A recently published study introduced a new instrument (HLS-EU) for the measurement of health literacy (HL) and comparative data at population level for this measure across eight European Union (EU) countries, and revealed significant differences in HL at population level. The HLS-EU instrument consists of items that aim to assess respondents' estimation of difficulties regarding different health-related tasks, and it is therefore a measure of subjective HL. With help of a two-step approach, the present study, which was conducted in Austria, aimed to investigate individual experiences and factors that are associated with high or low values of subjective HL as measured by the HLS-EU scale. In a first step, qualitative data from 20 cognitive interviews for the short version of the HLS-EU scale were analyzed. In a second step, the preliminary results of the qualitative analysis were validated with the help of a standardized survey (n = 800). Results show that subjective HL may be grounded either in high empowerment, including high personal and social skills and resources, or in a lack of health-related experience and reduced critical contemplation but high trust in the health system, which is paired with paternalistic preferences. As a conclusion, it is recommended that research should acknowledge the heterogeneous and multidimensional nature of subjective HL.

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Purpose In the recent years, it was possible to observe two trends: First, there has been a trend to greater mental health literacy, in particular towards a biological model of schizophrenia. Secondly, an increase in public acceptance of professional help and psychiatric treatment has been observed in western countries. This indicates that the societal idea about mental illness and how it can be treated has changed. However, no changes or even changes to the worse occurred regarding the attitudes towards those suffering from the illness, particularly concerning schizophrenia. Thus, the question arises as to whether similar trends can also be found in Austria. Methods We use data from two representative population surveys in Austria, conducted 1998 (n = 1042) and 2018 (n = 1010) using face-to-face interviews, the same sampling procedure, interview mode, and interview schedule. Results The data show that today Austrians tend to opt less frequently for genetic factors and chronic stress as causes of schizophrenia than 20 years ago. There were only slight changes regarding intended first help-seeking actions except for a stronger endorsement of lay help. The believe in an effective treatment of schizophrenia has increased significantly and there was a marked trend towards preference of medication over psychotherapy. Social acceptance of people with schizophrenia has increased, but also the ascription of violence. Conclusion In summary, the evolution of attitudes and beliefs concerning schizophrenia in Austria shows a rather inconsistent pattern and differs to some extent from what has been observed in other western countries. This is important to know when planning awareness-raising or stigma-reducing initiatives.

The so-called refugee wave in the summer of 2015 led to an impressive wave of helpfulness in Austrian society. Universities Austria (uniko)-the umbrella organization of the 22 public universities in Austria-set up and launched an initiative called MORE. MORE provides refugees and asylum seekers with additional opportunities and perspectives that go beyond basic tools for survival. All 22 public universities implemented MORE, albeit in different ways. The article draws on a specific case-the MORE initiative-which aims to integrate refugee students into university life and higher education, as well as on data collected within the scope of evaluating the particular cases at hand. Analysis focuses on whether MORE has contributed to integrate refugee students. Drawing on different integration theories, the findings of this evaluation provide an insight as to how integration is achieved and affected by influencing factors such as personal characteristics, the usage of program elements, etc. Hence, the paper gives insight in the applicability of different integration theories and may be helpful for improving MORE or similar initiatives. The results confirmed the assumptions of modern sociological integration theories. Universities who offer the MORE program can conclude that they should take care of special, vulnerable groups, and that they should offer more than language classes in order to foster integration. Integration depends on the characteristics of the refugee group, the general societal and political climate, and on the specific attitudes towards the group in question.Higher Education (2020) 79:943-960 945

Building on the knowledge that Europe is currently experiencing a high level of pessimism about the future, this article seeks to explain why Austrians view their own future as well as the country's future with either pessimism or optimism. Both "futures" are often framed differently: A personal one that still seems to be under control and a societal one, which is perceived to be uncontrollable. Thus, social unease is higher than personal unease. Using structural equation modelling and data from the "Sozialer Survey Österreich", indicators of social integration were found to be influential predictors. Results furthermore indicate an underlying explanation, tied to perceptions of societal malaise vs societal wellbeing, driving the opinions on the future in specific directions.