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Ruokolainen O, Lilja E, Ollila H, Castaneda AE, Koponen P, Skogberg N. Changes in smoking due to COVID-19 pandemic among persons of migrant origin compared with the general population: a population-based study. Scand J Public Health 2024; 52:271-283. [PMID: 37726894 PMCID: PMC11067395 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231199792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Prior studies have implied that smokers may have changed their smoking behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about changes in smoking behaviour and correlates of change due to the pandemic among persons of migrant origin compared with the general population. METHODS Population-based cross-sectional studies with comparable study protocols and measures, one focusing on persons of migrant origin living in Finland (n = 3587, response rate 60%) and the other on the general Finnish population (n = 3444, response rate 56%), were utilised. The outcome measure was self-reported change in smoking behaviour due to COVID-19 among current smokers. Explanatory factors included sociodemographic-, health-, and COVID-19-related factors. Multinomial logistic regression was used in the analyses. RESULTS Most of the current smokers reported no change in their smoking behaviour. In the adjusted model, younger age was positively associated with increased smoking, while region of origin (Russia, Africa, Asia, and Latin America) and worrying about getting infected with COVID-19 were associated with decreased smoking among persons of migrant origin. In the general population, younger age, female sex, being other than employed/student, increased loneliness, and decreased contact with close ones were associated with increased smoking, while reduced working capacity and worries that someone close to the respondent will be infected with COVID-19 were associated with decreased smoking. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study contribute to better identification of at-risk populations in future crises situations. This will allow for more efficient targeting and tailoring of health promotion services, including smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Ruokolainen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Lilja
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Ollila
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu E. Castaneda
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivikki Koponen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Natalia Skogberg
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Lehti V, Salama E, Niemelä S, Tanskanen A, Gissler M, Suvisaari J, Taipale H. Use of benzodiazepine and related drugs in migrants and Finnish-born persons: a nationwide register-based study. Scand J Public Health 2023; 51:1222-1230. [PMID: 35876428 PMCID: PMC10642218 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221112470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDR) are often used longer than generally recommended. The aim is to study patterns of use among migrant and Finnish-born users of BZDR, and to identify factors that are associated with long-term use and BZDR polytherapy. METHODS This register-based study includes a nationwide sample of migrants (n=8729) and their Finnish-born controls (n=11 388) who had purchased BZDR in 2011-2014, but not in 2009-2010. Information on drug purchases was obtained from the National Prescription Register and the duration of drug use was estimated using PRE2DUP method. The main outcomes were long-term use of BZDR, polytherapy and time until discontinuation of BZDR use. Sociodemographic variables and information on preceding psychiatric diagnoses were included as covariates. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were the statistical methods used. RESULTS Only migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa were more likely to discontinue the medication once initiated than Finnish-born users. Migrants were significantly less likely to be long-term users (adjusted odds ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.89) or polytherapy users (aOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.97) of BZDR compared with Finnish-born participants. CONCLUSIONS Migrants had less long-term and concomitant use of several BZDR than Finnish-born participants. The pattern of use is more optimal among migrants, but it may also reflect poorer access to mental health treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venla Lehti
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Equality Unit, Finland
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Department of Psychiatry, Finland
| | - Essi Salama
- Doctoral Programme for Clinical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Finland
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Solja Niemelä
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry Unit, Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Antti Tanskanen
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Impact Assessment Unit, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Region Stockholm, Academic Primary Health Care Centre, Sweden
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Knowledge Brokers, Helsinki, Finland
- University of Turku, Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, Finland
| | - Jaana Suvisaari
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Equality Unit, Finland
| | - Heidi Taipale
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Equality Unit, Finland
- University of Eastern Finland, Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
- University of Eastern Finland, School of Pharmacy, Kuopio, Finland
