Risk of suicide in households threatened with eviction: the role of banks and social support

Background: One of the greatest effects of the financial crisis in Spain has been the enormous increase in the number of evictions. Several studies have shown the association of evictions with different aspects of the physical and mental health. Furthermore, evictions have been associated with an increased risk of suicide. Our objective was to evaluate the risk of suicide among victims of eviction and investigate whether it is associated with specific characteristics of households and interviewees, the eviction process and social support, and health needs. Results: Almost half of the sample (46.7%) were at low (11.8%), moderate (16.9%), or high suicide risk (17.9%). Household and interviewee features had a limited association with suicide risk. On the contrary, the risk of suicide is greater with a longer exposure to the eviction process. In addition, threatening phone calls from banks increased significantly the risk of suicide, especially among men. Suicide risk was also associated with low social support, especially among women. Interviewees at risk of suicide received more help from nongovernmental organizations than those who were not at risk. In interviewees at risk, the main unmet needs were emotional and psychological help, especially in men. A high percentage of those at risk of suicide declare having large unmeet health needs. Finally, there was a tendency among the evicted at risk of suicide to visit emergency room and primary care more often than those not at risk, especially among women. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that when banks adopt a threatening attitude, suicide risk increases among the evicted. As hypothesized, when the evicted felt socially supported, suicide risk decreased. Emotional help was the main mediator of suicide risk and the main unmet need, especially among me

Consumo de tabaco y alcohol en una muestra en proceso de desahucio

Introduction: In Spain, the current economic crisis has led to an unfortunate phenomenon little known until now: the eviction process. The aim was to eval­uate unhealthy habits such as consumption of tobacco and alcohol in a group of Granada as at risk of losing their residence. Methods: Participated 205 adult un­dergoing an eviction process from their homes (122 women and 83 men) who were given the items of health-related habits of the Andalusian Health Survey 2011. All participants were linked to the Platform Af­fected by Mortgage, Stop Desahucios of Granada. Results: Consumption of tobacco: observe higher percentage of daily smokers among men (54.22 %), people who live as a couple and workers. People who have entered the judicial process smoke more ciga­rettes per day (t = 1944, p = .055) and perceived an increase in the consumption of tobacco from the pro­cess of eviction. (c2 = 8.494, p = .037). Consumption of alcohol: find higher percentage in men (c2= 10.005, p = .019) and in people who do not live with a partner (c2= 8,553, p = .036); men perceive a greater increase in alcohol consumption due to the eviction process (c2 = 20,375, p = .000). Conclu­sions: The eviction process negatively affects health-related habits and should therefore be prioritized in Public Health policies as a population at riskResumenIntroducción: En España, la actual crisis económica nos ha llevado a un lamentable fenómeno poco conocido hasta ahora: el proceso del desahucio. Nuestro objetivo ha sido evaluar hábitos poco saludables como el consumo del tabaco y alcohol en un grupo de granadinos/as en riesgo de perder su vivienda habitual. Método: Han participado 205 personas adultas (122 mujeres y 83 hombres) a los que se les administró los ítems de hábitos relacionados con la salud de la Entrevista Andaluza de Salud 2011. Todos los participantes estaban vinculados a la Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca Stop Desahucios de Granada. Resultados: Consumo de tabaco: observamos mayor porcentaje de fumadores a diario en hombres (54.22 %), personas que no viven en pareja y trabajadores. Las personas que han entrado en el proceso judicial fuman más cigarrillos al día (t = -1.944, p = .055) y perciben un aumento en el consumo de tabaco debido al proceso de desahucio (c2 = 8.494, p = .037). Consumo de alcohol: encontramos mayor porcentaje en hombres c2 = 10.005, p = .019) y en personas que no viven en pareja c2 = 8.553, p = .036); los hombres perciben un mayor aumento en el consumo de alcohol debido al proceso de desahucio (c2 = 20.375, p = .000). Conclusiones: El proceso de desahucio afecta negativamente a los hábitos relacionados con la salud por lo que debería priorizarse en las políticas de Salud Pública como una población de riesgo. AbstractIntroduction: In Spain, the current economic crisis has led to an unfortunate phenomenon little known until now: the eviction process. The aim was to eval­uate unhealthy habits such as consumption of tobacco and alcohol in a group of Granada as at risk of losing their residence. Methods: Participated 205 adult un­dergoing an eviction process from their homes (122 women and 83 men) who were given the items of health-related habits of the Andalusian Health Survey 2011. All participants were linked to the Platform Af­fected by Mortgage, Stop Desahucios of Granada. Results: Consumption of tobacco: observe higher percentage of daily smokers among men (54.22 %), people who live as a couple and workers. People who have entered the judicial process smoke more ciga­rettes per day (t = 1944, p = .055) and perceived an increase in the consumption of tobacco from the pro­cess of eviction. (c2 = 8.494, p = .037). Consumption of alcohol: find higher percentage in men (c2= 10.005, p = .019) and in people who do not live with a partner (c2= 8,553, p = .036); men perceive a greater increase in alcohol consumption due to the eviction process (c2 = 20,375, p = .000). Conclu­sions: The eviction process negatively affects health-related habits and should therefore be prioritized in Public Health policies as a population at ris

