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Giosan C, Pană A, Cosmoiu A, Chira AM, Toma AM, Papasteri CC, Nedelcea C, Popoviciu C. Mental health literacy and academic performance (MHLAP) in high school students: a randomized clinical trial protocol. Trials 2024; 25:419. [PMID: 38937769 PMCID: PMC11212191 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08270-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health literacy is a promising avenue of intervention for addressing the development of psychopathology, as well as its associated consequences, such as a decrease in academic performance. The current study aims to test the effectiveness of such an intervention in high school students, focusing on two main formats of delivery: (1) automated and (2) blended. METHODS To achieve this aim, a randomized clinical trial with direct comparisons at three time points between three conditions (automated, blended, and waitlist) was designed. Power analyses yielded a necessary sample size of 264 high school students. The participants will be selected from Romanian high schools. DISCUSSION The current study aims to contribute to the mental health literacy literature by testing the effectiveness of an educational intervention concerning mental health in terms of its benefits for reducing psychopathology and increasing academic performance. The success of such an intervention bears important implications for addressing mental health in the educational system. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT06217744, version 1, 22 January 2024.
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DeCoste C, Moaf P, Mohamed I, Ng L, Ostojic-Aitkens D, Levy DM, Hiraki LT, Toulany A, Knight A. Adolescent Health Care Needs and Relationship to Disease in Patients With Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:841-849. [PMID: 38221711 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to characterize adolescent health and psychosocial issues in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and evaluate demographic and disease characteristics associated with adolescent health. METHODS We retrospectively examined adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with cSLE seen at the Hospital for Sick Children meeting the American College of Rheumatology/Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria, assessed by adolescent medicine in the cSLE clinic between 2018 and 2020. Adolescent health issues were characterized using the Home, Education/Employment, Activities, Diet/Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide/mood (HEADDSS) framework. Issues were classified as presenting and/or identified; adolescent health burden was tabulated as the number of distinct adolescent issues per patient. Multiple Poisson regression models examined associations between patient and disease characteristics (age, sex, material deprivation, disease activity, disease damage, and high-dose glucocorticoid exposure) and adolescent health issues. RESULTS A total of 108 (60%) of 181 adolescents with cSLE were seen by adolescent medicine, with a median of 2 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-3) visits and a median of 2 (IQR 1-5) adolescent health issues during the study period. Common issues were mood (presenting in 21% vs identified in 50%), sleep (27% vs 2%), school and education (26% vs 1%), and nonadherence (23% vs 8%). Psychoeducation was provided by adolescent medicine to 54% of patients. High-dose glucocorticoids (risk ratio [RR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-2.35, P < 0.001), material deprivation (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.30, P = 0.007), and lower SLE Disease Activity Index scores (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98, P = 0.004) were associated with higher adolescent health burden. CONCLUSION Adolescents with cSLE experience many adolescent issues, especially low mood. High-dose glucocorticoids and social marginalization are associated with greater adolescent health burden. This study highlights the importance of addressing adolescent health needs as part of routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paris Moaf
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lawrence Ng
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Deborah M Levy
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda T Hiraki
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alene Toulany
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Knight
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Christensen IR. The call for an "educational footprint" in conceptualizing mental health and psychosocial support: the case of Norwegian kindergarten teachers. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1339332. [PMID: 38873512 PMCID: PMC11172669 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1339332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This article presents an in-depth qualitative case study asking, "How do Norwegian kindergarten teachers conceptualize and negotiate the field of psychosocial support?" This article thoroughly explores how Norwegian kindergarten teachers perceive of the field Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Recognizing the global imperative to advance mental health and psychosocial support for children, the study highlights the crucial need for interprofessional grounded concepts and logics in developing MHPSS interventions. The study employs a grounded theory approach to actively develop concepts in the MHPSS field in Norway. The six selected Norwegian expert teachers can make up a so-called "unique case", representing a high-income country with a robust welfare system and child-centered pedagogy. Yet, they reveal challenges in embracing the concept of psychosocial support: The analysis shows that the teachers seem to neglect and even reject the concept of psychosocial support, while also expressing inferiority and lack of agency towards other professions. However, the teachers also express the desire for more knowledge, and with proudness they energetically engage in fostering children's agency and functioning by their everyday descriptions of «meeting with the child». The study calls for the kindergarten teachers' increased efforts to actively participate in MHPSS interventions, advocating for the further development of an «educational footprint» that can empower interprofessional work.
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Kang DW, Kim SH, Kyung Y, Lee HJ. Changing Trends in School Absenteeism and Identification of Associated Factors in Adolescents with Atopic Dermatitis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1918. [PMID: 38136120 PMCID: PMC10742456 DOI: 10.3390/children10121918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a negative influence on school attendance. We aimed to identify factors associated with school absenteeism in adolescents with AD. We used data from the 3rd to 11th annual Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey completed from 2007 to 2015. Survey data were obtained from a stratified, multistage, clustered sample. Participants responded to the question "have you ever been diagnosed with AD?" Factors associated with AD-related school absenteeism (ADSA), which is defined as at least one school absence due to AD, were evaluated. Among the 141,899 subjects, the prevalence of AD increased (17.3% to 24.2%), while that of ADSA decreased (7.3% to 2.6%) from 2007 to 2015. Compared to adolescents without ADSA, those with ADSA were more likely to be male, middle school students, and have negative mental health states, including suicidality. In the multivariate logistic regression model, the association of sleep dissatisfaction and depression with ADSA was high (adjusted odds ratio, 6.12; 95% confidence intervals, 4.61-7.95; and 5.44; 5.23-5.67, respectively). The prevalence of ADSA has decreased despite an increase in the prevalence of AD in Korean adolescents; however, it is important for pediatricians to screen for factors associated with ADSA to improve school attendance in adolescents with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hae Jeong Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon-si 51353, Republic of Korea; (D.W.K.); (S.H.K.); (Y.K.)
