Groups In Germany Research Articles

Infertility and Seeking Medical Help to Have a Child Vary Across Migrant Origin Groups in Germany

This study investigates the extent to which immigrants in Germany are faced with infertility, and it examines their use of reproductive health-care services. Previous research on migrant fertility centered mostly on the higher fertility rates of immigrants and their adaptation processes, but has largely neglected infertility. At the same time, research on infertility in the European low-fertility context has focused almost exclusively on non-migrant populations. Our results indicate higher infertility and lower seeking of medical help among migrants as compared with non-migrants. However, there is substantial heterogeneity between different migrant groups: First-generation migrants show higher risks of infertility and lower use of medical help to get pregnant. The study also shows differences according to (parents’) regions of origin: Persons from Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East (including Turkey) have a higher risk of perceiving infertility or uncertainty about it than other European origin groups. Those from Russia and Central Asia have the lowest use of medical help-seeking. These group differences cannot be explained by socioeconomic factors. Our results suggest that certain immigrant groups—despite having on average a higher number of children—face notable reproductive disadvantages, which deserve further attention in research on migrant fertility and assisted reproduction in general.

Caries experience and care in Germany: results of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6).

One goal of the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS • 6) was to survey the caries experience and care for caries in a representative cross-sectional study across Germany. Using almost the same methodology as the previous studies DMS III (1997) to V (2014), data were collected on caries experience (including dmft/DMFT, root caries) in the three standard World Health Organization age groups (12-year-olds, 35- to 44-year-olds, and 65- to 74-year-olds) as well as among 8- and 9-year-olds. The caries experience expressed as dmft/DMFT in 8- and 9-year-olds was 1.4 teeth, 59.9% were caries-free; the DMFT among 12-year-olds was 0.5 teeth, with 77.6% caries-free. There was a significant decrease in caries-related restorations among 35- to 44-year-olds, with DMFT being 8.3 teeth. The group of 65- to 74-year-olds had a DMFT of 17.6 teeth, which was mainly due to higher tooth retention; 5.0% were edentulous. The prevalence of root caries was 13.8% among 35- to 44-year-olds and 59.1% among 65- to 74-year-olds. The various oral health measures taken over recent decades seem to continue to have a positive impact in terms of reduced caries experience. Nevertheless, it appears that the maximum has been reached among 12-year-olds; however, within this group there continues to be a strong polarization of dental caries in adolescents from families with a low education status and a comparatively high treatment need for the primary teeth. The social gradient in tooth decay and tooth loss extends over the entire life span. The DMS • 6 study, being representative of the oral epidemiology of the population, shows the sustainability of successful prevention measures for caries in all age groups and education groups in Germany. At the same time, social inequalities persist. From a socio-medical perspective, it would make sense to align future prevention strategies specifically to the lifeworld of groups and communities that have not yet been reached.

Epidemiologic trends and increasing inequalities in orthognathic surgery in Germany: a nationwide analysis 2005–2022

Orthognathic surgery (OS) has become a widely used treatment option for moderate to severe dento-skeletal malocclusions. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and time trends of OS and potential influencing factors in the German healthcare system. Nationwide data regarding the national diagnosis-related-group (DRG) inpatient billing system was received from the German Federal Statistical Office. We estimated age-gender standardized incidence of OS-associated procedures between 2005 and 2022 and evaluated age- and gender-adjusted time trends using Poisson regression analysis. The total standardized incidence rate of OS-associated procedures in the observational period 2005–2022 was 11.1 (♀13.0; ♂ 9.2) per 100,000 person years. A significant increase of 61.8% (♀+48.7%; ♂+82.9%) in OS-associated procedures was observed within the observational period, mainly due to the increase of the procedures in the age groups 15–34 years (+ 53.6%), 35–59 years (+ 66.7%) and 60–79 years (+ 20.0%). Mandibular procedures increased by 45.0%, while maxillary procedures increased by 88.2%. There were significant differences of the incidence of OS-associated procedures between the various federal states in Germany, indicating a higher incidence and stronger increase in more affluent regions. The age- and gender-standardized incidence of OS-associated procedures increased among all genders and the most relevant age groups in Germany in the last two decades. There is an ongoing trend to implement maxillary and combined procedures. These effects are limited to more affluent regions only, reflecting the impact of socioeconomic and regional factors on healthcare accessibility.

