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Wang S, Barrett E, Hicks MHR, Martsenkovskyi D, Holovanova I, Marchak O, Ishchenko L, Haque U, Fiedler N. Associations between mental health symptoms, trauma, quality of life and coping in adults living in Ukraine: A cross-sectional study a year after the 2022 Russian invasion. Psychiatry Res 2024; 339:116056. [PMID: 38968918 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the mental health of adults living in Ukraine one year after onset of the Russo-Ukrainian war, along with quality of life and coping strategies. Quota sampling was used to collect online survey data from 2364 adults aged 18-79 years living in Ukraine from April 5, 2023 to May 15, 2023. Among adults living in Ukraine, 14.4 % had probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), another 8.9 % had complex PTSD (CPTSD), 44.2 % had probable depressive disorder, 23.1 % had anxiety disorder and 38.6 % showed significant loneliness. In adjusted models, the number of trauma events experienced during the war showed a dose-response association with PTSD/CPTSD and was associated with depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. Quality of life domains, particularly physical quality of life, were negatively associated with PTSD/CPTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and number of trauma events. Maladaptive coping was positively associated with depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD/CPTSD and loneliness. All quality of life domains were positively associated with using adaptive coping strategies. Mental health disorders are highly prevalent in adults living in Ukraine one year into the war. Policy and services can promote adaptive coping strategies to improve mental health and quality of life for increased resilience during war.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Department of Population & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Emily Barrett
- Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Dmytro Martsenkovskyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Olga Marchak
- Overseas Council - United World Mission, Rivne, Ukraine
| | - Liudmyla Ishchenko
- Ukrainian Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ubydul Haque
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Global Health Institute, Rutgers School of Public Health, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Nancy Fiedler
- Environmental and Occupational Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Justice, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ. USA
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Liu Y, Qiu H, Tang F, Huang Z, Gao Y, Wang Y, Wang S, Zhang Y. Association of adverse childhood experiences with poor health condition among middle-aged and elderly adults in the United States: A nationally retrospective cohort study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 338:115977. [PMID: 38823165 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The specific effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in adulthood and senectitude were less known. We aim to examine the relationship between early ACEs and overall health condition as well as specific dimensions in the middle-aged and elderly population. METHODS In the 2019-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Study, robust Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relationship between ACE exposure and current health status among adults aged 45 ≥ years. RESULTS Of the 195,472 participants, 53.8 % were female and the mean age was 65.0 years. Compared to populations without ACE, ACE exposures were more significantly associated with depression (PR: 2.03, 95 %CI: 1.94-2.21), frequent mental health (PR: 1.85, 95 %CI: 1.74-1.97) and subject cognitive decline (PR: 1.99, 95 %CI:1.85-2.14) than with physical health (PR: 1.37, 95 %CI: 1.32-1.44), with dose-response patterns. The association with mental disorder was especially significant among the elderly population. CONCLUSION Early ACEs are associated with adverse health outcomes that persist into later life, particularly mental disorders and cognitive decline. Poor mental health may indirectly influence associations with ACEs and cognitive decline as well as physical health. Our findings emphasize the importance of lifelong psychological screening and support for the ACE-exposed middle-aged and elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Hongbin Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Fan Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Zemin Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education; State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Harbin, China
| | - Shanjie Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education; State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Harbin, China
| | - Yiying Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China.
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Palace M, Zamazii O, Terbeck S, Bokszczanin A, Berezovski T, Gurbisz D, Szwejka L. Mapping the factors behind ongoing war stress in Ukraine-based young civilian adults. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:868-885. [PMID: 37727930 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12493] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
While the literature on well-being and stress following natural disasters is well-developed, it is less so when it comes to ongoing war experiences. Between September and October of 2022, 223 Ukraine-based civilian adults (156 women and 67 men) completed a survey measuring symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), peritraumatic experiences, paranoia, quality of life, death anxiety, anxiety about weapons of mass destruction and depression (i.e. assumed 'war consequence' factors), as well as perceived social support, resilience, loneliness and expected military support from the West (i.e. assumed 'buffer' factors). Our exploratory structural equation model (SEM) suggests that Perceived Social Support predicted fewer PTSD Symptoms and more Peritraumatic Experiences. The regression modelling, however, shows that Perceived Social Support was also positively correlated with Peritraumatic Experiences. Highlighting the need for a civilian war stress buffer disruption theory, we argue that when composed of one's circle of family and friends, social support could likely mean greater exposure to war stressors through the mutual sharing of ongoing war experiences with no end in sight. Such a possible war stress sharing deterioration effect would imply that Perceived Social Support may compound peritraumatic distress if the support in question is offered by those facing the same grim reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Palace
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Oksana Zamazii
- Department of Accounting, Audit and Taxation, Khmelnytskyi National University, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine
| | - Sylvia Terbeck
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Tetyana Berezovski
- Department of Mathematics, St Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dominika Gurbisz
- Doctoral School of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Lukasz Szwejka
- Institute of Pedagogy, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Iktilat K, Isacson M, Tzemah-Shahar R, Agmon M. The link between exposure to violence and psychological distress among middle-aged Muslims in Israel: the role of gender. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1382053. [PMID: 38903569 PMCID: PMC11188443 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction To date, it is still unclear if exposure to violence affects psychological distress in middle-aged adults and if the effects are gender specific. This age group is of special interest as it is at the onset of the aging process and is often overlooked or understudied in scholarly research. Specifically, targeted research on middle-aged Muslims living in Israel, a unique population exposed to increasing violence, is lacking. Methods We examined the relationship between exposure to violence and psychological distress in a cohort of 363 middle-aged adults (223 women) from three Muslim villages in northern Israel, collecting data on violence exposure (Screen for Adolescent Violence Exposure (SAVE) questionnaire), psychological distress (Kessler 6 Psychological Distress questionnaire), and other demographic characteristics including education level and socioeconomic status. We used this data to answer two questions: (1) is exposure to violence a predictor of psychological distress in middle-aged Muslims, and (2) does the relationship between exposure and distress differ between men and women? Results We revealed a positive link between exposure to violence and psychological distress (β = 0.145, p = 0.017) when controlling for gender, age, education level, and socioeconomic level. Discussion Despite previous evidence of gender-based differences in this interplay in younger cohorts, we did not find a significant interaction between gender and the violence exposure-psychological distress interplay. Our findings are some of the first to focus on middle-aged individuals and show that both men and women exhibit connections between exposure to violence and psychological distress when considering covariates. This research provides insights that can be used when planning community-wide interventions and treatment schemes to support healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Iktilat
