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Kuramoto Y, Nabeshima H, Khan MSR, Kadoya Y. How Does Smartphone Use Impact Loneliness in the Post-COVID Landscape in Japan? Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:294. [PMID: 38667090 PMCID: PMC11047396 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Smartphone use during the active phase of the COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a crucial means of facilitating communication when strict physical distancing was recommended. Previous studies conducted during the pandemic have suggested that smartphone use contributes to reduced loneliness. However, the influence of smartphone usage on the experience of loneliness in the aftermath of the active phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, also referred to as the post-COVID era, remains unclear, particularly because many physical communication restrictions were lifted during this period. To explore the association of smartphone use with the experience of loneliness in the post-COVID era, we analyzed the latest data from 2022 and 2023, when the COVID-19 pandemic gradually concluded. Our findings revealed that, in 2023, smartphone use increased the risk of loneliness among individuals aged 50-64 years. Conversely, among the younger generations, increased smartphone use was associated with decreased loneliness. The results of our study suggest that smartphones can serve as a significant tool for alleviating loneliness among the younger generations during the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mostafa Saidur Rahim Khan
- School of Economics, Hiroshima University, 1-2-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 7398525, Hiroshima, Japan; (Y.K.); (H.N.); (Y.K.)
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Wurtz HM, Hernandez M, Baird M. Thriving Despite the Odds: Digital Capital and Reimagined Life Projects Among Mexican College Students During COVID-19. Cult Med Psychiatry 2024; 48:23-44. [PMID: 37962769 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-023-09839-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
During the pandemic, Mexico experienced one of the longest periods of school closures in Latin America. After the first year of COVID-19, thousands of college students dropped out of school, which has been partially attributed to difficulties in adapting to online learning. This study examines how some college students in Mexico coped with and overcame these challenges. Our research draws on journals of and in-depth interviews with Mexican college students who participated in the Pandemic Journaling Project-a combined online journaling platform and research study. Participant accounts describe challenges students experienced navigating the rapid roll-out of online education. However, over time, many of the students in our study cultivated a renewed sense of purpose in their educational activities. They attributed this shift in perspective to their ability to carve out new approaches to social support, the development of professional capacities, and insight into the potential for technology to promote a more inclusive society. Our work shows how students' ability to integrate digital competencies into their broader life projects and aspirations for the future played an important role in college perseverance and reducing mental health distress. Findings have important implications for the potential role of increased access to technological resources in mitigating social inequity and improving mental health outcomes among young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Wurtz
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Research Program on Global Health & Human Rights, Human Rights Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Maria Hernandez
- El Instituto: Institute of Latina/o, Caribbean and Latin America Studies of College of Liberal Arts and Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Madeline Baird
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Sobotka M, Kern T, Haider K, Dale R, Wöhrer V, Pieh C, Probst T, Humer E, Jesser A. School students' burdens and resources after 2 years of COVID-19 in Austria: a qualitative study using content analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1327999. [PMID: 38406498 PMCID: PMC10884163 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1327999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The mental health of young people has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures associated with it. Mental health symptoms increased across various domains during the pandemic and subjective wellbeing decreased. Methods This study examined the burdens and resources of Austrian school students (M = 16.63 years old) in the third year of the pandemic and compared them descriptively with the burdens and resources identified in a comparative study in 2021. A cross-sectional online survey with open-ended questions from April to May 2022 provided data that was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A sub-sample of N = 214 was selected from the larger sample. This sub-sample is representative for the Austrian population aged 15-19 in terms of gender and migrant background. Results Analysis of the open-ended questions showed that concerns about the pandemic and the burdens of the measures were no longer on young people's minds at the time of the survey in 2022. On the other hand, stress at school was increasing and the opening of schools and the resumption of face-to-face teaching were challenging for respondents. While resuming social contacts and leisure activities was mentioned as a resource by many respondents, some also expressed a desire for more time off and a retreat into coping strategies such as sleeping more or avoiding problems. Discussion Our findings suggest that there is a need for low-threshold support from teachers and parents to help students catch up on missed lessons and to empathize with the mas they make the transition back to "old normal".
