health psychology report • volume 6(1), 8 original article background Body image dissatisfaction has been linked with a range of adverse psychosocial outcomes in both genders and has become an important public health issue. Across all ages, women have reported being more dissatisfied with their bodies than men. The aim of the current study was to examine if fitness and physical activity associate with body image satisfaction differently across gender and age, measured in the same participants. participants and procedure Participants were measured initially at age 15 years (N = 385) and again at age 23 years (N = 201). Structural equation modelling was used to examine the association between body image satisfaction, fitness, and physical activity. Covariates included skinfold thickness, body mass index, socioeconomic status, anxiety, and depression. results Fitness and physical activity declined during the study period, body mass index increased, but no changes were found in body image satisfaction, depression, anxiety, or skinfold thickness. For women at ages 15 and 23 years, self-reported fitness and depression were found to be related to body image satisfaction, including body mass index at the age of 23 years. For 15-year-old men, skinfold thickness and aerobic fitness related to body image satisfaction, whereas skinfold thickness, depression, body mass index, and self-reported fitness did so at age 23 years. conclusions Results suggest that different approaches are needed across gender to improve body image in adolescence whereas more similar ones can be used in emerging adulthood.

Aims: The use of anabolic androgen steroids to enhance performance is not a modern phenomenon. However, the majority of today’s anabolic androgen steroid users are not competitive athletes, but individuals who want to look leaner and muscular. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of anabolic androgen steroid use among young individuals and assess whether their mental health, lifestyle and substance use differ from non-anabolic androgen steroid users. Methods: A population-based study conducted in secondary schools, mean age was 17.3 years. A total of 10,259 participants (50% young women, 1% reported gender as ‘other’, 49% young men) answered questions on mental health, anabolic androgen steroid use, substance use and sports participation. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, t-test, χ2 and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of anabolic androgen steroid use was 1.6%, and 78% of users were young men. Anabolic androgen steroid users had more anger issues, anxiety, depression, and their self-esteem was lower than among non-anabolic androgen steroid users ( P<0.05). A larger proportion of anabolic androgen steroid users, 30%, had attempted suicide compared to 10% of non-users (χ2 (1, 9580) = 57.5, P<0.001). Proportionally, anabolic androgen steroid users were more likely to take medicine for mental health problems and misuse substances than non-users. Participation in non-organised sports, increased anger and body image were associated with increased odds of using anabolic androgen steroids. Conclusions: Anabolic androgen steroid use is a public health threat. It had an alarming effect on the life of individuals who report having used anabolic androgen steroids. Authorities, healthcare workers, parents and others working with young people need to be informed of the signs and risks of anabolic androgen steroid use to reduce future negative implications.

Our results indicated that the women who smoked during pregnancy were often heavy smokers and living without a partner. They were younger, had worse mental health, and a lower social status than those pregnant women who did not smoke. Bearing in mind the consequence of smoking in pregnancy, this subgroup should get increased assistance to quit smoking before and during early pregnancy, as well as appropriate medical and social support.

The organization of health care is one of the most complex present day challenges. Like other countries that run socialized health care systems, Icelanders face the question of the role of private enterprise in health care. The objective of this study was two-fold: to compare the cost of 17 private and state-run health care centers in the metropolitan area, and to compare consumer satisfaction related to these. At the beginning of Icelandic settlement, there were statutory laws decreeing that community services should be provided for those in need. By the Health Care Act in 1973, the Icelandic health care system fell under the Nordic welfare society with equal access and a tight safety net. The results show that the private health care centers had a low cost per work unit, but not the lowest. Four to seven state run health care centers had less expenditure per patient than the private centers. The cost of each doctor’s position was highest in one of the private clinics. Patient satisfaction surveys showed that there is no difference in the quality of services between these two different operating modes. A conclusion can be drawn from this study that it is not clear whether private health care improves the use of public funds or increases the quality of services.

Participants agreed upon stronger primary healthcare system in Norway compared to Iceland. Moreover, a good job situation in primary care is needed in Iceland to appeal to junior doctors. When changes are made to the Icelandic healthcare system it is important to acknowledge the experience of neighboring countries in terms of advancing health care system reforms. Key words: general practitioner, primary care, job situation, health service research, qualitative research. Correspondence: Hedinn Sigurdsson, hedinn.sigurdsson@heilsugaeslan.is.