French-speaking Regions Of Switzerland Research Articles

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the French version of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale for acute and chronic pain: a prospective clinical study.

Pain assessment and proper evaluation of pain are prerequisites for treatment of acute and chronic pain. Until now, most evaluations have used only resting pain intensity and a unidimensional scale, although multidimensional pain assessment and especially assessment of functional pain impact on activities are recommended. The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) permits this multidimensional assessment, but no validated French translation exists. To validate the French translation of the multidimensional DVPRS, called the Functional Pain Scale (FPS), in multiple settings of acute and chronic pain. Prospective observational study. Two large hospitals in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. We recruited 232 patients from February 2022 to January 2023. Patients with acute or chronic pain in different settings received a paper questionnaire with both a numerical rating scale (NRS) and the FPS and a customized evaluation questionnaire. Correlation between the FPS and NRS, psychometric properties, and patient preferences were analyzed. Correlation between the FPS and NRS was high for the whole group of 232 patients, as well for all subgroups. The multi-item FPS scale showed excellent internal consistency. A large majority of patients, even those >75 years of age, preferred the FPS over the NRS and stated that the FPS was easy to use. The study confirms that the French translation of the DVPRS (the FPS) is a valid measurement instrument for acute and chronic pain evaluation in a wide range of patient groups and is easy for patients to use. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05307380.

Evaluating an inclusive program for promoting equal-status participation in classrooms with high sociolinguistic diversity: diversity valuation and multilingual cooperative activities.

The inclusion of students with diverse heritage languages is an emerging issue in all OECD countries due to the global rise in international migration. With regard to their large cultural and linguistic heterogeneity, primary school classes in the French-speaking region of Switzerland are extraordinary grounds to develop inclusive teaching in context of high diversity. This research-action aims to enhance students' status among their peers and promote equal-status participation in academic activities in such classes. The research perspective focuses on valuing diversity within classes and emphasizing students' linguistic competence through cooperative activities. The tested inclusive program places value on linguistic diversity and proposes multilingual cooperative activities that involve students' family languages and require the contributions of all students. The research was conducted over the course of a school year, involving 3rd-4th grade students. It compared the evolution students' status among peers (being chosen as a groupmate for play and work) from the beginning to the end of the school year in four classes with the inclusive program (N = 77) and four control classes without the inclusive program (N = 62). The results indicated expected changes in status: status increased in classes with the inclusive program, while it decreased in classes without the program. Moreover, the intervention specifically supported the status of vulnerable pupils. In classes with the inclusive program, students with initially low status experienced the greatest improvement, whereas in control classes, there was no correlation between initial status and changes in status. At the beginning of the school year, across all classes, students with low status participated passively, experiencing higher levels of exclusion and displaying more discrete behavior, highlighting potential initial status-problems issues. This pattern persisted in control classes without the inclusive program, where low-status students were more likely to remain passive, while initially high- status students were more likely to become leaders. In contrast, with the inclusive program, the relationship between status and participation diminished by the end of the year. These findings suggest that the inclusive program contributed to reducing status-related problems and promoting more equal-status participation.

How Did Swiss Small and Medium Enterprises Weather the COVID-19 Pandemic? Evidence from Survey Data

The COVID-19 pandemic had unprecedented consequences on businesses and, in particular, small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The aim of this paper is to empirically study the impact of the COVID-19 sanitary crisis on Swiss SMEs two years after the onset of the pandemic. Using a sample of 149 SMEs operating in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, we find that revenue loss across the full sample averaged 14% in 2020 compared to 2019. Our findings show that firm characteristics are not significant in explaining turnover loss while business management strategies such as business restructuring, remote working, and prioritizing employee protection were significantly associated with revenue. Our results suggest that remote work should be gradually introduced in sectors of activity whenever possible to reduce the financial burden of any future pandemic on SMEs. Additionally, we quantify the impact of closure on SMEs and find that firms having reported to have closed partially or completely due to sanitary restrictions were impacted seven times more in terms of revenue loss compared to SMEs that did not cease their activity during the COVID-19 crisis. This paper contributes to our understanding of the magnitude of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs and highlights the importance of SMEs adopting efficient business management strategies, and implementing measures to support smaller firms by public authorities in times of crisis.