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Hammud G, Avital-Magen A, Schusheim G, Barzuza I, Engel-Yeger B. How Self-Regulation and Executive Functions Deficits Affect Quality of Life of Children/Adolescents with Emotional Regulation Disorders. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1622. [PMID: 37892283 PMCID: PMC10605933 DOI: 10.3390/children10101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in self-regulation and executive functions (EFs) frequently characterize children/adolescents with emotional regulation disorders and restrict their daily function and quality of life (QOL). These deficits are mainly manifested by neuropsychological measures in laboratory settings. This study aimed to compare self-regulation and EFs by ecological measures to reflect the implications in daily life between children with emotional regulation disorders and healthy controls and examine the relations between self-regulation, EFs and QOL in the study group. METHODS the participants were 49 children aged 8-18: 25 children/adolescents with emotional regulation disorders and 24 healthy children. The parents completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QL). RESULTS The study group had greater self-regulation difficulties (internalization and externalization problems), executive dysfunctions (EFdys) (including metacognition difficulties) and a lower QOL. Their internalization and externalization problems correlated with reduced EFs and QOL. Internalization predicted the physical and emotional QOLs, while metacognition predicted social and school-related QOLs. CONCLUSIONS Deficits in self-regulation and EFs are prevalent in children/adolescents with emotional disorders and restrict their daily function and QOL. Therefore, they should be routinely evaluated by ecological instruments to reflect daily restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginan Hammud
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
| | - Ayelet Avital-Magen
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, Haemeq Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel
| | - Guy Schusheim
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, Haemeq Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel
| | - Inbar Barzuza
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, Haemeq Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel
| | - Batya Engel-Yeger
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel;
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Panayiotou M, Finning K, Hennessey A, Ford T, Humphrey N. Longitudinal pathways between emotional difficulties and school absenteeism in middle childhood: Evidence from developmental cascades. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1323-1334. [PMID: 34955109 DOI: 10.1017/s095457942100122x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Emotional difficulties are associated with both authorized and unauthorized school absence, but there has been little longitudinal research and the temporal nature of these associations remains unclear. This study presents three-wave random-intercepts panel models of longitudinal reciprocal relationships between teacher-reported emotional difficulties and authorized and unauthorized school absence in 2,542 English children aged 6 to 9 years old at baseline, who were followed-up annually. Minor differences in the stability effects were observed between genders but only for the authorized absence model. Across all time points, children with greater emotional difficulties had more absences, and vice versa (authorized: ρ = .23-.29, p < .01; unauthorized: ρ = .28, p < .01). At the within-person level, concurrent associations showed that emotional difficulties were associated with greater authorized (β = .15-.17, p < .01) absence at Time 3 only, but with less unauthorized (β = -.08-.13, p < .05) absence at Times 1 and 2. In cross-lagged pathways, neither authorized nor unauthorized absence predicted later emotional difficulties, and emotional difficulties did not predict later authorized absence at any time point. However, greater emotional difficulties were associated with fewer unauthorized absences across time (β = -13-.22, p < .001). The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Neil Humphrey
- University of Manchester, Manchester Institute of Education, Manchester, UK
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Chen Y, Wang J, Lin H, Richards M, Yang X, Wang T, Chen X, Fu C. Network structure of emotional and behavioral problems, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts in adolescents at the school closure and reopening stage in China. Transl Pediatr 2023; 12:1373-1385. [PMID: 37575901 PMCID: PMC10416125 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Public restriction and school closure policies during the pandemic may have long-term effects on adolescents' mental health, and adolescents' feelings and needs may change as the pandemic progresses. This study was conducted to explore the network structure and differences in emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs), loneliness, and suicidal thoughts in adolescents during different pandemic periods in China. Methods Based on two cross-sectional studies conducted in Taizhou, China, during school closure (April 16 to May 14, 2020) and reopening (May 25 to July 10, 2021) using online questionnaire, a total of 14,726 adolescents (school closure: 6,587, school reopening: 8,139) were recruited. EBPs were evaluated based on the student version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Loneliness and suicidal thoughts were measured by item 20 and item 9 of the Chinese version of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), respectively. Network analysis was used to estimate the network connections and properties between EBPs, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. Results The prevalence of psychosocial problems significantly increased at the school reopening compared with the school closure: EBPs: 36.8% vs. 31.6%; loneliness: 40.3% vs. 33.9%; suicidal thoughts: 40.8% vs. 15.4%. Suicidal thoughts showed the closest connections with being unhappy and lonely. Being bullied was strongly connected with conduct problems of lying and stealing. The links between hyperactivity symptoms and the other domains of EBPs were stronger after the school reopened. Being unhappy and showing the hyperactivity symptoms of "nonpersistent, distractible, and fidgety" presented high network and bridge (increasing transference from one symptom domain to another) centrality. Loneliness showed high expected influence and bridge centrality. Conclusions This study highlighted the high prevalence of EBPs, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts in Chinese adolescents. It also presented the network structure of these psychological problems over different pandemic stages. It is recommended that psychological support should be provided for adolescents, especially focusing on the central and bridge symptoms highlighted in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haijiang Lin
- Taizhou City Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Taizhou, China
| | - Marcus Richards
- Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Xiulu Yang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Taizhou City Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Chen
- Taizhou City Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Taizhou, China
| | - Chaowei Fu
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Nakamura-Thomas H, Sano N, Maciver D. Factors influencing junior high school students' perceptions of attending school in Japan. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:86. [PMID: 37403148 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00631-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School attendance is a crucial determinant of academic success. Our previous research has identified factors that influence elementary school students' perceptions of attending school, but whether these factors apply to older students remains unclear. We investigated the extent to which the factors identified in the previous research apply to junior high school students and their attitudes toward attending school. METHODS We hypothesized that students' "perceptions of attending school" was directly influenced by their perceptions of "relationships with friends and teachers," "current circumstances," "subjective health status," and "having people to share experiences and thoughts with." We developed an original questionnaire with 19 items and analyzed data collected from 6245 junior high school students in Japan, using a structural equation model. RESULTS The final model demonstrated a good fit. Students' "positive perceptions of attending school" was directly and positively influenced by their "positive perceptions of relationships with friends and teachers" and directly and negatively influenced by their "perceptions of poorer subjective health status". Other latent variables directly and positively influenced the perceptions of attending school, but not strongly. Students' perceptions of "relationships with friends and teachers," "current circumstances," and "having people to share experiences and thoughts with" correlated positively with each other. These three latent variables also correlated negatively with "poorer subjective health status." CONCLUSIONS The role of positive relationships with friends and teachers in shaping students' perceptions of school attendance, coupled with the negative impact of poorer subjective health status, underscores the need for educators to adopt approaches that specifically address these areas. It is crucial to provide support to students in cultivating positive relationships, fostering positive perceptions of school, and offering resources to those who are encountering mental or physical health challenges. Implementing the evidence-based questionnaire developed in this study is recommended to enhance student support and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Nakamura-Thomas