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Mohamed AA, Chamberlain AM, Yost KJ, Jenkins G, Finney Rutten LJ, Wieland ML, Njeru JW. Cancer incidence in the Somali population of Olmsted County: A Rochester epidemiology project study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:20027-20034. [PMID: 37740603 PMCID: PMC10587927 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somali immigrants and refugees constitute one of the largest African ethnic groups immigrating to the United States over the past three decades with the majority resettling in the state of Minnesota. Previous studies have documented significant cancer screening disparities between the Somali population and the general population. However, little is known about cancer incidence among Somali groups living in the United States. METHODS We determined the incidence of 18 types or sites of malignancy using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes and compared them between Somali and non-Somali populations in Olmsted County, Minnesota utilizing the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records-linkage infrastructure for the years 2000-2020. Poisson regression models were used to model the rates for each malignancy. RESULTS There was a higher incidence and relative risk of liver malignancies among the Somali population versus non-Somali population, but lower relative risk and incidence of the following malignancies: breast, cervical, and melanoma. After direct age-sex adjustment to the United States 2000 Census population, liver was the most common cancer in Somali men, while breast cancer was the most common malignancy in women. CONCLUSION Malignancies related to infectious agents such as viral hepatitis have a higher incidence in the Somali immigrant population of Olmsted County. There is a lower incidence of malignancies related to lifestyle factors in this Somali population. Findings of this study may help inform cancer prevention and screening strategies among Somali communities in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alanna M. Chamberlain
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Kathleen J. Yost
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Gregory Jenkins
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | | | | | - Jane W. Njeru
- Department of MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
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Ghimire DJ, Cole F, Hermosilla S, Axinn WG, Benjet C. Alcohol use and internal migration in Nepal: a cross-sectional study. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 77:587-593. [PMID: 37407031 PMCID: PMC10498928 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-220030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use is a leading cause of disease. Although low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have lower per capita alcohol consumption, the alcohol-attributable disease burden is high in these settings with consumption increasing. LMICs are also experiencing unprecedented levels of internal migration, potentially increasing mental stress, changing social restrictions on drinking, and increasing alcohol availability. We assessed the relationship between internal migration, opportunity to drink, and the transition from first use to regular alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) in Nepal, a low-income, South Asian country. METHODS A representative sample of 7435 individuals, aged 15-59 from Nepal were interviewed in 2016-2018 (93% response rate) with clinically validated measures of alcohol use and disorders and life history calendar measures of lifetime migration experiences. Discrete-time hazard models assessed associations between migration and alcohol use outcomes. RESULTS Net of individual sociodemographic characteristics, internal migration was associated with increased odds of opportunity to drink (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.53), onset of regular alcohol use given lifetime use (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.48) and AUD given lifetime use (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.57). The statistically significant association between internal migration and opportunity to drink was specific to females, whereas the associations between migration and regular use and disorder were statistically significant for males. CONCLUSIONS Despite high rates of internal migration worldwide, most research studying migration and alcohol use focuses on international migrants. Findings suggest that internal migrants are at increased risk to transition into alcohol use and disorders. Support services for internal migrants could prevent problematic alcohol use among this underserved population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirgha J Ghimire
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Faith Cole
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sabrina Hermosilla
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - William G Axinn
- Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Corina Benjet
- Epidemiology and Psychosocial Research, National Institute for Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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Bahati R, Ashaba S, Sigmund CD, Rukundo GZ, Ainamani HE. Gender differences in substance use and associated factors among urban refugees in Uganda. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2238583. [PMID: 37534475 PMCID: PMC10402830 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2238583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol and other substances use related problems among refugees is a global public health concern. Although there is substantial research on the use of alcohol and other substances among the refugees, little is known about gender and other factors that might be associated with the use of alcohol and other substances. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of alcohol and substance use across gender and other specific associated factors among urban refugees living in Mbarara city, Southwestern Uganda. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 343 refugees were interviewed on the use of alcohol and other substances using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and the Drug Abuse Screening Test. The associated factors included, age, marital status, occupation, duration (length of stay) in Uganda, educational levels, stigma and depression. