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Mertens G, Engelhard IM, Novacek DM, McNally RJ. Managing Fear During Pandemics: Risks and Opportunities. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2024; 19:652-659. [PMID: 37358917 PMCID: PMC10293863 DOI: 10.1177/17456916231178720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Fear is an emotion triggered by the perception of danger and motivates safety behaviors. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were ample danger cues (e.g., images of patients on ventilators) and a high need for people to use appropriate safety behaviors (e.g., social distancing). Given this central role of fear within the context of a pandemic, it is important to review some of the emerging findings and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and their implications for managing fear. We highlight factors that determine fear (i.e., proximity, predictability, and controllability) and review several adaptive and maladaptive consequences of fear of COVID-19 (e.g., following governmental health policies and panic buying). Finally, we provide directions for future research and make policy recommendations that can promote adequate health behaviors and limit the negative consequences of fear during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Mertens
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University
| | | | - Derek M. Novacek
- Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
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Hosozawa M, Ando S, Yamaguchi S, Yamasaki S, DeVylder J, Miyashita M, Endo K, Stanyon D, Knowles G, Nakanishi M, Usami S, Iso H, Furukawa TA, Hiraiwa-Hasegawa M, Kasai K, Nishida A. Sex Differences in Adolescent Depression Trajectory Before and Into the Second Year of COVID-19 Pandemic. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:539-548. [PMID: 37805069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.08.016] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health is mixed and does not disentangle natural age-related changes. We compared depressive symptoms among 16-year-olds surveyed, at a fourth wave, before or during the pandemic, while accounting for expected trajectories of within-person change based on 3 prior waves. METHOD In this longitudinal cohort of 3,171 adolescents in Tokyo, Japan, adolescents were grouped based on their age 16 survey timing: pre-pandemic (February 2019 to February 2020) and during-pandemic (March 2020 to September 2021). Depressive symptoms were self-reported using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. Mixed-effect models were fitted to assess group differences while controlling for previous trends. Variations by sex, household income, and pandemic phase (early, late first-year, and second-year) were examined. RESULTS Of 2,034 eligible adolescents, 960 (455 girls) were assessed before and 1,074 (515 girls) during the pandemic. Overall, depressive symptoms increased by 0.80 points (95% CI 0.28-1.31, 0.15 SD of the population average). This increase varied by sex and pandemic phase. For boys the increase emerged in the late first-year phase and enlarged in the second-year phase (mean difference from pre-pandemic: 1.69, 0.14-3.24), whereas for girls it decreased in the early school-closure phase (mean difference: -1.98, -3.54 to -0.41) and returned to the pre-pandemic level thereafter, with no additional increases during the pandemic. CONCLUSION Into the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, depressive symptoms of 16-year-olds worsened above the expected age-related change only in boys. Continuous monitoring and preventive approaches for adolescents at the population level are warranted. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Hosozawa
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | - Syudo Yamasaki
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jordan DeVylder
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan; Fordham University, New York
| | | | - Kaori Endo
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Stanyon
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gemma Knowles
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan; King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Miharu Nakanishi
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan; Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan; Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hiroyasu Iso
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kiyoto Kasai
- The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nishida
- Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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Nolvi S, Paavonen EJ, Korja R, Pelto J, Karukivi M, Tuulari JJ, Karlsson H, Karlsson L. Course of child social-emotional and sleep symptoms, parental distress and pandemic-related stressors during COVID-19. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:518-532. [PMID: 36794405 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Research on the longitudinal courses of child social-emotional symptoms and sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic within societies would be of key value for promoting child well-being in global crises. We characterized the course of children's social-emotional and sleep symptoms before and throughout the pandemic in a Finnish longitudinal cohort of 1825 5- to 9-year-old children (46% girls) with four follow-up points during the pandemic from up to 695 participants (spring 2020-summer 2021). Second, we examined the role of parental distress and COVID-related stressful events in child symptoms. Child total and behavioral symptoms increased in spring 2020 but decreased thereafter and remained stable throughout the rest of the follow-up. Sleep symptoms decreased in spring 2020 and remained stable thereafter. Parental distress was linked with higher child social-emotional and sleep symptoms. The cross-sectional associations between COVID-related stressors and child symptoms were partially mediated by parental distress. The findings propose that children can be protected from the long-term adverse influences of the pandemic, and parental well-being likely plays a mediating role between pandemic-related stressors and child well-being. Further research focusing on the societal and resilience factors underlying family and child responses to the pandemic is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara Nolvi
- Turku Institute for Advanced Studies, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku. Medisiina A (307), Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20014 Turun yliopisto, Turku, Finland
| | - E Juulia Paavonen
- Department of Public Health, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Pediatric Research Center, Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Korja
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Pelto
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine and Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine & Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jetro J Tuulari
- Turku Collegium for Science, Medicine and Technology; FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center & Department of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center & Department of Psychiatry & Center for Population Health Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study & Center for Population Health Research, Psychiatry, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Hertz-Palmor N, Gothelf D. Unexpected mental health improvement in children and adolescents during COVID-19-who benefits from staying at home? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02432-8. [PMID: 38592511 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nimrod Hertz-Palmor
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Doron Gothelf
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond & Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, 5262000, Israel.
