Participants In Sweden Research Articles

Dance for Parkinson, multifaceted experiences of persons living with Parkinson’s Disease

Background Dance classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are offered worldwide; however, further studies are needed to explore patients’ experiences of how dance affects well-being. Purpose To explore how Dance for Parkinson (Dance for PD) is experienced, and how it contributes to the well-being and health of participants in Sweden. Methods This qualitative study collected data from four focus groups. Participants were asked how dance classes impacted their well-being, and their ability to perform activities of daily life. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed using content analysis, meaning units were coded, and codes were coalesced into categories from which themes were abstracted. Results Dance for PD provided a multifaceted experience related to social relationships, aesthetic context, feelings of wellbeing and the physical experience of dancing. The main theme contained four sub-themes: Connectedness, Pleasure and glamour, Well-being in mind and body and Customized movements. Conclusion The present study highlights that health and well-being are improved by Dance for PD. It is an enjoyable activity that meets the specific needs of persons living with the consequences of PD and should therefore be promoted by occupational therapists.

Transdiagnostic and tailored internet intervention to improve mental health among university students: Research protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEmerging adulthood is often associated with mental health problems. About one in three university students report symptoms of depression and anxiety that can negatively affect their developmental trajectory concerning work, intimate relationships, and health. This can interfere with academic performance, as mood and anxiety disorders are key predictors of dropout from higher education. A treatment gap exists, where a considerable proportion of students do not seek help for mood and anxiety symptoms. Offering internet interventions to students with mental health problems could reduce the treatment gap, increase mental health, and improve academic performance. A meta-analysis on internet interventions for university students showed small effects for depression and none for anxiety. Larger trials are recommended to further explore effects of guidance, transdiagnostic approaches, and individual treatment components.MethodsThis study will offer 1200 university students in Sweden participation in a three-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating a guided or unguided transdiagnostic internet intervention for mild to moderate depression and anxiety, where the waitlist control group accesses the intervention at 6-month follow-up. Students reporting suicidal ideation/behaviors will be excluded and referred to treatment within the existing healthcare system. An embedded study within the trial (SWAT) will assess at week 3 of 8 whether participants in the guided and unguided groups are at higher risk of failing to benefit from treatment. Those at risk will be randomized to an adaptive treatment strategy, or to continue the treatment as originally randomized. Primary outcomes are symptoms of depression and anxiety. Follow-ups will occur at post-treatment and at 6-, 12-, and 24-month post-randomization. Between-group outcome analyses will be reported, and qualitative interviews about treatment experiences are planned.DiscussionThis study investigates the effects of a transdiagnostic internet intervention among university students in Sweden, with an adaptive treatment strategy employed during the course of treatment to minimize the risk of treatment failure. The study will contribute knowledge about longitudinal trajectories of mental health and well-being following treatment, taking into account possible gender differences in responsiveness to treatment. With time, effective internet interventions could make treatment for mental health issues more widely accessible to the student group.

Having Plans for the Future in Very Old People.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of having plans for the future among very old people and the factors associated with having such plans. A longitudinal population-based study with home visits for 85-, 90-, and ≥95-year-old participants in Sweden and Finland was used. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional-hazards regression models with a maximum 5-year follow-up period were used. The prevalence of having plans for the future was 18.6% (174/936). More men than women and more people living in Sweden than in Finland had plans for the future. In multivariate models, having plans for the future was associated with speaking Swedish, being dentate, and living in the community in the total sample; speaking Swedish and being dentate among women; and speaking Swedish, having a lower Geriatric Depression Scale score, and urban residence among men. Having plans for the future was associated univariately, but not multivariately, with increased survival.

Affordance trajectories and the usefulness of online records access among older adults in Sweden.