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Health and Social Welfare, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Ramat Gan Academic College, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Roy Tzemah-Shahar
- The Cheryl Spencer Institute for Nursing Research, Faculty of Health and Social Welfare, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maayan Agmon
- The Cheryl Spencer Institute for Nursing Research, Faculty of Health and Social Welfare, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Zhang M, Chi C, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Tao X, Liu H, Xuan B. Prevalence of smartphone addiction and its relation with psychological distress and internet gaming disorder among medical college students. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1362121. [PMID: 38887253 PMCID: PMC11182557 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1362121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of smartphone addiction has been widely studied, but the research on the relationship between smartphone addiction and psychological distress and internet gaming disorder is limited. This study investigated the characteristics and prevalence of smartphone addiction and its relation with psychological distress and internet gaming disorder. Furthermore, it provides the scientific basis for intervention measures in schools, families, and society. Methods A random cluster sampling method was applied to investigate 656 medical students from grades 1 to 4 at Wannan Medical College in Anhui province, People's Republic of China. The questionnaire consisted of general information, a smartphone addiction scale, an Internet gaming disorder scale, and a Kessler 6-item psychological distress test. The obtained results were first summarized using descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test was used to compare the status of smartphone addiction. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between smartphone addiction and various variables. Results Our results showed that the prevalence of smartphone addiction in medical students was 49.5% (325/656). Psychological distress (p < 0.001), internet gaming disorder (p < 0.001), and childhood trauma (p = 0.001) were highly correlated with smartphone addiction in medical students. Psychological distress, and internet gaming disorder were positively associated with smartphone addiction (p < 0.000). Conclusion The prevalence of smartphone addiction is high among medical students in Chinese. Smartphone addiction is highly related to related to internet gaming disorder and psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
- School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Chenru Chi
- Graduate School of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Qingwei Liu
- School of Nursing, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- School of Medical Imaging of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiubin Tao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Hemodialysis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College (Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College), Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Bin Xuan
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
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Veronese G, Mahamid F, Obaid H, Bdier D, Cavazzoni F. Positive and negative effects of child's agency on trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties in war-like conditions. The mediating role of hope and life satisfaction. J Ment Health 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38526328 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2332801] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children affected by war and political violence deploy agentic competencies to cope with trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties. However, it does not always act as a protective factor to help them adjust to potentially traumatic events. AIMS We expected to explore the association between agency, trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties and the mediating role of hope and life satisfaction in a group of child victims of military violence in Palestine. METHODS 965 children aged 8 to 14 were assessed with self-reported measures, War Child Agency Assessment Scale, Children Revised Impact of events scale, Strengths and difficulties scale, Child Hope Scale and Brief Multidimensional Students Life Satisfaction Scale. Structural Equation Modelling was performed having Agency as a predictor, trauma symptoms, psychological difficulties as an outcome variable and life satisfaction and hope as a mediator. RESULTS We found a direct and positive effect of agency on trauma symptoms, psychological difficulties, and life satisfaction and hope on the two dependent variables. Life satisfaction and hope mediated the association between agency and the outcome variables. CONCLUSION Agency can help defend children from trauma and psychological maladaptation when it acts on life satisfaction and hope. At the same time, it might worsen psychological dysfunctions when working directly on trauma symptoms and difficulties. Clinical interventions must help children to foster agentic resources in activating hope and life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Veronese
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Fayez Mahamid
- Department of Psychology & Counselling, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestinian territory
| | - Hania Obaid
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Dana Bdier
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology & Counselling, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestinian territory
| | - Federica Cavazzoni
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Surani Z, Turesky TK, Sullivan E, Shama T, Haque R, Islam N, Kakon SH, Yu X, Petri WA, Nelson C, Gaab N. Examining the relationship between psychosocial adversity and inhibitory control: an fMRI study of children growing up in extreme poverty. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578942. [PMID: 38370839 PMCID: PMC10871278 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to psychosocial adversity (PA) is associated with poor behavioral, physical, and mental health outcomes in adulthood. Growing evidence suggests that deficits in executive functions may in part moderate these outcomes, with inhibitory control as an example of such a putative moderator. However, much of the literature examining the development of inhibitory control has been based on children in higher resource environments, and little is known how growing up in a low resource setting might exacerbate the link between inhibitory control and health outcomes. In this context we collected fMRI data during a Go/No-Go inhibitory control task and PA variables for 68 children 5 to 7 years of age living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, an area with a high prevalence of PA. The children's mothers completed behavioral questionnaires to assess the child's PA and their own PA. Whole-brain activation underlying inhibitory control was examined using the No-Go versus Go contrast, and associations with PA variables were assessed using whole-brain regressions. Childhood neglect was associated with weaker activation in the right posterior cingulate, whereas greater family conflict, economic stress, and maternal PA factors were associated with greater activation in the left medial frontal gyrus, right superior and middle frontal gyrus, and left cingulate gyrus. These data suggest that neural networks supporting inhibitory control processes may vary as a function of exposure to different types of PA, particularly between those related to threat and deprivation. Furthermore, increased activation in children with greater PA may serve as a compensatory mechanism, allowing them to maintain similar behavioral task performance.