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between the predictor and outcome variables. RESULTS No significant gender difference in alcohol use was found, and the overall prevalence of hazardous, harmful or dependent alcohol use among our sample of refugees living in Mbarara city was 43%. There were however, statistically significant gender differences in the use of other substances, with a significantly higher percentage of men than women reporting intermediate, substantial, or severe substance use (45% among men, 37% among women). Higher levels of depression and being separated from one's spouse were associated with higher levels of alcohol and substance use. In addition, higher age and being male were associated with the use of substances other than alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate a high prevalence of problematic alcohol and substance use among both male and female refugees. Clinical interventions focused on the treatment and prevention of alcohol and substance use among the refugee communities may benefit from focusing on depressive symptoms as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Bahati
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Public Health and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Scholastic Ashaba
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Cathy Denise Sigmund
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Crown College, St. Bonifacius, MN, USA
| | - Godfrey Zari Rukundo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Herbert Elvis Ainamani
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Public Health and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Bishop Stuart University, Mbarara, Uganda
- Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
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Paz Castro R, Henninger M, Schaub MP, Salis Gross C. Changes in attitudes towards smoking during smoking cessation courses for Turkish- and Albanian-speaking migrants in Switzerland and its association with smoking behavior: A latent change score approach. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1032091. [PMID: 36619056 PMCID: PMC9813416 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1032091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Migrant populations usually report higher smoking rates than locals. At the same time, people with a migration background have little or no access to regular smoking cessation treatment. In the last two decades, regular smoking cessation courses were adapted to reach out to Turkish- and Albanian-speaking migrants living in Switzerland. The main aims of the current study were (1) to analyze the effects of an adapted smoking cessation course for Turkish- and Albanian-speaking migrants in Switzerland on attitudes toward smoking and smoking behavior; and (2) to elucidate whether changes in attitudes toward smoking were associated to changes in smoking behavior in the short- and in the long-term. Methods A total of 59 smoking cessation courses (Turkish: 37; Albanian: 22) with 436 participants (T: 268; A: 168) held between 2014 and 2019 were evaluated. Attitudes toward smoking and cigarettes smoked per day were assessed at baseline and 3-months follow-up. One-year follow-up calls included assessment of cigarettes smoked per day. Data were analyzed by means of structural equation modeling with latent change scores. Results Participation in an adapted smoking cessation course led to a decrease of positive attitudes toward smoking (T: β = -0.65, p < 0.001; A: β = -0.68, p < 0.001) and a decrease of cigarettes smoked per day in the short-term (T: β = -0.58, p < 0.001; A: β = -0.43, p < 0.001) with only Turkish-speaking migrants further reducing their smoking in the long-term (T: β = -0.59, p < 0.001; A: β = -0.14, p = 0.57). Greater decreases in positive attitudes were associated with greater reductions of smoking in the short-term (T: r = 0.39, p < 0.001; A: r = 0.32, p = 0.03), but not in the long-term (T: r = -0.01, p = 0.88; A: r = -0.001, p = 0.99). Conclusion The adapted smoking cessation courses fostered changes in positive attitudes toward smoking that were associated with intended behavior change in the short-term. The importance of socio-cognitive characteristics related to behavior change maintenance to further increase treatment effectiveness in the long-term is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Paz Castro
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Marie Meierhofer Institut für das Kind, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mirka Henninger
- Psychological Methods, Evaluation and Statistics, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P. Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Corina Salis Gross
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Im H, Swan LET. Trauma exposure, social functioning, and common mental health disorders in Somali refugee male and female youth: An SEM analysis. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1539-1551. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1177/00207640211037726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Refugee youth often face numerous adversities before and during forced migration. Although experiences vary across settings and subpopulations, common mental disorders are prevalent among refugee youth who are displaced in low- and middle-income countries. It is important to examine how risk factors are intricately linked and contribute to common mental health issues to inform clinical practice and social policy. Aims: This study aims to test the pathways from risk factors previously identified as determinants of Somali refugee youth mental health (i.e. trauma exposure, substance use, social functioning, aggression) to symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and somatic pains. Method: We collected survey data in 2013, using snowball sampling to recruit Somali refugee youth (15–35 years old) living in Eastleigh, Kenya. We ran three structural equation models to assess paths from trauma exposure to mental health symptoms, through psychosocial factors including substance