- The Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Chung GKK, Liu X, Massar K, Schelleman-Offermans K, Bosma H, Chan YH, Chan SM, Chen JK, Wong H, Chung RYN. Socioeconomic inequalities in psychosocial well-being among adolescents under the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-regional comparative analysis in Hong Kong, mainland China, and the Netherlands. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02649-7. [PMID: 38573376 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite evidence on socioeconomic inequalities in psychosocial well-being of adolescents under the COVID-19 pandemic, the explanatory factors and their potential variations across contexts remained understudied. Hence, this cross-regional study compared the extent of inequalities and the mediating pathways across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the Netherlands. METHODS Between July 2021 and January 2022, 25 secondary schools from diverse socioeconomic background were purposively sampled from Hong Kong, Zhejiang (Mainland China), and Limburg (the Netherlands). 3595 junior students completed an online survey during class about their socioeconomic position, psychosocial factors, and well-being. Socioeconomic inequalities were assessed by multiple linear regressions using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII), whereas the mediating pathways through learning difficulty, overall worry about COVID-19, impact on family' financial status, resilience, trust in government regarding pandemic management, and adaptation to social distancing were examined by mediation analyses moderated by regions. RESULTS The adverse psychosocial impact of COVID-19 was stronger in the Netherlands and Hong Kong compared with Mainland China. The greatest extent of socioeconomic inequalities in the change in psychosocial well-being was observed among students in the Netherlands (SII = 0.59 [95% CI = 0.38-0.80]), followed by Hong Kong (SII = 0.37 [0.21-0.52]) and Mainland China (SII = 0.12 [0.00-0.23]). Learning difficulty and resilience were the major mediators in Mainland China and Hong Kong, but to a lesser extent in the Netherlands. CONCLUSION Socioeconomic inequalities in psychosocial well-being were evident among adolescents under the pandemic, with learning difficulty and resilience of students as the key mediators. Differences in the social contexts should be considered to better understand the variations in inequalities and mediating pathways across regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Ka-Ki Chung
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaoting Liu
- School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Karlijn Massar
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Schelleman-Offermans
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Bosma
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Yat-Hang Chan
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu-Ming Chan
- CityU Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ji-Kang Chen
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hung Wong
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Roger Yat-Nork Chung
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- CUHK Centre for Bioethics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Bond L, McNicholas F. The end of COVID-19: not with a bang but a whimper. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:335-339. [PMID: 37386349 PMCID: PMC10810037 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03435-1] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The formal announcement of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic by the WHO came on the 5th of May 2023; however, unlike the pandemic onset, the pandemic end date was not met with any significant media coverage or news reporting in Ireland. Additionally, there were no series of contemplations either in newspapers or other media about the impact of the decision to formally end the pandemic despite having financial and legislative impacts on a wide number of people. Given the potential impact of the removal of government subsidies on health and occupations, government and media coverage of the decisions and potential implications would have been helpful. The opportunity for a significant debriefing of the pandemic outlining what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic response may have been missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bond
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Fiona McNicholas
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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Marsh S, Chu JTW, Calder AJ. 'I tried to take my phone off my daughter, and i got hit in the face': a qualitative study of parents' challenges with adolescents' screen use and a toolbox of their tips. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:217. [PMID: 38238727 PMCID: PMC10797941 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17690-z] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about adolescent screen use are often expressed but poorly understood, particularly in terms of how parents are supposed to respond in ways that balance safety, care and developing independence and autonomy. This qualitative study investigated parental perceptions and concerns about screen use of adolescents aged 13 to 17. Current strategies to manage screen use and barriers to doing so were explored, and parents were asked to outline recommended interventions for better outcomes. METHODS Interviews and focus groups were held with 33 adults in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand (mean age 48 years) who were parenting adolescents (mean age 14 years). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, then inductive analysis and interpretation by the research team distilled the key ideas and illustrative quotes. A table of recommendations for a practical 'toolbox' was developed from these in-depth conversations. RESULTS Parents reported extensive use of screens by their adolescents, constantly throughout the day (and night, instead of sleeping). Four areas of specific concern included: (1) addict-like behavior, (2) exposure to harmful (and inane) content, (3) living in a virtual world, and (4) negative impacts on physical, mental, and cognitive wellbeing. To manage adolescent screen use, family rules and restrictions (on time and place) were common. Some used technical control via software or accessing the adolescent's devices and/or accounts to check for inappropriate content (such as pornography). Communication about device use and self-regulation were important. Barriers to managing screen use included trying to avoid conflict with their child; difficulties with consistency or follow-through on rules; lack of technical knowledge; parental screen use that set a bad example; and device use needed for school or other purposes. Recommendations from parents are presented in a toolbox of tips and techniques they shared, and their 'wish list' for better access to practical, local, scientific information, examples of techniques that have worked for other families, tools for problematic behavior and risk (including how to begin conversations with adolescents about their concerns), and having schools and young people involved in developing interventions to build digital citizenship. CONCLUSIONS Rich, nuanced accounts from parents about adolescent screen use in their families and communities underpinned their practical ideas for more skillful responses to young people grappling with an addictive digital existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Marsh
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | | | - Amanda Jane Calder
- National Institute for Health Innovation, UniServices, Auckland, New Zealand