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Bosqui T, McEwen FS, Chehade N, Moghames P, Skavenski S, Murray L, Karam E, Weierstall-Pust R, Pluess M. What drives change in children receiving telephone-delivered Common Elements Treatment Approach (t-CETA)? A multiple n = 1 study with Syrian refugee children and adolescents in Lebanon. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023:106388. [PMID: 37612204 PMCID: PMC10879464 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the evidence-base for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions in humanitarian settings is growing rapidly, their mechanisms of change remain poorly understood despite the potential to improve the effectiveness and reach of interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the mechanisms or factors that drive change in a modular transdiagnostic telephone-delivered mental health intervention, Common Elements Treatment Approach (t-CETA). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were Syrian refugee children and adolescents living in tented settlements in Lebanon. METHODS We used a multiple n = 1 design, drawing on secondary data from 9 children who completed t-CETA during a pilot randomized controlled trial. RESULTS Children with historical war-related trauma were more likely to show significant improvement across symptom clusters by the end of treatment compared to children presenting with depression related to daily living conditions. Children also showed fluctuating symptoms during the early stages of treatment (engagement and cognitive restructuring) but significant decline in symptoms after the trauma module (prolonged imaginal exposure) and depression module (behavioral activation). Salient external life events identified were starting or dropping out of school, working, change in living conditions, family conflict and the October Revolution; and interpersonal factors of parental engagement (with or without full attendance) and counsellor skills in building rapport were also identified as having an impact on treatment success. CONCLUSIONS Implications of our findings are discussed in terms of integrating active ingredients into MHPSS programming, and building on parental and multi-sector involvement in child and adolescent mental health care in humanitarian settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiona S McEwen
- Department of War Studies, King's College London, London, UK; Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Laura Murray
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Elie Karam
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care, Lebanon
| | | | - Michael Pluess
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Nathani K, Lee WC, Taha S, Horino M, Seita A, Serag H. The Association Between Mental Well-Being and School Attendance Among Palestinian Adolescent Refugees in UNRWA Schools. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:339-350. [PMID: 35669389 PMCID: PMC9142786 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00460-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent refugees experience psychosocial stressors, including traumatic events, poverty, and loss of home and family. Exposure to conflict affects mental well-being in Palestinian adolescent refugees. Adolescent girls are among those vulnerable to post-traumatic stress associated with living in conflict zones, We assessed the association between reported mental well-being and school attendance among Palestinian adolescent refugees in UNRWA schools in Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. We also examined differences based on gender and place of residence, Palestinian adolescent refugees with certain mental well-being concerns were more likely to miss more days of school. Generally, females reported higher rates of loneliness and worry, but males were more likely to miss school. Gender-based differences were highest in Lebanon and least in the West Bank, More school-based and community-based mental well-being interventions are needed. Female-tailored programs are needed, especially in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Nathani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX USA
| | - Wei-Chen Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine – Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Shaden Taha
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX USA
| | - Masako Horino
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Amman, Jordan
| | - Akihiro Seita
- Health Department, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Amman, Jordan
| | - Hani Serag
- Department of Internal Medicine – Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
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Yang M, Sheng X, Ge M, Zhang L, Huang C, Cui S, Yuan Q, Ye M, Zhou R, Cao P, Peng R, Zhou X, Zhang K. Childhood trauma and psychological sub-health among Chinese adolescents: the mediating effect of Internet addiction. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:762. [PMID: 36471293 PMCID: PMC9721004 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04384-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The factors related to psychological sub-health (PSH) have been widely described, but the research on the mechanism behind the complex relationship between childhood trauma and PSH is limited. This study investigated the current situation and risk factors of PSH among Chinese adolescents. And further, explore whether Internet addiction (IA) plays a potential mediating effect in childhood trauma and PSH. METHODS The study was conducted in October 2020 in Anhui Province, China. The PSH state of 866 adolescents was investigated, including demographic information such as gender, age, and grade. Childhood trauma, IA, and PSH were measured by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF), Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents (MSQA). The mediating effect is further verified by the structural equation model (SEM). RESULTS In this study, 866 adolescents were selected as subjects, and the proportion of male and female is roughly equal. The prevalence of PSH in adolescents was 25.8%, and left-behind children, boarding, or adolescents who have had non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are more likely to have PSH. Through the mediation test, the direct effect of childhood trauma on PSH was 0.23 (95% CI [4.91,9.00],p <0.001), and the mediating effect of IA on childhood trauma and PSH was 0.07 (95% CI [1.42, 3.32],p <0.001). and the proportion of them is 75.14% and 24.86% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Childhood trauma has direct and indirect effects on PSH, and IA plays a mediating effect in the indirect effect. Therefore, clarifying these relationships helps formulate and implement effective interventions to improve psychological health (PH) in Chinese adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Xuanlian Sheng
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Menglin Ge
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Ling Zhang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Cui Huang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Shu Cui
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Qiuyu Yuan
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Mengting Ye
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Ruochen Zhou
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Panpan Cao
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Ran Peng
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XAnhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006 Anhui China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006, Anhui, China.
| | - Kai Zhang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, No. 64 Chaohubei Road, Hefei, 238006, Anhui, China.
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11
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Maloney CA, Miller-Graff LE, Wentz B, Cummings EM. Evaluating the Role of Maternal and Paternal Trauma Exposure, Emotional Security, and Mental Health in Predicting Psychological Adjustment among Palestinian Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159288. [PMID: 35954645 PMCID: PMC9368235 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has established a strong relationship between family system functioning and child adjustment outcomes. However, within the context of Gaza, an evaluation of both maternal and paternal factors associated with adolescent psychological adjustment has not yet been thoroughly evaluated. The current study examines how maternal and paternal trauma exposure, emotional security, and mental health are related to parent-reported scores of adolescent psychological adjustment, while controlling for adolescent trauma exposure and security in the family. The sample included N = 68 family units living in the Gaza Strip, with two parents and one adolescent surveyed within each unit (adolescent Mage = 14.03 years). The regression model examining maternal factors was significant overall (F = 7.44, R2 = 42.70%, p < 0.001), with increased maternal depression associated with greater adolescent adjustment difficulties (β = 0.31, p = 0.011) and greater maternal emotional security in the family associated with fewer adolescent adjustment difficulties (β = −0.36, p = 0.004). The regression model examining paternal factors was also significant (F = 4.57, R2 = 31.00%, p < 0.001), with increased paternal trauma exposure associated with greater adolescent adjustment difficulties (β = 0.32, p = 0.012). Understanding family-level factors associated with adolescent adjustment is an important step in conceptualizing the mental health needs of conflict-affected youth within the context of Gaza and more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Maloney
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (L.E.M.-G.); (B.W.); (E.M.C.)
- Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura E. Miller-Graff
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (L.E.M.-G.); (B.W.); (E.M.C.)
- Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Bethany Wentz
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (L.E.M.-G.); (B.W.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Edward Mark Cummings
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (L.E.M.-G.); (B.W.); (E.M.C.)