- Graduate School of Health, Medicine and Welfare, School of Health, Medicine and Welfare, Saitama Prefectural University, 820 San-No-Miya, Koshigaya City, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Nobuyuki Sano
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka International University of Health and Welfare, 3-6-40 Momochihama, Sawara-Ku, Fukuoka City, , Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Donald Maciver
- School of Health Sciences, Division of Occupation Therapy and Art Therapies, Queen Margaret University, Queen Margaret University Way, Musselburgh, EH21 6UU, UK
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Zhao G, Wang B, Li H, Ren H, Jiao Z. The relationship between depressive and anxious symptoms and school attendance among adolescents seeking psychological services in a public general hospital in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:456. [PMID: 37344768 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04813-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School attendance problems (SAPs), whether absenteeism or dropout, are strongly associated with poor outcomes for adolescents. We examined multiple variables that influence SAPs to identify potential leverage points for improving school attendance. METHODS Self-reported SAPs and demographic information was collected from 392 adolescents in adolescents presenting to the general hospital for psychological services. PHQ-9 and GAD-7 were applied to assess the severity of depressive and anxious symptoms. We constructed logistic regression analysis and the Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) segmentation analysis via SPSS Decision Tree to identifying risk factors for the development of SAPs in adolescents. RESULTS SAPs were self-reported by 252 (64.3%) adolescents. The SAPs group and non-SAPs group showed a significant difference in age, PHQ9 total scores, GAD7 total scores, schools, siblings, residence, parental marital quality, general health, regular exercise, and regular diet. A post hoc comparison between the two groups showed that the frequency of SAPs was significantly higher in the moderately-severe and severe depressive groups compared with other three groups (none, mild, moderate). The frequency of SAPs in severe anxious groups was significantly different from the none-anxious group. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, the depressive severity, siblings, residence, marital quality of parents, general health, and regular diet were correlated with the SAPs among adolescents. The adjusted OR of SAPs according to moderately-severe depressive symptoms was 10.84 (95%CI: 1.967-59.742) and severe depressive symptoms was 6.659 (95%CI: 1.147-38.666). In the decision tree model, PHQ-9 severity was extracted as the first splitting variable, with regular exercise and residence as the second, and siblings as the third. The ROC curves for predicting SAPs showed a fair diagnostic accuracy of the model with AUCs of CHAID model (0.705,95%CI:0.652-0.759, P = 0.000) and logistic regression model (0.777,95%CI:0.729-0.824, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION Our study provides insights into the associations between depressive symptoms and poor school attendance and identifies a number of risk factors associated with SAPs. Effective intervention by mental health practitioners, more attention by policy makers, and further research in this area are urgently needed for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324, Jingwu Weiqi Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324, Jingwu Weiqi Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Psychology, Qilu Hospital Of Shandong University Dezhou Hospital, Dezhou, 253014, Shandong, China
| | - Honghong Ren
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324, Jingwu Weiqi Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Zhian Jiao
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
- Department of Psychology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, No. 324, Jingwu Weiqi Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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Hua Y, Huang C, Guo Y, Du X, Guo L, Wang W, Lu C, Guo L. Association between academic pressure, NR3C1 gene methylation, and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents: a nested case-control study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:376. [PMID: 37254074 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04816-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic pressure is a prevalent stressor among Chinese adolescents and is often linked to anxiety symptoms, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between NR3C1 gene methylation, academic pressure, and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents. METHODS This nested-case control study included 150 adolescents (boys: 38.7%; baseline age: 12-17 years) from a school-based longitudinal study of Chinese adolescents. Cases (n = 50) were defined as those with anxiety symptoms at both baseline and follow-up, while controls (n = 100) were randomly selected from those without anxiety symptoms at both timepoints. The cases and controls were 1:2 matched by age. Academic pressure, anxiety symptoms, and potential covariates were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected from each participant for the detection of cortisol level (i.e., morning serum cortisol level) and DNA methylation. The methylation analysis included a total of 27 CpG units at the NR3C1 promoter region. RESULTS The final adjusted models showed that students with heavy academic pressure at baseline were at a higher risk of anxiety symptoms at follow-up compared to those with mild academic pressure (β estimate: 6.24 [95% CI: 3.48 ~ 9.01]). After adjusting for covariates, the methylation level of one CpG unit (NR3C1-16 CpG10) in NR3C1 differed significantly between cases and controls (F = 6.188, P = 0.014), and the difference remained significant after correction for multiple testing (P < 0.025). The adjusted regression models showed that moderate (β estimate = 0.010 [95% CI: 0.000 ~ 0.020], P = 0.046) and heavy (β estimate = 0.011 [95% CI: 0.001 ~ 0.020], P = 0.030) academic pressure were significantly associated with the methylation level of NR3C1-16 CpG 10. Further mediation analysis demonstrated that the association of academic pressure and anxiety symptoms was significantly mediated by the methylation of NR3C1-16 CpG 10 (β estimate for indirect effect = 0.11 [95% CI: 0.005 ~ 0.32]; indirect/total effect = 8.3%). CONCLUSION The present study suggests that NR3C1-16 CpG 10 DNA methylation might be a potential mechanism that partially explains the lasting effects of academic pressure on subsequent anxiety symptoms among adolescents. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to replicate this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Hua
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd 2, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuihong Huang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd 2, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangfeng Guo
- Health Promotion Center for Primary and Secondary Schools, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Du
- Health Promotion Center for Primary and Secondary Schools, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liling Guo
- Health Promotion Center for Primary and Secondary Schools, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd 2, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd 2, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd 2, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Han M, Shi X, Xiong D, Zhang X, Shen X, Wu N, Wang J, Sun J. The status and influencing factors of adolescents' mental health in a province of China: A cross-sectional study. J Affect Disord 2023; 321:41-46. [PMID: 36273679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the mental health status of adolescents in China and its influencing factors. METHODS The stratified cluster sampling method was used to evaluate the mental health status of 5633 adolescents using the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90). RESULTS There were statistically significant differences in the overall mean score of SCL-90 and the mean score of each subscale among adolescents in gender, grade, family, and region. The mean score of the interpersonal sensitivity and phobic anxiety subscales of the adolescents with rural household registration was higher than that of the urban household registration. Except for hostility and phobic anxiety subscales, there was a significant difference between junior high school and senior high school students in the remaining subscales. There were significant differences between only children and non-only children in the obsessive-compulsive symptoms and phobic anxiety subscales. The mean scores of depression, phobic anxiety, and other subscales of left-behind adolescents were significantly different from those of non-left-behind adolescents. Female gender (OR = 1.789), different-grade (junior high school sophomore: OR = 2.201; junior high school third grade: OR = 2.004; high school freshman: OR = 2.279; high school sophomore: OR = 2.947; high school senior: OR = 2.112), different-region (central region: OR = 1.302; southern region: OR = 1.925) and high school (OR = 1.281) adolescents had a higher risk of mental health problems, while those from two-parent families (OR = 0.68) had a lower risk. LIMITATIONS This study is a cross-sectional study and not widely representative. CONCLUSION Gender, grade, region, and academic period are risk factors, and a two-parent family is a protective factor for adolescents' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Han
