Controllability and lack of controllability with smooth controls in viscoelasticity via moment methods

In this paper we study controllability of a linear equation with persistent memory when the control belongs to H^k_0(0,T;L^2(\ZOMq)) . In the case the memory is zero, our equation is reduced to the wave equation and a result due to Everdoza and Zuazua informally states that smoother targets can be reached by using smoother controls. In this paper we prove that this result can be partially extended to systems with memory, but that the memory is an obstruction to a complete extensions

Validity and psychometric properties of the self-identification as having a mental illness scale (SELF-I) among currently untreated persons with mental health problems

Conceptualizing own symptoms as potential signs of a mental illness is an important, yet underresearched step towards appropriate help. Few validated measures address recognition and identification of own mental illness. Aim of this study is to investigate performance and correlates of the ‘Self-Identification as Having a Mental Illness’ scale (SELF-I) in a group of 229 currently untreated individuals with mental health problems, predominantly depression. Measures included: self-identification with having a mental illness (SELF-I), depressive and somatic symptom severity (PHQ-9 and PHQ-15), illness perceptions (B-IPQ-R-C), and sociodemographic variables. Principal-component analysis revealed in a unidimensional factor structure. The SELFI showed good reliability in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.85-0.87) and retest reliability over three months (Intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.74). Associations with depressive symptoms, previous treatment experiences and self-labelling demonstrated construct and criterion validity. Low associations with somatic symptoms and with illness-perceptions as measured by the B-IPQ-R-C indicated discriminant validity. We did not observe any floor or ceiling effects. The SELF-I scale is a brief, unidimensional and reliable measure of selfidentification as having a mental illness that offers useful research perspectives

The effects of causal and self-efficacy beliefs on help-seeking for people with depressive complaints: a quasi-experimental online study

BackgroundOnly approximately a third of people with depressive symptoms seek professional health care. Furthermore, people labelled as mentally ill may experience stigmatisation, which can impede help-seeking behaviour.AimTo examine the effects of three vignette-based interventions endorsing biopsychosocial causal beliefs and strengthening self-efficacy on help-seeking intention and behaviour, as well as the predictive values of these variables and previous treatment experience.MethodA quasi-experimental online study utilising a fractioned factorial design was carried out. People were screened for depressive symptoms and their current treatment status. After baseline assessment, they were randomly allocated into one of 24 groups receiving a combination of interventional messages. Actual help-seeking behaviour was measured at follow-ups 3 and 6 months after baseline.ResultsAltogether, N = 1,368 participants were included in the final analyses and N = 983 provided data on their help-seeking behaviour within 3 to 6 months after the baseline assessment. The intention to seek help from a general practitioner or a mental health professional was significantly influenced by the interventions. However, help-seeking behaviour was not influenced by the interventions. On a conceptual level, biopsychosocial causal beliefs (β = 0.09–0.23) and self-efficacy to seek help (β = 0.16–0.25) predicted help-seeking intention. There was a negative interaction effect of both self-efficacy beliefs on intention and behaviour, which changed depending on depression severity. In all models, the intention was the main predictor of actual behaviour. Treatment experience predicted both help-seeking intention and behaviour.ConclusionBiopsychosocial causal beliefs and self-efficacy have a direct effect on help-seeking intention. Interventions should include information on how to actually seek help as a means to strengthen self-efficacy beliefs and simulate previous treatment experience. Further research is needed to investigate the respective interaction effects on intention and behaviour.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00023557, German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00023557. Registered 11 December 2020. World Health Organization, Universal Trial Number: U1111–1264-9954. Registered 16 February 2021

Evidence of validity of internal structure of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12) in Brazilian adolescents with chronic health conditions

This study explored the evidence of validity of internal structure of the 12-item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Wellbeing Scale (FACIT-Sp-12) in Brazilian adolescents with chronic health conditions. The study involved 301 Brazilian adolescents with cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus, or cystic fibrosis. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Item Response Theory (IRT) were used to test the internal structure. Reliability was determined with Cronbach’s Alpha and McDonald’s Omega. The EFA suggested a one-dimensional scale structure in contrast to the original 2-factor model or the 3-factor model which were not reproduced in the current CFA. All quality indicators for the EFA one-factor exceeded the required criteria (FDI = 0.97, EAP = 0.97, SR = 3.96 and EPTD = 0.96, latent GH = 0.90. and the observed GH = 0.85). The FACIT-Sp-12 for adolescents yielded strong evidence for a 1-factor model and with good reliability.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Stigma as a barrier to recognizing personal mental illness and seeking help: a prospective study among untreated persons with mental illness

