Use In Portugal Research Articles

Violent attitudes in Portugal and Canada: Measurement invariance and psychometric properties of the Evaluation of Violence Questionnaire.

Theory and evidence suggest that attitudes toward violence are relevant for the explanation, prediction, and reduction of violent behavior. The purpose of the present study was to adapt a measure of violent attitudes-the Evaluation of Violence Questionnaire (EVQ)-for use in Portugal, test the cross-country equivalence, and test the validity of both versions. We found the expected one-factor structure, high internal consistency, and cross-country measurement invariance for the Portuguese and original EVQ with men in Portugal (N = 320) and Canada (N = 298). We also found the expected pattern of correlations with measures of more versus less theoretically relevant constructs: both versions of the EVQ showed the strongest correlations with overall aggression and reactive aggression; slightly lower correlations with proactive aggression; negative correlations with self-control; and the smallest correlations with self-esteem. Our results support the equivalence, reliability, and validity of the Portuguese and original versions of the EVQ.

Contextual similarities in psychological flexibility: the Brazil-Portugal transcultural adaptation of Psy-Flex

Psychological Flexibility is an essential concept in Contextual Behavioural Sciences. The development of instruments is vital for its study, and it is an opportunity to reflect on this concept. Among the measures of this construct, Psy-Flex shows promise due to comprehensiveness in assessing the six facets of psychological flexibility and its pragmatic value. In the present study, we sought to translate Psy-Flex to Portuguese and adapt it transculturally for use in Portugal and Brazil. The translation was done independently by Brazilian and Portuguese researchers, and a consensus procedure was done to identify a synthesis. A total of 873 adults from Portugal and Brazil were involved in this study. The participants completed several questionnaires with ACT-related measures (e.g., cognitive fusion, mindful attention) and instruments measuring conceptually related variables (e.g., positive mental health). The results show good psychometric properties of PsyFlex. The one-factor structure of the original instrument was confirmed in both the Portuguese and Brazilian samples. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit of the model to the data (CFI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.055) of both countries. Furthermore, the Psy-Flex showed convergent validity with related measures in a conceptually expected way. As a transcultural instrument, we argue that both the similarities and differences across samples suggest the broad human nature of psychological flexibility while retaining its context sensitivity.

Companion Animal Owners' Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Antibiotic Use in Portugal.

While multiple studies have focused on the motivations surrounding antibiotic prescription among veterinarians, little is known about companion animal owners' knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) regarding the topic. A nationwide survey directed toward Portuguese dog and cat owners was conducted online and at veterinary practices to characterize their KAP regarding antibiotics. After database curation, a total of 423 valid submissions were considered. Although 97.9% of respondents stated that they knew what an antibiotic was, 23.5% and 19.2% answered that they were used to treat viral and fungal infections, respectively. Antimicrobial effectiveness was favored over cost when 87.7% of owners agreed they would prefer to spend more money to identify the appropriate antibiotic. Around 87% of respondents recognized antibiotic resistance as a significant health problem and 74.6% strongly agreed/somewhat agreed that antibiotic use in pets may contribute to resistance development. However, only 25.3% recognized that this could promote resistance dissemination, showing little awareness of the interconnection between human and animal health. Moreover, 55.6% of respondents were neutral when asked whether antibiotics used in veterinary medicine were also important for humans. These findings suggest that communication between veterinarians and pet owners can still be improved to further clarify the impact that antibiotic use has in pets from a One-Health perspective, also enabling antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

Parental Perceptions of the Impact of a Child’s Complex Chronic Condition: A Validation Study of the Impact on Family Scale

The diagnosis of a child’s complex chronic illness may impact family relationships and cohesion. The Impact on Family Scale (IFS) is an instrument used to assess the parental perception of the effects of children’s chronic illness on family life. With a sample of 110 mothers and fathers between the ages of 29 and 50 who have a child with a complex chronic illness, we examine evidence of the validity of the IFS for use in Portugal within this specific family configuration, (1) comparing its factor structure with the original one; (2) assessing its reliability; and (3) evaluating its relationship with life satisfaction and family cohesion/acceptance. As expected, CFA analysis showed that IFS is a one-factor reliable instrument with 12 items (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.910), which are negatively correlated with satisfaction with life (r = −0.229, p = 0.016) and positively correlated with family acceptance and cohesion (r = 0.363; p < 0.001). The results support the validity of the IFS in families with children and adolescents with a complex chronic illness. The implications of the use of this instrument for research and professional practice is analyzed.