Cuerpo, comida y migraciones. Un análisis transcultural de los (mal) estares alimentarios

Por trastornos del comportamiento alimentario (TCA) se entienden ciertas conductas alimentarias que, siendo admiradas en otros periodos históricos y aún en ciertas culturas, han pasado a ser percibidas como desviadas y etiquetadas en un momento particular de la historia de Occidente como enfermedades mentales. Siendo conceptualizados por la psiquiatría como síndromes delimitados por la cultura por su adscripción a una determinada cultura –la occidental-, dentro de ella se los relaciona con variables específicas como son el género, la edad, la clase social, y la etnia. De esta manera la anorexia nerviosa, como los demás TCA, ha estado y sigue estando asociada a la mujer caucásica occidental, en edad joven, de clase media o alta, y a su obsesión por conseguir un cuerpo delgado. Esta tesis persigue deconstruir estas representaciones sociales que se han ido formando respecto a la enfermedad y a sus enfermas desde el ámbito biomédico que, en su tarea de formular diagnósticos, protocolos y tratamientos adecuados, aplica una perspectiva particular y reducida sobre el fenómeno de los (mal)estares alimentarios. Para ello se hace una revisión histórica y transcultural de tales prácticas y un análisis crítico de las hipótesis que desde la epidemiología psiquiátrica transcultural intentan explicar los casos en sociedades geográfica y culturalmente alejadas de Occidente y entre personas migrantes y/o de diverso origen étnico en las sociedades occidentales. Mediante el método etnográfico se analizan los relatos de vida de inmigrantes en España que experimentan o han experimentado (mal)estares alimentarios así como sus itinerarios asistenciales

Elaboration of Criteria and Indicators to Develop and Evaluate Programs of Healthy Aging in the Workplace

JOURNAL ARTICLE; ENGLISH ABSTRACT;BACKGROUND In the actual context of population ageing and extension of working age, programs for health promotion at the workplace are a key and necessary tool to promote an active and healthy ageing. This work presents the methodological process followed to elaborate a checklist tool, within the framework of the European project Progress, that contributes to orientate planning, implementation and evaluation of good practices in this field, to be applicable to a variety of programs, countries and workplaces. METHODS A Delphi technique has been applied in three rounds in which experts in the area from five European countries participated. A questionnaire created from a list of criteria and indicators was adapted throughout the rounds, with the use of webmail, to the evaluation of interventions in the field of interest. Through processes of assessment and consensus, criteria and indicators most relevant were prioritized. RESULTS From the nine starting criteria and after the implementation of the technique, four key criteria were prioritized: relevance: 62, adequacy to objective: 57, innovation: 50 and guarantee of quality: 41. Using this group of criteria and indicators, a checklist was designed containing the key information that should be collected for planning, implementation and evaluation of good practices in interventions in this field. CONCLUSIONS The checklist tool helps to systematize the global methodology for the implementation of interventions which could be very useful for persons responsible of programmes to promote active and healthy ageing in the workplace.YesFundamentos: En el actual contexto poblacional de envejecimiento de la población y prolongación de la vida laboral, los programas de promoción de salud en el trabajo son una herramienta clave y necesaria para promover un envejecimiento activo y saludable. El objetivo fue elaborar una herramienta tipo lista de verificación para orientar la planificación, implementación y evaluación de buenas prácticas en intervenciones en este ámbito, aplicables a una variedad de programas, países y centros de trabajo. Métodos: Se utilizó una técnica Delphi en tres rondas en la que participaron expertos/as de cinco países europeos. Se elaboró un cuestionario en línea a partir de una lista de criterios e indicadores y, empleando el correo electrónico, se trabajó durante las sucesivas rondas en su adaptación a la evaluación de intervenciones. Mediante procesos de valoración y consenso, se priorizaron los criterios e indicadores más relevantes. Resultados: Partiendo de nueve criterios basales se priorizaron cuatro criterios clave cuyas puntuaciones medias fueron: relevancia: 62, adecuación al objetivo: 57, innovación: 50 y garantía de calidad: 41. Utilizando esta matriz de criterios e indicadores se diseñó una lista de verificación con la información clave que debe recogerse a la hora de planificar, implementar y evaluar buenas prácticas en las intervenciones. Conclusiones: La lista de verificación ayuda a sistematizar la metodología global de implantación de intervenciones que puede ser utilizada por responsables de los programas para promover el envejecimiento activo y saludable en los centros de trabajo

