Background: High-quality diabetes care should offer personalized treatment and support self-management to reduce complications and maintain quality of life for affected persons. In Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, primary care treated twice as many individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in 2018 compared to 2011. As the prevalence of T2D increases, healthcare services face increasing challenges. Objective: To explore experiences of contacts with diabetes care professionals among people living with T2D who are accessing diabetes care in the city of Malmö. Method: A qualitative inductive design was employed, involving interviews with 21 persons with T2D receiving diabetes care at four primary healthcare centers in Malmö. A semi-structured interview guide was used. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Result: The theme ‘Seeking room for one’s agency’ emerged from two categories that illustrate experiences with diabetes care in relation to meeting healthcare needs: ‘Importance of connecting with diabetes care professionals’ and ‘Concerns in navigating diabetes care.’ Eight subcategories describe what contact with diabetes care meant for the participants. Conclusion: The findings highlight opportunities for improving diabetes care to better meet patients’ needs. Contacts with diabetes care professionals were perceived as supportive when there was a clear intention to adapt to individual needs and when expectations and communication were transparent. Continuity with general practitioners and educational aspects were identified as unmet healthcare needs. Based on the findings of this study, efforts to a systematic and broad implementation of group-based T2D-education in Malmö are recommended.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the self-reported adherence of ambulance nurses to acute chest pain guidelines and analyse how demographic and professional characteristics influence this adherence.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Regional ambulance service in southern Sweden (18 ambulance stations).

PARTICIPANTS: Ambulance nurses (registered and specialist nurses). Of the 397 ambulance nurses invited, 261 responded (65.7%) in 2023.

DATA ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics; independent-samples t-tests and χ2 tests for group comparisons; Pearson correlation; and stepwise linear regression to identify predictors of adherence.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: adherence to the prehospital acute chest pain guideline, measured with the 5-item Self-Reported Adherence scale (5-25). Secondary: medication-specific adherence; guideline-access sources.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study involving 261 ambulance nurses from 18 ambulance stations in southern Sweden. Adherence to acute chest pain guidelines was assessed using a validated instrument. Data collected in autumn 2023 were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including stepwise linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: The study revealed an average self-reported adherence score of 19.2 out of 25 for acute chest pain guidelines. Mobile applications were the most commonly used source for accessing acute chest pain guidelines, while ambulance managers were the least used. Notably, older and more experienced ambulance nurses reported higher adherence scores. Additionally, a positive attitude towards the guidelines was correlated with higher adherence. Prioritisation of guidelines and age were predictors of adherence. In contrast, other demographic variables, such as sex and specialist nursing education, were not found to be associated with adherence.

CONCLUSION: The study indicates that self-reported adherence to acute chest pain guidelines among ambulance nurses is influenced by how highly they prioritise these guidelines and by their attitudes towards them, as well as their age and professional experience. Enhancing educational programmes and digital resources, particularly for younger and less experienced nurses, may improve adherence and patient outcomes in prehospital settings.

Background: With the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) projected to increase, understanding its potential consequences on healthcare systems is crucial for adequately preparing society to address this growing challenge. In 2019, Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, joined the Cities for Better Health global initiative to tackle the multifaceted challenges associated with T2D, including its significant economic burden on the healthcare system and the broader community. Understanding the economic burden of T2D on the healthcare system will facilitate optimisation of the initiatives undertaken by the programme. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the costs associated with primary care, hospital care, and work absenteeism due to diabetes-related complications among people with T2D residing in Malmö.

Methods: In order to estimate the cost for the City of Malmö, we expanded a model (Andersson et al., 2020) developed to estimate the cost of T2D on a national level, using retrospective data from 1997–2016. The costs were estimated by using NordDRG weights and national reference prices. Primary care costs for Region Skåne were added to the model. Data on healthcare utilisation, work absence, and socioeconomic factors were collected from Swedish national and regional registers. The method was expanded to include Malmö-specific adjustments for demographics, employment, and education, as well as regional primary care costs.