Reframing Relational Space. Migration from the Perspective of Those ‘Who Stay’

AbstractMigratory research projects are increasingly concerned with bringing together those ‘who go’ and those ‘who stay’, considering the impact of living in transnational family relationships. The perception and use of space have moved between digital and face-to-face spaces in the management of these dynamics. Considering that Portugal has both a high rate of ageing and a high number of young adult emigrants, it is important to explore how parental figures in Portugal and young adult children abroad re-signify their presence. In this paper, we intend to reflect on how parental figures in Portugal use digital and face-to-face presence to connect with their emigrated children and how that might re-signify the space with the community where they live. Using a post-positivist paradigm and semi-structured interviews, we developed a qualitative study with parental figures living in Portugal and their adult children living abroad (N = 20, age M = 60, 83; DP = 9, 15). We analysed the data using the software N-Vivo (ed. 14). The general results point to the inclusion of digital space as a dimension for the negotiation of space–time within family rituals. In this sense, digital platforms and devices gain importance in the maintenance of communication and the planning of routines or celebrations. The dynamics of these family groups are influenced by the perception of social values and norms. The presence established between the digital and the physical seems to be important in (a) decreasing the impact of isolation and increasing participants’ sense of belonging, (b) promoting cross-cultural values, and (c) encouraging participants to use digital tools to connect with other groups in their communities.

A Review of Current Approaches to Evaluating and Reimbursing New Medicines in a Subset of OECD Countries.

The aim of this study was to review the current evaluation and funding processes for new drugs in different developed countries, to provide a comparative framework with detailed, homogeneous, and up-to-date information. Scientific publications, reports and websites were reviewed between July and December 2021 using PubMed, Google Scholar, and grey literature sources. The main items searched were actors and processes, including timelines, characteristics of clinical and economic evaluations, participation of stakeholders, elements of price and reimbursement decisions, cost-effectiveness thresholds and specific funds. The analysed 13 countries were Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, South Korea, Spain and Sweden. Eight countries perform the assessment process separated from the pricing decision. Countries measure each drug's added therapeutic value through multi-attribute value scales, algorithms, non-prescriptive lists of criteria, or quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Health technology assessment (HTA) methodologies differ in their outcome measures, elicitation techniques, comparators, and perspectives. The criteria used for pricing and reimbursement include humanistic, clinical, and economic aspects. Only Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Canada and Portugal use explicit efficiency thresholds. Health care professionals participate in all assessment committees, and patients are becoming increasingly involved in most countries. The official time from marketing authorisation to the completion of the evaluation and pricing processes varied from 126 to 540 days. Most analysed countries show a trend towards value-based approaches that consider value for money to society, but also other economic, clinical, and humanistic criteria. Good practices included robustness, transparency, independence, and participation.

Remains of traditional fire use in Portugal: A historical analysis

Traditional, rural, native, or indigenous fire has coexisted with lightning-caused fire since the origin of Humanity. In Portugal, several uses of fire played an essential role in supporting communities from the settlement of the Portuguese territory within complex agrosilvo-pastoral systems. Previous studies approached traditional fire knowledge from different perspectives, but none comprehensively described the concept. Resorting to historical documentary sources, this paper identifies and describes the traditional practices involving the different fire uses in Portuguese rural communities from the foundation of Portugal until the end of the 19th century. The approach showed a general abandonment and progressive loss of many of those traditional uses of fire at the end of the 19th century. It led to the breakdown of the conventional traditional agrosilvo-pastoral system and the disarticulation of the interdependence of Human and Nature processes. Due to legal conditionings and prohibitions, the current traditional uses of fire are only remains of the past. As a result, academia is essential to promote and revive traditional fire knowledge in the country.

Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Parental Health Literacy Activities Test-8 with Portuguese Parents

Background. Parents’ health literacy has a great impact on child’s care and health. Knowing parent’s health literacy levels is crucial to avoid the consequences of limited literacy and for the creation of better health policies and educational interventions. To assess those levels, we must have tools tailored to this population. However, there is a lack of specific instruments to evaluate this capacity in Portuguese parents of children aged less than 12 months. Aim. To perform the cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Parental Health Literacy Assessment Test-8 for use in Portugal. Methods. Methodological study is divided into two phases: cultural adaptation and psychometric validation. The first phase followed the Beaton guidelines. The second, carried out with 176 parents, took place at a public hospital in Portugal, between October 2020 and June 2021. Data were analyzed for internal reliability using the Kuder–Richardson reliability coefficient (KR-20). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to estimate factor validity, applying polychoric correlation measures using the “lavaan package” for the R statistical package. Results. In the cultural adaptation, the expert committee adjusted the translated version, validating the content for Portuguese parents. At validation, the calculated value of KR-20 was approximately 0.50. The empirical indices of the goodness-of-fit of the factor model showed a good overall fit, although two of the items had low weights (0.24 and 0.32). The results of the factors show an acceptable value for the factor (FC = 0.756) and a lower value for the average variance extracted. Conclusion. The version of the instrument adapted for Portugal presented adequate semantic and content equivalence. The psychometrics suggested that the PHLAT-8-PT is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used systematically by the health team to measure the health literacy levels and improve health education.

Multi-analytical characterisation of blotting sands on documents from religious orders in Portugal (16th-19th centuries)

Too little is known about areia de escrever, i.e., blotting sands, the intriguing particles sprinkled on freshly written scripts to accelerate the drying time of the ink. Blotting sands constitute a valuable but underestimated historical source.This work investigated the blotting sands used on the account books of the religious houses scattered across continental Portugal and Madeira Island (16th-19th centuries). The sands were mainly composed of different minerals, predominately black sands, but in a few cases, minerals were found mixed with gums, paper cocoons or bone shavings. The combined use of SEM-EDS, µ-Raman and FT-IR techniques uncovered the materials' chemical or mineralogical composition and morphology. This approach, allied with image analysis and statistics complemented with multivariate analysis, allowed us to look for trends between the samples and hypothesise about their provenance. Heavy minerals, such as ilmenite, hematite and almandine, were identified as major components, together with other silicates (e.g. quartz). Samples were dominated by medium-sized grains with shape features indicating texturally mature sediments resulting from a medium-to-long sedimentary transport. Due to shorter geological transport distances, Madeira Island was the exception, with more angular grains. This work allowed us to uncover blotting sands, value them as historical sources, and establish a roadmap for their use in Portugal, aiming to pave the way towards a more global context in Europe.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ABC taxonomy for medication adherence into Portuguese - Updating patients into people.

The Ascertaining Barriers to Compliance (ABC) taxonomy for describing medication adherence was created in 2012, aiming to standardize terms and definitions in research and practice. The taxonomy comprises seven terms and definitions. Originally developed in English, subsequently translated into French and German, is currently being translated to Portuguese, Spanish, Czech, Romanian and Italian, aiming to promote its global use and overcome cultural barriers. To cross-culturally translate the ABC taxonomy into Portuguese for Portugal and Brazil. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify published taxonomy terms and definitions in Portuguese, and to identify panelists in medication adherence. Initial mapping of terms and definitions retrieved was scrutinized by the research team to build an e-survey. The e-survey was piloted and then sent to panelists in both countries seeking consensus using a three-round Delphi method. Consensus was defined as ≥ 85% for round 1 and≥75% for round 2. Terms with agreement <10% were dropped between rounds. In round 3, terms and definitions reaching agreement between 50 and 75% were classified as moderate consensus,>75-95% as consensus and >95% as strong consensus. A total of 778 studies were identified and 84 included, enabling the extraction of 154 terms and 32 definitions. In round 1, 164 panelists participated, 115 in round 2 and 99 in the round 3. Consensus was achieved in both countries for all seven terms and definitions, although with varying intensity of agreement. The term "Management of adherence" and the definition of "Discontinuation" obtained moderate consensus in both countries. A unified and unique ABC taxonomy in Portuguese was possible to develop for use in Portugal and in Brazil. Its use will harmonize and standardize the terms and definitions used in clinical practice and research.