The current understanding of the breadth of individual differences in how eHealth technologies are perceived as useful for different purposes is incomprehensive. The aim/purpose of the study is to improve the understanding of diverse perceptions of the usefulness of technologies by exploring older adults' use of their patient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs). The study applies and extends Affordance Theory based on an empirical analysis of data from the NORDeHEALTH 2022 Patient Survey on attitudes toward PAEHR in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. Responses from 3964 participants in Sweden, aged 65 + years were analysed. Data included demographics and agreement ratings to reasons for using PAEHR. To analyse variation in the reasons for using PAEHR, group comparisons were conducted based on gender (male/female), age group (65-74, 75-84 and 85+) and earlier encouragement to use PAEHR. Overall, the findings suggest that PAEHRs have multiple parallel affordance trajectories and affordance potencies that actualise differently depending on needs. The top reasons, pointing to both orientational and goal-oriented affordances for using PAEHR, were improving understanding of health issues, getting an overview of medical history/treatment and ensuring understanding of what the doctor said. Men reported more often sharing information with relatives or friends as a reason to access PAEHR. Women were more inclined, albeit similarly to men less frequently, to read their PAEHR for detecting errors. Age had little influence on reasons for using PAEHR. The study applies and extends Affordance Theory in the context of older adults' PAEHR use based on findings from the largest national investigation of reasons for older users to access PAEHR in Sweden demonstrating the applicability of the theory in improving the understanding of the diversity of individual perceptions on eHealth technologies.

Drivers and barriers to participation in Sweden's local flexibility markets for electricity

Local flexibility markets (LFM) for electricity are in their early stages, and most research has focused on their design aspects and aggregators, while little attention has been paid to providers and potential providers of flexibility resources. The present research aims to fill this gap by analysing data from 25 in-depth interviews with enrolled and potential flexibility service providers of two LFMs in Sweden. The primary goal of the analysis is to identify the drivers and barriers to participating in and providing flexibility to LFMs that are influencing these actors. Our findings show that monetary incentives were not as important as expected. The main drivers were as follows: an aggregator acting as a mediator between the buyer and the provider; a champion with personal engagement in the organisation; a wish to be a part of resolving congestion in the electricity grid; and gaining knowledge about flexibility as a resource. The main barriers identified were that LFM design was challenging to understand and that extensive knowledge about how the market functions was needed to participate. Other barriers were related to existing regulations, manual and time-consuming processes, participation not being profitable enough, perceived interference with the companies’ core businesses, and the risk of compromising customer relationships. For the future, it is essential to simplify participation, develop automation, and contribute to establishing aggregators who can support potential flexibility service providers.

Prevalence and risk factors for transactional sex among Swedish-born and foreign-born MSM in Sweden

BackgroundLittle is known about transactional sex (TS) (selling and buying sex) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sweden, especially among foreign-born MSM. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of TS (ever and in the previous five years) among MSM living in Sweden and to determine if there is a difference between Swedish-born MSM and foreign-born MSM.MethodsSwedish data from a multicountry online banner survey (EMIS-2017) was used (n = 4443). Multivariable regression analysis was applied to analyse the data.ResultsThe prevalence of ever-selling sex among all MSM participants was 13.2% and 5.9% in the previous five years. Selling sex ever and in the previous five years was higher among foreign-born MSM (16% and 8.4%, respectively) than Swedish-born MSM (12.7% and 5.4%, respectively). Among all participants, younger age (aOR:3.19, 95% CI:1.57–6.45) and really struggling to live on current income (aOR:3.37, 95% CI:2.29–4.96) increased the odds of selling sex. Being foreign-born MSM (aOR:1.33, 95% CI:1.02–1.73) and having had sex with a woman in the previous 12 months increased the odds of selling sex (aOR:1.44, 95% CI:1.00–2.07).The prevalence of ever buying sex among MSM participants in Sweden was 10.8% and 6.7% in the previous five years, with the same trend among foreign-born MSM (11.6% and 6.9%, respectively) and Swedish-born MSM (10.7% and 6.6%, respectively). Higher education and not having a current partner increased the odds of buying sex. Younger age was protective for buying sex (aOR:0.05, 95% CI:0.02–0.14). Among the foreign-born MSM, the length of stay in Sweden decreased the odds of buying sex (aOR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99).ConclusionsThe comparatively high prevalence of TS among MSM participants in Sweden, where buying sex is illegal, with a higher prevalence among foreign-born MSM participants, calls for sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions in this population. Increased attention, including HIV prevention programming and education, should be aimed at younger MSM, MSM struggling with their current income, and foreign-born MSM, as they are more likely to report selling sex.