Background: It is unclear to what extent failure to recognize symptoms as potential sign of a mental illness is impeding service use, and how stigmatizing attitudes interfere with this process. Methods: In a prospective study, we followed a community sample of 188 currently untreated persons with mental illness (predominantly depression) over 6 months. We examined how lack of knowledge, prejudice and discrimination impacted on self-identification as having a mental illness, perceived need, intention to seek help, and help-seeking, both with respect to primary care (visiting a general practitioner, GP) and specialist care (seeing a mental health professional, MHP). Results: 67% sought professional help within 6 months. Fully saturated path models accounting for baseline depressive symptoms, previous treatment experience, age and gender showed that self-identification predicted need (beta 0.32, p<0.001), and need predicted intention (GP: beta 0.45, p<0.001; MHP: beta 0.38, p<0.001). Intention predicted service use with a MHP after 6 months (beta 0.31, p<0.01; GP: beta 0.17, p=0.093). More knowledge was associated with more self-identification (beta 0.21, p<0.01), while support for discrimination was associated with lower self-identification (beta -0.14, p<0.05). Blaming persons with mental illness for their problem was associated with lower perceived need (beta -0.16, p<0.05). Our models explained 37% of the variance of seeking help with a MHP, and 33% of help-seeking with a GP. Conclusions: Recognizing one’s own mental illness and perceiving a need for help are impaired by lack of knowledge, prejudice, and discrimination. Self-identification is a relevant first step when seeking help for mental disorders

Quality of life after brain injury in children and adolescents (QOLIBRI-KID/ADO)-The first disease-specific self-report questionnaire after traumatic brain injury

The subjective impact of the consequences of pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) on different life dimensions should be assessed multidimensionally and as sensitively as possible using a disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instrument. The development and psychometrics of the first such self-report questionnaire for children and adolescents after TBI are reported here. Focus group interviews with children, adolescents, and their parents, cognitive debriefing, item pool generation and reduction using Delphi expert panels were performed. The resulting version was psychometrically tested on 300 individuals aged 8–17 years. After item reduction based on factor analyses, differential item functioning, reliability, and validity were investigated. The final 35 items were associated with six scales (Cognition, Self, Daily Life and Autonomy, Social Relationships, Emotions, Physical Problems). Internal consistency and construct validity were satisfactory. Health-related Quality of life (HRQoL) was significantly lower in older and in female participants, as well as those with cognitive disabilities, anxiety, depression and post-concussion symptoms, than in comparative groups. The new QOLIBRI-KID/ADO is a comprehensive, multidimensional, reliable, and valid instrument, comparable in content and items to the QOLIBRI adult version. Therefore, disease-specific HRQoL can now be measured across the lifespan and may support the amelioration of treatment, care, rehabilitation, and daily life of children and adolescents after TBI.This research was funded by Dr. Senckenbergische Stiftung/Clementine Kinderhospital Dr. Christ‘sche Stiftungen (Germany), and Uniscientia Stiftung (Switzerland)

“Blood for Blood”? Personal Motives and Deterrents for Blood Donation in the German Population

It is crucial to provide updated knowledge about blood (non-)donors, as it is necessary to design targeted interventions with the aim of retaining blood donors and thus contributing to a functioning health system. This study investigates the prevalence and socio-demographic patterning of lifetime blood donation, assessing blood donation intention within the next 12 months and exploring personal motives and deterrents of blood donation qualitatively in the German population. A face-to-face cross-sectional survey with 2531 respondents was conducted, representative of the German population in terms of age, gender, and residency. Closed as well as open questions were asked. Qualitative content analysis was used for coding the qualitative material. Basic descriptive statistics were conducted to address our research questions. More than one-third of the participants reported that they have donated blood at least once in their lifetime. Motives and deterrents were assigned to 10 domains with 50 main categories and 65 sub-categories. The most frequently stated motives for blood donation were “altruism”, “social responsibility”, and “charity”, whereas the most frequently stated deterrents were “health status”, “age”, and “lack of time”. This study provides information to tailor recruitment and reactivation strategies to address donors at different career steps—from non-donor to loyal donor