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Birth Satisfaction Scale–Revised in Portuguese postpartum women

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to develop a Portuguese-language version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) for clinical and research use in Portugal (PT-BSS-R). The factor structure, its invariance across depression levels, and the internal consistency of the PT-BSS-R were analysed. Method A sample of 1373 Portuguese-speaking postpartum women completed a sociodemographic and clinical form, the PT-BSS-R, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale through an online survey tool. Four competing models were tested through confirmatory factor analyses and bifactor model-based psychometric indices were calculated. The internal consistency and the divergent/convergent validity are analysed. Results The psychometric properties of PT-BSS-R were found to be generally excellent. Both the original correlated three-factor model and the bifactor model exhibited a good fit to the data. Results from the bifactor model support the use of both the BSS-R total score and the subscale scores. Exemplary invariance findings were observed between groups stratified on the basis of depression screening. PT-BSS-R has demonstrated both divergent and convergent validity as well as internal consistency. Conclusion PT-BSS-R is a psychometrically robust measure of birth satisfaction appropriate for clinical and research use in Portugal.

The Individual Music-Centered Assessment Profile for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (IMCAP-ND) for use in Portugal: Translation and psychometric evidence

There is a comprehensive need for music-centred assessment tools as specific outcome measures of music therapy efficacy for people with neuro-developmental disorders (NDD), namely, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), as music facilitates communicative and social skills of these individuals and allows unique ways to assess their particular deficits. This research explored the initial psychometric properties of the Individual Music-Centered Assessment Profile for Neurodevelopmental Disorders’ European Portuguese version (IMCAP-NDPT), by examining 1) translation and adaptation, 2) inter-rater reliability, 3) test-retest reliability and 4) criterion and convergent validity. Study I had a sample of 87 children aged between 21 and 91 months, 30 of them with neurotypical development and 57 with several neurodevelopmental disorders, while studies II, III and IV had autistic children aged between 26 and 65 months (n = 10, n = 12 and n = 11, respectively). The translated and transculturally adapted version of IMCAP-NDPT seemed adequate for its purposes. This outcome measure obtained statistical significance when differentiating between groups with and without pathology. Findings also revealed a moderate / satisfactory test-retest repeatability (95% CI – CCI = .424 p= .022 ranging to CCI= .791 p= .000) and solid interobserver agreement (95% CI – ICC from .924 to .996 single measures p = .000, (κ) between two raters ranging from .81 to 1.00 in 63 of 109 items of the three scales as well as Pearson’s r ranged between .7 and .9; α = .997). Regarding criterion and convergent validity, positive significant correlations were found between several Musical Emotional Assessment Rating Scale (MEARS) and Musical Cognitive/Perception Scale (MCPS) items and totals and the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) domains, varying from .60 to .90; no negative or null correlations were found. The results showed a noticeable level of inter-rater reliability as well as a good internal consistency. Thus, the IMCAP-ND Portuguese version can be used more confidently in clinical practice; nevertheless, future studies are recommended with a larger sample.