use, aggression, and functional impairment. We first conducted this analysis with a mixed-gender sample ( N = 305) and then assessed gender differences by running one model for male participants ( n = 124) and another for female participants ( n = 181). Results: In the mixed-gender sample, trauma exposure directly predicted substance use and both directly and indirectly predicted aggression, functional impairment, and mental health symptoms. Substance use directly predicted aggression and functional impairment, and substance use both directly and indirectly predicted mental health symptoms. The split-gender models revealed gender differences, with only functional impairment directly predicting mental health symptoms in the male sample and with many significant direct and indirect pathways in the female sample. Conclusions: This study shows the role of trauma exposure, substance use, aggression, and social functioning in determining mental health outcomes among refugee youth and how CMD symptoms are differently manifested across genders in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Im
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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8
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Kumar BN, Diaz E, Castaneda AE, Ahrne M, NØrredam ML, Puthoopparambil SJ. Migration health research in the Nordic countries: Priorities and implications for public health. Scand J Public Health 2022; 50:1039-1046. [PMID: 36245405 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221125037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The past 50 years have witnessed an increase in immigration to the Nordic countries from and beyond neighbouring countries in Europe. Diversity implies variations and differences in health status and health outcomes both within and across populations. Migrant health research has not been prioritized and health policies and practice, especially long-term national plans, often exclude migrants. In this article, we briefly trace the history, the groups, reasons for migration and the road to migrant health research in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. We discuss the case for data and research including needs, basis for data collection and the methodological challenges. We provide a brief snapshot of migrant health research, identify current gaps and discuss the implications for research. We recommend a regional Nordic strategy to promote intercountry exchange, sharing and learning. Finally, we reflect on the larger picture, implications for policy and practice that could enable societal conditions to reduce avoidable health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Malin Ahrne
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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9
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Juárez SP, Honkaniemi H, Gustafsson NK, Rostila M, Berg L. Health Risk Behaviours by Immigrants’ Duration of Residence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604437. [PMID: 35990194 PMCID: PMC9388735 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim was to systematically review and synthesise international evidence on changes in health risk behaviours by immigrants’ duration of residence. Methods: We searched literature databases for peer-reviewed quantitative studies published from 2000 to 2019, examining alcohol, drug and tobacco use; physical inactivity; and dietary habits by duration of residence. Results: Narrative synthesis indicated that immigrants tend to adopt health risk behaviours with longer residence in North America, with larger variation in effect sizes and directionality in other contexts. Random-effects meta-analyses examining the pooled effect across all receiving countries and immigrant groups showed lower odds of smoking (OR 0.54, 0.46–0.63, I2 = 68.7%) and alcohol use (OR 0.61, 0.47–0.75, I2 = 93.5%) and higher odds of physical inactivity (OR 1.71, 1.40–2.02, I2 = 99.1%) among immigrants than natives, but did not provide support for a universal trend by duration of residence. Conclusion: Findings suggest that duration of residence could serve as an effective instrument to monitor immigrants’ health changes. However, differences in receiving country contexts and immigrant populations’ composition seem to be important to predict the level and direction of behavioural change. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO CRD42018108881.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol P. Juárez
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Sol P. Juárez,
| | - Helena Honkaniemi
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina-Katri Gustafsson
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Rostila
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Berg
- Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Salama E, Castaneda AE, Suvisaari J, Rask S, Laatikainen T, Niemelä S. Substance use, affective symptoms, and suicidal ideation among Russian, Somali, and Kurdish migrants in Finland. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:37-51. [PMID: 32164497 PMCID: PMC8859688 DOI: 10.1177/1363461520906028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Comorbidity of substance use with affective symptoms and suicidality has been well documented in the general population. However, population-based migrant studies about this association are scarce. We examined the association of affective symptoms and suicidal ideation with binge drinking, daily smoking, and lifetime cannabis use among Russian, Somali, and Kurdish migrants in comparison with the Finnish general population. Cross-sectional data from the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu, n = 1307) and comparison group data of the general Finnish population (n = 860) from the Health 2011 Survey were used. Substance use included self-reported current binge drinking, daily smoking, and lifetime cannabis use. Affective symptoms and suicidal ideation were measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25). We performed multivariate logistic regression analyses, including