Greek Setting Research Articles

Linguistic factors affecting L1 language evaluation in argumentative essays of students aged 16 to 18 attending secondary education in Greece

The purpose of this paper is to investigate linguistic factors affecting the evaluation of the argumentative essays in written tests taken by junior and senior students, aged 16 to 18, attending high schools in Greece. To achieve this, we analyzed textual characteristics and scoring of 265 juniors and seniors, graded by 15 different raters. To examine the contribution of linguistic parameters to the assessment, we developed an automated tool to record and evaluate students' lexical and syntactic features in the Greek language. The results revealed that the extensive use of nominal groups including an adjective and a noun and the utilization of both impersonal and passive syntax, as well as adverbs to a lesser extent, contribute the most to positive grading in language tests. Furthermore, we identified a correlation between language and the other criteria of the evaluation rubric, namely content and organization. The paper contributes to the discussion about objectivity in writing evaluation in the Greek setting and to the creation of a rubric that ensures a more effective assessment of writing tasks.

The effect of maternal caffeine consumption during the perinatal period on lactation

Background: Caffeine is a substance found in various seeds, foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals. We sought to assess perinatal caffeine consumption rates and the impact of maternal consumption on lactation. Material and Method: This is a prospective, descriptive cohort study conducted in Greece. Women were recruited from five tertiary maternity hospitals throughout 2020. A total of 847 mothers participated and data were collected during their hospitalization in the maternity hospital using a structured questionnaire. Follow-up included a telephone interview in the first, third and sixth month after delivery. Results: A significant decrease in caffeine consumption was reported during pregnancy (84.7%) compared to the period before pregnancy (96.3%, p<0.001). On the fourth day postpartum, caffeine intake (65.8%) was reduced significantly compared to the pre-pregnancy period (p<0.001), remaining relatively unchanged over a period of three months postpartum (1st month: 71%, 3rd month: 64.7%). Moreover, there was a significant decline in caffeine intake at six months postpartum (54.2%, p<0.001) and after discontinuation of breastfeeding (42.7%, p<0.001). Our findings showed that women who ceased breastfeeding at any stage over the six-month follow-up consumed less caffeine during the first three months after delivery (p<0.001) in comparison to those who maintained breastfeeding at six months. In addition, higher pre-pregnancy caffeine consumption (β = 0.04, SE: 0.02, p = 0.032) had a positive association with longer breastfeeding duration. Conclusions: Τhis study was the first to record caffeine intake in the perinatal period in the Greek setting. The results demonstrate that perinatal maternal caffeine consumption was reduced compared to the pre-pregnancy period and that there was a positive correlation between caffeine consumption and breastfeeding duration.

Estimating the Clinical and Economic Impact of Switching from the 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13) to Higher-Valent Options in Greek Infants.

In June 2010, Greece introduced the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for pediatric vaccination and has since observed a large decrease in pneumococcal disease caused by these vaccine serotypes, yet the disease prevalence of non-vaccine serotypes has increased. Two higher-valent conjugate vaccines, a 15-valent (PCV15) and a 20-valent (PCV20), were developed to improve serotype coverage and combat serotype replacement. A decision-analytic model was adapted to the Greek setting using historical pneumococcal disease trends from PCV13 to forecast future clinical and economic outcomes of higher-valent PCVs over a 10-year period (2023-2033). The model estimated outcomes related to invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), hospitalized and non-hospitalized pneumonia, and otitis media (OM) resulting from a switch in vaccination programs to PCV15 in 2023 or switching to PCV20 in 2024. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated from the third-party payer's perspective in the Greek healthcare system. Compared to implementing PCV15 one year earlier, switching from PCV13 to PCV20 in 2024 was estimated to be a cost-saving strategy by saving the Greek health system over EUR 50 million in direct medical costs and averting over 250 IPD cases, 54,800 OM cases, 8450 pneumonia cases, and 255 deaths across all ages over a 10-year period.