Materfamilias: the association of mother’s work on children’s absolute income mobility, Southern Sweden (1947–2015)

Abstract This article examines the association of mothers’ income with children’s economic mobility in a period of increased women’s labor market participation in Sweden. I found that whether a mother was economically independent and had an income similar to that of the father during her children’s late childhood and adolescence positively associated with upward mobility. The results show a substantial association of mother’s income position to their daughters’ mobility, but not for sons’. Among the primary mechanisms, I argue that extra resources from mothers helped human capital investment through education and that mothers influenced daughters by a gendered role model.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Sweden and Italy: The role of trust in authorities.

Background:The success of vaccination campaigns against COVID-19 infection is vital for moving from a COVID-19 pandemic to an endemic scenario. We aimed to unravel the influence of the risk perception of epidemics along with individual and contextual factors on adherence to COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in Italy and Sweden.Methods:We compared the results of two nationwide surveys carried out in August 2021 across four domains of epidemic risk perception: perceived likelihood, perceived impact on the individual and perceived individual and authority knowledge. The roles of individual and contextual determinants were also explored.Results:The survey included 2144 participants in Sweden (52.3% women) and 2010 in Italy (52.6% women). In both countries, we found that trust in authorities was one of the main drivers of this process, with two-fold increased odds of being vaccinated. Being highly educated and having a higher relative income were associated with a higher adherence to the vaccination campaign (for relative income OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.23–1.67 in Sweden and OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.04–1.34 in Italy; for education OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.30–2.77 in Sweden and OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.09–1.97 in Italy), whereas a right and centre-right compared with a left and centre-left political orientation was negatively related to vaccination adherence (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.25–0.67 in Sweden and OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.33–0.68 in Italy).Conclusions:Increasing trust in authorities, along with an equal global distribution of vaccine doses, can contribute to accelerating vaccination campaigns around the world and, in turn, to move towards an endemic scenario.

Gaming Activity and Possible Changes in Gaming Behavior Among Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Online Survey Study.

BackgroundYoung people’s daily lives and social interactions changed remarkably during the COVID-19 pandemic as schools and cinemas closed, leisure activities were cancelled, and gatherings were regulated. Questions have been raised by the media, schools, policy makers, and research communities about the effect on young people’s online behaviors.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to study self-reported changes in gaming, focusing on a younger section of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. We also wanted to look at potential risk factors behind problematic gaming during the pandemic, including gaming patterns, gambling behavior, psychological distress, certain sociodemographic characteristics, health factors, and school situation.MethodsThis was an anonymous online survey study of web panel participants in Sweden (n=1501) to study changes in gaming behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-reported increases in gaming were analyzed in logistic regression analyses against sociodemographic and health factors.ResultsWithin the study population that reported changes in gaming activity, we found significant differences in age, employment status, disposable income, whether they ever played on loot boxes, time spent at home, school attendance, psychological distress, and gambling and gaming problems, as well as significant differences in changes in alcohol consumption and exercise habits. When examining the 16–24-year-old age group who reported changes in gaming activity, we found significant differences within the group in disposable income, time at home, and school attendance. When examining the 25–39-year-old age group who reported changes in gaming activity, we found significant differences within the group in employment status, disposable income, time spent at home, whether the respondents were studying, school attendance level, psychological distress, and gaming problems, as well as significant differences in changes in alcohol consumption and exercise habits. Psychological distress (all age groups analyzed together; 25–39-year-old age group), drinking less alcohol (all age groups analyzed together), spending more time at home (all age groups analyzed together), gaming problems, and exercising less (25–39-year-old age group) were positively correlated with a self-reported increase in gaming activity. Being employed (25–39-year-old age group) and being over 40 years of age (all age groups analyzed together) were negatively correlated with increased gaming. We found no significant correlations in the 16–24-year-old age group.ConclusionsThose who reported increased gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to be 16 years to 39 years old. In the age group of 25 years to 39 years old, the increase was associated with psychological distress, reporting less exercise, and being unemployed. COVID-19 may present as a risk factor of increased online gaming in a small but vulnerable group. More research and preferably longitudinal studies are needed in the field of gaming and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association of Longitudinal High-Sensitivity Troponin T With Mortality in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