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Fazel M, Soneson E. Current evidence and opportunities in child and adolescent public mental health: a research review. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1699-1719. [PMID: 37771261 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A public mental health lens is increasingly required to better understand the complex and multifactorial influences of interpersonal, community and institutional systems on the mental health of children and adolescents. METHODS This research review (1) provides an overview of public mental health and proposes a new interactional schema that can guide research and practice, (2) summarises recent evidence on public mental health interventions for children and adolescents, (3) highlights current challenges for this population that might benefit from additional attention and (4) discusses methodological and conceptual hurdles and proposes potential solutions. RESULTS In our evidence review, a broad range of universal, selective and indicated interventions with a variety of targets, mechanisms and settings were identified, some of which (most notably parenting programmes and various school-based interventions) have demonstrated small-to-modest positive effects. Few, however, have achieved sustained mental health improvements. CONCLUSIONS There is an opportunity to re-think how public mental health interventions are designed, evaluated and implemented. Deliberate design, encompassing careful consideration of the aims and population-level impacts of interventions, complemented by measurement that embraces complexity through more in-depth characterisation, or 'phenotyping', of interpersonal and environmental elements is needed. Opportunities to improve child and adolescent mental health outcomes are gaining unprecedented momentum. Innovative new methodology, heightened public awareness, institutional interest and supportive funding can enable enhanced study of public mental health that does not shy away from complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Soneson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Sayal K, Partlett C, Bhardwaj A, Dubicka B, Marshall T, Gledhill J, Ewart C, James M, Lang A, Sprange K, Montgomery A. Mental health in clinically referred children and young people before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2657-2666. [PMID: 36526804 PMCID: PMC9758019 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic and mitigation approaches, including lockdowns and school closures, are thought to have negatively impacted children and young people's (CYP) mental health. However, the impact for clinically referred CYP is less clear. We investigated differences in the mental health of CYP referred to specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) before and since the onset of the pandemic. Using baseline data (self- and parent- completed Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) from an ongoing RCT (STADIA; ISRCTN: 15748675) in England involving 5-17-year-olds with emotional difficulties recently referred to CAMHS (non-urgent referrals), with repeated cross-sectional comparisons of CYP (n = 1028) recruited during 5 different time periods: (1) Before schools were closed (Group 1 (pre-pandemic); n = 308; 27.08.2019-20.03.2020). (2) Early pandemic period until schools fully re-opened, which included the first national lockdown, its easing and the summer holidays (Group 2 (in-pandemic); n = 183; 21.03.2020-31.08.2020). (3) The following school-term-schools fully re-opened and remained open, including during the second national lockdown (Group 3 (in-pandemic); n = 204; 01.09.2020-18.12.2020). (4) Schools closed as part of the third national lockdown (Group 4 (in-pandemic); n = 101; 05.01.2021-07.03.2021). (5) Schools re-opened and remained open, until the school summer holidays (Group 5 (in-pandemic); n = 232; 08.03.2021-16.07.2021). Most CYP scored above cutoff for emotional problems and depression, with three-quarters meeting criteria for a probable disorder ('caseness'). The groups did not differ on parent-rated mental health measures. However, self-rated emotional problems, depression, functional impairment and caseness appeared to be higher amongst participants recruited in the two periods following school re-openings. In particular, functional impairment and caseness were greater in Group 5 compared with Group 2. Although symptom severity or impairment did not change in the initial pandemic period, self-reported difficulties were greater during the periods after schools re-opened. This suggests possible greater stresses in the adjustment to re-starting school following recurrent lockdowns and school closures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapil Sayal
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK.
| | | | - Anupam Bhardwaj
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Julia Gledhill
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Colleen Ewart
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marilyn James
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alexandra Lang
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kirsty Sprange
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alan Montgomery
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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McOwat K, Pinto Pereira SM, Nugawela MD, Ladhani SN, Newlands F, Stephenson T, Simmons R, Semple MG, Segal T, Buszewicz M, Heyman I, Chalder T, Ford T, Dalrymple E, Shafran R. The CLoCk study: A retrospective exploration of loneliness in children and young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, in England. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294165. [PMID: 37988366 PMCID: PMC10662715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic children and young people (CYP) were socially restricted during a stage of life crucial to development, potentially putting an already vulnerable population at higher risk of loneliness, social isolation, and poorer wellbeing. The objectives of this study are to conduct an exploratory analysis into loneliness before and during the pandemic, and determine which self-reported factors are associated with loneliness. METHODS AND FINDINGS Participants from The Children with Long COVID (CLoCk) national study were invited to take part via an online survey, with a total of 31,017 participants taking part, 31,016 of which reported on their experience of loneliness. Participants retrospectively answered questions on demographics, lifestyle, physical health and mental health and loneliness before the pandemic and at the time of answering the survey. Before the pandemic 6.5% (2,006/31,016) of participants reported experiencing loneliness "Often/Always" and at the time of survey completion 17.4% (5,395/31,016) reported feeling lonelier. There was an association between meeting the research definition of long COVID and loneliness [3.49 OR, 95%CI 3.28-3.72]. CYP who reported feeling lonelier at the time of the survey than before the pandemic were assigned female at birth, older CYP, those from Black/African/Caribbean/Black British or other ethnicity groups, those that had 3-4 siblings and lived in more deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate associations between multiple factors and experiences of loneliness during the pandemic. There is a need for a multi-faceted integrated approach when developing interventions targeted at loneliness. It is important to follow up the CYP involved at regular intervals to investigate the progression of their experience of loneliness over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey McOwat
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Snehal M. Pinto Pereira
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manjula D. Nugawela
- University College London—Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shamez N. Ladhani
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Newlands
- University College London—Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terence Stephenson
- University College London—Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Simmons
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm G. Semple