Associations between Home Foreclosure and Health Outcomes in a Spanish City

The financial crisis has caused an exponential increase of home foreclosures in Spain. Recent studies have shown the effects that foreclosures have on mental and physical health. This study explores these effects on a sample of adults in the city of Granada (Spain), in terms of socio-demographic, socio-economic and process characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was administered to obtain information on self-perceived changes in several indicators of physical and mental health, consumption of medications, health-related behaviors and use of health services. A total of 205 persons, going through a foreclosure process, participated in the study. 85.7% of the sample reported an increase of episodes of anxiety, depression, and stress; 82.6% sleep disturbances; 42.8% worsening of previous chronic conditions, and 40.8% an increase in consumption of medication. Women, married persons and persons already in the legal stage of the foreclosure process reported higher probability of worsening health according to several indicators, in comparison with men, not married, and individuals in the initial stages of the foreclosure process. The results of this study reveal a general deterioration of health associated with the foreclosure process. These results may help to identify factors to prevent poor health among populations going through a foreclosure process

Associations between Home Foreclosure and Health Outcomes in a Spanish City

The financial crisis has caused an exponential increase of home foreclosures in Spain. Recent studies have shown the effects that foreclosures have on mental and physical health. This study explores these effects on a sample of adults in the city of Granada (Spain), in terms of socio-demographic, socio-economic and process characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was administered to obtain information on self-perceived changes in several indicators of physical and mental health, consumption of medications, health-related behaviors and use of health services. A total of 205 persons, going through a foreclosure process, participated in the study. 85.7% of the sample reported an increase of episodes of anxiety, depression, and stress; 82.6% sleep disturbances; 42.8% worsening of previous chronic conditions, and 40.8% an increase in consumption of medication. Women, married persons and persons already in the legal stage of the foreclosure process reported higher probability of worsening health according to several indicators, in comparison with men, not married, and individuals in the initial stages of the foreclosure process. The results of this study reveal a general deterioration of health associated with the foreclosure process. These results may help to identify factors to prevent poor health among populations going through a foreclosure process

Consumo de tabaco y alcohol en una muestra en proceso de desahucio [Tobacco and alcohol consumption in a sample eviction process]