First steps for new extreme temperatures Health Early Warning System in Portugal

Both extremely hot and cold temperatures are considered to have significant effects on population’s health. More likely heat waves and cold spells due to climate change could result in excess deaths. Public health institutions play a crucial role in assessing the impacts of such events and, subsequently, in providing adequate early warnings and suitable mitigation recommendations. In this work we propose an update of the heat and cold health early warning systems currently in use in Portugal. The aim was to develop a risk indicator, active throughout the whole year, and easily understood by the entire population, with the highest possible spatial resolution. Daily data of all-cause mortality and maximum, minimum and mean temperatures was gathered from public data sources for the 1995-2019 time period. District-specific temperature-mortality associations were estimated using quasi-Poisson with linear threshold distributed lag models for cold and hot semesters (minimum temperatures were considered in autumn/winter and maximum temperatures in spring/summer, to identify worst case exposure scenarios). Regressions included seasonality and long-term trends and year population estimates as an offset. Influenza incidence was also included in the model to improve predictive performance. Cold and hot thresholds were defined for each semester and for each district independently based on best data fit criteria. Results show good predictive ability of the district-specific models and allowed the identification of different temperature-mortality associations between regions. The overall cumulative RRs estimated for low (4ºC) and high (34ºC) temperatures were 1.62 (95% CI: 1.65 - 1.69) and 2.35 (95% CI: 2.19 - 2.51) for the most populated district and 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04 - 1.11) and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.02 - 1.03) for the least populated district. Variation of optimum cold and hot thresholds between districts provided interesting insights about varied regional population vulnerability. Keywords: Heat waves, Cold waves, Mortality, Prevention plans, DLM

As Paredes Falam (The Walls Speak): The Complicated Position of Graffiti and Wall Art in Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract In this paper, in honor of Leila Monaghan’s contributions to decolonizing and privileging varied forms of communication, I consider the complex position of graffiti and wall art in contemporary Coimbra, Portugal. Through exploration of three questions that emerged during my three months of ethnographic research on the decriminalization of drug use in Portugal, I consider how this form of artistic expression fits into the broader imaginary of a country that has been, in its turn, one of the great colonial powers, a highly restrictive dictatorial regime, and finally, one of the most economically depressed countries in Western Europe. In Portugal, I consider graffiti, as a form of art and communication and question how it fits into a complex process of de-colonizing and exploring power among diverse youth, even within a former colonial center of power.

A composite indicator to measure sustainable water use in Portugal: A compromise programming approach

Clean water is an important resource for maintaining human life, economic activities, and ecosystems' survival. Nevertheless, its irregular distribution and occasional scarcity lead to the need to promote its sustainable use. To assess the current situation and the dynamics of sustainable water use, it is crucial to identify the main factors affecting it and to propose monitoring indicators. This paper develops an approach based on compromise programming to analyse water use sustainability at the municipal level, with a methodology that comprise a framework designed in five steps: 1 – indicators' choice; 2 – indicators's weights; 3 – definition of sustainability rankings with the application of a compromise programming approach; 4- application of a GIS analysis; 5 – identification of the main factors affecting sustainable water use. As a first result, the consensus weights of the chosen indicators were defined, indicating that the most important internal factors affecting sustainable water use are safe water, the percentage of housing served by water supply and water distributed by inhabitant. Then sustainability rankings at the municipality level were defined considering these factors. Finally, it was possible to conclude that tourism activity, income level, and young age population have a significant negative effect on sustainable water use, and municipal revenue has a positive effect. Irrigated farming shows a non-significant negative effect on sustainable water use. Population density, elderly population and education level did not show the expected effects on sustainable water use.

Measuring Parental Reflective Functioning: Further Validation of the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire in Portuguese Mothers of Infants and Young Children.

This study examines the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Portuguese Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ). The PRFQ is a brief questionnaire of parental reflective functioning that comprises three subscales: pre-mentalizing modes of mental states, certainty about mental states, and interest and curiosity in mental states. Two independent samples were included in the study: a sample composed of 710 mothers of children aged 0 to 36months (Study 1) and a sample composed of 120 mothers of children aged 1 to 5years (Study 2). Each sample completed a different set of self-report questionnaires. The original correlated three-factor structure was confirmed through confirmatory factor analyses. The three PRFQ subscales exhibited adequate reliability and correlated in the expected directions with several outcomes (psychopathology symptoms, emotion dysregulation, parent attachment, and parenting styles). The Portuguese PRFQ is a psychometrically robust measure of parental reflective functioning appropriate for research use in Portugal.