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Sobotka
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Thomas Kern
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Katja Haider
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Rachel Dale
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Veronika Wöhrer
- Department of Education, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Pieh
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Thomas Probst
- Division of Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Paris Lodron University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Elke Humer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Jesser
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Fuentes K, Ragunathan S, Lindsay S. Varieties of 'new normal': Employment experiences among youth with and without disabilities during the reopening stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Work 2023; 76:1293-1310. [PMID: 37355931 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working and volunteering in the reopening stages of the COVID-19 pandemic has looked different depending on the location, employment sector and nature of the job. Although researchers have begun exploring the impacts on adults, little is known about what the transition to a 'new normal' in the reopening stages has been like for youth, especially those with disabilities. OBJECTIVE To explore and compare the experiences and perspectives of youth with and without disabilities who were working, volunteering or seeking work during the re-opening stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. METHODS We used a qualitative design involving semi-structured interviews with 16 youth (seven with a disability, nine without), aged 15-29 (mean 22 years). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Five main themes were identified: (1) Mixed views on being onsite in the reopening stages; (2) Mixed views on remaining remote; (3) Hybrid model as the best of both worlds; (4) Mixed views on COVID-19 workplace safety in the reopening stages; and (5) Hopes, dreams and advice for the future. Apart from the first main theme, there were more similarities than differences between youth with and without disabilities. CONCLUSION Our study highlights that youth encountered various work and volunteer arrangements during the reopening stages of the pandemic, and the personal preferences for particular models depend largely on their employment sector. The areas of agreement among youth highlight some longer-term impacts of the pandemic shutdowns and point to the need for greater mental health and career supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Fuentes
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON,Canada
| | - Sharmigaa Ragunathan
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON,Canada
| | - Sally Lindsay
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON,Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON,Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON,Canada
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Lundström M. Young in pandemic times: a scoping review of COVID-19 social impacts on youth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2022.2117637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
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Bjørknes R, Skogen JC, Nærde A, Sandal GM, Haug E, Mæland S, Fadnes LT, Lehmann S. Parental stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: A one-year follow-up. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276190. [PMID: 36472999 PMCID: PMC9725124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This two-wave longitudinal study aimed at increasing knowledge about levels of parental stressors and rewards among mothers and fathers of children aged 1-18 during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and infection-control measures have caused changes to family life. Managing homeschooling or caring for younger children while working from home may have posed significant strain on parental stress, negatively impacting the quality of parent-child relationships and parents' sensitivity to their children's needs. METHOD We employed data collected in April 2020 and April 2021 from the longitudinal population-based survey in Bergen/Norway (Bergen in ChangE-study). 7424 parents participated (58.6% mothers and 41.5% fathers). RESULTS The overall levels of parental stressors and rewards did not change significantly. Over the two time points, the factors associated with decreased parental stressors were being male, aged 40-49 years, having a relatively high income, and reporting initial difficulties with closed kindergartens or schools. For parents aged 18-29 years, the level of parental stressors increased. CONCLUSION The study suggests that the overall levels of parental stress remained unchanged during the first year of the pandemic. Even so, the study also uncovered that younger parents represented a vulnerable subgroup. IMPLICATIONS To prevent detrimental consequences in the wake of the pandemic, it could be important to increase awareness and competence among professional staff in kindergartens, primary schools, and child health clinics targeting young parents and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Bjørknes
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Alcohol & Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ane Nærde
- The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ellen Haug
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NLA University College, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silje Mæland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Research Unit for General Practice in Bergen, The Norwegian Research Centre, NORCE, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T. Fadnes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stine Lehmann
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Almendingen K, Skotheim T, Ervik B, Magnus EM. Multidisciplinary Student Groups Support Digital Education as a Public Health Precautional Action to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 Infection: A Mixed Methods Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:1369-1382. [PMID: 35761843 PMCID: PMC9233540 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s362365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health personnel had greater odds of contracting COVID-19 during its first wave in Norway, compared with all working-age individuals. Students in health care, but also in social care and teacher education programs may be exposed to the risk of being infected themselves and to infect others through their mandatory practical training. Online education may reduce their risk of becoming patients and spreaders both in their private lives and during their mandatory training. Aim To explore the extent to which unvaccinated professional students fear transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from fellow students and from public transportation during the third wave. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 3148 students in health care, social care, and teacher education programs and 32 supervisors completed online questionnaires consisting of open and closed questions (mixed methods) after participating in digital interprofessional learning (IPL) small-group seminars (49.6% and 65% response rates, respectively). On a 6-point Likert scale (0–5), all means concerning fear were around 3, with overlapping confidence intervals. Fear of infecting high-risk individuals seemed higher than fear of contracting the virus themselves. High levels of loyalty to and trust in state and health authorities were expressed. Medical-related terminology was frequently used, such as the one-meter distance rule, infection tracking, national guidelines, and hand sanitizer, which implies high levels of health literacy. They expressed strong support for online course delivery (mean 4.5) ahead of practical training as a precautionary public health action. Conclusion These students did not have high levels of fear of contracting the virus from other students or public transport. They expressed a higher fear of infecting others than being infected themselves. The major implication for the public and the educational system is that students, even in a country with low death rates, support digital education as a public health precautional action to prevent the spread of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Almendingen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torhild Skotheim
- Department of Primary and Secondary Teacher Education, Faculty of Education and International Studies, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Ervik
- Section for Analysis and Quality of Education, Department of Academic Affairs, Division for Education and Library, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Merethe Magnus
- Section for Analysis and Quality of Education, Department of Academic Affairs, Division for Education and Library, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Lehmann S, Haug E, Bjørknes R, Mjeldheim Sandal G, T. Fadnes L, Skogen JC. Quality of life among young people in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 32:1061-1071. [PMID: 35732752 PMCID: PMC9216295 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to examine health-related quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic among a general sample of young people in Norway aged 11-19 years. More specifically, we examine: (1) Change over 2 time-points in five health-related quality of life dimensions, (2) Whether sociodemographic- and COVID-19-related factors contributed to change in these five dimensions, (3) Whether parental stress and socioeconomic status at T1 interacted with change in health-related quality of life across T1 and T2. Data collection lasted from April 27th to May 11th, 2020 (T1), and from December 16th, 2020, to January 10th, 2021 (T2). Youth aged 11-19 years (N = 2997) completed the KIDSCREEN-27, COVID-19 related and sociodemographic items. Parents (N = 744) of youth aged 15 years and younger completed the parental stress scale and sociodemographic items. Physical and psychological wellbeing declined significantly from March to December 2020. Subscale scores for social support and peers increased. Controlling for a broad number of sociodemographic and COVID-19-related factors did not make an overall impact on the estimates. Those worried about infection, older aged, girls, and youth born outside Norway had a steeper decline in health-related quality of life subdimensions from T1 to T2. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we warrant special attention to the recovery of youth's physical and psychological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Lehmann
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Ellen Haug
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020 Bergen, Norway ,grid.458561.b0000 0004 0611 5642NLA University College, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Bjørknes
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Postboks 7807, 5020 Bergen, Norway ,grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921The Norwegian Center for Child Behavioral Development, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen Norway, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T. Fadnes
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ,grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Addiction Medicine, Bergen Addiction Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway ,grid.412835.90000 0004 0627 2891Alcohol and Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway ,grid.418193.60000 0001 1541 4204Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Haug E, Mæland S, Lehmann S, Bjørknes R, Fadnes LT, Sandal GM, Skogen JC. Increased Gaming During COVID-19 Predicts Physical Inactivity Among Youth in Norway—A Two-Wave Longitudinal Cohort Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:812932. [PMID: 35237551 PMCID: PMC8884262 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.812932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A concern for the COVID-19 measures and the potential long-term consequences the measures may have on physical inactivity and gaming among youth. Objectives Examine the stability and change in internet and offline gaming and the association with physical inactivity among adolescents in Norway during the pandemic. Methods A total of 2940 youth (58% girls) aged 12–19 years participated in an online longitudinal two-wave survey during the first Norwegian national lockdown in April 2020 (t1) and in December 2020 (t2). Gaming behavior and physical activity status were assessed at both time points. Age, gender, and socioeconomic status were included as covariates. Results Among boys, 41% reported gaming a lot more and 35% a little more at t1 compared to before the national lockdown. The corresponding numbers for girls were 14 and 23%, respectively. In fully adjusted analysis, a pattern of increased gaming at t1 followed by an additional increase in gaming reported at t2 was associated with physical inactivity at t1 (OR = 2.10, p < 0.01) and t2 (OR = 2.45, p < 0.001). Participants gaming more at t1 followed by a reduction at t2 had higher odds of inactivity at t1 (OR = 1.88, p < 0.01). Youth reporting no gaming at t1 had lower odds for inactivity at this time point (OR = 0.67, p < 0.05). Conclusions Increased gaming among many youths and a relationship with physical inactivity was observed during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. To counteract the negative long-term impacts of COVID-19 restrictions, public health initiatives should emphasize the facilitation of physical activity in youth and develop effective strategies to prevent problematic gaming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Haug
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Teacher Education, NLA University College, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Ellen Haug
| | - Silje Mæland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stine Lehmann
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Bjørknes
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gro Mjeldheim Sandal
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Alcohol and Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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