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Objective: To investigate associations between maternal country of birth and other migration related factors (length of residence, reason for migration, paternal origin) and epidural analgesia for labour pain in nulliparous women in Norway.

Design: Population-based register study including nulliparous migrant women (n = 75,922) and non-migrant women (n = 444,496) with spontaneous or induced labour. Data were retrieved from the Medical Birth Registry and Statistics Norway, 1990-2013. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by logistic regression, and adjusted for maternal age, marital status, maternal education, gross income, birth year, hospital size and health region.

Main outcome: Epidural analgesia for labour pain.

Results: Epidural analgesia was administered to 38% of migrant women and 31% of non-migrant women. Compared with non-migrants, the odds of having epidural analgesia were lowest in women from Vietnam (adjOR 0.54; CI 0.50-0.59) and Somalia (adjOR 0.63; CI 0.58-0.68) and highest in women from Iran (adjOR 1.32; CI 1.19-1.46) and India (adjOR 1.19; CI 1.06-1.33). Refugees (adjOR 0.83; CI 0.79-0.87) and newly arrived migrants (adjOR 0.92; CI 0.89-0.94) had lower odds of epidural analgesia. Migrant women with a non-migrant partner (adjOR 1.14; CI 1.11-1.17) and those with length of residence >= 10 years (adjOR 1.06; CI 1.02-1.10) had higher odds.

Conclusion: The use of epidural analgesia varied by maternal country of birth, reason for migration, paternal origin and length of residence. Midwives and obstetricians should pay extra attention to the provision of adequate information about pain relief options for refugees and newly arrived migrants, who had the lowest use.

Mothers with cognitive limitations who have children in placement need to be listened to and to receive help in understanding and dealing with their situation. A support programme for this group was developed in Australia and then adapted for use in a Swedish context and named 'Mamma Trots Allt' (MTA). The aim was to examine the experiences of these mothers regarding their mothering role after participation in MTA. An explorative and qualitative design was used. Inclusion criteria were mothers with cognitive limitations, a child in placement and participation in MTA. Nine mothers, eight of them from a previous study, gave their informed consent to participate. A study-specific interview guide was adapted to people with cognitive limitations. The interviews took place after the final MTA session. The qualitative analyses resulted in a description of the mothers' experiences and how they changed after MTA, resulting in an overall theme, two subthemes, four categories and 11 subcategories. MTA facilitated the mothers' maturation and broadened their earlier, stereotypic life expectations. Offering a support programme benefits not only the mother but most likely the child as well.

BACKGROUND: People with cognitive disabilities have difficulties in accomplishing everyday tasks. Electronic planning devices (EPDs) may compensate for the gap between a person’s capacity and everyday challenges. However, the devices are not always used as intended. Despite that, cognitive assistive technology has been investigated in several studies, knowledge regarding when and what makes adults decide to use EPDs is incomplete. People with cognitive disabilities have difficulties in accomplishing everyday tasks. Electronic planning devices (EPDs) may compensate for the gap between a person’s capacity and everyday challenges. However, the devices are not always used as intended. Despite that, cognitive assistive technology has been investigated in several studies, knowledge regarding when and what makes adults decide to use EPDs is incomplete. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore the subjective experiences of people with cognitive disabilities in relation to the use of EPDs. The aim was to explore the subjective experiences of people with cognitive disabilities in relation to the use of EPDs. METHODS: A qualitative approach was applied with a qualitative content analysis. Twelve respondents were interviewed with support from a study specific guide. A qualitative approach was applied with a qualitative content analysis. Twelve respondents were interviewed with support from a study specific guide. RESULTS: A model representing the respondents’ experiences in the use of EPDs, comprising one theme, Possibility to master my daily life , four categories, Degree of fit to my needs, I am aware of my cognitive disability, I get help to structure my everyday life and The EPD improves my volition and ten subcategories, was developed. A model representing the respondents’ experiences in the use of EPDs, comprising one theme, Possibility to master my daily life , four categories, Degree of fit to my needs, I am aware of my cognitive disability, I get help to structure my everyday life and The EPD improves my volition and ten subcategories, was developed. CONCLUSIONS: EPDs allow people with cognitive disabilities the possibility to deal with daily challenges; those who find EPDs beneficial tend to use them. EPDs can help people with cognitive disabilities in organisation, managing time and improve volition. EPDs allow people with cognitive disabilities the possibility to deal with daily challenges; those who find EPDs beneficial tend to use them. EPDs can help people with cognitive disabilities in organisation, managing time and improve volition.