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiang Shi
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dekai Xiong
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xingmin Zhang
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiuyue Shen
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nana Wu
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinian Wang
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jiangjie Sun
- School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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12
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Rahman MA, Renzaho AMN, Kundu S, Awal MA, Ashikuzzaman M, Fan L, Ahinkorah BO, Okyere J, Kamara JK, Mahumud RA. Prevalence and factors associated with chronic school absenteeism among 207,107 in-school adolescents: Findings from cross-sectional studies in 71 low-middle and high-income countries. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283046. [PMID: 37163492 PMCID: PMC10171665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the negative impact of chronic school absenteeism on the psychological and physical health of adolescents, data on the burden of adolescent chronic school absenteeism (ACSA) and interventions and programs to address it are lacking. We estimated the global, regional and national level prevalence of ACSA and its correlation with violence and unintentional injury, psychosocial, protective, lifestyle, and food security-related factors among in-school adolescents across low and middle-income, and high-income countries (LMICs-HICs). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic school absenteeism (CSA) as well as to determine its associated factors among in-school adolescents across 71 low-middle and high-income countries. METHODS We used data from the most recent Global School-based Student Health Survey of 207,107 in-school adolescents aged 11-17 years in 71 LMICs-HICs countries across six WHO regions. We estimated the weighted prevalence of ACSA from national, regional and global perspectives. Multiple binary logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the adjusted effect of independent factors on ACSA. RESULTS The overall population-weighted prevalence of CSA was 11·43% (95% confidence interval, CI: 11·29-11·57). Higher likelihood of CSA was associated with severe food insecurity, peer victimisation, loneliness, high level of anxiety, physically attack, physical fighting, serious injury, poor peer support, not having close friends, lack of parental support, being obese, and high levels of sedentary behaviours. Lower likelihood of CSA was associated with being female (odds ratio, OR = 0·76, 95% CI: 0·74-0·78). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that a combination of different socio-economic factors, peer conflict and injury factors, factors exacerbate CSA among adolescents. Interventions should be designed to focus on these risk factors and should consider the diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashfikur Rahman
- Development Studies Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- Professor of Humanitarian and Development Studies, School of Medicine and Health, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Satyajit Kundu
- Global Health Institute, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdul Awal
- Electronics and Communication Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashikuzzaman
- Development Studies Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Lijun Fan
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joshua Okyere
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Rashidul Alam Mahumud
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Mundy LK, Canterford L, Moreno-Betancur M, Hoq M, Viner RM, Bayer JK, Lietz P, Redmond G, Patton GC. Learning outcomes in primary school children with emotional problems: a prospective cohort study. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2022. [PMID: 36400427 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic difficulties are common in adolescents with mental health problems. Although earlier childhood emotional problems, characterised by heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms are common forerunners to adolescent mental health problems, the degree to which mental health problems in childhood may contribute independently to academic difficulties has been little explored. METHODS Data were drawn from a prospective cohort study of students in Melbourne, Australia (N = 1239). Data were linked with a standardised national assessment of academic performance at baseline (9 years) and wave three (11 years). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline and wave two (10 years). Regression analyses estimated the association between emotional problems (9 and/or 10 years) and academic performance at 11 years, adjusting for baseline academic performance, sex, age and socioeconomic status, and hyperactivity/inattention symptoms. RESULTS Students with depressive symptoms at 9 years of age had lost nearly 4 months of numeracy learning two years later after controlling for baseline academic performance and confounders. Results were similar for anxiety symptoms. Regardless of when depressive symptoms occurred there were consistent associations with poorer numeracy performance at 11 years. The association of depressive symptoms with reading performance was weaker than for numeracy if they were present at wave two. Persistent anxiety symptoms across two waves led to nearly a 4 month loss of numeracy learning at 11 years, but the difference was not meaningful for reading. Findings were similar when including hyperactivity/inattention symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Childhood anxiety and depression are not only forerunners of later mental health problems but predict academic achievement. Partnerships between education and health systems have the potential to not only improve childhood emotional problems but also improve learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Mundy
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Margarita Moreno-Betancur
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Monsurul Hoq
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Russell M Viner
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jordana K Bayer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Petra Lietz
- Australian Council for Educational Research, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gerry Redmond
- College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - George C Patton
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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14
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Finning K, White J, Toth K, Golden S, Melendez-Torres GJ, Ford T. Longer-term effects of school-based counselling in UK primary schools. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1591-1599. [PMID: 33990854 PMCID: PMC8121011 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01802-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Children's mental health is deteriorating while access to child and adolescent mental health services is decreasing. Recent UK policy has focused on schools as a setting for the provision of mental health services, and counselling is the most common type of school-based mental health provision. This study examined the longer-term effectiveness of one-to-one school-based counselling delivered to children in UK primary schools. Data were drawn from a sample of children who received school-based counselling in the UK in the 2015/16 academic year, delivered by a national charitable organisation. Mental health was assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and approximately 1 year post-intervention, using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed by teachers and parents. Paired t tests compared post-intervention and follow-up SDQ total difficulties scores with baseline values. Propensity score matching was then used to identify a comparator group of children from a national population survey, and linear mixed effects models compared trajectories of SDQ scores in the two groups. In the intervention group, teacher and parent SDQ total difficulties scores were lower at post-intervention and longer-term follow-up compared to baseline (teacher: baseline 14.42 (SD 7.18); post-intervention 11.09 (6.93), t(739) = 13.78, p < 0.001; follow-up 11.27 (7.27), t(739) = 11.92, p < 0.001; parent: baseline 15.64 (6.49); post-intervention 11.90 (6.78), t(361 = 11.29, p < 0.001); follow-up 11.32 (7.19), t(361) = 11.29, p < 0.001). The reduction in SDQ scores was greater in the intervention compared to the comparator group (likelihood ratio test comparing models with time only versus time plus group-by-time interaction: χ2 (3) = 24.09, p < 0.001), and model-predicted SDQ scores were lower in the intervention than comparator group for 2 years post-baseline. A one-to-one counselling intervention delivered to children in UK primary schools predicted improvements in mental health that were maintained over a 2 year follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Finning
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, Exeter, UK.