Primary Care Physicians' Personal and Professional Attributes Associated With Forgoing Own Care and Presenteeism: A Cross Sectional Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of forgoing care and forgoing sick leave among primary care physicians (PCPs) in Switzerland and to investigate associated factors. Methods: A random sample of 1,000 PCPs in French-speaking regions of Switzerland (participation rate: 50%) was asked whether they had forgone care and sick leave during the last year. Sociodemographic, personal and occupational characteristics were recorded. Logistic regressions were performed to study these behaviours. Results: 37% of respondents reported at least one episode of forgoing care and 29% reported an episode of forgoing sick leave. No associations were found between individual characteristics and forgoing care. A heavy workload was the most common reason evoked for forgoing care. Coming to work when sick (presenteeism) was associated with female sex, younger age, having a chronic illness, working in a suburban area and working full-time. Conclusion: A high proportion of PCPs in Switzerland is forgoing own care and continues to work despite sickness. New generations of PCPs should require careful monitoring, and specific solutions should be sought to reduce these harmful behaviours.

Exile and the kingdom: integration of an exiled family

The subject of exile is a ubiquitous global theme. The result of multiple factors, it insinuates itself into events affecting people's daily lives and the development of countries. Beyond politics, a psychological reading enables us to reflect on its impact, not only on the individual or group but also in relation to the exiled family. The concept of a mythical or archetypal family can help us to clarify what emerges from contact between two communities and the challenges in their encounter. The study of a specific case - Portuguese families adjusting to life in a French-speaking region of Switzerland - reveals a pattern reproduced elsewhere, even though separate in time and space. The cultural shock emanating from a background and approach of different dynamics leads to psychological resistance on both sides - and to a negative prognosis for cultural integration. Analytical work with exiled children and adolescents allows us to glimpse how this theme intertwines with personal psychologies, pointing to its creative solution through the resolution of conflict and openness to diversity - as carried forward by new generations. It is they who are open to multicultural values, showing simultaneously a respect for ancestry and a desire for renewal.

Categorial Aspect of Territorial Differentiation of the Linguistic worldview (on the example of French-Speaking regions of Switzerland and Canada)

Categorial Aspect of Territorial Differentiation of the Linguistic worldview (on the example of French-Speaking regions of Switzerland and Canada)

Influence of content, events and culture on the public discourse about medical genetics in Switzerland – A quantitative media content analysis

Medical genetics is a broad and expanding field with many important implications for society, but knowledge about media coverage of this topic from recent years is lacking. This study aims to identify topics in medical genetics emerging in print media coverage in Switzerland by quantitatively analysing their occurrence in the public media discourse and assessing culturally conditioned differences between two Swiss language regions. We conducted a quantitative media content screening of print media and news agencies in the German- and French-speaking regions of Switzerland, and eight topics were identified. They demonstrate the large variety of topics in medical genetics present in public discourse. Coverage was dominated by legislative voting on genetics issues and by the preventive surgeries of the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie. We found only small differences between the language regions, and coverage was strikingly similar for most variables.

Nutritional Assessment of Childhood Cancer Survivors (the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study-Nutrition): Protocol for a Multicenter Observational Study.