BackgroundCardiac troponin T (cTnT) is associated with mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the association between longitudinal cTnT measurements and survival has not previously been assessed. ObjectivesThis study determined whether various parameterizations of longitudinal cTnT measurements were associated with patient survival in the older population with advanced CKD. MethodsThe EQUAL (European QUALity) study is an observational prospective cohort study that includes subjects with stage 4-5 CKD aged ≥65 years and not on dialysis. The study includes 176 participants in Sweden, where longitudinal information of cTnT was collected. The study uses joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data to assess the longitudinal association between cTnT and survival. ResultsThere were 927 cTnT measurements (median 6 per patient) collected over a median follow-up of 2.4 years. The overall 5-year survival was 57% (95% CI: 46%-69%). Longitudinally measured cTnT was associated with mortality risk, with every SD increase in cTnT, at any time point, associated with a 3.3-fold increase in mortality risk (HR: 3.3; 95% CI: 2.5-4.6). The slope of the cTnT trajectory was also associated with increased mortality risk (HR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.0-6.0), as was the area under the cTnT trajectory (HR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.6-7.2), which reflected the cumulative cTnT exposure. ConclusionsLongitudinally measured cTnT is independently associated with mortality risk in older patients with stage 4 and 5 CKD, which suggests that monitoring patients with cTnT could be a valuable tool for the identification of subjects with a high mortality risk.

Physical activity and sedentary time in a multimodal lifestyle intervention in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease: The MIND‐ADMINI pilot trial

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is multifactorial. Interventions simultaneously targeting multiple risk factors are most likely to be effective, as demonstrated in the 2‐year Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER). While patients with prodromal AD represent a group with high risk of progressing to dementia, no trials have tested the feasibility of multimodal interventions in prodromal AD. The main purpose of the MIND‐ADMINI was to evaluate the overall adherence to such multimodal intervention. This sub‐study focuses on exploratory outcomes which included physical performance and physical activity (PA) levels.MethodMIND‐ADMINI is a 6‐month multicenter (Sweden, Finland, Germany, France) randomized controlled pilot trial. Participants with prodromal AD, between 60 and 85 years were randomized into three groups: usual care (control (C)), multidomain lifestyle intervention combining nutritional guidance, cognitive training, exercise, and careful monitoring of vascular risk factors (ML), or multidomain lifestyle intervention+medical food (ML+MF) (Fortasyn Connect). The multidomain lifestyle intervention was based on the FINGER model and included a progressive aerobic‐ and strength training program. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light activity, step counts, and time (min/day) spent sedentary were evaluated using data from a hip‐worn accelerometer. For each outcome, 6‐month values were regressed on baseline to estimate change.ResultsBaseline accelerometry data was available for 66 of 69 participants in Sweden, Finland, and France. At the 6‐month follow‐up, accelerometry data from 55 participants was included. At baseline mean age (SD) was 72,9 (6,2) years, 50,7% were men, and MMSE score was 27,6 (1,6) points. No significant values were found. At follow‐up, all groups increased their sedentary time, C (8,3%), ML (9,3%) and ML+MF (1,6%). Increased step count (3,4%) time in MVPA (2,8%) and light activity (9,5%) was observed during follow‐up in the ML+MF group.ConclusionsMeasurement of physical activity level using a hip‐worn accelerometer was feasible in this population. The observed increased time in MVPA, light activity and step counts in ML+MF group at the same time as sedentary time increased in all three groups between baseline and 6‐months follow‐up highlight the importance of physical activity as a part of multidomain lifestyle interventions in persons with prodromal AD.