Ancient Greece and 1920s America: A New Historicist Approach to Thornton Wilder’s The Woman of Andros

Abstract This article analyzes Thornton Wilder’s The Woman of Andros through a new historicist framework and proposes that American influences are present within the ancient Greek setting of Brynos. It examines Wilder’s 1920s America and relates it to a textual analysis of the novel with a focus on gender, immigration, and the intersection of both concerns. It places the anti-feminism and xenophobia present in Brynos in direct relation to the same sentiments prevalent in 1920s America. The treatment of Chrysis and Glycerium by characters such as Simo and Chremes is the central focus of the comparison. The article argues that Wilder uses Brynos as a distancing device, allowing readers to internalize the connections between contemporary American society and ancient Greek Brynos. This analysis contrasts with the overwhelming views of the novel as either escapist or universal.

Estimating the Clinical and Economic Impact of Introducing a New Antibacterial into Greek Clinical Practice for the Management of Hospital-Acquired Infections with Limited Treatment Options.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represent a significant healthcare burden globally. Especially in Greece, HAIs with limited treatment options (LTO) pose a serious threat due to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to estimate the clinical and economic value of introducing a new antibacterial for HAIs with LTO in Greece. A previously published and validated dynamic model of AMR was adapted to the Greek setting. The model estimated the clinical and economic outcomes of introducing a new antibacterial for the treatment of HAIs with LTO in Greece. The current treatment pathway was compared with introducing a new antibacterial to the treatment sequence. Outcomes were assessed from a third-party payer perspective, over a 10-year transmission period, with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and life years (LYs) gained considered over a lifetime horizon. Over the next 10years, HAIs with LTO in Greece account for approximately 1.4 million hospital bed days, hospitalisation costs of more than €320 million and a loss of approximately 403,000LYs (319,000QALYs). Introduction of the new antibacterial as first-line treatment provided the largest clinical and economic benefit, with savings of up to 93,000 bed days, approximately €21 million in hospitalisation costs and an additional 286,000LYs (226,000QALYs) in comparison to the current treatment strategy. The introduction of a new antibacterial was linked to a monetary benefit of €6.8 billion at a willingness to pay threshold of €30,000 over 10years. This study highlights the considerable clinical and economic benefit of introducing a new antibacterial for HAIs with LTO in Greece. This analysis shows the additional benefit when a new antibacterial is introduced to treatment sequences. These findings can be used to inform decision makers to implement policies to ensure timely access to new antibacterial treatments in Greece.

The Greek version of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation amongst women with urinary incontinence

ObjectivesAs in Greek settings there is a need to develop validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for pelvic floor dysfunction, this study’s aim was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) into Greek, a 42-item PRO for routine urogynaecological evaluation of four domains; bladder, bowel, prolapse and sexual function. Study designCross-cultural translation was completed through official multistage forward and back-translation process. Validation involved administering the adapted APFQ (APFQ_GR) to women visiting Greek community-based healthcare settings. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was also administered. Comparison between women with and without pelvic floor dysfunction (symptomatic versus control) was also undertaken for exploring discriminatory validity. Test-retest reliability was explored by re-administering APFQ_GR 10–15 days following initial testing and internal consistency was explored against each domain separately as well as total items’ score. ResultsGreek APFQ translation was successfully performed and piloted to a women sample with varying levels of education for comprehensibility, thus, satisfying the questionnaire’s face validity. 100 women (53.7 ± 13.1 years-old) participated in validation, 63 of which predominantly complained of urinary incontinence (UI) and 37 were asymptomatic. There were no ceiling effects. Floor effects were detected for women without symptoms. Moderate to very strong correlations were yielded between APFQ_GR total score and bladder domain, respectively, with ICIQ-UI SF single-item and total score (ρ = 0.403–0.758, p < 0.001), indicating satisfactory criterion-related validity. Moderate correlations were yielded for the sexual function domain with APFQ_GR total score and weaker correlations were found in the other two domains. Independent samples t-test yielded significant differences across the questionnaire’s scores (p < 0.001), indicating good discriminatory validity between symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC3,1 = ≥0.998). Internal consistency was very good for each domain and total items’ score (Cronbach’s α = 0.714–0.924). ConclusionsThe Greek APFQ was proven appropriate, comprehensible, valid and reliable for women with urinary incontinence and can thus, be used across Greek healthcare settings. Prolapse and bowel domains merit further research.