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit for Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Institute in The Park, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Terry Segal
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescence, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Buszewicz
- University College London—Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isobel Heyman
- University College London—Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Hershel Smith Building Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Dalrymple
- University College London—Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Roz Shafran
- University College London—Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
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Lee MS, Lee H. A Comparison of Changes in Health Behavior, Obesity, and Mental Health of Korean Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Online Cross-Sectional Study. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:1086-1094. [PMID: 37997337 PMCID: PMC10678147 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2023.0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The health behavior and mental health problems of adolescents have shown a variety of changes due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study compared health behavior, obesity, and mental health among Korean adolescents before and during the early COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Population-based and cross-sectional data from the 2019 and 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Surveys were used. Data of 57,048 and 54,948 adolescents from the 2019 and 2020 surveys, respectively, were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to compare health behavior, obesity, and mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of overweight, obesity, and body image perceived subjectively as fat, were higher in the 2020 sample compared to the 2019 sample. The aOR of the frequency (more than 3 times a week) of fast-food consumption was higher in 2020 than in 2019. However, the aOR of physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking experience were lower in 2020 than in 2019. In addition, during COVID-19, adolescents were less likely to have perceived severe stress, depressive moods, and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests the co-occurrence of positive and negative changes in health behavior, obesity, and mental health among Korean adolescents during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The results contribute insights for monitoring adolescents' health behavior and promoting their mental health during school shutdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hooyeon Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Carey RL, Bailey MJ, Polanco CI. How the COVID-19 pandemic shaped adolescents' future orientations: Insights from a global scoping review. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101655. [PMID: 37540938 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Throughout adolescence, youth imagine what the future holds and determine plans to achieve their educational, professional, and personal goals. In this article, we review research that explores how adolescents' future orientations were shaped by the societal unpredictability, physical and mental health risks, and educational disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings show that the pandemic, which exacerbated existing societal inequities, also heightened adolescents' social awareness, provoked feelings of uncertainty, and altered adolescents' short- and long-term plans for educational and career prospects. Throughout school building closures and program cancellations, families played a greater role in fostering adolescents' plans. With prospects for more societal uncertainty on the horizon, future directions point toward supporting adolescents in developing adaptable and flexible future orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick L Carey
- University of Delaware, College of Education and Human Development, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Michelle J Bailey
- University of Delaware, College of Education and Human Development, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Camila I Polanco
- University of Delaware, College of Education and Human Development, Newark, DE, USA
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13
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Ravens-Sieberer U, Devine J, Napp AK, Kaman A, Saftig L, Gilbert M, Reiß F, Löffler C, Simon AM, Hurrelmann K, Walper S, Schlack R, Hölling H, Wieler LH, Erhart M. Three years into the pandemic: results of the longitudinal German COPSY study on youth mental health and health-related quality of life. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1129073. [PMID: 37397777 PMCID: PMC10307958 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1129073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose For the past three years, the German longitudinal COPSY (COVID-19 and PSYchological Health) study has monitored changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the mental health of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A nationwide, population-based survey was conducted in May-June 2020 (W1), December 2020-January 2021 (W2), September-October 2021 (W3), February 2022 (W4), and September-October 2022 (W5). In total, n = 2,471 children and adolescents aged 7-17 years (n = 1,673 aged 11-17 years with self-reports) were assessed using internationally established and validated measures of HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-10), mental health problems (SDQ), anxiety (SCARED), depressive symptoms (CES-DC, PHQ-2), psychosomatic complaints (HBSC-SCL), and fear about the future (DFS-K). Findings were compared to prepandemic population-based data. Results While the prevalence of low HRQoL increased from 15% prepandemic to 48% at W2, it improved to 27% at W5. Similarly, overall mental health problems rose from 18% prepandemic to W1 through W2 (30-31%), and since then slowly declined (W3: 27%, W4: 29%, W5: 23%). Anxiety doubled from 15% prepandemic to 30% in W2 and declined to 25% (W5) since then. Depressive symptoms increased from 15%/10% (CES-DC/PHQ-2) prepandemic to 24%/15% in W2, and slowly decreased to 14%/9% in W5. Psychosomatic complaints are across all waves still on the rise. 32-44% of the youth expressed fears related to other current crises. Conclusion Mental health of the youth improved in year 3 of the pandemic, but is still lower than before the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janine Devine
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Napp
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Kaman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lynn Saftig
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martha Gilbert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Reiß
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Löffler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Robert Schlack
- Department for Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Hölling
- Department for Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lothar Heinz Wieler
- Department for Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Research Cluster Digital Global Public Health, Hasso-Plattner-Institute, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michael Erhart
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Public Health, Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Apollon University of Applied Sciences, Bremen, Germany