age, gender, and additional socio-demographic and migration-related factors. Suicidal ideation (OR 2.4 95% CI 1.3-4.3) was associated with binge drinking among Kurds and lifetime cannabis use among Russians (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.9-17.0) and Kurds (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.9-15.6). Affective symptoms were associated with daily smoking (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.02-2.6) and lifetime cannabis use (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.6-14.5) among Kurdish migrants. Our results draw attention to the co-occurrence of suicidal ideation, affective symptoms, and substance use, especially among Kurdish migrants. These results highlight the variation of comorbidity of substance use and affective symptoms between the different populations. This implies that screening for substance use in mental healthcare cannot be neglected based on presumed habits of substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi Salama
- Doctoral Programme in Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Finland.,Child Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Anu E Castaneda
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland.,Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Shadia Rask
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland
| | - Tiina Laatikainen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland.,Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Finland.,Joint municipal authority for North Karelia social and health services (Siun sote), Finland
| | - Solja Niemelä
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Finland.,Addiction Psychiatry Unit, Turku University Hospital, Finland
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Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health Care of Asylum Seekers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010661. [PMID: 34682407 PMCID: PMC8536130 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Asylum seekers in Israel from East Africa frequently experienced traumatic events along their journey, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, where they were subjected to trafficking and torture. Exposure to trauma has implications for rights that are contingent on refugee status. This retrospective chart review aimed to characterize the types of traumas experienced by 219 asylum seekers (149 men) from Eritrea and Sudan who sought treatment at a specialized mental health clinic in Israel, and to compare the mental health of trauma victims (n = 168) with that of non-trauma victims (n = 53). About 76.7% of the asylum seekers had experienced at least one traumatic event, of whom 56.5% were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most reported traumas were experienced en route in the Sinai, rather than in the country of origin or Israel. Few clinical differences were observed between trauma victims and non-trauma victims, or between trauma victims with and without a PTSD diagnosis. Our findings emphasize the importance of accessibility to mental and other health services for asylum seekers. Governmental policies and international conventions on the definition of human trafficking may need to be revised, as well as asylum seekers’ rights and access to health services related to visa status.
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12
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Paz Castro R, Schaub MP, Salis Gross C. An adapted smoking-cessation intervention for Turkish-speaking migrants in Switzerland: Predictors of smoking outcomes at one-year follow-up. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247157. [PMID: 33735227 PMCID: PMC7971503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrant populations usually report higher smoking rates. Among those migrant populations, Turkish- and Kurdish-speaking migrants are often overrepresented. Providing equal access to health services is one of the major challenges of our time. The need for adapted smoking-cessation treatments for Turkish-speaking populations to achieve equity in health led, in 2006, to the development and implementation of the Tiryaki-Kukla smoking-cessation program. The aims of the current study were to evaluate one-year quit rates for smoking-cessation courses held from 2006-2018 and investigate whether certain characteristics predict long-term smoking cessation or reduction. METHODS Program evaluation included a pre/post questionnaire (session 1/ 3 months after the quit day) and a follow-up telephone call twelve months after the quit day. To elucidate factors associated with long-term smoking cessation and reduction, Cox regression analysis and Weighted Generalized Equation Models were used. RESULTS Of the 478 who participated in smoking-cessation courses, 45.4% declared themselves non-smokers at one-year follow-up. This quit rate is higher than that achieved during the preliminary evaluation of the program involving 61 participants (37.7%). Predictors of long-term smoking cessation were course length (eight vs. six sessions) (95% CI = 1.04-1.36, p = .01), adherence to the course (95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p<0.01), use of pharmacotherapy or nicotine replacement therapy products (95% CI = 0.74-0.98, p = .02), and time passed in the morning until the first cigarette is smoked (95% CI5min = 1.17-1.77, p<0.001; 95% CI30min = 1.09-1.65, p<0.01). Predictors of change in cigarettes smoked per day among smokers were-the time passed until the first cigarette in the morning (5min p < .001; 30min p < .001; 60min p < .01)-, gender (p < .001), and level of motivation to quit at baseline (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS Our findings are consistent with existing evidence supporting adapted smoking cessation interventions to reduce health inequity in migrant populations. However, achieving harm reduction in smokers with higher dependence scores remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Paz Castro
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P. Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Corina Salis Gross