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15
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Wu B, Zheng C, Huang B. Influence of science education on mental health of adolescents based on virtual reality. Front Psychol 2022; 13:895196. [PMID: 36248488 PMCID: PMC9556729 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.895196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This work is developed to explore the form of mental health education, strengthen scientific educational ideas, and improve the effect of psychological therapy. Virtual reality (VR) technology is innovatively applied in adolescent mental health treatment and education. Based on this, the mental health treatment and system design based on virtual reality technology are discussed, and the feasibility of applying VR technology to adolescent mental health education is explored. Second, the research concept of adolescent mental health is discussed. Based on the VR platform setup, questionnaire survey is implemented to analyze the factors influencing the mental health of primary and secondary school students in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province (the permission of the adolescent guardian is obtained during the interview), and five factors are obtained. Based on this, the adolescent mental health treatment system based on VR is designed, and the effectiveness of the system is tested and evaluated. The results show that the integrated delay of the VR equipment used is 29 ms, which can effectively provide service. There are significant differences in mental health status among adolescents of different genders, different ages, only children and non-only children, parents’ accompaniment during growing up, and urban and rural adolescents. Finally, after 3 months of psychological treatment, the mental health score of the experimental group of teenagers is 50–55 points. However, the mental health scores of the control group remain at 56–65 points, indicating that the mental health treatment system designed in this work can effectively help the adolescents to improve their mental health, thus proving the effectiveness of the system. To sum up, this work provides scientific reference for adolescent mental health education in schools. Psychological treatment system can help teenagers improve their psychological problems and promote the development of mental health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- Faculty of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
- High School Attached to Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Changlong Zheng
- Faculty of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Benjamin Huang
- University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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16
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Williamson V, Larkin M, MacDonald I, Morgan F, Ford T, Spence SH, Reardon T, Creswell C. Primary school based mental health practitioners’ perspectives of school-based screening for childhood mental disorders and intervention delivery: A qualitative study. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2022.2110704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Williamson
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, University of Oxford, Oxford
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Ln, Headington, Oxford
| | - Michael Larkin
- Aston Institute for Health & Neurodevelopment, Department of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan H. Spence
- School of Applied Psychology and Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tessa Reardon
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, University of Oxford, Oxford
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Ln, Headington, Oxford
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, University of Oxford, Oxford
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Ln, Headington, Oxford
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17
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Melin J, Jansson-Fröjmark M, Olsson NC. Clinical practitioners' experiences of psychological treatment for autistic children and adolescents with school attendance problems: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:220. [PMID: 35346125 PMCID: PMC8958765 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03861-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School attendance problems (SAPs) are common among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Currently, there is a lack of guidelines for treatment or interventions aimed at this group. METHOD Twelve clinical practitioners were interviewed via in-depth interviews using a semi-structured question guide. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and initially independently coded by two coders. The interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis. RESULTS The majority of the clinicians reported that it was common that children and adolescents with ASD at CAP had prolonged SAPs. A total of four themes and 22 sub-themes were identified in the analysis: the treatment situation; treatment goals at CAP; treatment interventions; and desired development. Insufficient adaptations in response to core impairment of ASD and lack of support in their daily life could be factors to the development of SAPs. Prolonged social isolation in combination with severe psychiatric comorbidities was reported as a treatment barrier. Also, insufficient collaboration between mental health care services, school and social services obstructed the return to school for this group of students. Favorable factors for positive treatment outcome were: early detection, accurate assessment and coordination between mental health care and schools and environmental adaptation at school as well as at home, parent support and sometimes change of school. Concerning useful therapeutic techniques, exposure from cognitive-behavioral treatment was reported. CONCLUSION Children and adolescents with ASD with limited societal support tend to develop SAPs. Important factors that impact the outcome of treatment were the length of the absence from school and the severity of psychiatric comorbidities. Tailored and adapted interventions at school, parent support and mental health care are needed. Research about assessment and treatment for children and adolescents with ASD and SAPs is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Melin
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Research Center (CAP), Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Jansson-Fröjmark
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Liljeholmstorget 7, 117 63, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nora Choque Olsson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Liljeholmstorget 7, 117 63, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Fujita J, Aoyama K, Saigusa Y, Miyazaki H, Aoki Y, Asanuma K, Takahashi Y, Hishimoto A. Problematic Internet use and daily difficulties among adolescents with school refusal behaviors: An observational cross-sectional analytical study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28916. [PMID: 35363214 PMCID: PMC9282062 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Problematic Internet use (PIU) is common and likely to coexist with mental health problems among adolescents with school refusal behavior. To date, no study has revealed to what extent PIU relates to the daily burden compared with other mental health problems. This study has examined the association between daily difficulties and PIU among adolescents with school refusal behaviors.This cross-sectional study involved all first-visit patients, regardless of diagnosis, aged 10 to 18 years at 2 child/adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics in Yokohama City, Japan, from April 2016 to March 2018. The Questionnaire-Children with Difficulties (QCD) were obtained from parents. Simultaneously, the severity of PIU was evaluated using the Internet Addiction Test and depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale in the 2 weeks before the first-visit. From 684 first-visit patients, 227 with school refusal behaviors were enrolled in the study.PIU was observed in 40% of adolescents with school refusal behaviors. The QCD scores among patients with PIU were significantly lower than those in patients without PIU. Linear regression analysis revealed relationships between PIU and lower QCD scores throughout the day (except at night) and the total score of the day, after controlling for confounders such as depressive and anxiety symptoms.In conclusion, among adolescents with school refusal behaviors, PIU may affect their parent-assessed daily difficulties particularly experienced throughout the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Fujita
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kumi Aoyama
- Psychiatric Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yusuke Saigusa
- Department of Biostatistics, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hidehito Miyazaki
- Psychiatric Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Aoki
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuya Asanuma
- Psychiatric Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuichi Takahashi
- Psychiatric Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