Changes in Self-Reported Web-Based Gambling Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundThe COVID‑19 pandemic has affected not only somatic health with over 3.7 million deaths worldwide, but also has had a huge impact on psychological health, creating what amounts to a mental health crisis. The negative effect of the pandemic on traditional addictions is well described and concerning, and the same has been seen for gambling.ObjectiveThis study explores self-reported web-based gambling behavior during the COVID‑19 pandemic in Sweden. We investigated overall changes, but also changes in specific web-based gambling types, and whether they are associated with certain risk factors or lifestyle changes.MethodsOur study is based on an anonymous web-based survey of web panel participants in Sweden (N=1501) designed to study a range of behavioral changes during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Increases in gambling were analyzed using logistic regression models against sociodemographic data and psychological distress.ResultsThe majority of the respondents who gambled reported no changes in their gambling habits during the COVID‑19 pandemic. We found significant associations with the problem gambling severity index (PGSI), the Kessler score (indicating psychological distress), employment status, changes in alcohol habits, and self-exclusion when looking at overall changes in gambling activity in the pandemic. In the subgroup that reported an increase in gambling activity, we found an association with both the PGSI and Kessler scores. The PGSI score was also an independent predictor for all specific web-based gambling (horses, sports, poker, and casino) whereas the Kessler score only had a significant impact on changes in casino gambling. In addition, male gender was an independent predictor for gambling on sports and casino gambling.ConclusionsThe majority of respondents who gambled reported no changes in their gambling activity during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The group that reported an increase in overall gambling activity during the COVID-19 pandemic represent a group with gambling problems and psychological distress. The group that reported increased sports and casino gambling were often male, and this group seemed to experience more psychological distress.

School outcomes of adolescents with cerebral palsy in Sweden.

AimTo study school outcomes of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with a matched comparison group from the general population, and to observe to what extent sociodemographic and disability‐specific factors are associated with school outcomes.MethodThis was a register study of persons with CP in Sweden, born between 1990 and 1999, with a matched comparison group. Logistic regressions were used to estimate the associations between CP and disability‐specific factors and school outcomes (receiving final grades, grade scores, fulfilling the requirements for progressing to secondary school/university, and attending secondary school).ResultsChildren with CP had substantially lower school achievement compared with a general population sample. Much of the difference can be attributed to intellectual disability; however, CP remained strongly negatively associated with school outcomes. Ability to communicate in an effective manner explained most of the variation in children with CP, whereas motor function played a smaller role.InterpretationThe results suggest that school achievements might be improved if the communication barrier could be reduced, for example by ascertaining access to appropriate communication devices and by educators being aware that communicative difficulties do not necessarily imply intellectual disability. This might enhance the school experience and create an environment where children with CP can reach their full potential.What this study adds There are reduced educational outcomes associated with cerebral palsy.Negative outcomes are mainly driven by reduced communicative and intellectual ability.Gross motor function is associated with outcomes, but plays a smaller part.

Beta cell function in participants with single or multiple islet autoantibodies at baseline in the TEDDY Family Prevention Study: TEFA.