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Shanahan L, Johnson-Ferguson L, Loher M, Steinhoff A, Bechtiger L, Murray AL, Hepp U, Ribeaud D, Eisner M. The worst and the best: new insights into risk and resilience in young adults from the COVID-19 pandemic. ADVERSITY AND RESILIENCE SCIENCE 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37361562 PMCID: PMC10132952 DOI: 10.1007/s42844-023-00096-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Historic declines in young people's mental health began to emerge before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of this youth mental health crisis, the pandemic constituted a naturalistic stressor paradigm that came with the potential to uncover new knowledge for the science of risk and resilience. Surprisingly, approximately 19-35% of people reported better well-being in the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic than before. Therefore, in May and September 2020, we asked N=517 young adults from a cohort study to describe the best and the worst aspects of their pandemic lives (N=1,462 descriptions). Inductive thematic analysis revealed that the best aspects included the deceleration of life and a greater abundance of free time, which was used for hobbies, healthy activities, strengthening relationships, and for personal growth and building resilience skills. Positive aspects also included a reduction in educational pressures and work load and temporary relief from climate change concerns. The worst aspects included disruptions and changes to daily life; social distancing and restrictions of freedoms; negative emotions that arose in the pandemic situation, including uncertainty about the future; and the growing polarization of society. Science that aims to reverse the youth mental health crisis must pay increased attention to sources of young people's distress that are not commonly measured (e.g., their educational, work, and time pressures; their fears and uncertainties about their personal, society's, and the global future), and also to previously untapped sources of well-being - including those that young people identified for themselves while facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42844-023-00096-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilly Shanahan
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lydia Johnson-Ferguson
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Loher
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annekatrin Steinhoff
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laura Bechtiger
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Urs Hepp
- Meilen Institute Zurich, Stockerstrasse 45, CH-8002 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Denis Ribeaud
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Eisner
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA UK
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15
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Kaess M, Hoekstra PJ. Child and adolescent psychiatry in the post-COVID era: lessons learned and consequences for the future. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:917-919. [PMID: 37095372 PMCID: PMC10124699 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02208-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Accare Child Study Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Danielsen S, Joensen A, Andersen PK, Madsen T, Strandberg-Larsen K. Self-injury, suicidality and eating disorder symptoms in young adults following COVID-19 lockdowns in Denmark. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:411-419. [PMID: 36658210 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
An aggravation in mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown has been suggested but the impact on self-injury, suicidality and eating disorders (EDs) are less elucidated. Using linear regression in different data set-ups that is longitudinal (n = 7,579) and repeated cross-sectional data (n = 24,625) from the Danish National Birth Cohort, we compared self-reported self-injury, suicidality and symptoms of EDs from before through different pandemic periods until spring 2021. The longitudinal data indicate a reduction in the proportion of self-injury in men (-3.2% points, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -4.3%; -2.2%, P < 0.001, d.f. = 2) and women (5.7% points, 95% CI = -6.6%; -4.8%, P < 0.001, d.f. = 2) and of suicide ideation in men (-3.0% points, 95% CI = -4.6%; -1.4%, P = 0.002, d.f. = 2) and women (-7.4% points, 95% CI = -8.7%; -6.0%, P < 0.001, d.f. = 2), as well as symptoms of EDs in women (-2.3% points, 95% CI = -3.2%; -1.4%, P < 0.001, d.f. = 2). For suicide attempt, indication of an increase was observed in men only (0.4% points, 95% CI = 0.1%; 0.7%, P = 0.019, d.f. = 2). In the repeated cross-sectional data, we observed no changes in any of the outcomes. Our findings provide no support for the increase in self-injury, suicidality and symptoms of EDs after the lockdowns. Key limitations are differential attrition and varying age in pre- and post-lockdown measures in the longitudinal data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Danielsen
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Andrea Joensen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per K Andersen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Madsen
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Strandberg-Larsen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kirkham EJ, Huggins CF, C FR. The Effect of School Bullying on Pupils' Perceived Stress and Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 17:1-8. [PMID: 36573178 PMCID: PMC9771770 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00509-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Establishing how the Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdowns have affected adolescent mental health is a key societal priority. Though numerous studies have examined this topic, few have focused on the wellbeing of pupils who experience school bullying. This is particularly important as pupils who experience bullying represent a vulnerable group at increased risk of mental illness. Therefore, we sought to investigate the relationship between experience of bullying and adolescent wellbeing during lockdown and subsequent re-opening of schools. METHODS We used the TeenCovidLife dataset to examine the relationship between experience of bullying and pupils' perceived stress and wellbeing across three timepoints. Pupils aged 12-17 (n = 255) completed surveys during the first Covid-19 lockdown (May-July 2020), when they returned to school after the first lockdown (August-October 2020), and during the summer term of 2021 (May-June 2021). RESULTS Perceived stress was higher in the group of pupils that experienced bullying than in the group that did not, though this difference between groups was smaller during lockdown than when pupils were attending school in person. Pupils who were bullied showed lower wellbeing across all timepoints. For the full sample of pupils, wellbeing was lowest (and perceived stress highest) at Time 3, one year after the first Covid-19 lockdown. CONCLUSION The findings challenge previous assumptions that Covid-19 lockdowns were associated with a generalised decline in adolescent mental health. Instead, the picture is more nuanced, with perceived stress, though not wellbeing, varying according pupils' experiences of school bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Kirkham
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Morningside Terrace, EH10 5HF Edinburgh, UK
| | - C. F. Huggins
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Fawns-Ritchie C
