Recognizing the broader accessibility of iodized salt compared to wheat flour, the Ethiopian government is considering fortification of iodized salt with folic acid, and possibly vitamin B, to address the high incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in Ethiopia. To prepare for this program, we assessed practices related to edible salt procurement and consumption, and the acceptability of novel salts fortified with iodine and folic acid (double-fortified salt, DFS) or iodine, folic acid, and vitamin B (triple-fortified salt, TFS) compared to iodized salt (IS). We surveyed 840 women of reproductive age in urban (Addis Ababa) and rural (Gimbichu Woreda) areas to describe their salt preferences and practices and used a three-point hedonic scale to evaluate the sensory acceptability of fine and coarse forms of DFS, TFS, and IS for color, taste, aroma, texture and overall acceptability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) frequently co-occur in patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD). Patients with SSD and OCS experience increased clinical and social challenges, including diminished quality of life and subjective well-being. However, it is unknown whether co-morbid OCS are associated with personal recovery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTijdschr Psychiatr
January 2025
Background: The Compulsory Mental Health Care Act in the Netherlands (CMHCA) came into effect in 2020. Mental health nurse practitioners have since been allowed to be ‘responsible clinician’ However, there seems to be diversity in the implementation of the role in practice.
Aim: To investigate the state of affairs regarding the role of the mental health nurse practitioners as ‘responsible clinician’ within the CMHCA and reflecting on this topic.
Background: A significant proportion of mental health care professionals (MHCPs) hold stigmatizing attitudes about their patients. When patients perceive and internalize these beliefs, self-stigmatization can increase. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may decrease stigmatizing attitudes by changing the 'us' versus 'them' thinking into continuum beliefs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study examined the relationship between change in symptom severity and personal recovery in patients with severe mental illness (SMI). Forty-nine outpatients at Mentrum/Arkin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were assessed at baseline and 3 years later, using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Mental Health Recovery Measure. Correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were used.
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