Investigation of Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge of Evidence-Based Clinical Practices for Preterm Neonatal Skin Care-A Pilot Study.

Neonatal skin care practices are considered crucial for a neonate’s survival and are closely related to healthcare professionals’ (HPs) knowledge and skills in delivering scientifically valid neonatal care interventions. In this descriptive cross-sectional pilot study, conducted in 2022, we aimed to assess HPs’ basic theoretical knowledge of neonatal vernix caseosa, skin microbiota, and bathing as well as knowledge regarding evidence-based clinical practices (referred to as “clinical knowledge”) for preterm neonatal skin care. Eligible participants were neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians, midwives and nurses working in the Greek setting. The research instrument was an online questionnaire designed by the research team. Finally, 123 HPs took part in the study. The theoretical, clinical and total knowledge scores were all significantly associated with age, healthcare profession and the sources used for education. Participants’ theoretical and clinical knowledge scores were compared and found not to differ significantly (p = 0.566). A significant and positive correlation was found between theoretical and clinical knowledge scores. Thus, it is concluded that HPs should be updated with the latest evidence-based knowledge and clinical guidelines in order to provide neonatal skin care with high-quality standards.

The Cultural Continuum of the Eurasian Boreal Zone and the Eastern Siberian Wedge (Based on Comparative Mythology and Paleogenetics)

Over the recent decade, abstracts of many thousands of folktales recorded in Europe and Asia have been added to our Electronic Catalogue of World Mythology and Folklore. Their analysis reveals systematic parallels between the traditions of Western Eurasia and America, those of the Plains Indians in particular. Such motifs are especially apparent in Ancient Greek mythology (Phaethon’s fall, Pasiphae and the bull, cranes attacking dwarfs, etc.). Although they have been known since the 19th century, no explanation for them could be proposed for a long time. The situation changed thanks to recent advances in Siberian paleogenetics. Before the peak of the Last Glacial Maximum, Eastern Siberian populations (Yana RHS and Malta) exhibited European affinities. By the mid-Holocene, population replacement occurred. It was not abrupt, but eventually resulted in a breakup of the initial cultural continuum spanning the Eurasian boreal zone and later extending to the New World. Many of the Western Eurasian–American motifs are episodes from stories of adventures. On the other hand, parallels between traditions of the Indo-Pacific rim of Asia and America mostly relate to motifs that are mythological in the narrow sense (etiological and cosmological), including early ones, evidently stemming from Africa. From the Hunno-Sarmatian, if not Scythian age onward, Southern Siberian and Central Asian motifs had been transferred to Western Eurasia on a large scale. Classical sources mirror an earlier stage of European mythology, hence the difference between the Ancient Greek set of motifs and that peculiar to later European traditions.

Haec urbs est Thebae

Abstract This paper analyses the use of proximal deixis in Mercury’s prologue to Plautus’ Amphitruo. The study revolves around the referential ambiguity that characterizes proximal deictics such as here and this city, arguing that it contributes significantly to the blurred distinction between reality and fiction that is typical for Plautine theatre, and for his prologues in particular. The paper shows (1) that proximal deictics play a crucial role in Mercury’s creation of and transition into the fictional world; (2) that their unique referential features during audience address enable Mercury to transform the spectators’ surroundings in addition to his own; and (3) that their use underlines the similarity between Rome and fictional Thebes, which is subsequently connected to the Greek setting of Plautus’ plays and their performance during Roman festivals. Moreover, the paper claims that Mercury partly relies on proximal deixis for the inductive effect of his prologue.