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Division of Psychology, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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dos Santos MF, Simões C, Santos AC, Lebre P, Grazzani I. Does Online Implementation Make a Difference in the Effects of a Mental Health Curriculum at Schools? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16990. [PMID: 36554870 PMCID: PMC9779368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 changed and challenged education, with schools obliged to adapt to online settings. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a mental health curriculum implemented at schools, considering the implementation settings: online, onsite, and mixed (online and onsite). From kindergarten to high school, 933 students were evaluated by teachers regarding their social and emotional learning, strengths and difficulties, and academic outcomesin two measuring times: pre- and post-test. A qualitative analysis of teachers' adaptations to the online implementation was also conducted. Results revealed a positive impact with both mixed and onsite implementation. However, the mixed format demonstrated significant positive changes between the pre-and post-test, namely in relationship skills, responsible decision-making, internalized problems, and academic achievement. The mixed format with few online activities appears to have a more positive impact on students. Nevertheless, implementing social and emotional skills (SES) activities exclusively online seems to positively affect some SES domains more than onsite and mixed formats. Teachers used synchronous (e.g., digital platforms) and asynchronous (e.g., extra resources) adaptations for the implementation. This study shows that implementing mental health programs at schools, in this case, PROMEHS, is beneficial for students, even amidst the pandemic, and regardless of the implementation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celeste Simões
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anabela Caetano Santos
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Lebre
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Etnomusicologia INET-MD, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ilaria Grazzani
- Department of Human Science for Education “R. Massa”, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
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19
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Hung J. Subsets of the population benefitting from the pandemic: What policies and practices should be arranged to sustainably maintain beneficiaries' mental health. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2022; 7:1090785. [PMID: 36589792 PMCID: PMC9797822 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.1090785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Here researchers have the disposition to engage in the scholarly discourse on how the pandemic adversely influenced individuals' mental health and what remedies should be exercised in response to the mental health challenges. There is a shortage of scholarly discussion about who benefitted from the occurrence of the pandemic. Mancini et al. argued that the pandemic benefitted the social and mental health functioning of a subset of the population, despite the pandemic causing considerable risks of harm to mental health. In this perspective, the author summarizes relevant findings and arguments to present which subsets of the population benefitted at school, at home, and in the workplace during the pandemic. Although COVID-19 is no longer deemed a pandemic, many by-products of the public health crisis, including the encouragement of remote work and studies, remain. In this perspective, by understanding who benefitted from the pandemic and why, the author can evaluate if any public policies formed in response to the pandemic should be kept in the long run in order to maximize individuals' mental health.
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Duncan MJ, Riazi NA, Faulkner G, Gilchrist JD, Leatherdale ST, Patte KA. The association of physical activity, sleep, and screen time with mental health in Canadian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal isotemporal substitution analysis. Ment Health Phys Act 2022; 23:100473. [PMID: 36156917 PMCID: PMC9482721 DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2022.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health is a global concern. Increased screen time and reduced physical activity due to the lockdown measures have been linked to detrimental mental health outcomes; however, the literature remains limited by cross-sectional and retrospective designs, and consideration of behaviours in isolation. Prospective evidence is necessary to examine whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sleep and screen time influenced changes in mental health. METHOD Analyses used data from a prospective cohort study of secondary school students in Canada with baseline data from the 2018-2019 school year and linked follow-up data from online surveys completed during the initial COVID-19 outbreak (May-July 2020). Multilevel linear regression models were used to evaluate the within- and between-person isotemporal substitution effects of sleep, MVPA and screen time behaviours on depression, anxiety, subjective well-being, and trait emotional dysregulation. RESULTS Linked longitudinal data from 2645 students attending 44 schools were available. Between-person effects indicated that individuals who engaged in more MVPA and sleep while minimizing screen time had lower depression scores, less severe emotional dysregulation, and better subjective well-being. While controlling for between-person effects, within-person year-on-year change suggests those who increased screen time while decreasing either MVPA or sleep experienced mental health decline on all outcomes. CONCLUSION MVPA and sleep were associated with youth mental health during the early COVID-19 lockdown. Increasing MVPA and sleep (or at least mitigating the increase of screen time) compared to the prior year was associated with better mental health during the early pandemic. A limitation to consider is that the screen time measure represents a combination of screen behaviours, and effects of replacing screen time may have varied if distinctions were made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Joseph Duncan
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Negin Alivia Riazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Guy Faulkner
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Lower Mall Research Station,2259 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jenna Diane Gilchrist
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Scott Thomas Leatherdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Karen Allison Patte
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Saint Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
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21
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Kids adopt different ways of coping in wake of the pandemic. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2214564119. [PMID: 36112663 PMCID: PMC9522354 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214564119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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22
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Dror C, Hertz-Palmor N, Barzilai Y, Gila S, Tali BZ, Alex G, Tal L, Maya KL, Talia S, Doron G, Bloch Y. Youth Psychiatric Hospitalization in Israel during COVID-19: A Multi-Center Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9870. [PMID: 36011509 PMCID: PMC9407708 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic there have been numerous reports of increases in psychiatric morbidity and a deterioration of status among existing patients. There is little information about how this increase has affected youth and rates of adolescent psychiatric hospitalization. Our study was aimed at examining trends in youth psychiatric hospitalization during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We used medical records to compare trends in hospitalization rates from 2019 to 2020, among psychiatric youth wards from five different centers in Israel. Results: The number of patients that were hospitalized in youth psychiatric wards decreased significantly from 2019 (Mean ± SD=52.2 ± 28.6 per month) to 2020 (M ± SD = 40.8 ± 22.0; unstandardized B = −11.4, 95% CI = −14.4 to −8.3, p < 0.0001). There was a significant decrease in the number of patients that were hospitalized due to internalizing disorders from 2019 (M ± SD = 22.3 ± 9.3 per month) to 2020 (M ± SD = 16.8 ± 7.7; B = −5.5, 95% CI = −8.0 to −3.0, p = 0.0002) and a marginally significant increase in the number of restraints per month (2019: M ± SD = 2.8 ± 6.8, 2020: M ± SD = 9.0 ± 14.5; Z = −1.96, Rosenthal’s r = 0.36, p = 0.07). Conclusions: There was a significant decline in psychiatric hospitalizations during the pandemic, specifically among patients suffering from internalizing disorders. The reasons for this decline, and the future impact these changes had on hospitalizations during the pandemic demand further research. Study limitations: This is a retrospective multicenter study from five medical centers in Israel, therefore generalizability of our findings is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dror