BackgroundChildhood cancer survivors are at high risk of developing adverse late health effects. Poor nutritional intake may contribute to this risk, but information about dietary intake is limited.ObjectiveThis study will assess childhood cancer survivors’ dietary intake and compare two dietary assessment tools: a self-reported food frequency questionnaire, and dietary measurements from urine spot samples.MethodsIn a substudy of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (SCCSS), SCCSS-Nutrition, we assessed childhood cancer survivors’ dietary intake via a validated food frequency questionnaire. We sent a urine spot collection kit to a subset of 212 childhood cancer survivors from the French-speaking region of Switzerland to analyze urinary sodium, potassium, urea, urate, creatinine, and phosphate content. We will compare the food frequency questionnaire results with the urine spot analyses to quantify childhood cancer survivors’ intake of various nutrients. We collected data between March 2016 and March 2018.ResultsWe contacted 1599 childhood cancer survivors, of whom 919 (57.47%) returned a food frequency questionnaire. We excluded 11 childhood cancer survivors who were pregnant or were breastfeeding, 35 with missing dietary data, and 71 who had unreliable food frequency questionnaire data, resulting in 802 childhood cancer survivors available for food frequency questionnaire analyses. To a subset of 212 childhood cancer survivors in French-speaking Switzerland we sent a urine spot collection kit, and 111 (52.4%) returned a urine sample. We expect to have the results from analyses of these samples in mid-2019.ConclusionsThe SCCSS-Nutrition study has collected in-depth dietary data that will allow us to assess dietary intake and quality and compare two dietary assessment tools. This study will contribute to the knowledge of nutrition among childhood cancer survivors and is a step toward surveillance guidelines and targeted nutritional recommendations for childhood cancer survivors in Switzerland.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03297034; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03297034International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/14427

Real-world experience with the IUB Ballerine MIDI copper IUD: an observational study in the French-speaking region of Switzerland

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the acceptability of the intrauterine ball IUB Ballerine MIDI copper intrauterine device (IUD), using real-world data collected from users and physicians.Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, conducted in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, healthy women (n= 207) who had had an IUB Ballerine MIDI inserted ≥12 months before enrolment, and their physicians completed questionnaires relating to device insertion, user experience and outcome. Questions relating to current menstrual patterns, physical comfort and product satisfaction were only posed to women still using the device.Results: The mean age at insertion was 30.8 ± 7.2 years, with an average 14.2 ± 2.9 month lapse from time of insertion until study commencement. At the time of the study, 140 (67.6%) women were still using the device. The expulsion rate was 5.3% (n= 11) and the pregnancy rate was 1.4% (n= 3). Most of the women still using the device reported no to moderate pain or cramps (80.7%). The majority of women reported moderate to high (65.7%) satisfaction with the device, with 81.4% claiming they would recommend it to friends and relatives. Over 84.8% of physicians reported that the device was easy to insert, with no difficulties encountered during the procedure.Conclusions: The IUB Ballerine MIDI was demonstrated to be safe and acceptable in different clinical settings and risk groups among a socioeconomically and demographically diverse study population.

Meat avoidance: motives, alternative proteins and diet quality in a sample of Swiss consumers.

Diets lower in meat are considered both highly beneficial for human health and more environmentally friendly. The present study compared consumer groups with different self-declared diet styles regarding meat (vegetarians/vegans, pescatarians, low- and regular meat consumers) in terms of their motives, protein consumption, diet quality and weight status. Cross-sectional data from the Swiss Food Panel 2.0 (survey 2017). Switzerland, Europe. Data of 4213 Swiss adults (47·4 % females) from a nationally representative sample living in the German- and French-speaking regions of Switzerland (mean age 55·4 years). For vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians, ethical concerns about animal welfare and environmental friendliness, as well as taste preferences are stronger reasons to avoid meat consumption. Female low-meat consumers are more likely to be motivated by weight regulation. Only 18 % of the sample and 26 % of self-declared low-meat consumers met the official dietary recommendations for meat intake. Concerns about animal welfare and taste preferences predicted lower meat intake, whereas perceived difficulty of practising a low-meat diet and weight-loss motives were associated with higher meat consumption in consumers who reported eating little or no meat. Our study demonstrates that there can be large discrepancies between consumers' self-perception and their actual meat consumption. This has to be taken into account when designing public health interventions. Addressing ethical concerns about animal welfare (e.g. through awareness campaigns), further improving the range of vegetarian options and increasing consumers' knowledge about the dietary recommendations may be ways to promote diets lower in meat.