Results: The prevalence of T2D in Malmö was 5.4%, and diabetes complications were: diabetic retinopathy (49.9%), diabetic kidney disease (19.1%), angina pectoris (13.7%), ischaemic heart disease (10.9%), and myocardial infarction (10.5%). Total excess costs for T2D in primary care were €12.7 million. The lowest primary care excess costs were in the age group 16–34 and the highest in the age group 65–74. Estimated overall hospital-based costs for T2D were €38.8 million, and costs related to macrovascular and microvascular complications were €18.1 million and €16.4 million, respectively. Estimated total cost due to absence from work related to T2D complications was €15.4 million. The complication costs were higher for men, except for neuropathy.

Conclusions: These findings may support city-level healthcare planning and preventive interventions, as Malmö is facing substantial costs both in monetary terms and in reduced quality of life. Younger persons increasingly develop diabetes complications, which needs to be considered when allocating resources for primary prevention, treatment of complications, and municipality costs within a near future.

The digitalization of health care is currently subject to extensive hype (both negative and positive), which obscures its potential to benefit humanity. Science and Technology Studies have described the computational translation of health information as “datafication,” often from a critical stance in which such technologies limit agency of patients and clinicians. Conversely, health care has long since been structured along highly unequal lines with high levels of inequity, in which parts of the population experience reduced healthcare access. In addition, there are high levels of health illiteracy, where some groups are not only unaware of their own health needs or how to access health care, but the healthcare system is itself lacking key information on the needs of those individuals. In that context, digital systems able to handle and communicate large datasets are often heralded as a solution for better connecting patients and the healthcare system within a holistic model. To help bring much-needed nuance to our understanding of digital health care, the article looks to the example of digital dental health—both implemented and potential—within Skåne in Southern Sweden, with a mix of an advanced welfare model healthcare system combined with a diverse population consisting of many foreign-born nationals. By interviewing dental professionals working in Skåne, we investigate the intersection between the theoretical arguments and the practical constraints and opportunities for digital health.

INTRODUCTION: Migration is an increasing phenomenon and associated with a physical and psychosocial burden on individuals. Little is known about migration and skin health. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients regarding migration background and dermatological morbidity among adults seen in a dermatological out-patient clinic in Malmö, Sweden.

METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was performed in 2017. Dermatological out-patients completed questionnaires and were examined by a dermatologist. Sociodemographic variables including ethnicity and migration status were assessed by self-report. Ethnicity was assessed with country of birth. General and physical health and details about skin disease were self-reported. Stress was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and with items assessing stressful life events and economic difficulties. Depression and anxiety were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and the General Anxiety Disorder Assessment-2 (GAD-2).

RESULTS: 250 patients were included. 24% were foreign-born (FB) reporting 41 different countries of birth. Mean duration of living in Sweden was 24.4 years. Compared to non-foreign-born (NFB) patients, FB patients were more stressed (PSS mean 17.5 vs. 15.3, p = 0.044), had more economic difficulties (31.0% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.005) and more anxiety (39.7% vs. 24.9%, p = 0.03). There were significantly fewer patients with psoriasis in FB and more with connective tissue disease. FB rated skin disease severity significantly higher than NFB patients.

CONCLUSION: This study reports the multi-ethnic population in an out-patient dermatological clinic in Malmö, Sweden and the difference in distribution of dermatological conditions among FB patients and NFB patients as well as the burden of disease, with higher levels of stress and anxiety in FB patients. These issues will be investigated further by our group in a larger multicentre study.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide, and the trend is also observed in Sweden. In Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden, the prevalence has doubled. Populations with lower socioeconomic status have a higher prevalence and poorer outcomes, making preventive interventions targeting these groups increasingly important.

Objective: To investigate the types of interventions that have been tested and reported regarding the prevention of type 2 diabetes targeting low socioeconomic populations and are applicable in a high-income country.

Methods: Based on a systematic search strategy developed using the People, Concept, and Context model, the databases CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched in January 2024 and updated in December 2024, and EMBASE was searched in May 2025. A flowchart of the screening process has been created. From the selected studies, data were extracted, charted, and the findings were compiled in a narrative form.

Results: Seventeen studies were included, 12 were conducted in the United States and five in Europe. Most used culturally adapted diabetes prevention programs, and a higher proportion of participants were women. Key features included flexibility in attendance and format, development through a community-based participatory approach, gender-specific groups, and the involvement of significant others. Increases of physical activity proved challenging within broader lifestyle interventions. Screening interventions were conducted in community and healthcare facility settings, as well as through a school-and community-based program. Challenges with enrollment and retention were commonly reported.