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Amiri S. Worldwide prevalence of smoking in immigration: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Addict Dis 2020; 38:567-579. [PMID: 32780650 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1800888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sohrab Amiri
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Lifestyle Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Byrne G, Murphy F, Eustace-Cook J, Mooney M, O'Brien F, O'Donnell S, Corry M, Lynch AM, Neenan K, McKee G. Prevalence of tobacco smoking among European migrants residing in EU 15 countries: a quantitative systematic review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2020; 18:2647-2657. [PMID: 32740029 DOI: 10.11124/jbisrir-d-19-00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this systematic review is to summarize the prevalence of tobacco smoking in European migrants residing in EU 15 countries. INTRODUCTION Most of the migration within the World Health Organization European Region is intracontinental. The prevalence of smoking varies greatly across the European Region. Migrants may choose to adopt the smoking behaviors of their host countries or retain the smoking behaviors of their countries of origin. Several studies have identified the high prevalence of smoking of some migrant groups in comparison to their host countries, but no systematic reviews have been completed on intracontinental migrants within the European Region. INCLUSION CRITERIA Epidemiological studies, which include data on the prevalence of tobacco smoking in European migrants aged ≥ 15 years of age living in the following EU 15 countries host countries for ≥ 1 year: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA, and Web of Science will be searched to identify published studies. General gray literature (eg, Open Grey) as well as gray literature for migrants (Migrant Health Research Portal) and tobacco will be searched. The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence will be used in this review. Data synthesis will use meta-analysis where appropriate and narrative synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gobnait Byrne
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, Trinity College Dublin: A JBI Affiliated Group, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Murphy
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, Trinity College Dublin: A JBI Affiliated Group, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Mary Mooney
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, Trinity College Dublin: A JBI Affiliated Group, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frances O'Brien
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, Trinity College Dublin: A JBI Affiliated Group, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Donnell
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, Trinity College Dublin: A JBI Affiliated Group, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Margarita Corry
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, Trinity College Dublin: A JBI Affiliated Group, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aileen M Lynch
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Neenan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gabrielle McKee
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Salama ES, Castaneda AE, Lilja E, Suvisaari J, Rask S, Laatikainen T, Niemelä S. Pre-migration traumatic experiences, post-migration perceived discrimination and substance use among Russian and Kurdish migrants-a population-based study. Addiction 2020; 115:1160-1171. [PMID: 31797477 PMCID: PMC7317749 DOI: 10.1111/add.14904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The associations between traumatic events, substance use and perceived discrimination have been rarely studied among migrants in host countries. We examined whether pre-migration potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) or perceived discrimination (PD) are associated with substance use among migrants with voluntary (Russians) and forced (Kurds) migration backgrounds. DESIGN Cross-sectional interview and health examination data from the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study were used. The target sample (n = 1000 for each group) was drawn from the national population register using stratified random sampling by participants' country of birth and native language. SETTING Population-based data were collected from six cities in Finland during 2010-12. PARTICIPANTS The participation rates were 68% (Russians) and 59% (Kurds). The analytical sample size varied (Russians n = 442-687, Kurds n = 459-613), as some participants completed only interview, health examination or short interview. The majority of Kurds had a refugee background (75%) while Russians had mainly migrated for other reasons (99%). MEASUREMENTS The three main outcomes were self-reported binge drinking, daily smoking and life-time cannabis use. PTEs and PD were self-reported in the interview. Socio-demographic background, migration-related factors and current affective symptoms were adjusted for. FINDINGS Among Kurds, PTEs were associated with binge drinking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.30-5.42] and PD was associated with life-time cannabis use (aOR = 3.89, 95% CI = 1.38-10.97) after adjusting for contextual factors. Among Russians, PTEs were associated with life-time cannabis use adjusting for contextual factors (aOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.12-4.18). CONCLUSIONS In Finland, pre-migration traumatic experiences appear to be associated with life-time cannabis use among the Russian migrant population (voluntary migration) and binge drinking among the Kurdish migrant population (forced migration). Perceived discrimination in Finland appears to be associated with life-time cannabis use among Kurdish migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi S. Salama
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Child PsychiatryTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