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12
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Merrilees CE, Taylor LK, Goeke-Morey MC, Shirlow P, Cummings EM. Age as a Dynamic Moderator of Relations between Exposure to Political Conflict and Mental Health in Belfast, Northern Ireland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148339. [PMID: 35886192 PMCID: PMC9317634 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Identifying how, when, and under what conditions exposure to political conflict is associated with youth mental health problems is critical to developing programming to help youth exposed to various forms of political violence. The current study uses Time Varying Effects Modeling (TVEM) to examine how relations between exposure to ethno-politically motivated antisocial behavior and mental health problems change as a function of age in a sample of youth from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Young people (N = 583, Mage 16.51 wave 1, 17.23 wave 2) self-reported their exposure to sectarian antisocial behavior, nonsectarian antisocial behavior, and mental health problems as part of a longitudinal study of youth across multiple neighborhoods in Belfast. The results suggest mental health problems and associations with exposure to sectarian antisocial behavior change in nonlinear patterns throughout adolescence, with the strongest links between exposure to political conflict and mental health between ages 16 and 19. Significant relations between nonsectarian antisocial behavior and mental health problems were not indicated for the full sample but the results suggested a relation emerged in later adolescence for Protestant youth, the historical majority group. The value of this exploratory approach to examining relations between key context and psychological variables for youth in contexts of political tension and violence is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E. Merrilees
- Psychology Department, State University of New York, Geneseo, NY 14454, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura K. Taylor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Marcie C. Goeke-Morey
- Psychology Department, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA;
| | - Peter Shirlow
- School of Histories, Languages, and Cultures, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
| | - E. Mark Cummings
- Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA;
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13
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Wu H, Ji JM, Qian Y, Jin XH, Yu HR, Liu XM, Du L, Fu XL, Chen HL. Relationship between depressive symptoms and internet usage time among adolescents: Results from a nationwide survey. Psychiatry Res 2022; 313:114603. [PMID: 35544986 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent depression is becoming a public health problem. In this study the association between depressive symptoms and internet usage time in adolescents was examined, with data collected from the China Education Tracking Survey (CEPS). The survey is publicly available and carried out nationwide. A logistic regression analysis was conducted with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), the subgroup analysis examined the relationships between internet usage time and depressive symptoms. A total of 10,705 adolescents were involved, where 46.4% of them are caught by the internet for more than two hours per day. Adolescents keeping on the internet for 6-8 h per day were reported to have higher odds of depressive symptoms than adolescents who were free from it with the confounders of individual, family, and school adjusted, which were observed among groups with a medium family economic status without living with their father and with a sleep time less than nine hours. The results revealed that adolescents spending more time online had a higher risk of experiencing depression symptoms. This study suggested that it is helpful for mental health professionals to evaluate and develop prevention interventions for depressive symptoms in adolescents promptly through monitoring and managing online time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jia-Mei Ji
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China; Nantong Tongzhou District People's Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yan Qian
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hong Jin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hai-Rong Yu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiao-Man Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lin Du
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xue-Lei Fu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hong-Lin Chen
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9# Se yuan Road, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, PR China.
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14
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Wade M, Wright L, Finegold KE. The effects of early life adversity on children's mental health and cognitive functioning. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:244. [PMID: 35688817 PMCID: PMC9187770 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that partially distinct mechanisms may underlie the association between different dimensions of early life adversity (ELA) and psychopathology in children and adolescents. While there is minimal evidence that different types of ELA are associated with specific psychopathology outcomes, there are partially unique cognitive and socioemotional consequences of specific dimensions of ELA that increase transdiagnostic risk of mental health problems across the internalizing and externalizing spectra. The current review provides an overview of recent findings examining the cognitive (e.g., language, executive function), socioemotional (e.g., attention bias, emotion regulation), and mental health correlates of ELA along the dimensions of threat/harshness, deprivation, and unpredictability. We underscore similarities and differences in the mechanisms connecting different dimensions of ELA to particular mental health outcomes, and identify gaps and future directions that may help to clarify inconsistencies in the literature. This review focuses on childhood and adolescence, periods of exquisite neurobiological change and sensitivity to the environment. The utility of dimensional models of ELA in better understanding the mechanistic pathways towards the expression of psychopathology is discussed, with the review supporting the value of such models in better understanding the developmental sequelae associated with ELA. Integration of dimensional models of ELA with existing models focused on psychiatric classification and biobehavioral mechanisms may advance our understanding of the etiology, phenomenology, and treatment of mental health difficulties in children and youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Wade
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Liam Wright
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Katherine E. Finegold
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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15
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Mehmood Q, Faizan M, Ullah I, Shoib S, Őri D. Mental health challenges faced by children in Palestine and the way forward. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 71:103050. [PMID: 35240560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan.
| | - Sheikh Shoib
- Department of Psychiatry, Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| | - Dorottya Őri
- Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute, Department of Mental Health, Budapest, Hungary; Semmelweis University, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
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16
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Taylor A, Radford G, Calia C. Review: Cultural adaptations to psychosocial interventions for families with refugee/asylum-seeker status in the United Kingdom - a systematic review. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2022; 28:241-257. [PMID: 35195944 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12547] [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: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people with refugee or asylum-seeker status (R/AS) often present with complex mental health needs, in the context of traumatic life experiences. Generic mental health services in the United Kingdom (UK) may be ill-equipped to manage the unique experiences of these young people. Culturally adapted interventions (CAI) could provide a culturally sensitive approach to mental health support for refugee children experiencing difficult symptoms. A systematic review was conducted to determine the different types of cultural adaptation in the included studies, and to determine the efficacy of CAIs in comparison to generic treatment. METHODS Systematic searches of eleven databases were completed in December 2020. Any psychosocial interventions conducted in the United Kingdom aimed at providing mental health support for refugee young people and families were included. This was to ensure the potential inclusion of all studies regardless of their adherence to the traditional framework of assessment and intervention in high-income countries, for example randomised control trials. RESULTS Eleven studies of varying methodology, participant group, intervention type and outcome measures were included in this review. Studies used a variety of cultural adaptations including surface-level and deep-level adaptations. Studies showed some support for the use of CAIs with young people with R/AS, with varying degrees of symptom reduction. It was not possible to compare the effectiveness of CAIs against 'treatment-as-usual', nor to determine the effectiveness of different CAI components. CONCLUSIONS Whilst there is evidence for the use of CAIs with R/AS young people, the heterogeneity between studies limits the generalisability of these results. The available research is not sufficient to provide conclusive evidence of the use of CAIs over 'treatment-as-usual'. Research and clinical implications are highlighted. Future research could examine the most effective components of CAIs and aim to increase the evidence base of interventions for young people and families with R/AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Taylor
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK.,School of Health and Social Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Clara Calia
- School of Health and Social Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Measuring Traumatic Reactions in Palestinian Children: A Psychometric Assessment of the Children Revised Impact of Event Scale-Arabic Version (CRIES-13A). Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2022; 53:16-26. [PMID: 33385256 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to test the measurement model and measurement invariance of the Impact of Event Scale (Arabic version) in a large sample of Palestinian children. We estimated (Study 1; n = 610) the measurement model using confirmatory factor analysis. In Study 2 (n = 864), we conducted multigroup (girls and boys) tests of measurement invariance. We pooled the data collected from the participants in the first two studies (Study 3, N = 1474) to assess overall score reliability, as well as the IES' convergent and divergent validity vis-à-vis other measures of child wellbeing and mental health. The outcomes of the statistical analyses supported an invariant 13-item measurement model (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal) for CRIES-13A. Intrusion and hyper-arousal together made up a first-order domain of symptoms (re-experiencing). The combined findings of these studies suggest that the CRIES-13A displays robust psychometric properties and may be used in contexts of military violence.