Prospective and Retrospective Metacognitive Judgments of Prospective Memory Performance Across the Lifespan

ABSTRACT Prospective Memory (PM), the ability to carry out future intentions at a specific time or event, develops in an inverted U-shaped function across the lifespan. Most studies have examined age-related changes in PM with regard to the role of executive functions. Although more recent studies have emphasized the importance of metacognition for successful prospective remembering, very little is known about the development of metacognitive abilities across the lifespan and their impact on PM performance. Therefore, the current study examined developmental differences in metacognitive monitoring and PM in five age groups in Germany (N = 151): children (9–10 years), adolescents (14–15 years), young adults (20–25 years), middle-aged adults (30–50 years) and old adults (60+ years). Metacognitive monitoring was assessed by asking participants to judge their performance before (prediction) and after (postdiction) working on a lab-based PM task (Virtual Week). PM performance increased from childhood into adolescence, remained stable until middle-adulthood and declined again in older adults. In terms of metacognitive monitoring, PM performance prediction was least accurate in children, and accuracy increased across the lifespan into old adulthood; interestingly, older adults’ more accurate metacognitive ability did not enable them to show better PM. Overall, individuals tended to overestimate their upcoming PM performance and to underestimate their past performance. Possible strategies to improve especially children and adolescents’ metacognitive skills and PM performance are discussed.

Correlation between measured oral health and oral health-related quality of life in people with epidermolysis bullosa: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundInherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic disorder characterized by skin fragility and unique oral features. This prospective study aimed to analyze the correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the objectively measured oral health indices of people suffering from EB and within their subtypes.MethodsThe German version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14G) was employed for the assessment of OHRQoL. Furthermore, all participants underwent a comprehensive clinical examination to evaluate their oral health via the Physical Oral Health Index (PhOX). Study participants were included through various self-help groups in Germany, regular appointments at the outpatient clinic for rare diseases with orofacial involvement, at the Department of Cranio-maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital Münster and through contact via social media.ResultsA total of 33 individuals participated in the study. The study revealed that both OHRQoL and oral health were reduced. Individuals with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) were more negatively affected than were those in the junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) and epidermolysis simplex (EBS) groups. The OHIP-G14 mean score of participants diagnosed with DEB was 25.2 (95% CI: 18.4–32.0; ± 13.7, range 5–49), and the PhOX mean score of DEB was 54.6 (± 15.7). A significant correlation was observed between PhOX and the OHIP score (rs = -0.54; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings of this study corroborate the challenges faced by patients with EB in the oral domain and the deterioration of their OHRQoL. These results emphasize the necessity for dentists to engage comprehensively in disease management, encompassing routine examinations, preventive dental care and oral hygiene education. Consequently, enhanced communication is required not only between dental and dermatological teams but also with caregivers.

Lung cancer mortality attributable to residential radon in Germany

The radioactive gas radon is one of the most important risk factors for lung cancer after smoking. This article aims to estimate the annual number of lung cancer deaths attributable to residential radon exposure in Germany and its federal states using updated data and an advanced calculation method. Data on lung cancer mortality (2018–2022), smoking behavior (2017), and on the estimated distribution of radon concentration based on a radon residential study (2019–2021) in Germany are used. The risk model employed is derived from the pooled European residential radon study, indicating that excess relative risk for lung cancer increases by 16% per 100 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^{3}$$\\end{document}) of corrected long-term radon concentration. It is estimated that a total of around 2800 lung cancer deaths per year (95% confidence interval (CI) 900–5100) are attributable to residential radon in Germany. This represents a population attributable fraction of 6.3% (95% CI 2.1–11.4%). Notably, radon-attributable lung cancer deaths occur not only among current (41%) but also significantly among former smokers (41%) and those who have never smoked (19%). The results confirm that radon in homes is an important risk factor for lung cancer, highlighting the need for protective measures against radon for all population groups in Germany.

Changes in Attitudes towards Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination during the Subsiding COVID-19 Pandemic-Results of a Longitudinal Survey Study among Risk Groups in Germany between 2021 and 2023.

In many countries, an increase in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined how attitude, risk perception and knowledge towards influenza and pneumococcal vaccines of at-risk patients developed when the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and if COVID-19 vaccination attitude (VA) was still associated with the attitudes towards the two other vaccines. We used longitudinal data from two surveys conducted in Germany in 2021 and 2023 among persons with chronic diseases. We assessed VA, risk perception, vaccination knowledge and further psychological determinants of vaccine acceptance. Structural equation modelling using full information maximum likelihood was used to estimate multivariate regressions with planned missing data. Among 543 respondents, the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates remained relatively stable between 2021 and 2023. VA also remained unchanged at a moderately positive level, while COVID-19 VA decreased. A constantly positive association between COVID-19 VA and influenza as well as pneumococcal VA was found, independent from a general VA. The perceived danger of influenza increased between 2021 and 2023 and was among the strongest predictors of influenza VA. Also at the subsiding pandemic, COVID-19 VA was constantly associated with the influenza and pneumococcal VA. It seems sensible to take these aspects into account when designing future vaccination campaigns for at-risk patients. DRKS00024561. Registered 9 March 2021.

