Recent findings from studies on adults show similarities between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and posttraumatic stress in the form of recurrent memories and intrusive and distressing images of earlier aversive events. Further, treatment models for SAD in adults have been successfully developed by using transdiagnostic knowledge on posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Studies on adolescents are though missing. The present study aimed at exploring the association between PTSS and SAD in Swedish adolescents. A second aim was to study mental health services utilization in relation to these conditions. A total of 5,960 high-school students participated and reported on SAD, life time victimization, PTSS and mental health service utilization. Socially anxious adolescents reported significantly higher levels of PTSS than adolescents not reporting SAD and this difference was seen in victimized as well as non-victimized subjects. Contact with a school counselor was the most common mental health service utilization in subjects with SAD and those with elevated PTSS. In the prediction of contact with a CAP-clinic, significant odds ratios were found for a condition of SAD and elevated PTSS (OR = 4.88, 95 % CI = 3.53–6.73) but not for SAD only. Screening of PTSS in adolescents with SAD is recommended. The service of school counselors is important in detecting and helping young people with SAD and elevated PTSS. Clinical studies on SAD and PTSS in adolescents could aid in modifying treatment models for SAD.
Background: Citizens living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are susceptible to chronic diseases associated with factors such as physical inactivity and poor nutrition. Women are considered more vulnerable in these situations owing to lack of access to health promotional activities catering their needs. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of a participatory research informed physical activity intervention on the health and related behavior of women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Southern Sweden. Methods: Forty women were invited to participate in a participatory research informed physical activity intervention delivered by health promoters and health ambassadors over a 3-month period. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and questions regarding behavioral factors including frequency of leisure time physical activity, everyday activities, intake of fruit, vegetable, fish and soda were assessed at three time points including t1, prior to intervention start, t2 immediately post-intervention and t3, 6-month post-intervention. Furthermore, biomedical outcomes such as hemoglobin, blood pressure, resting heart rate, blood flow rate, body mass index, fat mass index and muscle mass index were also assessed at the same three time points. Wilcoxon’s Sign Rank Test was used to compare pre- and post-test scores. Results: There was an increase in the scores of the different domains of health related quality of life at t2 immediately post-intervention (p < .05), however the scores reversed at point t3. The behavioral factors including physical activity, everyday activities, and fruit and vegetable intake significantly improved at both follow-up time points post intervention compared to that ahead of the intervention (p < .05). Systolic and diastolic pressure, significantly decreased at 6-month follow-up (t3) compared to that at pre- intervention start (p < .05). There were no significant changes in other biomedical outcomes or behavioral factors. Conclusion: The participatory research informed physical activity intervention pilot tested among women in disadvantaged neighbourhoods promoted prolonged engagement in physical activity, improved diet and had a positive effect on physical health. However, perceived health seemed to depend on the social interactions among participants during organized group activities indicating that future activities should be of longer duration for achieving sustainable improvements in perceived health.
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