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18
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Ribeiro AC, Pedroso FI, Arboit J, Honnef F, Paula CCD, Leal TC, Brum MHC. Enfrentamento das situações de violência contra crianças e adolescentes na perspectiva de Conselheiros Tutelares. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2022-0322pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as potencialidades e limites no enfrentamento das situações de violência contra crianças e adolescentes na perspectiva de Conselheiros Tutelares. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, desenvolvida com 18 Conselheiros Tutelares de dois municípios da região central do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os dados foram gerados entre junho e julho de 2021, por meio da técnica de grupo focal, sendo submetidos a análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: Elencaram-se como potencialidades para o enfrentamento da violência contra crianças e adolescentes: denúncias; atuação em rede; e divulgação midiática. Como limites, tem-se: naturalização da violência; pandemia da Covid-19; desestruturação da rede intersetorial; ausência de capacitações; e dificuldade para desenvolver ações de prevenção. Conclusão Os Conselheiros Tutelares requerem instrumentalização para atuar nos casos de violência contra crianças e adolescentes, bem como o apoio dos demais setores, como saúde, educação, segurança pública e assistência social, de modo a atender integralmente esses casos.
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19
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Ribeiro AC, Pedroso FI, Arboit J, Honnef F, Paula CCD, Leal TC, Brum MHC. Confronting situations of violence against children and adolescents from the perspective of Guardianship Counselors. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2022; 56:e20220322. [PMID: 36445199 PMCID: PMC10116875 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2022-0322en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the potentialities and limits in confronting situations of violence against children and adolescents seen from the perspective of Guardianship Counselors. Method: Qualitative research, developed with 18 Guardianship Counselors from two municipalities in the central region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were generated between June and July 2021, using the focus group technique, and were subjected to thematic content analysis. Results: The following were identified as potentialities for combating violence against children and adolescents: denunciations; networking; and media coverage. As limits, we have: naturalization of violence; pandemic of the Covid-19; de-structuring of the intersectoral network; lack of training; and difficulty in developing preventive actions. Conclusion: The Guardianship Councilors require training to act in cases of violence against children and adolescents, as well as support from other sectors, such as health, education, public safety, and social assistance, in order to fully attend to these cases.
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20
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Veronese G, Cavazzoni F, Fiorini A, Shoman H, Sousa C. Human (in)security and psychological well-being in Palestinian children living amidst military violence: A qualitative participatory research using interactive maps. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:159-169. [PMID: 34627134 PMCID: PMC9299114 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has widely evidenced the effects of war and political violence on the functioning of children, with a great accord in diagnosing children's psychological burdens related to their exposure to violence. Yet, within this literature, the influence of the chronic sense of insecurity on their psychological functioning during and after hostilities remains unexplored. METHODS The present study aimed at exploring interrelated relationships between the perceived insecurity and the children's psychological well-being and their adjustment to trauma. Based on drawings and walk-along interviews with 75 Palestinian children, residents of both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, we offer an analysis of human security-related risks and protective factors that contribute to either promoting or undermining the child's psychological functioning in a context characterized by chronic instability and political violence. RESULTS A complex network of sources of security and insecurity emerged from the narratives depicting an ecological portrait encompassing the determinants of children's mental health and psychological functioning. The TCA led to the identification of eight main themes: school and associativism; social relations and house as a source of security/insecurity; military occupation as a source of insecurity; national and political identity as a source of safety; mosque and spirituality as a source of safety/unsafety; environment as a source of security/insecurity; and mental health. DISCUSSION An approach encompassing human security as an explicative model can help in exhaustively portraying the complexity of the Palestinian children's suffering and their competence in adjusting to their traumatic reality. The study draws attention to social, political, environmental and economic determinants of children psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Veronese
- Department of Human Sciences “R. Massa”University of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Federica Cavazzoni
- Department of Human Sciences “R. Massa”University of Milano‐BicoccaMilanItaly
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21
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Working memory and emotional interpretation bias in a sample of Syrian refugee adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1885-1894. [PMID: 33025075 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The number of adolescent refugees around the world has been continuously increasing over the past few years trying to escape war and terror, among other things. Such experience not only increases the risk for mental health problems including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but also may have implications for socio-cognitive development. This study tested cognitive-affective processing in refugee adolescents who had escaped armed conflict in Syria and now resided in Istanbul, Turkey. Adolescents were split into a high trauma (n = 31, 12 girls, mean age = 11.70 years, SD = 1.15 years) and low trauma (n = 27, 14 girls, mean age = 11.07 years, SD = 1.39 years) symptom group using median split, and performed a working memory task with emotional distraction to assess cognitive control and a surprise faces task to assess emotional interpretation bias. The results indicated that high (vs. low) trauma symptom youth were ~ 20% worse correctly remembering the spatial location of a cue, although both groups performed at very low levels. However, this finding was not modulated by emotion. In addition, although all youths also had a ~ 20% bias toward interpreting ambiguous (surprise) faces as more negative, the high (vs. low) symptom youth were faster when allocating such a face to the positive (vs. negative) emotion category. The findings suggest the impact of war-related trauma on cognitive-affective processes essential to healthy development.