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of nine fathers with neurodevelopmental disabilities with children in foster care, including their fathering role, visits and formal and informal support. Systematic text condensation was the analysis method used. The respondents’ experience of fatherhood revealed two categories: I accept my situation and I am frustrated. Though self-confident, the fathers expressed ambivalence between acceptance and frustration with their role. The study shows that more should be done to provide adapted support for these vulnerable fathers with children in foster care, although they seldom demand such support. Social workers and professionals from the rehabilitation team within the healthcare service should be aware of gendered settings, specifically norms of masculinity. Increased efforts from the social workers may reduce the risks of detachment in parenthood because engaged and informed fathers are in the children’s best interests.

BACKGROUND: Adults with cognitive disabilities often have difficulties in dealing with the complexity of everyday life. With cognitive assistive technology (e.g. electronic planning devices [EPDs] and individual support), they can bring order to their often chaotic life. Assumptions are that environmental factors influence with non-use of EPDs.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how adults with cognitive disabilities perceive the influence of environmental factors in the use of EPDs.

METHODS: A reference group with experience of use of EPDs assisted the researchers. Twelve adults with cognitive disabilities and experience of using EPDs participated. An interview guide was implemented covering environmental factors according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Qualitative content analysis was applied in the analyses.

RESULTS: Five categories and two themes emerged, which were integrated into a model of facilitating factors influencing the use of EPDs. Measures to prevent or eliminate negative influences of the device use are important to be taken. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals need more knowledge about EPDs, while users need individual adaption of the EPDs. EPDs need to be user-friendly, manageable and work in any seasons. Implications for Rehabilitation The users should have access to specially trained prescribers. There is a need for development of user-friendly and manageable products to function in any climate. Knowledge is lacking on how to implement the users in all stages of the prescribing process. Prescribers should increase knowledge in the use of EPDs to influence the attitudes of the social environment.

Background In previous studies, we investigated the effects of a care manager intervention for patients with depression treated in primary health care. At 6 months, care management improved depressive symptoms, remission, return to work, and adherence to anti-depressive medication more than care as usual. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term effectiveness of care management and usual care for primary care patients with depression on depressive symptoms, remission, quality of life, self-efficacy, confidence in care, and quality of care 12 and 24 months after the start of the intervention. Methods Cluster randomized controlled trial that included 23 primary care centers (11 intervention, 12 control) in the regions of Vastra Gotaland and Dalarna, Sweden. Patients >= 18 years with newly diagnosed mild to moderate depression (n = 376: 192 intervention, 184 control) were included. Patients at intervention centers co-developed a structured depression care plan with a care manager. Via 6 to 8 telephone contacts over 12 weeks, the care manager followed up symptoms and treatment, encouraged behavioral activation, provided education, and communicated with the patient's general practitioner as needed. Patients at control centers received usual care. Adjusted mixed model repeated measure analysis was conducted on data gathered at 12 and 24 months on depressive symptoms and remission (MADRS-S); quality of life (EQ5D); and self-efficacy, confidence in care, and quality of care (study-specific questionnaire). Results The intervention group had less severe depressive symptoms than the control group at 12 (P = 0.02) but not 24 months (P = 0.83). They reported higher quality of life at 12 (P = 0.01) but not 24 months (P = 0.88). Differences in remission and self-efficacy were not significant, but patients in the intervention group were more confident that they could get information (53% vs 38%; P = 0.02) and professional emotional support (51% vs 40%; P = 0.05) from the primary care center. Conclusions Patients with depression who had a care manager maintained their 6-month improvements in symptoms at the 12- and 24-month follow-ups. Without a care manager, recovery could take up to 24 months. Patients with care managers also had significantly more confidence in primary care and belief in future support than controls.

OBJECTIVE: Despite access to effective therapies many asthma patients still do not have well-controlled disease. This is possibly related to underuse of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and overuse of short-acting β2-agonists (SABA). Our aim was to investigate longitudinal trends and associated factors in asthma treatment.

METHODS: Two separate cohorts of adults with physician-diagnosed asthma were randomly selected from 14 hospitals and 56 primary health centers in Sweden in 2005 (n = 1182) and 2015 (n = 1225). Information about symptoms, maintenance treatment, and use of rescue medication was collected by questionnaires. Associations between treatment and sex, age, smoking, education, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, allergic asthma, and symptom control were analyzed using Pearson's chi²-test. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Maintenance treatment with ICS together with long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) and/or montelukast increased from 39.2% to 44.2% (p = 0.012). The use of ICS + LABA as-needed increased (11.1-18.9%, p < 0.001), while SABA use decreased (46.4- 41.8%, p = 0.023). Regular treatment with ICS did not change notably (54.2-57.2%, p = 0.14). Older age, former smoking, and poor symptom control were related to treatment with ICS + LABA/montelukast. In 2015, 22.7% reported daily use of SABA. A higher step of maintenance treatment, older age, obesity, shorter education, current smoking, allergic asthma, low or very high physical activity, and a history of exacerbations were associated with daily SABA use.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of ICS + LABA both for maintenance treatment and symptom relief has increased over time. Despite this, the problem of low use of ICS and high use of SABA remains.