Acquisition of –Ing in English by Multilingual Adult Speakers in Germany and the US

The number of the multilingual speakers all over the world has been increasing steadily, which calls for closer analyses of multilingualism as a phenomenon. The current study aims at investigating multilingual speakers’ spoken and written English productions in formal and informal contexts within the boundaries of social context of migration. As for the purposes of the study, data coming from four groups in Germany and the US (32 participants and 24 speakers from RUEG corpus, 56 people in total) via data collection tools such as Language Situations (Wiese 2018), Linguistic Background Questionnaire and c-tests were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results were divergent. The comparison of -ing use only revealed that the acquisition of the progressive marker in L3? English differs in Germany and the US while -ing use in total Communication Units (henceforth CU) ratio signaled some cross-linguistic effects. However, there was no difference in within group comparisons obscuring multilingual-monolingual dichotomy within both Germany and the US. Also, task modality and registers were found to have a prominent effect on L3 patterns of English progressive morpheme -ing.

Einsamkeit in Deutschland – Prävalenz, Entwicklung über die Zeit und regionale Unterschiede

ZusammenfassungHintergrundEinsamkeit ist weitverbreitet und hat negative Folgen für die Gesundheit. Diese Studie soll die Fragen beantworten: (1) wie viele Menschen in Deutschland hocheinsam sind, (2) wie sich die Einsamkeit in Deutschland über die Zeit – insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Covid-19-Pandemie – veränderte und (3) welche regionalen Unterschiede es in der Einsamkeit in Deutschland gibt.MethodenDie vorliegende Studie verwendet Daten aus den Wellen 2013, 2017 und 2021 des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels, einer deutschen bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Panelstudie. Auf der Grundlage der University of California, Los Angeles(UCLA)-Einsamkeitsskala schätzen wir die Prävalenzen der Hocheinsamen. Mit Mehrebenenmodellen analysieren wir die Veränderungen der Einsamkeit von 2013 bis 2021. Schließlich erstellen wir Karten, um die regionale Verteilung der Einsamkeit in Deutschland zu illustrieren.ErgebnisseRund 2 % der in Deutschland lebenden Menschen gehören zu den hocheinsamen Menschen. Dieser Anteil änderte sich auch während der Covid-19-Pandemie nicht. Allerdings stieg die mittlere Einsamkeit in Deutschland an, vor allem während der Pandemie. Gleichzeitig ändert sich auch die regionale Verteilung von Einsamkeit. Während 2013 vor allem der Osten Deutschlands von Einsamkeit betroffen war, gehören während der Pandemie vor allem Regionen im Westen Niedersachsens, Rheinland-Pfalz und Hessen zu den am stärksten von Einsamkeit betroffenen Regionen.DiskussionUrsachen für diese Veränderungen können sowohl in strukturellen Veränderungen der deutschen Gesellschaft in den vergangenen 10 Jahren liegen, aber auch an unterschiedlichen Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung der Covid-19-Pandemie. Da die neuesten Daten zu Einsamkeit aus 2021 stammen, bedarf es dringend weiterer Datenerhebungen, um die aktuelle Einsamkeit in Deutschland abzubilden.

Development of Quality Indicators to Evaluate the Quality of Care for People with Differences of Sex Development.

Achieving evidence-based, high-quality medical care is the overarching goal of healthcare quality management. Quality indicators (QIs) serve as proxies to show whether good quality is reached or not. This article describes the development of QI for the evaluation of healthcare quality in the area of differences of sex development (DSD). Following the model of Donabedian, the aim was to develop QI to assess defined relevant aspects of the quality of structures, processes, and outcomes of care in DSD. Ten DSD clinical centres and two self-advocacy groups in Germany included in the DSDCare project were involved in the development of the QI and a benchmarking system. The development of the QI involved several structured steps: analysis of guidelines and recommendations, literature review, qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the field of DSD, and patients or their carers. QIs were discussed in a multi-stage systematic consensus process and assessed in terms of their relevance, feasibility, and practicability. In a multi-stage systematic consensus process involving medical and psychological experts from a range of disciplines, people with DSD and their families, and representatives of self-advocacy groups, we have developed a set of 37 QIs (22 structure, seven process, and eight outcome quality). The QIs serve to evaluate care in the field of DSD and may add to the German criteria for certification of Centres for Rare Conditions formulated by the National Action League for People with Rare Diseases (NAMSE) in this area of expertise. We have succeeded in developing and jointly adopting a set of QIs that consider a wide range of perspectives on the quality of care for people with DSD and their families. These QIs have been found to be relevant, feasible, and practicable, and they are now used for a yearly quality benchmarking in the participating DSD centres.