Heath literacy, illness perception and NAFLD/NASH awareness in primary care patients in Crete, Greece

Abstract Background and Aims Patient health literacy (HL), illness perception and awareness are key factors driving health behaviour. This observational study aims to assess the level of HL, illness perception and awareness about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/steatohepatitis (NASH) in high-risk primary care (PC) patients in Greece, Spain and the Netherlands. Methods Eligibility criteria included: 1) aged ≥50 years, and 2) obesity, and/or metabolic syndrome, and/or diabetes. Patients consecutively visiting PC practices completed a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics and health habits. HL, illness perception and NAFLD/NASH awareness were assessed using the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Public Awareness of NAFLD Questionnaire respectively. Results Data are available at this moment from the Greek setting. Among the Greek participants (N = 141, 53.2% females, mean age 66 years) 66.7% had diabetes, 78% obesity and 71.6% metabolic syndrome, with 22.7% reporting active smoking. Most (71.6%) had heard about NAFLD by their personal physician. Obesity (78%), excess alcohol intake (45.8%), lack of exercise (38.7%) and diabetes (32.4%) were recognized as the commonest determinants of fatty liver disease, while 78% were aware of ultrasound as the main diagnostic modality and 47% did not know whether there is an available treatment. Only 39% of the participants find information of their treatments easily. Conclusions Our preliminary results show that the majority of patients seem to be aware about NAFLD/NASH and their determinants. It's alarming that a lot do not know about treatment, although they are high-risk. Key messages Our preliminary results show that the majority of patients seem to be aware about NAFLD/NASH and their determinants. It’s alarming that a lot of patients do not know about their treatment, although they are high-risk.

The Effects of a Cognitive Apprenticeship Model on the Argumentative Texts of EFL Learners

In the present study, a quasi-experimental pre-post test design was used to assess the effects of an argumentative writing strategy (POW+TREE) on the performance of grade five and six students of Greek origin who were learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in a Greek setting. The Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) cognitive apprenticeship model was utilized to improve the text composition skills of the students. In the experimental group (N=77), participants received instruction on general and genre-specific strategy use for planning and writing argumentative essays, on procedures to apply self-regulation (goal setting, self-monitoring, self- reinforcement, and self-instructions), and on establishing additional skills (vocabulary, grammar-drill instruction, good word choice, interesting openings etc.). The control group (N=100) was supported through a traditional curriculum in writing (focusing on spelling and grammar). Findings of the study showed that strategy instructed students wrote argumentative essays that were schematically stronger, qualitatively better, and longer than those produced by their counterparts in the control group.

Greek translation and cultural adaptation of the scored patient-generated subjective global assessment: A nutritional assessment tool suitable for cancer patients.

Patients with cancer frequently present with disease-related malnutrition and functional decline. The scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA©) is a malnutrition screening and assessment tool commonly used in patients with cancer. The aim of the current study was to translate and culturally adapt the original English PG-SGA for the Greek setting, including assessment of comprehensibility, difficulty and content validity in patients and healthcare professionals. Our study was conducted according to the ten steps of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Principles of Good Practice for Translation and Cultural Adaptation. Comprehensibility and difficulty of the Greek translation were assessed in 100 patients and 100 healthcare professionals (HCPs) from Greece. Content validity of the translation was assessed among HCPs. Item and scale indices were calculated for comprehensibility (I-CI; S-CI), difficulty (I-DI; S-DI), and content validity (I-CVI; S-CVI). Patient perceived comprehensibility and difficulty of the PG-SGA were considered to be excellent (S-CI=0.97, S-DI=0.97). HCPs perceived content validity for the patient component was also excellent (S-CVI=0.95). The perceived content validity, comprehensibility and difficulty for the professional component of the PG-SGA, as perceived by the HCPs, was excellent (S-CVI=0.94, S-CI=0.94, S-DI=0.90), with the physical exam being perceived as most difficult (I-DI=0.78-0.92). Our study resulted in the successful translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original English PG-SGA for the Greek setting. The Greek language version of the PG-SGA is characterized by high comprehensibility, low difficulty, and is considered relevant for use in Greece.

PCN70 Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Pembrolizumab in the Treatment of Adults with STAGE III Melanoma and Lymph Node Involvement WHO Have Undergone Complete Resection - the Greek Setting

PCN70 Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Pembrolizumab in the Treatment of Adults with STAGE III Melanoma and Lymph Node Involvement WHO Have Undergone Complete Resection - the Greek Setting

Cost-effectiveness of tofacitinib for the treatment of moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis in Greece.

