A two stage cross sectional survey on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders was conducted in a sample of 1,574 adults, residents of two boroughs in the greater Athens area. In this paper we examine the value of the first stage self report symptom screening scales (CES-D and Langner) for case finding, by comparing it to five psychiatric case identification criteria, proven to be highly reliable, after the completion of an inter-rater reliability study. A higher proportion of mentally impaired respondents was found with the criterion of screening scale cut off scores than the cases found by the application of the five case identification criteria. The practical significance of establishing case finding reliable criteria is apparent for the purpose of epidemiologic research e.g. the problem of false positive and negative cases, the completion of the second stage of diagnostic interviews and for the planning of outreach programs, identifying and helping high risk individuals.

Heatwaves-excessively hot ambient conditions that are considered a serious threat to human health-are often associated with poor air quality. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an early heatwave episode in an industrialized plain in the eastern Mediterranean region (Thriasio, Greece) on human thermal discomfort and urban air quality. The heatwave occurred in mid (15-20) May 2020, shortly after some of the restrictions that were improsed to halt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 in Greece were lifted (on 4 May). The discomfort index (DI) and the daily air quality index (DAQI) were calculated on an hourly basis throughout spring 2020 (March, April, May) using data from two stations that measure meteorological parameters and air pollutant concentrations in the Thriasio Plain. The analysis showed that the air temperature increased during 7-17 May to levels that were more than 10 °C above the monthly average value (25.8 °C). The maximum measured air temperature was 38 °C (on 17 May). The results showed a high level of thermal discomfort. The DI exceeded the threshold of 24 °C for several hours during 13-20 May. Increased air pollution levels were also identified. The average DAQI was estimated as 0.83 ± 0.1 and 1.14 ± 0.2 at two monitoring stations in the region of interest during the heatwave. Particulate matter (diameter < 10 μm) appeared to contribute significantly to the poor air quality. Significant correlations between the air temperature, DI, and AQSI were also identified.

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