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22
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Veronese G, Pepe A, Diab M, Abu Jamei Y, Kagee A. Social support, resilience, and mental health in a low-intensity warfare context: the effects of siege on university students in Gaza. J Ment Health 2021; 31:383-391. [PMID: 34607522 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.1979486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaza has long been enduring a quasi-total siege that significantly undermines quality of life in the region. Gazan youth are particularly affected by the ongoing economic recession, a disrupted environment, and health and food insecurity. These critical circumstances are worsened by the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, which is a cause of death and destruction. AIMS This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of living under protracted siege conditions on mental distress, resilience, and social support among a sample of Palestinian university students living on the Gaza Strip. METHODS Five hundred fifty Palestinian university students were recruited at four universities in Gaza. They completed a battery of instruments, including the Gaza Siege Checklist, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Resilience Scale (RS), and Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test a conceptual model of social support and resilience as protective factors against the impact on mental distress of living under siege. RESULTS Our findings indicate that living under siege has direct adverse effects, leading to increased mental distress in the form of anxiety, depression, and acute stress. Enduring siege conditions compromises resilience and sources of social support, thereby increasing subjects' risk of developing psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Veronese
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Alessandro Pepe
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marwan Diab
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Gaza Community Mental Health Program, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Yasser Abu Jamei
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Gaza Community Mental Health Program, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Ashraf Kagee
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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23
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Batra A, Chen LM, Wang Z, Parent C, Pokhvisneva I, Patel S, Levitan RD, Meaney MJ, Silveira PP. Early Life Adversity and Polygenic Risk for High Fasting Insulin Are Associated With Childhood Impulsivity. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:704785. [PMID: 34539334 PMCID: PMC8441000 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.704785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
While the co-morbidity between metabolic and psychiatric behaviors is well-established, the mechanisms are poorly understood, and exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is a common developmental risk factor. ELA is associated with altered insulin sensitivity and poor behavioral inhibition throughout life, which seems to contribute to the development of metabolic and psychiatric disturbances in the long term. We hypothesize that a genetic background associated with higher fasting insulin interacts with ELA to influence the development of executive functions (e.g., impulsivity in young children). We calculated the polygenic risk scores (PRSs) from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of fasting insulin at different thresholds and identified the subset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that best predicted peripheral insulin levels in children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort [N = 467; pt– initial = 0.24 (10,296 SNPs), pt– refined = 0.05 (57 SNPs)]. We then calculated the refined PRS (rPRS) for fasting insulin at this specific threshold in the children from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment (MAVAN) cohort and investigated its interaction effect with adversity on an impulsivity task applied at 36 months. We found a significant effect of interaction between fasting insulin rPRS and adversity exposure predicting impulsivity measured by the Snack Delay Task at 36 months [β = −0.329, p = 0.024], such that higher PRS [β = −0.551, p = 0.009] was linked to more impulsivity in individuals exposed to more adversity. Enrichment analysis (MetaCoreTM) of the SNPs that compose the fasting insulin rPRS at this threshold was significant for certain nervous system development processes including dopamine D2 receptor signaling. Additional enrichment analysis (FUMA) of the genes mapped from the SNPs in the fasting insulin rPRS showed enrichment with the accelerated cognitive decline GWAS. Therefore, the genetic background associated with risk for adult higher fasting insulin moderates the impact of early adversity on childhood impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashita Batra
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lawrence M Chen
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zihan Wang
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carine Parent
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sachin Patel
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robert D Levitan
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Translational Neuroscience Programme, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patricia Pelufo Silveira
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Cruz MS, Silva ES, Jakaite Z, Krenzinger M, Valiati L, Gonçalves D, Ribeiro E, Heritage P, Priebe S. Experience of neighbourhood violence and mental distress in Brazilian favelas: a cross-sectional household survey. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2021; 4:100067. [PMID: 36776712 PMCID: PMC9903930 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Living in informal settlements with extensive neighbourhood violence has been shown to be linked with poorer mental health. However, there is little evidence as to whether different levels of personal experiences and fears of neighbourhood violence within such settlements affect mental health. This study assessed such personal experiences and fears of residents in favelas in Brazil. We tested whether variations predict mental health symptoms and quality of life, and whether this is independent of the influence of sociodemographic characteristics and poverty. Methods In a population-based survey of adults living in a group of favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we assessed: sociodemographic characteristics; extent of personal experiences and fear of neighbourhood violence; mental health symptoms on the Brief Symptom Inventory; and quality of life on the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life. Univariate and multivariate regressions were fit to predict mental health symptoms and quality of life. Findings We interviewed 1,211 residents. Both more experiences of neighbourhood violence and more fear of violence predicted higher levels of mental health symptoms and poorer quality of life. In multivariate regression analyses, the associations remained significant after adjusting for the influence of other factors, in particular female gender, younger age, and marked poverty. Interpretation Even within a context in which the whole population can be exposed to violence and economic disadvantage, individual variations in the experiences of violence still make a significant difference for mental distress and quality of life. Policies to improve mental health and quality of life of residents in informal settlements need to address risk factors separately, most importantly the personal experiences of violence and poverty. Funding Economic and Social Research Council and Arts and Humanities Research Council in the United Kingdom. Antecedentes Viver em assentamentos informais, com ampla violência na vizinhança, parece estar associado a piores condições de saúde mental. No entanto, há poucas evidências de que, nestes locais, os diferentes níveis de experiências pessoais e o medo da violência na vizinhança afetem a saúde mental. Este estudo avaliou experiências pessoais e medos de moradores de favelas no Brasil. Testamos se tais variações predizem sintomas de saúde mental e qualidade de vida, e se isso é independente da influência das características sociodemográficas e da pobreza. Métodos Com base em um inquérito domiciliar de base