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of tofacitinib versus other treatment options currently available for the management of adult patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis, who have had an inadequate response, loss of response, or were intolerant to conventional therapy or a biologic agent, in Greece. A Markov model was adapted for projecting lifetime costs and outcomes, for a cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis from a Greek payer perspective. Patients entered the model in the active ulcerative colitis state and transitioned to a remission or response state or they underwent colectomy. Following an initial 8-week induction treatment period, patients received maintenance therapy until loss of response. Nonresponders could switch to up to two subsequent biologic lines. Clinical efficacy, adverse event rates and utilities derived from OCTAVE trials and a network-meta-analysis (NMA), while adverse event-related disutilities were obtained from the literature. Information on treatment pathways and resource use was provided by an advisory board due to a lack of local data. Unit costs derived from official national sources (€, 2018). Over a life-time horizon, treating moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis with tofacitinib resulted in additional quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and lower total costs compared to vedolizumab (0.018; €6408), infliximab (biosimilar) (0.009; €3031), golimumab (0.042; €1988) and infliximab (originator) (0.009; €6724). Hence, tofacitinib was estimated to be dominant over all comparators. The results of the analysis suggest that in the Greek setting, tofacitinib could be considered a cost-effective (dominant) treatment option for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis.

A Contingent Valuation Study for Eliciting a Monetary Value of a Quality-Adjusted Life-Year in the General Greek Population

ObjectivesTo elicit a willingness-to-pay (WTP) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) estimate for the general Greek population and assess the impact of individuals' socio-demographic characteristics and motives on this estimate. MethodsA telephone-based survey was carried out employing a representative sample of the general Greek population (n = 1342). A computer-assisted telephone-interview method was adopted to ensure random sampling. A total of 528 participants reported a WTP value for a utility improvement from their current health to perfect health. Those individuals’ motives were assessed through predefined statements. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Multiple linear regression (MLR) and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted to assess the effect of socioeconomic/demographic determinants and motive statements, respectively, on WTP/QALY. MLR was re-estimated considering as dependent variable the WTP/QALY estimate calculated for participants: (1) stating a WTP value ≤ their household income and (2) presenting higher certainty regarding stated WTP value (sensitivity analysis). ResultsAnalysis revealed good reliability for WTP/QALY estimates and motive statements (ICC values > 0.8). Mean WTP/QALY was €26 280. The respective 5% trimmed value was €14 862. Being a student and household income affected WTP/QALY. Sensitivity analysis did not produce markedly different WTP/QALY predictors, implying the robustness of results, irrespective of the participant group considered. Individuals who indicated the inability to cover basic family needs or pay tax claims as motives reported lower WTP/QALY values compared with those not viewing these aspects as motives. ConclusionsFindings confirm that the World Health Organization’s criterion used currently in Greek cost-effectiveness studies is not unreasonable. Additional research is essential to further explore WTP/QALY estimates in the Greek setting and facilitate informed decision making.

Guided Imagery and Music During Active Treatment for Gynecologic Cancer: Results of a feasibility Study

This mixed-methods study investigated the feasibility of a series of short Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) sessions for 4 women with gynecologic cancer undergoing active treatment, in a Greek hospital setting. Pre/post session measurements of HADS, FACT-G, semi-structured interviews following therapy, and therapists’ notes. The women reported pre-post gains for hope and fatigue via 10-point Likert scales, but no consistent changes to self-reported anxiety and depression. In follow-up interviews, all women reported that the music helped them cope with the disease and allowed them to deal with interpersonal and spiritual issues. GIM can be feasible for this population, provided that flexibility on scheduling and location are considered. Keywords: guided imagery and music, gynecologic oncology, quality of life, hope, fatigue

Why do physicians prescribe new antidiabetic drugs? A qualitative study in the Greek healthcare setting