Effect of vaccinations and school restrictions on the spread of COVID-19 in different age groups in Germany

Effect of vaccinations and school restrictions on the spread of COVID-19 in different age groups in Germany

Smartphone-based intervention for postpartum depressive symptoms (Smart-e-Moms): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostpartum depression constitutes a significant public health issue, with prevalence rates ranging between 8 and 19% in high-income nations. Nevertheless, numerous barriers, including time constraints, societal stigmatization, and feelings of shame, contribute to the limited utilization of healthcare services during the postpartum period. Digital interventions offer an opportunity to enhance care for women experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms.MethodsWe will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a smartphone-based intervention in comparison to a treatment-as-usual control group in Germany. Our aim is to randomize 556 participants in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group will be provided access to a preventive smartphone-based intervention called “Smart-e-Moms,” which incorporates therapeutic support and comprises 10 concise modules rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy. For the intervention group, evaluations will take place at baseline (t0), prior to sessions 4 and 8 (intermediate assessments), and upon completing the intervention 6 weeks after baseline (t1). The control group’s assessments will be at baseline (t0) and 6 weeks after baseline. Follow-up assessments are scheduled at 12 and 24 weeks from baseline to examine the short-term stability of any observed effects. We anticipate that participants in the intervention group will exhibit improvements in their postpartum depressive symptoms (as measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Additionally, we will analyze secondary outcomes, including maternal bonding, stress levels, self-efficacy, satisfaction with the intervention, and healthcare utilization.DiscussionIf Smart-e-Moms proves to be effective, it has the potential to play a significant role in postpartum depression care within German-speaking regions. Ideally, this intervention could not only benefit maternal well-being but also improve the prospects for healthy child development.Trial registrationGerman clinical trials registry DRKS00032324. Registered on January 26, 2024.

Art Vandalism and Heritage: Meaning-Making Processes of Climate Activists’ Performance in Museums

ABSTRACT In the landmark year of 2022, climate activists staged 38 heritage performances in museums and galleries worldwide to raise awareness about the pressing threats of global warming and climate crises. This article explores the advantages that heritage offers to climate activists for conveying their message and analyzes their performances within the framework of heritage. Having redefined art vandalism and suggested new terminology, the research examines all recorded incidents in 2022, with a detailed case study of the “Letzte Generation” group in Germany, who chose the Barberini Museum to throw mashed potatoes on Monet’s Meules. The group’s performance is analyzed through Professor Laurajane Smith’s concept of “heritage as performance,” demonstrating different layers of metaphorical, social, and emotional meaning.

Physical working conditions over time: a repeated cross-sectional study in German employees

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine time trends in physical working conditions across and within occupational groups in Germany between 2006 and 2018.MethodsLogistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the BIBB/BAuA Employment Surveys in 2006, 2012, and 2018, with a total sample size of 59,006 participants. The study investigated changes in various self-reported occupational exposure measures over time, along with demographic shifts in the workforce.ResultsThe results showed overall improvements in most occupational exposure measures during the study period, alongside an aging and upskilling workforce. However, exposure to awkward postures, microorganisms, and, to a lesser extent, noise increased. Substantial variation was observed between occupational groups, with more favourable trends among white-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled workers, and less favourable trends among white-collar low-skilled and blue-collar high-skilled workers.ConclusionsWhile trends in physical working conditions in Germany are partly promising, some exposures are worsening, and substantial inequalities between occupations persist. As occupational exposures remain common, there is still a need for targeted interventions to improve working conditions, particularly in higher-risk occupations.

Prevalence of Legal, Prescription, and Illegal Drugs Aiming at Cognitive Enhancement across Sociodemographic Groups in Germany

ABSTRACT There has been speculation about a growing demand for substances used without medical need for cognitive enhancement (CE). Thus, the prevalence rates and the identification of sociodemographic groups at risk of this behavior need further description and constant monitoring. We conducted a nationwide web-based representative sample (N = 22,101) (regarding sex, age, education, and federal state) of the general adult population in Germany. Results show a high past twelve months prevalence of consuming caffeinated drinks for CE (62.4% of respondents), followed by food supplements and home remedies (31.4%), and caffeine tablets (2.5%). The twelve-month prevalence of CE with prescription drugs was 3.7% (lifetime: 5.5%), of whom 29.1% reported using them 40 or more times; 40.5% of all respondents indicated some future intake willingness. Cannabis was the most frequently reported illegal drug for CE (past twelve months: 4.0%; lifetime: 10.7%), followed by the category amphetamine and methamphetamine (past twelve months: 1.0%; lifetime: 2.4%), and cocaine (past twelve months: 0.9; lifetime: 2.4%). We also show variation in the prevalence across multiple ascribed and achieved sociodemographic characteristics. These results can inform public policy and prevention strategies regarding the continued monitoring of the prevalence of CE and the identification of groups at risk of drug misuse.