Introduction: In Spain, the current economic crisis has led to an unfortunate phenomenon little known until now: the eviction process. The aim was to eval­uate unhealthy habits such as consumption of tobacco and alcohol in a group of Granada as at risk of losing their residence. Methods: Participated 205 adult un­dergoing an eviction process from their homes (122 women and 83 men) who were given the items of health-related habits of the Andalusian Health Survey 2011. All participants were linked to the Platform Af­fected by Mortgage, Stop Desahucios of Granada. Results: Consumption of tobacco: observe higher percentage of daily smokers among men (54.22 %), people who live as a couple and workers. People who have entered the judicial process smoke more ciga­rettes per day (t = 1944, p = .055) and perceived an increase in the consumption of tobacco from the pro­cess of eviction. (c2 = 8.494, p = .037). Consumption of alcohol: find higher percentage in men (c2= 10.005, p = .019) and in people who do not live with a partner (c2= 8,553, p = .036); men perceive a greater increase in alcohol consumption due to the eviction process (c2 = 20,375, p = .000). Conclu­sions: The eviction process negatively affects health-related habits and should therefore be prioritized in Public Health policies as a population at riskResumenIntroducción: En España, la actual crisis económica nos ha llevado a un lamentable fenómeno poco conocido hasta ahora: el proceso del desahucio. Nuestro objetivo ha sido evaluar hábitos poco saludables como el consumo del tabaco y alcohol en un grupo de granadinos/as en riesgo de perder su vivienda habitual. Método: Han participado 205 personas adultas (122 mujeres y 83 hombres) a los que se les administró los ítems de hábitos relacionados con la salud de la Entrevista Andaluza de Salud 2011. Todos los participantes estaban vinculados a la Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca Stop Desahucios de Granada. Resultados: Consumo de tabaco: observamos mayor porcentaje de fumadores a diario en hombres (54.22 %), personas que no viven en pareja y trabajadores. Las personas que han entrado en el proceso judicial fuman más cigarrillos al día (t = -1.944, p = .055) y perciben un aumento en el consumo de tabaco debido al proceso de desahucio (c2 = 8.494, p = .037). Consumo de alcohol: encontramos mayor porcentaje en hombres c2 = 10.005, p = .019) y en personas que no viven en pareja c2 = 8.553, p = .036); los hombres perciben un mayor aumento en el consumo de alcohol debido al proceso de desahucio (c2 = 20.375, p = .000). Conclusiones: El proceso de desahucio afecta negativamente a los hábitos relacionados con la salud por lo que debería priorizarse en las políticas de Salud Pública como una población de riesgo. AbstractIntroduction: In Spain, the current economic crisis has led to an unfortunate phenomenon little known until now: the eviction process. The aim was to eval­uate unhealthy habits such as consumption of tobacco and alcohol in a group of Granada as at risk of losing their residence. Methods: Participated 205 adult un­dergoing an eviction process from their homes (122 women and 83 men) who were given the items of health-related habits of the Andalusian Health Survey 2011. All participants were linked to the Platform Af­fected by Mortgage, Stop Desahucios of Granada. Results: Consumption of tobacco: observe higher percentage of daily smokers among men (54.22 %), people who live as a couple and workers. People who have entered the judicial process smoke more ciga­rettes per day (t = 1944, p = .055) and perceived an increase in the consumption of tobacco from the pro­cess of eviction. (c2 = 8.494, p = .037). Consumption of alcohol: find higher percentage in men (c2= 10.005, p = .019) and in people who do not live with a partner (c2= 8,553, p = .036); men perceive a greater increase in alcohol consumption due to the eviction process (c2 = 20,375, p = .000). Conclu­sions: The eviction process negatively affects health-related habits and should therefore be prioritized in Public Health policies as a population at ris

La salud de las personas adultas afectadas por un proceso de desahucio

Objetivo: Analizar el estado de salud percibida, y otros indicadores relacionados con la salud, en personas adultas de Granada que se encuentran en un proceso de desahucio de su vivienda habitual, de alquiler o en propiedad, en comparación con la salud de la población general andaluza. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta administrada por personal entrenado que incluye instrumentos de la Encuesta Andaluza de Salud 2011 para la medición de variables de salud física y mental, y de hábitos relacionados con la salud. Se han comparado los resultados con los obtenidos sobre la población general andaluza mediante la Encuesta Andaluza de Salud. Se ha realizado un análisis bivariado utilizando la prueba de ji al cuadrado, y un análisis multivariado mediante regresión logística. Resultados: Se ha obtenido una muestra total de 205 personas en proceso de desahucio. El 59,5% (122) son mujeres y el 40,5% (83) hombres. Presentan una mayor probabilidad de tener una salud deficiente (odds ratio [OR]: 12,63; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 8,74-18,27), enfermedad cardiovascular (OR: 3,08; IC95%:1,54-6,16) o consumir tabaco (OR: 1,68; IC95%: 1,21-2,33), en comparación con la población general andaluza. La mayoría de los indicadores analizados muestran un peor resultado para las mujeres que experimentan un proceso de desahucio. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados indican que las personas afectadas por un proceso de desahucio en Granada y su área metropolitana, en el actual contexto de crisis, expresan una peor salud en relación a la población general andaluza. Es necesario seguir investigando sobre la salud y los desahucios, desde diferentes aproximaciones metodológicas, para una mejor comprensión de este problema