ObjectivesUnderstanding the process of new drug adoption can inform the development of policies to promote appropriate diffusion of new drugs that result in improved outcomes and are cost-effective. The present study aims to explore factors influencing adoption of new antidiabetic drugs for T2DM in the Greek setting. MethodsThe study employs a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were performed with physicians involved in management of T2DM in adults. Eligible participants were identified using generic purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using framework analysis. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory informed the development of the interview guide and the coding scheme. Results10 physicians were interviewed. The mean interview duration was 44 min. Three main themes were derived: (1) Factors influencing prescribing of new medicines for T2DM, (2) Perceptions on pharmaceutical innovation, (3) Use of information sources during the new drug adoption process. The attributes of the new drug, patient-related factors, external influences and prescriber needs and characteristics affected the adoption decision. Physicians reported utilizing information from a variety of sources in the process of adoption. ConclusionsThe present study brought forward the importance of relative advantage and compatibility in the adoption of new antidiabetic agents and also highlighted that adoption is a process during which new drug attributes are continuously re-evaluated.

A cost of illness analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma for the Greek healthcare setting.

To estimate the cost per patient for hepatocellular carcinoma in Greece, a setting that is currently facing financial constraints. Hepatocellular carcinoma patient management strategies are associated with significant costs. Despite this, patient level data on healthcare resource use and cost-of-illness analyses of hepatocellular carcinoma remain rather scarce in the international literature. 123 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and followed in a specialised clinic of a tertiary hospital in Greece formed the basis of the analysis. Detailed resource use data were derived from the medical records of each patient. Data were recorded from the first encounter of the patient with the facility until a fatal endpoint or until the last day of follow up. Patients that were lost to follow-up were excluded from the analysis. Calculations follow a third-party payer perspective, according to official prices and tariffs. The average cost per patient was estimated at 12,119.1 Euros (SD: 14,670.3) (21,375.1 PPP USD) for the average follow-up period and 10,241.5 Euros (18,063.5 PPP USD) per year. Median costs per month of follow-up according to underlying disease were 1,218.1, 1,376.8, 1,521.3 and 686.9 Euros (2,148.4, 2,428.3, 2,683.2 and 1,211.5 PPP USD) for patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma represents a heavy toll, both from the clinical as well as from the economic perspective, especially for a setting in "dire straits". Interventions towards reducing the incidence and, subsequently, the cost of HCC are imperative.

Две находки архаических костяных накладок на ножны из Северного Причерноморья

The paper deals with the finds of bone plates for scabbard mouth found in 2015 in the North Black Sea Region. Two bone plates for the same scabbard were found in Myrmekion in a layer of the first quarter of the 5th century BC. An onlay from an excavation site at the Berezan Island is dated to the second half of the 6th century BC. The scabbards decorated with these plates were made for the sword of makhaira (kopis) type. These finds support the idea that the abundance of this type of swords in the North Black Sea Region had existed from the Archaic period. A finding of a sword of the Greek type in a layer of a site at the Bosporus proves that Greek colonists continued to use a Greek set of weapons which disproves an opinion about the widespread adoption of the barbarian offensive weapons set.

Bank mergers and acquisitions in Greece: the financial crisis and its effect on shareholder wealth

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the wealth implications of bank mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the unique Greek setting given the triple crisis phenomenon – banking, sovereign debt and economic crises – that prevailed after the global financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe study examines bank M&As and bank transactions over the period from 1997 to 2018, as well as government-assisted M&As during the crisis. The wealth effects of bank M&As are assessed using both univariate and multivariate frameworks.FindingsFindings show a neutral crisis effect on the valuation of M&As upon their announcement. However, the authors provide conclusive evidence that M&A completions are value-destroying events for acquiring banks during the crisis, far worse than in the pre-crisis period. Greek banks also fail to create value from government-assisted mergers. The results suggest that the financial stability and the prevention of further deepening of the Greek crisis with possible contagion effects were achieved at the expense of shareholders and taxpayers.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of the Greek triple crisis on the wealth effects of bank M&As and bank transactions. Also, the study provides first evidence with regard to the economic impact of government-assisted M&As in the European context.