| | - Anu E. Castaneda
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)HelsinkiFinland
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychology and LogopedicsUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Eero Lilja
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)HelsinkiFinland
| | - Jaana Suvisaari
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)HelsinkiFinland
| | - Shadia Rask
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)HelsinkiFinland
| | - Tiina Laatikainen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)HelsinkiFinland
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical NutritionUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
- Joint Municipal Authority for North Karelia Social and Health Services (Siun sote)JoensuuFinland
| | - Solja Niemelä
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Addiction Psychiatry UnitTurku University HospitalTurkuFinland
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Harris S, Dykxhoorn J, Hollander AC, Dalman C, Kirkbride JB. Substance use disorders in refugee and migrant groups in Sweden: A nationwide cohort study of 1.2 million people. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002944. [PMID: 31689291 PMCID: PMC6830745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Refugees are at higher risk of some psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychosis, compared with other non-refugee migrants and the majority population. However, it is unclear whether this also applies to substance use disorders, which we investigated in a national register cohort study in Sweden. We also investigated whether risk varied by region of origin, age at migration, time in Sweden, and diagnosis of PTSD. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using linked Swedish register data, we followed a cohort born between 1984 and 1997 from their 14th birthday or arrival in Sweden, if later, until an International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10), diagnosis of substance use disorder (codes F10.X-19.X), emigration, death, or end of follow-up (31 December 2016). Refugee and non-refugee migrants were restricted to those from regions with at least 1,000 refugees in the Swedish registers. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in refugee and non-refugee migrants, compared with Swedish-born individuals, for all substance use disorders (F10.X-19.X), alcohol use disorders (F10.X), cannabis use disorders (F12.X), and polydrug use disorders (F19.X). In adjusted analyses, we controlled for age, sex, birth year, family income, family employment status, population density, and PTSD diagnosis. Our sample of 1,241,901 participants included 17,783 (1.4%) refugee and 104,250 (8.4%) non-refugee migrants. Refugees' regions of origin were represented in proportions ranging from 6.0% (Eastern Europe and Russia) to 41.4% (Middle East and North Africa); proportions of non-refugee migrants' regions of origin ranged from 11.8% (sub-Saharan Africa) to 33.7% (Middle East and North Africa). These groups were more economically disadvantaged at cohort entry (p < 0.001) than the Swedish-born population. Refugee (aHR: 0.52; 95% CI 0.46-0.60) and non-refugee (aHR: 0.46; 95% CI 0.43-0.49) migrants had similarly lower rates of all substance use disorders compared with Swedish-born individuals (crude incidence: 290.2 cases per 100,000 person-years; 95% CI 287.3-293.1). Rates of substance use disorders in migrants converged to the Swedish-born rate over time, indicated by both earlier age at migration and longer time in Sweden. We observed similar patterns for alcohol and polydrug use disorders, separately, although differences in cannabis use were less marked; findings did not differ substantially by migrants' region of origin. Finally, while a PTSD diagnosis was over 5 times more common in refugees than the Swedish-born population, it was more strongly associated with increased rates of substance use disorders in the Swedish-born population (aHR: 7.36; 95% CI 6.79-7.96) than non-refugee migrants (HR: 4.88; 95% CI 3.71-6.41; likelihood ratio test [LRT]: p = 0.01). The main limitations of our study were possible non-differential or differential under-ascertainment (by migrant status) of those only seen via primary care and that our findings may not generalize to undocumented migrants, who were not part of this study. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that lower rates of substance use disorders in migrants and refugees may reflect prevalent behaviors with respect to substance use in migrants' countries of origin, although this effect appeared to diminish over time in Sweden, with rates converging towards the substantial burden of substance use morbidity we observed in the Swedish-born population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Harris
- Psylife Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jennifer Dykxhoorn
- Psylife Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christina Dalman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James B. Kirkbride
- Psylife Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Pavarin RM, Domenicali M, Marani S, Caputo F, Mazzoni M. Visits of adolescents for acute alcohol intoxication to emergency departments in Northern Italy: natives and non-natives. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1664665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raimondo Maria Pavarin
- Epidemiological Monitoring Center on Addiction, Mental Health DSM-DP, Ausl Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Domenicali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences G. Fontana, Centre for the Study and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Marani
- Epidemiological Monitoring Center on Addiction, Mental Health DSM-DP, Azienda USL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Caputo
- Department of Internal Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, Cento (Ferrara), Italy
| | - Monica Mazzoni
- Department of statistics, Città Metropolitana of Bologna, Italy
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