Mark McKeague, Sam Norton and Martha Canfield
The purpose of this paper is to identify factors associated with drinking patterns during pregnancy.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify factors associated with drinking patterns during pregnancy.
Design/methodology/approach
A rapid evidence assessment was undertaken, scanning multiple databases for studies examining factors associated with alcohol consumption in pregnancy. Studies were included if they stratified data according to quantity of alcohol consumed and identified relevant associated factors. Drinking patterns were classified as light/moderate and heavy/binge.
Findings
In total, 15 studies were included (N=7 light/moderate; N=15 heavy/binge drinking). Factors associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy included: smoking, age, SES, marital status, pre-pregnancy substance use and parity. While few studies reported an association between heavy/binge drinking and maternal mental health, none of the studies included explored the association between mental health and light/moderate drinking.
Research limitations/implications
Relatively few studies have looked at the association between psychological characteristics of women and their drinking patterns. There is a lack of articles examining light/moderate drinking in pregnancy compared to heavy/binge drinking. Moreover, there is marked variation in how alcohol use is measured. Further studies are needed to increase understanding of the association between psychological factors and patterns of drinking during pregnancy, and how health professionals might support women in this context.
Originality/value
The authors expand on previous work by examining two different patterns of alcohol consumption in pregnancy, rather than alcohol use simply as an isolated concept. The two groups were found to differ in a number of demographic and social factors. This information could be used to aid healthcare professionals in targeting specific interventions to those women most at risk.
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Peter McKeague and David Thomas
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the origins and development of national inventories in Scotland and Wales from paper-based records to digital databases. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the origins and development of national inventories in Scotland and Wales from paper-based records to digital databases. The impact of digital technologies on data management and dissemination is considered.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploring the evolution of historic environment inventories in Scotland and Wales highlights the common issues faced and solutions adopted. In considering the longue durée, the durability and flexibility of information is highlighted.
Findings
Inventories may combine locational, descriptive and visual material to help document a fragile, finite and non-renewable resource. They provide the evidence base for decision making and stewardship in managing change, stimulating interest in and valuing the historic environment. Contribution to recognised inventories should be a requirement for activities documenting the historic environment. Digital technologies shape the expectations of a modern inventory and associated digital archives, with emphasis placed on the repurposing of inventory contents so that they can better contribute to an information network serving multiple audiences.
Social implications
Transformation from paper records to digital data has radically enhanced and democratised access to knowledge about the historic environment. Digital delivery helps place heritage data within mainstream societal activities and fosters public interest and engagement in the historic environment.
Originality/value
Inventories are the foundation building blocks of informed decision making. Digital technologies have transformed these resources to help place the historic environment within mainstream societal activities and interest.
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Holly Rose Hanlon and Lorraine Swords
The purpose of this paper is to investigate peer perceptions and stereotypes towards adolescents with clinical anxiety disorders.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate peer perceptions and stereotypes towards adolescents with clinical anxiety disorders.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilised an exploratory qualitative design, using short vignettes to investigate perceptions of three clinical anxiety disorders (panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder) and a control scenario, situational stress. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The results of the study suggest that previously established mental illness stereotypes (e.g. fear and dangerousness) may not be relevant to those with anxiety disorders, with perceptions of personal responsibility, weakness and social abnormality salient instead. These results suggest that stigma interventions should be tailored to disorder and age group.
Practical implications
Perceptions of weakness and blame have been associated with higher levels of discrimination, meaning people with anxiety disorders may be particularly vulnerable. Similarly, the negative social perceptions may be particularly damaging in adolescence, when successful peer relationships are vitally important. The results suggest specific stereotypes to target in stigma reduction campaigns for anxiety disorders, which may not being addressed by existing interventions.
Originality/value
There is a significant lack of research on both adolescent mental illness stigma in general, and anxiety stigma specifically. This study aimed to begin to address that gap, and found results that suggest, in line with previous work, that perceptions of blame may be more common for anxiety disorders, with negative social perceptions also reflecting the unique importance of peer relationships for adolescents. Further research should explore these stereotypes in more detail.
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Kathryn Greenwood, Christine Carroll, Lucie Crowter, Kim Jamieson, Laura Ferraresi, Anna-Marie Jones and Rupert Brown
Stigma towards severe mental illness (SMI) is widespread, exacerbating mental health problems, and impacting on help-seeking and social inclusion. Anti-stigma campaigns are…
Abstract
Purpose
Stigma towards severe mental illness (SMI) is widespread, exacerbating mental health problems, and impacting on help-seeking and social inclusion. Anti-stigma campaigns are meeting with success, but results are mixed. Earlier intervention to promote positive mental health literacy rather than challenge stigma, may show promise, but little is known about stigma development or interventions in younger children. The purpose of this paper is to investigate children’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards SMI and whether we can positively influence children’s attitudes before stigma develops.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study investigated mental health schema in 7-11 year olds. An experimental intervention investigated whether an indirect contact story-based intervention in 7-8 year olds led to more positive mental health schema.
Findings
Young children’s schema were initially positive, and influenced by knowledge and contact with mental illness and intergroup anxiety, but were more stigmatising in older girls as intergroup anxiety increased. The indirect contact intervention was effective in promoting positive mental health schema, partially mediated by knowledge.
Social implications
Intervening early to shape concepts of mental illness more positively, as they develop in young children, may represent a more effective strategy than attempting to challenge and change mental health stigma once it has formed in adolescents and adults.
Originality/value
This study is the first to investigate an intervention targeted at the prevention of stigma towards SMI, in young children, at the point that stigma is emerging.