- Eastern Center of Developmental disorders of Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akitoyo Hishimoto
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of psychiatry, Yokohama City university, Yokohama, Japan
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19
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Finning K, Neochoriti Varvarrigou I, Ford T, Panagi L, Ukoumunne OC. Mental health and school absenteeism in children with long-term physical conditions: A secondary analysis of the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Surveys 2004 and 2007. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:110-119. [PMID: 34478163 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and young people (CYP) with long-term physical conditions (LTCs) are more likely to have poorer mental health and more school absenteeism compared with CYP with no LTCs. However, there is limited longitudinal research, and the extent to which these difficulties persist in CYP with LTCs is unknown. Furthermore, little is known about the relative impact of different types of LTC on mental health and absenteeism. METHODS We investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of different LTCs with mental health and school absenteeism in a large (N = 7977) nationally representative survey of CYP in Great Britain and its 3-year follow-up. Psychopathology was assessed using the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder using the Development and Wellbeing Assessment (DAWBA). Days absent and persistent absence (missing 10% or more of school days) were reported by parents. RESULTS Compared with those with no LTCs, CYP with any LTC had higher SDQ total difficulties scores at baseline (adjusted mean difference 1.4, 1.1-1.6) and follow-up (1.1, 0.8-1.4) and were more likely to have a psychiatric disorder at baseline (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.59, 1.34-1.89) and follow-up (1.75, 1.44-2.12). Children with any LTC also missed more days of school at baseline (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.47, 1.31-1.64) and follow-up (1.17, 1.00-1.36) and were more likely to be persistently absent (aOR baseline 1.78, 1.48-2.14; follow-up 1.27, 1.00-1.61). Neurodevelopmental disorders, migraines and atopic conditions were particularly strongly associated with both mental health and absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS Children with LTCs had poorer mental health and more school absence than those with no LTCs. Clinicians should routinely enquire about mental health and school attendance in CYP with LTCs and should collaborate with families and schools to ensure these children are provided with sufficient mental health and educational support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Finning
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Panagi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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20
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Cheah YK, Kee CC, Lim KH, Omar MA. Mental health and truancy among high school students in Malaysia: A comparison between ethnic minority groups. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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21
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Prevention of Depression in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: The Role of Teachers and Parents. PSYCHIATRY INTERNATIONAL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/psychiatryint2030027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and other affective disorders may surreptitiously arise in children and adolescents during their school period and impair their social and educational functioning. Besides the social and personal burden, which are increased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the onset of depression may compromise the future of the growing person with chronicity and recurrence. In this context, educators’ training is essential to detect early the onset of a depressive disorder, to spare later consequences through the timely establishment of adequate treatment. The educational staff should receive adequate training to be able to work closely with healthcare providers and parents, thus directing the young person with an affective disorder to the right psychological and pharmacological treatment provider, i.e., a specialized psychologist or psychiatrist. The first approach should be to establish a trustful relationship with the adolescent and his/her classmates, to reduce social and self-stigma and inform about mental illness. If symptoms do not subside and the suffering child or adolescent fails to reintegrate within his/her school environment, cognitive–behavioral interventions are recommended that are individual, group, or computer-based. When needed, these should be implemented with individualized pharmacotherapy.
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22
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Ferro MA, Qureshi SA, Shanahan L, Otto C, Ravens-Sieberer U. Health-related quality of life in children with and without physical-mental multimorbidity. Qual Life Res 2021; 30:3449-3461. [PMID: 34331638 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02963-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined health-related quality of life (HRQL) in children across different physical illnesses; estimated parent-child agreement on HRQL reports; compared HRQL between children with and without physical-mental multimorbidity; and tested if multimorbidity was associated with HRQL. METHODS Children aged 6-16 years (mean = 11.1; n = 198) with one physical illness and their parents were recruited from a pediatric hospital. Physical illnesses were classified according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10, mental illnesses were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents, and HRQL was measured using the KIDSCREEN-27. Children who screened positive for ≥ 1 mental illness were classified as having physical-mental multimorbidity. χ2/t tests compared sample characteristics of children with vs. without multimorbidity; Kruskal-Wallis tests compared KIDSCREEN-27 scores across ICD-10 categories; interclass correlation coefficients estimated parent-child agreement; and multiple regression examined effects of the number of mental illnesses on HRQL. RESULTS HRQL was similar across ICD-10 categories. Parent-child agreement was fair to good for all HRQL domains, regardless of multimorbidity status. Parent-reported HRQL was significantly lower for children with multimorbidity compared to norms across all domains, whereas child-reported HRQL was significantly lower for physical well-being, psychological well-being, and school environment. Number of mental illnesses was negatively associated with psychological well-being and school environment in a dose-response manner. CONCLUSION Children with physical-mental multimorbidity are vulnerable to experiencing lower HRQL, particularly for psychological well-being and school environment. Longitudinal studies documenting trajectories of HRQL and school-based interventions that target these domains of HRQL for children with multimorbidity are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Ferro
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Saad A Qureshi
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Lilly Shanahan
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development & Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Otto
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Caldwell DM, Davies SR, Thorn JC, Palmer JC, Caro P, Hetrick SE, Gunnell D, Anwer S, López-López JA, French C, Kidger J, Dawson S, Churchill R, Thomas J, Campbell R, Welton NJ. School-based interventions to prevent anxiety, depression and conduct disorder in children and young people: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3310/phr09080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Schools in the UK increasingly have to respond to anxiety, depression and conduct disorder as key causes of morbidity in children and young people.
Objective
The objective was to assess the comparative effectiveness of educational setting-based interventions for the prevention of anxiety, depression and conduct disorder in children and young people.
Design
This study comprised a systematic review, a network meta-analysis and an economic evaluation.
Data sources
The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE™ (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), PsycInfo® (American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to 4 April 2018, and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) was searched on 22 May 2019 for economic evaluations. No language or date filters were applied.
Main outcomes
The main outcomes were post-intervention self-reported anxiety, depression or conduct disorder symptoms.
Review methods
Randomised/quasi-randomised trials of universal or targeted interventions for the prevention of anxiety, depression or conduct disorder in children and young people aged 4–18 years were included. Screening was conducted independently by two reviewers. Data extraction was conducted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Intervention- and component-level network meta-analyses were conducted in OpenBUGS. A review of the economic literature and a cost–consequence analysis were conducted.