Implementing a case management intervention for frequent users of the emergency department (I-CaM): an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial study protocol

BackgroundED overcrowding represents a significant public health problem in developed countries. Frequent users of the emergency departments (FUEDs; reporting 5 or more ED visits in the past year) are often affected by medical, psychological, social, and substance use problems and account for a disproportionately high number of ED visits. Past research indicates that case management (CM) interventions are a promising way to reduce ED overcrowding and improve FUEDs’ quality of life. There is, however, very limited knowledge about how to disseminate and implement this intervention on a large scale to diverse clinical settings, including community hospitals and non-academic centers. This paper describes the protocol of a research project aiming to implement a CM intervention tailored to FUEDs in the public hospitals with ED in the French-speaking region of Switzerland and evaluate both the implementation process and effectiveness of the CM intervention.MethodsThis research project uses a hybrid study design assessing both implementation and clinical outcomes. The implementation part of the study uses mixed methods a) to describe quantitatively and qualitatively factors that influence the implementation process, and b) to examine implementation effectiveness. The clinical part of the study uses a within-subject design (pre-post intervention) to evaluate participants’ trajectories on clinical variables (e.g., quality of life, ED use) after receiving the CM intervention. We designed the study based on two implementation science frameworks. The Generic Implementation Framework guided the overall research protocol design, whereas the RE-AIM (reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation and maintenance) framework guided the implementation and effectiveness evaluations.DiscussionThis research project will contribute to implementation science by providing key insights into the processes of implementing CM into broader practice. This research project is also likely to have both clinical and public health implications.Trial registrationNCT03641274, Registered 20 August 2018.

Health status and quality of life in patients with diabetes in Switzerland

AimsWe aimed to assess the health status and quality of life (QoL) of patients with diabetes and explore the associated factors in a French-speaking region of Switzerland. MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed self-reported data from 585 patients with diabetes. We ran univariate and multivariate regressions analyses on health status (Physical and Mental Component Summary scores (PCS, MCS) of the SF-12) and diabetes-specific QoL (ADDQoL score). ResultsMean PCS was 43.1±10.4 and mean MCS was 46.7±11.1. The overall ADDQoL score was −1.6±1.6; the life domains of the ADDQoL with the lowest scores were freedom to eat, sex life and freedom to drink. Being older was independently and significantly associated with higher mental health and QoL, while lower income was associated with lower physical health, mental health, and QoL. Having diabetes for over 10 years was associated with lower QoL, while insulin treatment and complications were correlated with lower physical health and QoL. ConclusionsThis study provides key information on the health status and QoL of patients with diabetes in Switzerland and their associated factors, which can help healthcare providers to identify patients at higher risk of lower health and QoL.

Taxes, labels, or nudges? Public acceptance of various interventions designed to reduce sugar intake

This study investigated public acceptance of several specific government interventions to lower sugar intake in the population, using data from the first wave (2017) of a large survey (Swiss Food Panel 2.0) on eating behavior conducted in the German- and French-speaking regions of Switzerland (N = 5238; 48.7% men). Acceptance varied considerably among different interventions; the least intrusive (i.e., a front-of-package label on products highlighting the sugar content and public health campaigns) garnered the most support, while more restrictive interventions (i.e., taxation, substitution with artificial sweeteners, and the reduction of portion sizes) generated higher resistance. Sugar consciousness and diet-related health consciousness were the strongest predictors of acceptance. Support was stronger among women, dieters, residents from the French-speaking areas of Switzerland, and people living in urban areas. Certain risk groups including overweight participants and those consuming higher amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages were more strongly opposed to these kinds of interventions. The different levels of acceptance must be taken into account by governments when planning interventions designed to reduce sugar intake.