Dissertation presented at Uppsala University to be publicly examined on Zoom: https://uu-se.zoom.us/j/7214327760, Tuesday, 11 May 2021 at 13:00 for the degree of Licentiate of Philosophy (Faculty of Medicine). The examination will be conducted in English and Swedish. Chairman of the Examining committee: Professor Karl Michaëlsson (Medical epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala) 

Abstract Ahlström, B. 2021. The epidemiology of risk factors and short- and long-term out-come in the Swedish intensive care cohort. 76 pp.  

Severe sepsis and septic shock, linked to persistent organ dysfunctions, have poor short- and long-term mortality outcomes. These conditions also adversely affect health-related quality of life. After intensive care with severe sepsis and septic shock, memory and other cognitive functions have shown deterioration. In addition, there are indications of an increased risk of dementia. Yet, whether severe sepsis and septic shock are independently linked to dementia or dementia development is linked to more general severe illness remains unclear. In the Swedish intensive care cohort we compared 16 115 one-year sepsis survivors without previous dementia to 194 219 patients (controls) admitted to intensive care for other reasons using a Cox proportional hazards model. The crude risk of dementia was increased in the severe sepsis and septic shock group. However, after adjustment for demographics, comorbidities and factors reflecting the severity of acute illness, severe sepsis and septic shock was found not to be a significant risk factor of incident dementia with a haz-ard ratio of 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.91-1.11). Thus, we concluded that although the incidence of dementia is high after intensive care, severe sepsis or septic shock is not causative.  

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put a tremendous strain on the healthcare system in general and intensive care, in particular, since its emergence in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. Risk factors of ICU admission and mortality from COVID-19 were reported early during the pandemic, but only as univariate variables. Under the hypothesis that there are several independent risk factors of critical COVID-19, we used statistical models to explore demographic characteristics and comorbidi-ties in the first 1 981 ICU-admitted patients with COVID-19 in Sweden. On the risk of ICU admission, we also included matched population controls in a 1:4 ratio. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, asthma, obesity, solid organ transplant recipient and immunosuppressant medications were independent risk factors of ICU admission. Oral anticoagulants were associated with a protective effect. Stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors were independent risk factors of ICU mortality. Treatment with statins was protective. Our findings suggest that there are several independent risk factors of ICU admission and ICU mortality in COVID-19.

Björn Ahlström, Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden  

and  Centre of clinical research, Region Dalarna, SE-79182 Falun, Sweden. 

Background: Several studies have recently addressed factors associated with severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, some medications and comorbidities have yet to be evaluated in a large matched cohort. We therefore explored the role of relevant comorbidities and medications in relation to the risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality.

Methods: All ICU COVID-19 patients in Sweden until 27 May 2020 were matched to population controls on age and gender to assess the risk of ICU admission. Cases were identified, comorbidities and medications were retrieved from high-quality registries. Three conditional logistic regression models were used for risk of ICU admission and three Cox proportional hazards models for risk of ICU mortality, one with comorbidities, one with medications and finally with both models combined, respectively.

Results: We included 1981 patients and 7924 controls. Hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, asthma, obesity, being a solid organ transplant recipient and immunosuppressant medications were independent risk factors of ICU admission and oral anticoagulants were protective. Stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors (RAASi) were independent risk factors of ICU mortality in the pre-specified primary analyses; treatment with statins was protective. However, after adjusting for the use of continuous renal replacement therapy, RAASi were no longer an independent risk factor.

Conclusion: In our cohort oral anticoagulants were protective of ICU admission and statins was protective of ICU death. Several comorbidities and ongoing RAASi treatment were independent risk factors of ICU admission and ICU mortality.

Background: Children in need of special support often display delays in time processing ability, affecting everyday functioning. MyTime is an intervention programme for systematic training of time processing ability. To support preschool children's development of time processing ability and everyday functioning, it is necessary to include their perspectives of the MyTime intervention programme. A previous study shows that MyTime is feasible with children in the preschool setting and shows positive effects on time processing ability for older children in special schools. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how preschool children experience the intervention programme and how they understand its meaning. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and the meaning of using MyTime from the perspective of children with informal needs of special support (INS) 5–6 years of age in the preschool context.

Methods: To explore the children's perspectives, video-recorded interviews with 21 children were analysed hermeneutically. To facilitate the interview situation with the children in need of special support, the Talking Mats© was used. Both body and spoken languages were analysed.

Results: The results reveal children as active participants, willing to share their experiences of using the MyTime intervention in the preschool context. The conceptualization of the children's experiences and expressions uncovers their meaning of using the MyTime intervention as to know and to understand time by doing.

Conclusions: When children are given the opportunity to use concrete tools to understand and measure time, they experience themselves as active participants involved and engaged in the intervention. They reveal meaningful experiences to be able to manage time that facilitate their everyday functioning and participation in the preschool context.