populacional, realizado com adultos residentes em um grupo de favelas do Complexo da Maré, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, foram observadas: características sociodemográficas; a extensão das experiências pessoais de exposição à violência e o medo da violência na vizinhança; sintomas de saúde mental, a partir do Inventário de Sintomas Psicopatológicos (BSI); e qualidade de vida, a partir da escala Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). Regressões univariadas e multivariadas foram ajustadas para explicar variações nos sintomas de saúde mental e qualidade de vida. Resultados Entrevistamos 1.211 pessoa adultas residentes na Maré. Tanto maiores níveis de exposição a experiências de violência na vizinhança quanto mais medo dessa violência estiveram relacionados a piores níveis de saúde mental (maior número e intensidade de sintomas no BSI) e pior qualidade de vida. Nas análises de regressão multivariada, tais associações permaneceram significativas mesmo após controlarmos pela influência de outros fatores, em particular sexo (feminino), idade (mais jovem) e pobreza acentuada. Interpretação Mesmo em um contexto no qual toda a população pode estar exposta à violência e a desvantagens materiais e econômicas, as variações individuais nas experiências de violência ainda assim fazem diferença significativa nas condições de sofrimento mental e qualidade de vida. Políticas para melhorar a saúde mental e a qualidade de vida dos residentes de assentamentos informais, como as favelas, precisam abordar fatores de risco separadamente focando, principalmente, na redução da exposição a experiências pessoais de violência e da pobreza. Financiamento Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) e Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), ambos do Reino Unido.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Santos Cruz
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Institute of Psychiatry, Av. Venceslau Brás 71 fundos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Zip code: 22290-140
| | - Eliana Sousa Silva
- Redes da Maré. R, Sargento Silva Nunes 1012. Nova Holanda, Maré, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Zip code: 21044-242
| | - Zivile Jakaite
- Queen Mary University of London, Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry. Newham Centre for Mental Health, London E13 8SP
| | - Miriam Krenzinger
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, School of Social Work. Av. Pasteur, 250, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Zip code: 22290-240
| | - Leandro Valiati
- University of Manchester. Institute of Cultural Practices. Department of Art History and Cultural Practices. Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL
| | - Dalcio Gonçalves
- Redes da Maré. R, Sargento Silva Nunes 1012. Nova Holanda, Maré, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Zip code: 21044-242
| | - Eduardo Ribeiro
- Rio de Janeiro State University, Social Science Institute. Department of Sociology, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Zip code: 20550-900
| | - Paul Heritage
- Queen Mary University of London, People's Palace Projects. c/o School of English and Drama, QMUL Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
| | - Stefan Priebe
- Queen Mary University of London, Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry. Newham Centre for Mental Health, London E13 8SP,Corresponding Author: Professor Stefan Priebe, Queen Mary University of London, Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry. Newham Centre for Mental Health, London E13 8SP, Tell: 0044-(0)20-75404210
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25
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Agbaria N, Petzold S, Deckert A, Henschke N, Veronese G, Dambach P, Jaenisch T, Horstick O, Winkler V. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among Palestinian children and adolescents exposed to political violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256426. [PMID: 34437595 PMCID: PMC8389374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We undertook a systematic review of the literature to explore the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Palestinian children and adolescents exposed to political violence. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of PTSD in this population. Methods PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Google Scholar and Cochrane library were searched until June 2020. To estimate the prevalence of PTSD, sub-group and meta-analysis were conducted. Results The search resulted in 2786 studies, of which 28 articles representing 32 samples with a total of 15,121 participants from Gaza Strip and West Bank met either the DSM-4 or DSM-5 criteria and were included. The pooled prevalence of PTSD was 36% (95% CI 30–41%; I2 98.6%) and ranged from 6% to 70%. Sub-group analysis showed that the PTSD prevalence did not differ according to region (West Bank, Gaza Strip) and tended to decrease after including only studies using a representative sample (p<0.001), and among those with low risk of bias (p<0.001). Visual inspection of the included studies revealed significant discrepancies in study design and assessment measures. Conclusion We identified high prevalence of PTSD among Palestinian children and adolescents exposed to political violence. However, the pooled results should be interpreted with caution, due to the high heterogeneity and risk of bias in the included studies. These limitations also reflect the challenge in conceptualizing and measuring PTSD in the Palestinian context with a background of continuous and cumulative trauma. Understanding the contextual factors and developing locally adapted survey measures are of relevance to future research, public health planning, and the provision of mental healthcare in Palestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Agbaria
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephanie Petzold
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Deckert
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicholas Henschke
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Guido Veronese
- Department of Human Sciences & Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Peter Dambach
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jaenisch
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Section Clinical Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Global Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Olaf Horstick
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Winkler
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg Research to Practice Group, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Fasfous AF, Pérez-Marfil MN, Cruz-Quintana F, Pérez-García M, Al-Yamani HR, Fernández-Alcántara M. Differences in Neuropsychological Performance between Refugee and Non-Refugee Children in Palestine. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5750. [PMID: 34071910 PMCID: PMC8198945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychological studies on refugee children are scarce, but there are even less in the case of Palestinian children. This work aims to study the neuropsychological performance of Palestinian refugee children in Palestine compared to other Palestinian children living outside refugee camps. A comprehensive Neuropsychological battery was administrated to 584 Palestinian school children (464 refugees and 120 non-refugees) aged 6, 7, and 8 years old. Results showed that non-refugee children outperformed refugee children in sustained attention, verbal comprehension, verbal memory, and visual memory. This study is the first to have performed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, based on a standardized and validated battery with the Palestinian refugee children. It supports professionals in their evaluation of neurodevelopment and neuropsychological alterations in refugee and non-refugee children in Palestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F. Fasfous
- Social Sciences Department, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem 92248, Palestine;
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-Q.); (M.P.-G.)
| | - María Nieves Pérez-Marfil
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-Q.); (M.P.-G.)
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Cruz-Quintana
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-Q.); (M.P.-G.)
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Pérez-García
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain; (F.C.-Q.); (M.P.-G.)