Family Caregivers' Reflections on Experiences of Assisted Suicide in Switzerland: A Qualitative Interview Study

ContextThousands of family members worldwide are annually involved in assisted dying. Family participation in assisted dying has rarely been investigated and families' needs typically are not considered in assisted dying legislation and clinical guidelines. ObjectivesTo explore family caregivers' reflections on experiences of assisted suicide in Switzerland. MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative interview study conducted in the Italian- and French-speaking regions of Switzerland. Interpretation and analysis were performed using qualitative content analysis. ResultsTwenty-eight close relatives and family carers of 18 patients who died by assisted suicide in Switzerland were interviewed. Family members perceived their involvement in assisted suicide as characterized by five phases; 1) contemplation, 2) gaining acceptance, 3) gaining permission, 4) organization, and 5) aftermath. Families can participate in these phases at diverse levels and with varying degrees of involvement. Important triggers for families and patients for transition between phases include patients' experiences of their life-threatening illnesses and related treatments, their increasing awareness of approaching death, and family member recognition of their loved one's unbearable suffering. Participating in assisted suicide created further demanding tasks for families in addition to their role of caregivers. ConclusionFamilies appeared to be involved in the preparation of assisted suicide along with patients, irrespective of their personal values regarding assisted dying. Support for family members is essential if they are involved in tasks preparatory to assisted suicide. Clinical guidelines and policies concerning assisted dying should acknowledge and address family needs.

Comparison of Chiropractic Treatment Outcomes Depending on the Language Region in Switzerland: A Prospective Outcomes Study

ObjectivesSwitzerland has optimal conditions for research of language-based cultural influences on low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to compare LBP treatment outcomes after chiropractic care between patients from the German- and French-speaking regions of Switzerland. MethodsBaseline Numeric Rating Scale for pain (NRS), demographic, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) data were collected from patients presenting to 51 Swiss-German and 12 Swiss-French chiropractors. Prospective outcome data included the proportion reporting clinically relevant improvement on the Patient Global Impression of Change scale and the NRS change scores collected at 1 week; 1, 3, and 6 months; and 1 year. ODI change scores were collected until 3 months. The proportion improved between the 2 groups was compared using the χ2 test. NRS and ODI change scores were compared using the unpaired t test. ResultsAt baseline, only patient age comparing 853 Swiss-German and 215 Swiss-French patients revealed a significant difference. The Patient Global Impression of Change, NRS, and ODI had no significant differences between both patient groups up to 6 months. Between 6 months and 1 year the proportion reporting improvement continued to increase to 83.5% for German-speaking Swiss but reduced to 73.1% for French-speaking Swiss (P = .01). The NRS change scores were also higher for German speaking Swiss at 1 year compared with Swiss-French citizens (P = .01). ConclusionTreatment outcome data for LBP are comparable in the German and French parts of Switzerland until the 1-year time point, when people located in the French-speaking regions are more likely to have an increase in pain levels.

Personality and its links to quality of life: Mediating effects of emotion regulation and self-efficacy beliefs

We investigated the relationship between personality and quality of life (QoL) considering emotion regulation and self-efficacy beliefs as mediating factors. A total of 409 participants from the French-speaking regions of Switzerland and from France completed questionnaires on personality, emotion regulation, self-efficacy beliefs, and QoL. Our findings revealed that specific personality traits have significant direct and indirect effects on QoL, mediated by emotion regulation and self-efficacy. Particularly, neuroticism was strongly and negatively related to emotion regulation and QoL, but not significantly linked to self-efficacy, whereas extraversion and conscientiousness were positively associated with all variables. This is the first study to demonstrate that both emotion regulation and self-efficacy are important mechanisms that link specific personality traits to QoL, suggesting that they channel and modulate the personality effects. However, more work is needed to understand these relationships in more detail (e.g., how the personality traits concurrently influence each other as well as emotion regulation and self-efficacy).

