevalence in 2021

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 26, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Ukraine Assesses Viral Hepatitis Prevalence to Guide Elimination Efforts

Table of Contents

Ukraine Assesses Viral Hepatitis Prevalence to Guide Elimination Efforts
- Evergreen Insights
- Frequently Asked Questions

Ukraine has conducted a nationwide assessment of viral hepatitis B, C, and D seromarkers, a crucial step toward achieving the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis. While data on hepatitis B and C among specific populations exist, this marks the first comprehensive study of its kind in the general Ukrainian population.

The study,conducted in 2021,analyzed blood samples from a cross-sectional household-based SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey.Researchers tested for antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV),total antibodies against hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBc),hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg),and hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies. weighted proportions were calculated to account for demographic differences, including sex, age, and urbanization levels.

Findings revealed a weighted prevalence of 3.3% for anti-HCV antibodies, 11.6% for anti-HBc antibodies, and 0.9% for HBsAg. Among individuals testing positive for HBsAg,7.5% also showed antibodies against hepatitis D virus (HDV). The study also identified higher prevalence rates of HBV and HCV seromarkers in men and in the southern regions of Ukraine.

The results underscore the notable lifetime exposure to HBV and HCV across Ukraine. Experts emphasize the continued need for robust prevention strategies, including newborn HBV vaccination and targeted vaccination for at-risk groups. Regular screening for hepatitis B and C, prompt treatment, and enhanced public awareness campaigns are also vital to curb ongoing transmission and move closer to elimination goals.

Evergreen Insights

Viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, represents a significant global public health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. This involves reducing new viral hepatitis infections by 90% and viral hepatitis-related deaths by 65%.

Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through blood and other body fluids, often from mother to child during birth or through sexual contact. Chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to serious liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, an effective vaccine is available, and antiviral treatments can manage the infection.

Hepatitis C is also transmitted through blood, commonly via shared needles or syringes. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications can cure most infections. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing long-term liver damage.

Hepatitis D is a unique virus that only infects individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B. It can lead to more severe liver disease than hepatitis B alone. Prevention of hepatitis B through vaccination also prevents hepatitis D infection.

Nationwide serosurveys, like the one conducted in Ukraine, are essential for understanding the true burden of viral hepatitis in a population. This data informs public health policy, resource allocation, and the progress of targeted prevention and treatment programs. Historical trends in Ukraine, as in many countries, have shown varying levels of hepatitis prevalence, frequently enough influenced by factors such as injection drug use, healthcare practices, and access to vaccination and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

what is viral hepatitis?: Viral hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. The most common types are hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
How are hepatitis B and C transmitted?: Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, semen, and other body fluids. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood,often through sharing needles or syringes.
Can hepatitis B and C be cured or treated?: Hepatitis B can be managed with antiviral medications, and a vaccine is available for prevention. Hepatitis C can be cured in most cases with a course of direct-acting antiviral medications.
What is the significance of hepatitis D?: Hepatitis D is a coinfection that only occurs in peopel who are already infected with hepatitis B. It can worsen liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.
Why is a nationwide serosurvey important for hepatitis elimination?: Nationwide serosurveys provide essential data on the prevalence of

July 26, 2025 0 comments