Positive childhood experiences and adverse experiences: Psychometric properties of the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale (BCEs) among the Portuguese population

BackgroundPositive childhood experiences have a positive effect on adulthood, and the absence of positive experiences can be more damaging throughout life than the presence of adversity. Recently, researchers have developed the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale (BCEs), an instrument designed to assess positive childhood experiences. ObjectivesThe present study aims to adapt the BCEs to the Portuguese population and examines its psychometric properties. Participants and settings1886 adults with a mean age of 36.36 years (SD = 13.66) from the community participated in this study. MethodsParticipants responded to an online protocol consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the BCEs, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed a one-factor structure for the BCEs with a good fit, CFI = 0.94; NFI = 0.92; RMSEA = 0.043 [0.036, 0.050]. Results also indicated satisfactory internal consistency and discriminant validity values. Predictive validity showed that higher BCEs scores predicted fewer adverse experiences in the last 3 years, but only before accounting for adverse childhood experiences. ConclusionsOverall, the results support the assertion that the Portuguese version of the BCEs is a valuable, brief, and psychometrically reliable instrument to measure positive childhood experiences that is suitable for use in Portugal.

The Exposure to Violence Questionnaire in Adolescents: Psychometrics and Associations with Well-being

Exposure to violence can have strong detrimental effects on adolescents, including long-term negative consequences for development, adjustment, and functionality. This study tests the factorial structure, psychometric properties, and construct validity of a Portuguese version of the Exposure to Violence Scale (EVS); a measure of adolescents’ direct and indirect exposure to violence at school, in their community, at home, and on TV. The study sample comprised 306 Portuguese adolescents, 53.9% of whom were boys (Mage = 13 years, SD = 1.6), from the 6th to 10th grades. These adolescents completed the EVS, a measure of positive and negative affect, and a measure of perceived quality of life. We used confirmatory factor analysis to test structural validity. This analysis indicated that a seven correlated factors model fit well with the data. Cronbach’s alpha values indicated that the sub-scales were reliable. T-tests indicated that older adolescents typically reported greater exposure to violence than younger adolescents, and that boys experienced more direct violence at school and home, and indirect violence in the community, than girls did. Finally, positive correlations with negative affect, and negative correlations with positive affect and well-being, offered evidence of convergent validity. The EVS for Portuguese adolescents has adequate psychometric properties for use as a brief screening tool for assessing the various forms and contexts of exposure to violence in adolescents. Having this validated instrument for use in Portugal has important implications for teachers, health and social professionals, and researchers.

Mediterranean Diet conceptual model and future trends of its use in Portugal.

The aim of this study was to present a new model for the Mediterranean Diet definition and to identify the major trends for the use of the Mediterranean Diet concept by 2028, in Portugal. A Delphi panel was implemented with 28 experts with solid knowledge and understanding of the Mediterranean Diet concept. The first round evaluated the degree of expert self-knowledge, which also contributed to the final questionnaire building. It was answered in 2 successive rounds with 21 statements, divided into 2 dimensions: Mediterranean Diet concept and use. A Mediterranean Diet model definition was produced with 73.8% of agreement. Culture, education, environment, health, food industry/distribution and tourism were identified as the future trends of Mediterranean Diet use areas. The model presented can be used as a pedagogical tool. For the first time, it was possible to explore the future trends of Mediterranean Diet use, which can help with the initiatives to safeguard the Mediterranean Diet concept.

Virtual ‘Experiential Expert’ Communities of Practice in Sharing Evidence-Based Prevention of Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Use: the Portuguese Experience

We present findings from a unique virtual community of practice piloted to support a programme of prevention evidence and knowledge sharing among professional prevention practitioners as ‘experiential experts’ around tackling novel psychoactive substances (NPS) use in Portugal. A mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative analysis of interactions and qualitative content analysis of debates about NPS, NPS users, patterns of use and best practices in prevention of this type of drug use was conducted. Results show low and irregular interactions between members of this virtual community, but very rich discussions around sharing of experiences and problematizing practices. We discuss the layers of interaction between members, and the shared learning around policy and practice implications. Such virtual and collaborative work practices are not yet integrated within the drug prevention field where instead individualistic approaches tend to prevail and preclude the sharing of alternative solutions that shape different experiences. Our virtual community of NPS prevention experts provides a flagship for ongoing collaboration between research, generation of evidence informing policy and practice, professional training, support and shared learning. It underscores the need for an innovative and multi-disciplinary approach to sharing perspectives in tackling emerging and harmful drug trends.