AimThe aim of the present study was to assess beta cell function based on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in participants with single islet autoantibody or an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IvGTT) in participants with multiple islet autoantibodies.Materials and methodsHealthy participants in Sweden and Finland, between 2 and 49.99 years of age previously identified as positive for a single (n = 30) autoantibody to either insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, islet antigen‐2, zinc transporter 8 or islet cell antibodies or multiple autoantibodies (n = 46), were included. Participants positive for a single autoantibody underwent a 6‐point OGTT while participants positive for multiple autoantibodies underwent an IvGTT. Glucose, insulin and C‐peptide were measured from OGTT and IvGTT samples.ResultsAll participants positive for a single autoantibody had a normal glucose tolerance test with 120 minutes glucose below 7.70 mmol/L and HbA1c values within the normal range (<42 mmol/mol). Insulin responses to the glucose challenge on OGTT ranged between 13.0 and 143 mIU/L after 120 minutes with C‐peptide values between 0.74 and 4.60 nmol/L. In Swedish participants, the first‐phase insulin response (FPIR) on IvGTT was lower in those positive for three or more autoantibodies (n = 13; median 83.0 mIU/L; range 20.0‐343) compared to those with two autoantibodies (n = 15; median 146 mIU/L; range 19.0‐545; P = .0330).ConclusionParticipants positive for a single autoantibody appeared to have a normal beta cell function. Participants positive for three or more autoantibodies had a lower FPIR as compared to participants with two autoantibodies, supporting the view that their beta cell function had deteriorated.

Costs of diabetes complications: hospital-based care and absence from work for 392,200 people with type 2 diabetes and matched control participants in Sweden

Aims/hypothesisThe risk of complications and medical consequences of type 2 diabetes are well known. Hospital costs have been identified as a key driver of total costs in studies of the economic burden of type 2 diabetes. Less evidence has been generated on the impact of individual diabetic complications on the overall societal burden. The objective of this study was to analyse costs of hospital-based healthcare (inpatient and outpatient care) and work absence related to individual macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes in Sweden in 2016.MethodsData for 2016 were retrieved from a Swedish national retrospective observational database cross-linking individual-level data for 1997–2016. The database contained information from population-based health, social insurance and socioeconomic registers for 392,200 people with type 2 diabetes and matched control participants (5:1). Presence of type 2 diabetes and of diabetes complications were derived using all years, 1997–2016. Costs of hospital-based care and of absence from work due to diabetes complications were estimated for the year 2016. Regression analysis was used for comparison with control participants to attribute absence from work to individual complications, and to account for joint presence of complications.ResultsUse of hospital care for complications was higher in type 2 diabetes compared with control participants in 2016: 26% vs 12% had ≥1 hospital contact; there were 86,104 vs 24,608 outpatient visits per 100,000 people; and there were 9894 vs 2546 inpatient admissions per 100,000 people (all p < 0.001). The corresponding total costs of hospital-based care for complications were €919 vs €232 per person (p < 0.001), and 74.7% of costs were then directly attributed to diabetes (€687 per person). Regression analyses distributed the costs of days absent from work across diabetes complications per se, basic type 2 diabetes effect and unattributed causes. Diabetes complications amounted to €1317 per person in 2016, accounting for possible complex interactions (25% of total costs of days absent). Key drivers of costs were the macrovascular complications angina pectoris, heart failure and stroke; and the microvascular complications eye diseases, including retinopathy, kidney disease and neuropathy. Early mortality in working ages cost an additional €579 per person and medications used in risk-factor treatment amounted to €418 per person.Conclusions/interpretationThe economic burden of complications in type 2 diabetes is substantial. Costs of absence from work in this study were found to be greater than of hospital-based care, highlighting the need for considering treatment consequences in a societal perspective in research and policy.Graphical abstract

In the eye of the beholder: Expected and actual liking for apples with visual imperfections