Results
A total of 142 studies were included in the review, and 109 contributed to the network meta-analysis. Of the 109 studies, 57 were rated as having an unclear risk of bias for random sequence generation and allocation concealment. Heterogeneity was moderate. In universal secondary school settings, mindfulness/relaxation interventions [standardised mean difference (SMD) –0.65, 95% credible interval (CrI) –1.14 to –0.19] and cognitive–behavioural interventions (SMD –0.15, 95% CrI –0.34 to 0.04) may be effective for anxiety. Cognitive–behavioural interventions incorporating a psychoeducation component may be effective (SMD –0.30, 95% CrI –0.59 to –0.01) at preventing anxiety immediately post intervention. There was evidence that exercise was effective in preventing anxiety in targeted secondary school settings (SMD –0.47, 95% CrI –0.86 to –0.09). There was weak evidence that cognitive–behavioural interventions may prevent anxiety in universal (SMD –0.07, 95% CrI –0.23 to 0.05) and targeted (SMD –0.38, 95% CrI –0.84 to 0.07) primary school settings. There was weak evidence that cognitive–behavioural (SMD –0.04, 95% CrI –0.16 to 0.07) and cognitive–behavioural + interpersonal therapy (SMD –0.18, 95% CrI –0.46 to 0.08) may be effective in preventing depression in universal secondary school settings. Third-wave (SMD –0.35, 95% CrI –0.70 to 0.00) and cognitive–behavioural interventions (SMD –0.11, 95% CrI –0.28 to 0.05) incorporating a psychoeducation component may be effective at preventing depression immediately post intervention. There was no evidence of intervention effectiveness in targeted secondary, targeted primary or universal primary school settings post intervention. The results for university settings were unreliable because of inconsistency in the network meta-analysis. A narrative summary was reported for five conduct disorder prevention studies, all in primary school settings. None reported the primary outcome at the primary post-intervention time point. The economic evidence review reported heterogeneous findings from six studies. Taking the perspective of a single school budget and based on cognitive–behavioural therapy intervention costs in universal secondary school settings, the cost–consequence analysis estimated an intervention cost of £43 per student.
Limitations
The emphasis on disorder-specific prevention excluded broader mental health interventions and restricted the number of eligible conduct disorder prevention studies. Restricting the study to interventions delivered in the educational setting may have limited the number of eligible university-level interventions.
Conclusions
There was weak evidence of the effectiveness of school-based, disorder-specific prevention interventions, although effects were modest and the evidence not robust. Cognitive–behavioural therapy-based interventions may be more effective if they include a psychoeducation component.
Future work
Future trials for prevention of anxiety and depression should evaluate cognitive–behavioural interventions with and without a psychoeducation component, and include mindfulness/relaxation or exercise comparators, with sufficient follow-up. Cost implications must be adequately measured.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016048184.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 9, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah M Caldwell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah R Davies
- School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanna C Thorn
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jennifer C Palmer
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paola Caro
- School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah E Hetrick
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - Sumayya Anwer
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - José A López-López
- Department of Basic Psychology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Clare French
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Judi Kidger
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Dawson
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - James Thomas
- Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre), University College London, London, UK
| | - Rona Campbell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicky J Welton
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
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Gonzálvez C, Martín M, Vicent M, Sanmartín R. School Refusal Behavior and Aggression in Spanish Adolescents. Front Psychol 2021; 12:669438. [PMID: 33995227 PMCID: PMC8117223 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.669438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to reduce school attendance problems and aggressive behavior, it is essential to determine the relationship between both variables. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the mean differences in scores on aggression, based on school refusal behavior, and (2) to analyze the predictive capacity of high scores on aggression, based on school refusal behavior factors. The sample consisted of 1455 Spanish secondary school students, aged 13–17 (M = 14.85; SD = 1.56). The School Refusal Assessment Scale-Revised (I. Avoidance of negative affectivity, II. Escape from aversive social and/or evaluative situations, III. Pursuit of attention from significant others, and IV. Pursuit of tangible reinforcement outside of school) and the Aggression Questionnaire (I. Physical Aggression, II. Verbal Aggression, III. Anger, and IV. Hostility) were used. Results indicated that students having high levels of Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Anger, and Hostility received significantly higher scores on school refusal behavior. In most cases, school refusal behavior was found to be a positive and statistically significant predictor of aggression. Students that base their school refusal on the pursuit of tangible reinforcements outside of school earned higher scores, and other functional conditions underlying school refusal behavior were found to be associated with aggression issues. The role of aggression as a risk factor for school refusal behavior is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Gonzálvez
- Department of Development Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Miriam Martín
- Department of Development Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - María Vicent
- Department of Development Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ricardo Sanmartín
- Department of Development Psychology and Teaching, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Hancock KJ, Cave L, Christensen D, Mitrou F, Zubrick SR. Associations Between Developmental Risk Profiles, Mental Disorders, and Student Absences Among Primary and Secondary Students in Australia. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12310-021-09443-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Grigaitytė I, Söderberg P. Why does perceived social support protect against somatic symptoms: Investigating the roles of emotional self-efficacy and depressive symptoms? NORDIC PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19012276.2021.1902845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Pijl EK, Vanneste YTM, de Rijk AE, Feron FJM, Mathijssen J. The prevalence of sickness absence among primary school pupils - reason to be worried? BMC Public Health 2021; 21:170. [PMID: 33472603 PMCID: PMC7816510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10193-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Absence from school can lead to lower educational achievement and poor health. Little is known about school absence in primary education. This study's first aim was to examine the prevalence of school absence in primary schools and differing types of absence, including sickness absence. The second aim was to determine which pupil characteristics and types of absence were associated with extensive sickness absence. METHODS The school absence registries for the school year 2015-2016 were analysed retrospectively in eight mainstream primary schools with 2216 pupils, and six schools for special primary education with 1000 pupils in the West-Brabant region of the Netherlands. Descriptive analyses, χ2-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The one-year prevalence of school absence was 85% in mainstream primary schools and 79% in special schools. Sickness absence was the most prevalent type of absence, occurring in 75 and 71% of pupils, respectively The prevalence of extensive sickness absence was 13 and 23%, respectively. In mainstream schools, extensive sickness absence was associated with a young age, low parental educational level, more doctor's visits and unauthorised absence, and in special schools with more doctor's visits, other authorised absence, tardiness and unauthorised absence. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of extensive sickness absence was high, and as this was associated with other types of absence, these pupils missed even more days of school. Public health research, policy and practice should address sickness absence among primary school pupils, to prevent adverse effects on children's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Karen Pijl
- Child and Youth Healthcare Department, GGD West-Brabant, Breda, The Netherlands. .,Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Angelique Eveline de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Joseph Maria Feron
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Mathijssen
- Academic Collaborative Centre Youth, Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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28