Psychometric properties and normative data of the French Developmental Behavior Checklist – Adult version

The main aim of this study was to generate psychometric data for the French translation of the Developmental Behavior Checklist - Adult version (DBC-A). In addition, the score distributions were examined by using components of mean-based scores. The DBC-A was administered to 580 adults with intellectual disability recruited in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland and Belgium. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to evaluate the adjustment of the collected data to the original six-factor model; the internal consistency of the factors was analyzed with Cronbach's alpha. The Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior was used to evaluate the concurrent validity of the instrument. Psychopathology prevalence was also explored. The original factor structure of the DBC-A was replicated, with the internal consistency of the factors ranging from respectable to very good according to the alpha values. When the "screening" cut-off of the DBC-A was used, the DBC-A highlighted a psychopathology prevalence of 38%, which was close to the frequency provided by the Reiss Screen (36%). These results show the robustness of the DBC-A's psychometric properties. Thus, we recommend the use of this instrument to assess and screen psychopathology among French-speaking adults with intellectual disability.

Why have some people changed their attitudes toward nuclear power after the accident in Fukushima?

The nuclear accident in Fukushima and the subsequent discussions about nuclear power influenced public acceptance of this technology. The aim of the present study was to examine why after the Fukushima accident some people converted from supporting nuclear power to opposing it or became undecided. Data from a longitudinal telephone survey with two measurement points were used. The first survey was conducted about 15 months before the accident in Fukushima and the second survey was conducted about 20 months after. The sample consisted of 561 respondents from the German- and French-speaking regions of Switzerland. Results suggest that changes in benefits perception were mainly responsible for people׳s changes in attitude toward nuclear power. People perceived somewhat more risks related to nuclear power after the accident in Fukushima. This change in risk perception did not explain the attitudinal changes of proponents into opponents of nuclear power, however.

A Descriptive Study of Gambling Among Emerging Adult Males in French-Speaking Switzerland

The aims were twofold: to examine the gambling habits of emerging adult males in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland and to what extent these habits predict problem gambling within this population. We also evaluated problem gambling rates and provided data concerning variables such as gambling location, level of information about problem gambling and awareness of treatment centers. 606 Swiss male conscripts, aged 18-22 years, completed a self-report questionnaire. This was administered during their army recruitment day in 2012. Problem gambling was assessed through the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) (Ferris and Wynne 2001). 78.5% of the respondents were lifetime gamblers, 56.1% were past-year gamblers. Four out of ten past-year gamblers played in private spaces and in back rooms. The PGSI indicated that 10.8% of past-year gamblers presented with moderate gambling problems, whilst 1.4% appeared to be problem gamblers. The majority of respondents had never received information about problem gambling. Moreover, they were unaware of the existence of treatment centers for problem gambling in their region. PGSI scores were significantly predicted by the variety of games played. Problem gambling rates among young men appear to be higher than those of the general Swiss population. This confirms that emerging adult males are a particularly vulnerable population with regards to gambling addiction. The implications of this are considered for youth gambling-prevention programs.

The French version of the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior: Factor structure, point prevalence and associated factors

The main aims of the present study were to examine the factor structure and the internal consistency of the factors in the French version of the Reiss Screen of Maladaptive Behavior in a French-speaking European sample. The prevalence of psychopathology and the influence of associated factors were also examined. The Reiss Screen was administered to 467 adults (age range: 18-73) with intellectual disability living in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland and Belgium. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to replicate the original factor structure. Internal consistency was examined by using Cronbach's alpha. Analyses of variance were computed to study the influence of gender, age and Down syndrome etiology. The original factor structure of the Reiss Screen was replicated. The overall rate of psychopathology in the sample was 37%. No linear relationship between age and psychopathology was found. However, adults aged less than 26 years had lower scores than older adults on several psychopathological domains. Males had higher scores than females on the Autism and the Avoidant Disorder subscales. Participants with Down syndrome had lower scores on all domains, with the exception of the Autism subscale. The results of this study suggest that the French version of the Reiss Screen can be a useful tool to detect psychopathology in adults with intellectual disability.