Central Denmark Region

Loneliness in youth is linked to poor mental and physical health, yet the effectiveness of interventions remains unclear. Given its distinct developmental presentation, this meta-analysis synthesises interventions targeting loneliness in individuals aged 4-18 to inform age-appropriate strategies. It examines the effects of interventions on loneliness and includes a narrative synthesis of intervention and sample characteristics. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of quantitative studies up to March 2024, focusing on interventions where loneliness was the primary target in school-aged youth. Nineteen studies were included in the SLR, of which 18 were included in the meta-analysis (6 RCTs, 6 multi-cohort, and 6 single-cohort studies). RCTs showed a small, non-significant reduction in loneliness (Hedges' g = -0.20, 95% CI [-0.42, 0.02], p = .07), with social and emotional skills training interventions being most effective. Multi-cohort studies showed a negligible effect (Hedges' g = -0.01, 95% CI [-0.08, 0.07], p = .84). Single-cohort studies indicated a moderate, non-significant effect (Hedges' g = -0.55, 95% CI [-1.29, 0.18], p = .14). Interventions targeting loneliness show promise in reducing loneliness, particularly when they incorporate social and emotional learning. Future research should integrate qualitative approaches and consider loneliness within broader mental health and well-being frameworks to support the development of more comprehensive, youth-centred interventions.

Nature-based health interventions (NBHIs) are increasingly used in the healthcare system to support people with anxiety, depression and/or stress, highlighting the need for systematic development and evaluation. This study aims to identify target group, professionals, mechanisms, and outcomes of NBHIs for people with mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and/or stress. A Delphi-based study was conducted to explore core components of NBHIs in healthcare settings. Thirteen vs. eleven researchers with expertise related to the target group responded in two rounds. Respondents rated statements on a 7-point Likert scale and prioritised core components regarding target group, professionals, mechanisms, and outcomes. A thematic analysis was applied to synthesise qualitative responses. Consensus was achieved on 12 of 21 items across the four domains. Highest agreement concerned core mechanisms (nature interaction, social community, and physical activity), outcome priorities (mental wellbeing and quality of life), and professional competencies. Greater variation was observed regarding group composition and team delivery. Analysis of qualitative expert responses highlighted four key themes: (1) Balancing Group Composition, (2) Adapting Competencies to Context, (3) Core Mechanisms for Change, and (4) Weighing Perspectives in Outcome Selection. By setting out guiding principles for a programme theory, the study lays the foundation for the design and implementation of context-adapted NBHIs. The study underscores the need to approach NBHIs as complex interventions, thus contributing to a paradigm shift towards a new era of a bio-psycho-social health perspective.

Patients admitted with viral respiratory tract infections are at risk ofbacterial co-infections that may exacerbate disease severity. Detection of atypical bacteria requires specific laboratory diagnostic modality and specific antibiotics. In this retrospective regionwide cohort study we included all patients admitted to a hospital in the Central Denmark Region with COVID-19, influenza A, influenza B, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) from February 2019 to February 2024. Firstly, we investigated the number of patients testing positive for atypical bacterial co-infection. Secondly, we evaluated associations with diagnostic testing for these atypical bacteria, and the use and associations with administration of empirical treatment with clarithromycin. During the study period a total of 19,651 patients were admitted with one of the viral respiratory tract infections. Only 21 patients tested positive for atypical bacterial co-infection, corresponding to 0.1

IntroductionThis is the first qualitative study to examine how gambling becomes entangled with everyday life, relations, and recovery within medium-secure forensic psychiatric care in Denmark. The aim is to understand how gambling and financial management are experienced and understood by patients and staff, providing insight into how gambling practices intersect with ward life, clinical relations, and recovery processes.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with eight patients and seven staff members. The study followed an interpretive descriptive design and employed reflexive thematic analysis. Attention was given to participants’ accounts of gambling, money management, and the institutional conditions that shape these practices.ResultsPatients described gambling as a way to manage boredom, relieve restlessness, and maintain a sense of agency, while also recognizing patterns of loss, debt, and relapse. Gambling was intertwined with attempts at self-regulation, familial involvement, and, at times, other addictions. Staff accounts were fragmented, ranging from viewing gambling as benign recreation to identifying it as a clinical concern linked to impulsivity, mood instability, or conflict. Across interviews, financial autonomy emerged as a central domain. Hidden economies, including informal loans and undisclosed debts, operated outside institutional visibility, complicating therapeutic relations and limiting staff capacity to intervene without eroding trust.Discussion and conclusionGambling emerged as an ordinary yet disruptive element of ward life, shaping autonomy and clinical relations and creating secrecy in relations. The discussion suggests that clearer expectations, routine enquiry, and responsive financial support could help address harm caused by gambling without undermining trust. Such measures may strengthen recovery processes, although the impact will depend on how they are integrated into the relational fabric of secure care.

Purpose: To examine socioeconomic differences in the nonpharmacological cardiac rehabilitation (CR) pathway from hospital discharge to CR completion in hospital and primary care settings. Methods: This nationwide cohort study included patients hospitalized with ischemic heart disease between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022. Follow-up continued through December 31, 2022, focusing on nonutilization of 11 CR components, including: delayed CR needs assessment (>14 days) and physical exercise training (>29 days); lack of patient education, physical exercise training, test of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), depression screening, improvement in CRF (<10% increase), smoking cessation, and finalizing CR meeting; and completion of <75% of planned exercise sessions and dropout. Socioeconomic differences were analyzed by educational attainment, income, occupation, and cohabitant status. Results: Among 45 497 hospitalized patients with ischemic heart disease, 43% (n = 19 573) participated in CR. Only 25% received a CR needs assessment within 14 days of discharge. Socioeconomic differences were demonstrated throughout the CR pathway, except for the finalizing meeting, improvement in CRF, and smoking cessation. The odds of nonutilization among patients with lower educational attainment ranged between 8% higher odds of delayed CR needs assessment (adjusted OR = 1.08: 95% CI, 1.01-1.15) and 31% higher odds of no CRF test (adjusted OR = 1.31: 95% CI, 1.18-1.45). Conclusions: The observed socioeconomic differences throughout the CR pathway underscore the need for targeted interventions to ensure early assessment of CR needs and participation in specific CR activities among patients with lower socioeconomic positions. This study identifies specific patient characteristics and CR activities as key markers for reducing these inequalities.