- The Emotion-Cognition Research Center, Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nimrod Hertz-Palmor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Yael Barzilai
- The Emotion-Cognition Research Center, Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel
| | - Schoen Gila
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva 49100, Israel
| | - Bretler-Zager Tali
- Ziv Medical Center (Safed), Safed 13100, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Poriya 15208, Israel
| | - Gizunterman Alex
- Eitanim Mental Health Center, Harav Rafael Katzalbogen, Jerusalem 9097200, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Lahav Tal
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Nes-ziona Mental Health Center, Beer Yaakov 70350, Israel
| | - Kritchmann-Lupo Maya
- The Emotion-Cognition Research Center, Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Saker Talia
- The Emotion-Cognition Research Center, Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Gothelf Doron
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Yuval Bloch
- The Emotion-Cognition Research Center, Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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23
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Bruns N, Willemsen L, Stang A, Kowall B, Holtkamp K, Kamp O, Dudda M, Hey F, Hoffmann F, Blankenburg J, Eifinger F, Fuchs H, Haase R, Baier J, Andrée C, Heldmann M, Maldera V, Potratz J, Kurz D, Mand N, Doerfel C, Rothoeft T, Schultz M, Ohlert M, Silkenbäumer K, Boesing T, Indraswari F, Niemann F, Jahn P, Merker M, Braun N, Nunez FB, Engler M, Heimann K, Brasche M, Wolf G, Freymann H, Dercks M, Hoppenz M, Felderhoff-Müser U, Dohna-Schwake C. Pediatric ICU Admissions After Adolescent Suicide Attempts During the Pandemic. Pediatrics 2022; 150:187005. [PMID: 35534988 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-055973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The worldwide severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic challenges adolescents' mental health. In this study, we aim to compare the number of pediatric ICU (PICU) admissions after suicide attempts during the first German lockdown and one year later during a second, prolonged lockdown with prepandemic years. METHODS A retrospective multicenter study was conducted among 27 German PICUs. Cases <18 years admitted to the PICU because of accidents or injuries between March 16 and May 31 of 2017 to 2021 were identified based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes (German modification) and patient data entered into a database. This study is a subset analysis on suicide attempts in adolescents aged 12 to 17.9 years. The Federal Statistics Office was queried for data on fatal suicides, which were available only for 2020 in adolescents aged 10 to 17.9 years. RESULTS Total admissions and suicide attempts declined during the first lockdown in 2020 (standardized morbidity ratio 0.74 (95% confidence interval; 0.58-0.92) and 0.69 (0.43-1.04), respectively) and increased in 2021 (standardized morbidity ratio 2.14 [1.86-2.45] and 2.84 [2.29-3.49], respectively). Fatal suicide rates remained stable between 2017 to 2019 and 2020 (1.57 vs 1.48 per 100 000 adolescent years) with monthly numbers showing no clear trend during the course of 2020. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a strong increase in serious suicide attempts among adolescents during the course of the pandemic in Germany. More research is needed to understand the relation between pandemic prevention measures and suicidal ideation to help implement mental health support for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Bruns
- Department of Pediatrics I, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine
| | - Lea Willemsen
- Department of Pediatrics I, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine
| | - Andreas Stang
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology
| | - Bernd Kowall
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology
| | | | - Oliver Kamp
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marcel Dudda
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Hey
- Pediatric Clinic and Pediatric Polyclinic at the Dr. von Haunerschen Children's Hospital, Interdisciplinary pediatric ICU - Pediatric Emergency Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Hoffmann
- Pediatric Clinic and Pediatric Polyclinic at the Dr. von Haunerschen Children's Hospital, Interdisciplinary pediatric ICU - Pediatric Emergency Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Blankenburg
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Dresden, University of Technology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Eifinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Fuchs
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Haase
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Halle, University of Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Jan Baier
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Halle, University of Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Clemens Andrée
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Helios Hospital Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Heldmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Vanessa Maldera
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jenny Potratz
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Kurz
- Department of Pediatrics 3, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Olgahospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Nadine Mand
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Claus Doerfel
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Jena, University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Rothoeft
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Catholic Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michel Schultz
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Catholic Hospital Bochum, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Manuel Ohlert
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Community Hospital Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Katrin Silkenbäumer
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Protestant Hospital Bethel, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Boesing
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Protestant Hospital Bethel, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Fithri Indraswari
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Fulda, Fulda, Germany
| | - Frank Niemann
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Bergmannsheil and Pediatric Hospital Buer, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - Peter Jahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital Leverkusen gGmbH, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Michael Merker
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nicole Braun
- Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Francisco Brevis Nunez
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Sana Hospitals Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Engler
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Sana Hospital Offenbach, Offenbach, Germany
| | - Konrad Heimann