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain
| | - Hala R. Al-Yamani
- Faculty of Education, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem 92248, Palestine;
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Torjesen I. The Muppets bringing child resilience into Middle Eastern humanitarian work. BMJ 2020; 371:m4270. [PMID: 33214141 PMCID: PMC7673906 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m4270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The makers of Sesame Street are working with a global humanitarian agency to try to help children affected by conflict and displacement. Ingrid Torjesen reports
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28
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Ataullahjan A, Samara M, Betancourt TS, Bhutta ZA. Mitigating toxic stress in children affected by conflict and displacement. BMJ 2020; 371:m2876. [PMID: 33214156 PMCID: PMC7673909 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m2876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Ataullahjan
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Theresa S Betancourt
- Research Program on Children and Adversity, Boston College School of Social Work, Boston, USA
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Samara M, Hammuda S, Vostanis P, El-Khodary B, Al-Dewik N. Children's prolonged exposure to the toxic stress of war trauma in the Middle East. BMJ 2020; 371:m3155. [PMID: 33214133 PMCID: PMC7673908 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Muthanna Samara
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Hammuda
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, United Kingdom
| | - Panos Vostanis
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nader Al-Dewik
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics and Interim Translational Research Institute (iTRI), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and College of Health and Life Science (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
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30
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Mordeno IG, Badawi JK, Marcera JL, Ramos JM, Cada PB. Psychological distress and perceived threat serially mediate the relationship between exposure to violence and political exclusionist attitude. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-01170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Nelson CA, Scott RD, Bhutta ZA, Harris NB, Danese A, Samara M. Adversity in childhood is linked to mental and physical health throughout life. BMJ 2020; 371:m3048. [PMID: 33115717 PMCID: PMC7592151 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of “toxic stress” and huge downstream consequences in disease, suffering, and financial costs make prevention and early intervention crucial, say Charles A Nelson and colleagues
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard David Scott
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University, South Central Asia, East Africa and UK
| | | | - Andrea Danese
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and the National and Specialist CAMHS Clinic for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Muthanna Samara
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, London, UK
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32
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Hou WK, Hall BJ, Liang L, Li TW, Liu H, Galea S. Probable depression and suicidal ideation in Hong Kong amid massive civil unrest. Ann Epidemiol 2020; 54:45-51. [PMID: 32949722 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined prevalence and correlates of probable depression and suicidal ideation among Hong Kong Chinese residents amidst the anti-extradition bill protests. METHODS Random digit dialing recruited a population-representative sample of Hong Kong residents aged 15 years or older during the first three weeks of July, 2019. Respondents reported current depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, participation in protest activities, attitudes and perceived stress, disruptions to daily routines, and demographics. RESULTS Among 1112 respondents, 25.7% reported probable depression, and 9.1% reported suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression showed that persons with higher odds of probable depression had primary education and high disruptions to regular routines of eating, sleep, socializing, and leisure activities. Persons who were at higher odds of suicidal ideation had lower household income, used social media to engage in the protests, and had medium or high disruptions to regular eating and sleep. CONCLUSIONS During the anti-extradition bill protests, the prevalence of probable depression and suicidal ideation were substantially higher than would be expected and higher than during the Umbrella Movement of 2014. Psychiatric morbidity may be a consequence of massive social movements, particularly among persons with limited protective resources whose daily life is disrupted by these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Kai Hou
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Brian J Hall
- New York University (Shanghai), Pudong, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Liang
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tsz Wai Li
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huinan Liu
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sandro Galea
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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El-Khodary B, Samara M, Askew C. Traumatic Events and PTSD Among Palestinian Children and Adolescents: The Effect of Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:4. [PMID: 32296346 PMCID: PMC7137754 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The situation in the Gaza Strip is uncommon in the frequency with which children are exposed to war-related traumatic events on a daily basis and because of the long-term nature of the conflict. The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents in the Gaza Strip increased after the recent wars. The aims of the study are: To investigate the prevalence and nature of war traumatic events and PTSD; and to investigate how these traumatic events predict PTSD when taking into account demographic and socioeconomic status factors amongst Palestinian children and adolescents in the Gaza Strip. METHODS The sample consists of 1,029 school pupils (11-17 years old): 533 (51.8%) were female and 496 (48.2%) were male. War-Traumatic Events Checklist (W-TECh) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Symptoms Scale (PTSDSS) were used. RESULTS The majority of children and adolescents experienced personal trauma (N: 909; 88.4%), witnessed trauma to others (N: 861; 83.7%) and observed demolition of property (N: 908; 88.3%) during the war. Compared to girls, boys showed significantly more exposure to all three event types as well as overall traumatic events. Results also demonstrated that the prevalence of DSM-V PTSD diagnosis was 53.5% (N = 549). Further, children who had experienced personal trauma, trauma to others, and the demolition of property were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD compared to those who had not, even when adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. The strongest war trauma for PTSD is personal trauma followed by witnessing trauma and then observing demolition of properties. CONCLUSIONS The study provides valuable evidence that demographic and socioeconomic factors mediate the relationship between different war traumatic events and PTSD. Interventions should take into account the children's background including their gender, age, where they live, and their socioeconomic status (e.g., family income, parents' educational level, family size) to alleviate the psychological symptoms and to enhance their resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basel El-Khodary
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Muthanna Samara
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Askew
- Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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El-Khodary B, Samara M. Effectiveness of a School-Based Intervention on the Students' Mental Health After Exposure to War-Related Trauma. Front Psychiatry 2020; 10:1031. [PMID: 32273852 PMCID: PMC7113368 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the war, which was conducted against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip, the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents has increased. The counselling department at the Ministry of Education in the Gaza Strip applied a counselling program in schools in order to alleviate the effect of exposure to war. The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of the counselling program after exposure to war-traumatic events among Palestinian children and adolescents in the Gaza Strip. METHODS The sample consists of 572 students aged 12-18 years old. Of them, 331 (57.9%) were female and 241 (42.1%) were male. Traumatic events were measured by War-Traumatic Events Checklist (W-TECh). PTSD was measured by the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Symptoms Scale (PTSDSS). Anxiety symptoms were adapted from The Anxiety Symptoms Scale, and depression symptoms were measured by Child Depression Inventory. Repeated measures design was employed as the counselling program was applied in all the schools at the same time. Specifically, the data were collected from the participants before the application of the counselling program and 2 months later. RESULTS After applying the school-based counselling program, the prevalence of PTSD (according to DSM-V) decreased from 57.5% to 45.6% among the children and adolescents who were exposed to war-traumatic events. In addition, PTSD symptoms, and emotional, somatic and cognitive functional impairment symptoms has decreased after the implementation of the counselling program especially amongst girls. CONCLUSIONS The school-based counselling program was effective in decreasing the PTSD symptoms among children and adolescents after the exposure to war-traumatic events.
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35
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Sarkadi A, Warner G. "When you talk about it, something in your heart becomes lighter". Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 29:573-574. [PMID: 32318878 PMCID: PMC7171914 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01538-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sarkadi
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Georgina Warner
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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