Trends and determinants of the mobility of older adults in the USA and Germany, 2001–2017

Trends and determinants of the mobility of older adults in the USA and Germany, 2001–2017

The relation between contact experiences and dual identity among German residents with a Turkish or Kurdish identity

AbstractWe present secondary analyses of data collected with German residents with Turkish and Kurdish ancestry (n = 414), who represent the largest migrant groups in Germany. The majority of our sample of mostly second‐generation migrants exhibited integrated identity profiles, with high levels of both ethnic (Turkish or Kurdish) and national (German) identification. National and ethnic identification were unrelated, and both were predicted by the frequency and quality of contact with members of the respective groups as well as the extent to which participants report daily discrimination experiences. We additionally adopted a regional bias approach (Calanchini et al., 2022), inserting regional‐level data as indicators of context variance of contact opportunity and local aggregates of racialized group attitudes into analyses. Results document that the varying level of contact opportunity did not predict individual contact experiences and social identity, whereas the local attitude aggregate predicted individual contact experiences and participants' reports of daily discrimination, which, in turn, related to both ethnic and national identifications. These results indicate the relevance of social and contextual variables on the formation and navigation of multiple identities, which has theoretical and practical implications for the current societal and political debates about migration and integration.

The Development of the Cooperative Banking Sector in Selected Central and Eastern European Countries

The study assesses the development of the cooperative banking sector in selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries against the average statistics of the segment in those countries. It also compares it to the largest European cooperative banking group in Germany. The article presents the results of an analysis of the cooperative banking sectors between 2016 and 2021 in Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Germany, all of which are members of the European Association of Cooperative Banks (EACB). The selection criterion was based on the availability of detailed data on cooperative banks published by the EACB on a temporal and spatial basis.&#x0D; The empirical basis for the issues addressed in the article is a review of the reference literature and the comparative analysis of the development of the cooperative banking sector using a synthetic development indicator for the period 2016–2021. According to the theoretical and empirical analysis, Romania demonstrates the lowest level of development of the cooperative banking segment. In turn, the Polish and Bulgarian cooperative banking sectors represents a higher level of development than the Romanian one. Hungary has reached the highest level of development in the group of Central and Eastern European countries. While comparing the CEE countries to the German cooperative banking sector, their development was almost one and a half times lower and, in the case of Romania, three times lower.

The Role of Preference Formation and Perception in Unequal Representation. Combined Evidence From Elite Interviews and Focus Groups in Germany

Unequal representation can result from politicians’ biased perception of public opinion. Existing research has focused on the numerical accuracy with which politicians estimate preferences distributions in surveys. This method ignores politicians’ broader assumptions about public preferences; e.g. regarding their crystallization, salience, malleability, and measurability in surveys. We address these assumptions in a novel two-stage research design using redistributive tax policy in Germany as a case. Interviews with parliamentarians show that voters are perceived as uninformed, disinterested, and susceptible to anti-tax mobilization by business representatives. Support for taxing the rich in polls is dismissed as superficial and irrelevant for political behavior. In a second step, we verify these assumptions in twelve focus groups with high- or low-educated citizens. They largely confirm the assumed indifference and anti-tax attitudes. An education gap in tax preferences cannot be identified. Support expressed in previous surveys tends to disappear in conversations, which aligns with politicians’ experiences.

Modern individualized diagnostics and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Approximately one half of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are diagnosed at resectable tumor stages (I-IIIA), which can potentially be curatively treated. In the early tumor stages (tumor diameter ≤2 cm) sublobar resection (segmentectomy or atypical wedge resection) leads to a 5‑year long-term survival comparable to lobectomy. The use of immunotherapy, especially within the framework of neoadjuvant treatment, is anticipated to change the surgical treatment of NSCLC in the future. With the introduction of lung cancer screening for certain risk groups in Germany planned for 2024, lung tumors can be expected to be diagnosed at earlier stages and more frequently curatively treated. This article provides an overview of the potential impact of lung cancer screening, modern minimally invasive surgical techniques and neoadjuvant treatment concepts for the surgical treatment of NSCLC.