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Kearney CA. Integrating Systemic and Analytic Approaches to School Attendance Problems: Synergistic Frameworks for Research and Policy Directions. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-020-09591-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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29
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van den Toren SJ, Franse CB, Vanneste YTM, Bannink R, Lugtenberg M, Mulder WC, de Kroon MLA, van Grieken A, Raat H. Addressing sickness absence among adolescents and young adults: an evaluation of the Medical Advice for Sick-reported Students intervention. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1851. [PMID: 33272244 PMCID: PMC7713334 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09809-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sickness absence is associated with lower school achievements and early school leaving. The Medical Advice for Sick-reported Students (MASS) intervention is a proactive school-based intervention focused primarily on early identification and reduction of sickness absence. This study used a program evaluation framework to evaluate the MASS intervention among intermediate vocational education students and Youth Health Care professionals. Outcome indicators were primarily number of sick days, education fit, and school performance, and secondarily, seven health indicators. Process indicators were dose delivered and received, satisfaction, and experience. Methods The MASS intervention evaluation was conducted in ten intermediate vocational education schools. Students with extensive sickness absence from school in the past three months were included in either the intervention or control condition. Students completed a baseline and a six-month follow-up self-report questionnaire. Linear and logistic regression analyses were applied. Students and Youth Health Care professionals completed an evaluation form regarding their satisfaction and experience with the intervention. Results Participants (n = 200) had a mean age of 18.6 years (SD = 2.02) and 78.5% were female. The MASS intervention showed positive results on decreasing sickness absence in days (β = -1.13, 95% CI = -2.22;-0.05, p < 0.05) and on decreasing depressive symptoms (β = -4.11, 95% CI = -7.06;-1.17, p < 0.05). No effects were found for other health indicators (p > 0.05). A significant interaction revealed a decline in sickness absence in males (p < 0.05) but not in females (p > 0.05). Youth Health Care professionals found the application of the MASS intervention useful (n = 35 forms). The mean rating of students for the consultation within the MASS intervention was an 8.3 (SD = 1.3) out of 10 (n = 14 forms). Conclusions Our study provides some indication that the MASS intervention has positive effects on decreasing both sickness absence and depressive symptoms among intermediate vocational education students. The Youth Health Care professionals who provided the consultation as part of the MASS intervention considered the intervention to be useful and stated that the consultation was delivered as intended in almost all cases. Students were generally satisfied with the intervention. We recommend that future research evaluates the MASS intervention in a large randomized controlled trial with a longer follow-up. Trial registration This study was prospectively registered in the Netherlands Trial Register under number NTR5556, in October 2015. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-020-09809-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne J van den Toren
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, Rotterdam, 3000, CA, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen B Franse
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, Rotterdam, 3000, CA, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rienke Bannink
- Center for Child and Family Rotterdam Rijnmond, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Lugtenberg
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, Rotterdam, 3000, CA, the Netherlands
| | - Wico C Mulder
- Dutch Center for Youth Health (NCJ), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marlou L A de Kroon
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Amy van Grieken
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, Rotterdam, 3000, CA, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Raat
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, Rotterdam, 3000, CA, the Netherlands.
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30
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Fairchild G. Developmental pathways from childhood ADHD to adolescent depression: insights from the ALSPAC study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 29:1477-1478. [PMID: 33037489 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Fairchild
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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31
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Askeland KG, Bøe T, Lundervold AJ, Stormark KM, Hysing M. The Association Between Symptoms of Depression and School Absence in a Population-Based Study of Late Adolescents. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1268. [PMID: 32655449 PMCID: PMC7325985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE School attendance is an important functional marker in adolescence, and knowledge of the correlates of school absence is important to inform preventive efforts. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between symptoms of depression and school absence in late adolescence, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and externalizing problems. METHODS Data stem from the youth@hordaland-survey, a population-based survey of adolescents between 16 and 19 years old attending upper secondary education in Hordaland County, Norway, in spring 2012. Administrative data on school absence was provided for 8222 adolescents. In addition to days and hours absent the past semester, a variable of total absence was calculated and divided into quartiles of absence. Symptoms of mental health problems and sleep duration was based on adolescent self-reports. RESULTS Reports of depressive symptoms were significantly associated with school absence when investigated as continuous variables. The strength of the association attenuated but remained statistically significant when controlling for sociodemographic factors and externalizing problems. When investigating the association at different levels of school absence, adolescents in the second, third and fourth quartile of school absence reported significantly higher depression scores compared to adolescents in the first quartile. The association between reports of symptoms of depression and school absence was partially mediated by sleep duration. CONCLUSION The association between reported symptoms of depression and school absence was evident even at low levels of school absence, indicating a role for universal prevention strategies. The findings suggest both depression and sleep problems as possible targets for intervention in late adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin G. Askeland
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tormod Bøe
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Astri J. Lundervold
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell M. Stormark
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mari Hysing
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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van den Toren SJ, van Grieken A, Mulder WC, Vanneste YT, Lugtenberg M, de Kroon MLA, Tan SS, Raat H. School Absenteeism, Health-Related Quality of Life [HRQOL] and Happiness among Young Adults Aged 16-26 Years. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3321. [PMID: 31505862 PMCID: PMC6765871 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the association between school absenteeism, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and happiness among young adults aged 16-26 years attending vocational education. Cross-sectional data from a survey among 676 young adults were analyzed. School absenteeism was measured by the self-reported number of sick days in the past eight weeks and hours of truancy in the past four weeks. HRQOL was measured by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey; physical and mental component summary scores were calculated. General happiness was assessed on a scale of 0-10, higher scores indicating greater happiness. Linear regression analyses were performed. The study population had a mean age of 18.5 years (SD 2.2); 26.1% were boys. Young adults with ≥5 sick days or ≥6 h of truancy reported lower mental HRQOL compared to young adults without sickness absence or truancy (p < 0.05). Young adults with 1-4 and ≥5 sick days reported lower physical HRQOL compared to young adults who had not reported to be sick (p < 0.05). Young adults with 1-5 h and ≥6 h of truancy reported higher physical HRQOL compared to young adults who were not truant (p < 0.05). No associations were observed between school absence and happiness. Lower self-reported mental HRQOL was observed among young adults with more school absenteeism due to sickness or truancy. Sickness absence was additionally associated with lower physical HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne J van den Toren
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Amy van Grieken
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Wico C Mulder
- Dutch Center for Youth Health (NCJ), 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Marjolein Lugtenberg
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marlou L A de Kroon
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Siok Swan Tan
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Hein Raat
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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