Conclusion: There is a need for more interventions in the European context and for interventions to engage more men with strategies such as male peer coaches and community screening in locations frequented by men. Longer time frames and sustained engagement strategies are necessary to reach and retain groups with low socioeconomic status in preventive type 2 diabetes interventions.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a public health issue with increasing prevalence, projected to affect 1.27 billion people in 2050. Its onset can largely be prevented or delayed by lifestyle changes. Access to screening is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications due to long-term elevated blood glucose levels. Studies have shown that populations with low socioeconomic status (SES) are among those groups that are more prone to developing T2D. With rising incidence and prevalence of the disease, prevention measures specifically targeting vulnerable groups such as socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, become increasingly relevant. The objective of the scoping review is to investigate what types of interventions have been tested and reported regarding prevention of T2D targeting low socioeconomic populations and that are applicable in a high-income country. Methods: Studies addressing T2D prevention interventions tailored for populations with low SES that are applicable in high-income countries will be included. A systematic search strategy to identify peer-reviewed literature was developed in consultation with research librarians. Databases searched are Cinahl, PubMed and Web of Science. Interventional studies of various designs will be included and the researchers will independently assess studies for inclusion. The results of the study inclusion process will be reported in the final scoping review and presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) flow diagram. Analysis of the data will be presented using a narrative approach, as studies are expected to have heterogeneous design features and variable outcome measures. Discussion: The results will provide an overview of tested T2D prevention intervention studies targeting populations with low SES and will be used to inform and guide the research team and healthcare management for future interventions in Malmö.

Aim: To identify existing public knowledge regarding diabetes and diabetes-related services offered to persons living with diabetes in the City of Malmö.

Methods: A literature review of City of Malmö’s website, public statistics, School health documentation, job databases, education programs, local newspaper, Swedish National Diabetes Register, and PubMed was performed in 2020.

Results: We identified political decisions about diabetes nurses in home care, financing a project about diabetes complications, and funding support in schools for designated children. Schools had no registrations of diagnoses. Diabetes was common among pregnant women. The local newspaper discussed children and older people with diabetes asking for increased support. Job listings did not require diabetes-relevant competencies. Curricula for nursing assistants did not mention diabetes. National Diabetes Register reported 16,658 persons in Malmö. Three articles were identified in PubMed.

Conclusion: Public documents in Malmö did not mention diabetes despite being responsible for caring for persons with diabetes.

This paper draws upon the theoretical literature on migration policy and health, and empirical data on three European states with differing welfare models - Sweden (social democrat), France (conservative), and the United Kingdom (liberal) - during Covid-19, to highlight the often hidden and contradictory politics through which refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants were forced to navigate during the most uncertain period of the pandemic. Although migrants' treatment during Covid-19 was generally better in Sweden with a social democrat welfare tradition, we see migration management priorities greatly undermining the extent to which welfare systems function overall for the benefit of population health. Furthermore, Sweden's recent political shift to the right exacerbates those negative tendencies. As the paper shows, there was considerable effort by civil society and local government to fill the gap where national governments failed to protect this group, stepping in to provide health information, and support.

Introduction: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased worldwide, where the highest prevalence has been found in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Effective measures must be taken to prevent or delay the occurrence of type 2 diabetes and its complications. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between factors linked to risk for diabetes, individually and cumulatively, and established diabetes in recently arrived migrants from Iraq and Syria in Scania and compare it to the rest of the population.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was used to compare data between a sample of recently arrived migrants and a sample from the rest of the population in Scania, Sweden.

Results: The prevalence of self-reported diabetes was significantly higher among recently arrived migrants (6.9%) compared to the rest of the population (4.9%). High blood-pressure, unhealthy weight, physical inactivity, and older age increased the risk for self-reported diabetes solely but also cumulatively.

Conclusion: It is important to identify individuals with a high risk of diabetes and put preventive efforts into combating risk factors for diabetes. Targeting specific risk factors significantly reduces the risk of developing this disease.