Food appearance is an important determinant for expected and actual liking, but some food is not even available for purchase due to visual imperfections. In two studies conducted with 130 participants in Sweden, we measured consumers’ expected and actual liking for different apples with three types of visual imperfection (color, shape and damage). We investigated the effects of apples’ visual characteristics on expected liking and whether or not this relationship is mediated by emotions and attitudes. Secondly, we investigated how actual liking differed between the groups of apples, and how it differed from expected liking. Results indicated that attitudes are the strongest mediator between visual characteristics of apples and expected liking. Moreover, participants indicated higher expected liking for color and shape imperfections relative to damaged apples. Results from the second study indicated a significant difference between expected and actual liking, and less variability in actual liking between the apple groups relative to the variability in expected liking.It can be concluded that the visual characteristics of apples influence both expected and actual liking, the practical implication for retailers being a need to carefully distinguish between the different types of visual sub-optimality and to keep the products that have a higher chance to be chosen (sub-optimal in shape and colour). Thus, these results generate a clearer understanding of visual sub-optimality, and can be incorporated in strategies for reducing food waste in stores.

Communicative Planning and Participation in Sweden Through Planner’s Perspective: Case of Ullerâker Region

The communicative planning approach that has come to the fore in the urban planning literature in the last decades has changed both the urban planning processes and the position and role of the planners. The concept of communicative planning, which carries traditional and hierarchical planning processes to a communicative base by developing dialogue and cooperation between participants/actors, has brought planners beyond being a simple bureaucrat/technocrat as well. This study problematizes how planners perceive and implement the roles of communicative planning for planners. In this problematic context, in this study, which selected Ulleråker urban planning project in Uppsala, Sweden as a case study, face-to-face semi-structured interview data with 13 planners who worked in Ulleråker project were analyzed.

FAMILY STRUCTURE AND SOCIOECONOMIC PATTERNS OF SPORT DEMAND: A NONLINEAR ANALYSIS

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of sociodemographic and economic factors on the level of sport participation in Sweden. Using a randomly drawn sample of the sport participation, we apply a proportional odds model to capture the natural ordering of dependent variables and any inherent nonlinearities. The findings show that individual demand for sport depends on gender, age, educational attainment, income, marital status, household characteristics, employment status, and willingness to pay. Understanding the determinants of sport participation could assist to identify target areas for health economics policy and the achievement of such objectives.

Clinical/serological outcome in humans bitten by Babesia species positive Ixodes ricinus ticks in Sweden and on the Åland Islands

The risk of contracting babesiosis after a tick bite in Sweden and on the Åland Islands, Finland, is unknown. We investigated clinical and serological outcomes in people bitten by Ixodes ricinus ticks positive for Babesia species. Ticks, blood and questionnaires were obtained from study participants in Sweden and on the Åland Islands. Sixty-five of 2098 (3.1 %) ticks were positive by real-time PCR. Three Babesia species were detected, Babesia microti (n = 33), B. venatorum (n = 27) and B. capreoli (n = 5), the latter species not known to cause human infection. Half (46 %) of the Babesia PCR-positive ticks also contained Borrelia spp. Fifty-three participants bitten by a Babesia PCR-positive tick and a control group bitten by a Babesia PCR-negative tick were tested for B. microti IgG antibodies by IFA. The overall seroprevalence was 4.4 %, but there was no significant difference between the groups. None of the participants seroconverted and no participant with a Babesia PCR-positive tick sought medical care or reported symptoms suggestive of babesiosis. Given the prevalence of Babesia in I. ricinus ticks in southern Sweden and on the Åland Islands, babesiosis should be considered a possible diagnosis in symptomatic residents who seek medical care following tick exposure.

Giving to be civil or civic? – A social origins analysis of charitable giving in Sweden

ABSTRACTThe reasons people have to give money to charities varies between different societal settings. This article explores the interaction between individual and social reasons to give in Sweden, a country representing a distinct type of such settings. The purpose of the article is to addresses not only the question of how much that is donated and to what, but to also provide an interpretation of why people give and what it means to give in this national context. Social origins theory is used to analyse results gathered from a national survey on civic participation in Sweden. The results show that giving in Sweden is widespread, small-scale and relatively uniform across different groups of givers. It is concluded from this that giving is mainly a civil act performed for personal reasons and to a lesser degree a civic act with significance for the social standing of the donor.