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Milian Brasche
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wolf
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Hospital of Traunstein, Southeast Bavaria Hospitals, Traunstein, Germany
| | - Holger Freymann
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Martin Dercks
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Clemenshospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marc Hoppenz
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Cologne Hospitals, Children's Hospital Amsterdamer Str., Cologne, Germany
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24
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Ehrler M, Hagmann CF, Stoeckli A, Kretschmar O, Landolt MA, Latal B, Wehrle FM. Mental sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic in children with and without complex medical histories and their parents: well-being prior to the outbreak and at four time-points throughout 2020 and 2021. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 32:1037-1049. [PMID: 35867175 PMCID: PMC9305026 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to understand the long-term mental sequelae for families over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic by longitudinally investigating the well-being of children with and without complex medical histories and their parents. Well-being of 200 children (between 7 and 18 years of age; 73 typically developing, 46 born very preterm, 73 with complex congenital heart disease) and 175 of their parents was assessed prior to and during the first (April-May 2020), second (October-November 2020), third (April-May 2021), and fourth wave (October-November 2021) of the pandemic with standardized questionnaires. Linear mixed models were used to investigate longitudinal changes in child and parent well-being compared to before the pandemic. Social and COVID-19-specific determinants were investigated as predictors of impaired well-being. To illustrate clinical relevance, the proportion of children and parents scoring > 1 SD below normative mean/median was reported. Compared to before the pandemic, child proxy-reported well-being was lower during the first but not the second, third, and fourth waves. Child self-reported well-being was not lower during the pandemic compared to before. Parent well-being dropped during the first wave and remained low throughout the subsequent waves. Proxy-reported child and self-reported parent well-being was lower in families with sparse social support and poor family functioning. Parents of typically developing children reported lower well-being than parents of children born very preterm or with a complex congenital heart disease. In November 2021, 20% of children (both self- and proxy-report) and 24% of parents scored below the normal range compared to 11% (child self-report), 10% (child proxy-report), and 16% (parent self-report), respectively, before the pandemic. The pandemic continues to impact the well-being of parents of school-aged children with and without complex medical histories more than 1 year after its outbreak. Children's well-being was specifically affected during the first wave of the pandemic and has recovered thereafter. Families with sparse social support and poor family functioning are particularly at risk for compromised well-being and support should be provided to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Ehrler
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia F Hagmann
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neonatology and Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Stoeckli
- Department of Neonatology and Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kretschmar
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus A Landolt
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia M Wehrle
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Neonatology and Intensive Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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25
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Dror C, Hertz-Palmor N, Yadan-Barzilai Y, Saker T, Kritchmann-Lupo M, Bloch Y. Increase in Referrals of Children and Adolescents to the Psychiatric Emergency Room Is Evident Only in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Evaluating 9156 Visits from 2010 through 2021 in a Single Psychiatric Emergency Room. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158924. [PMID: 35897293 PMCID: PMC9332552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the wellbeing of children and adolescents. The psychiatric emergency room (ER) is the hub of psychiatric emergencies and reflects clinically significant mental problems. Previous studies compared 2019 and 2020 and observed a decline in ER referrals. The current study focused on the continuous trend of referrals from 2010 to the end of 2021. Method: In our observational retrospective study, we procured data from 9156 child and adolescent referrals to our psychiatric ER. The comparison was made based on similar months of each year. Results: There was a significant positive trend in monthly referrals between 2010 and 2021, representing a similar increase in referrals per month in comparison to that month in the preceding year (unstandardized β = 4.21, 95% CI = 3.44 to 4.98, p < 0.0001). Between March 2020 and February 2021 (monthly visits = 72.5 + 16.6 [median = 79.5], annual referrals = 870), we observed no additive effect beyond this general trend after controlling for population growth. Conversely, between March and December 2021 (monthly referrals = 106.1 + 31.8 [median = 105.5], overall referrals = 1061) we observed a significant additive effect beyond the projected incline, as predicted by previous years (β = 21.61, 95% CI = 12.12 to 31.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic was no different from the continuous decade long rise of referrals to the children and adolescents’ psychiatric ER. Conversely, the second year showed an additional incline beyond the general trend. The complexity in this rising need demands the awareness of clinicians and policy makers alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dror
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel; (Y.Y.-B.); (T.S.); (M.K.-L.); (Y.B.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence: (C.D.); (N.H.-P.)
| | - Nimrod Hertz-Palmor
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Sheba Medical Center, Edmund and Lily Safra’s Children Hospital, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence: (C.D.); (N.H.-P.)
| | - Yael Yadan-Barzilai
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel; (Y.Y.-B.); (T.S.); (M.K.-L.); (Y.B.)
| | - Talia Saker
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel; (Y.Y.-B.); (T.S.); (M.K.-L.); (Y.B.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Maya Kritchmann-Lupo
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel; (Y.Y.-B.); (T.S.); (M.K.-L.); (Y.B.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yuval Bloch
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon 45100, Israel; (Y.Y.-B.); (T.S.); (M.K.-L.); (Y.B.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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26
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Widnall E, Winstone L, Plackett R, Adams EA, Haworth CMA, Mars B, Kidger J. Impact of School and Peer Connectedness on Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being Outcomes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Panel Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116768. [PMID: 35682350 PMCID: PMC9180617 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
School closures and social distancing measures during the pandemic have disrupted young people’s daily routines and social relationships. We explored patterns of change in adolescent mental health and tested the relationship between pre-pandemic levels of school and peer connectedness and changes in mental health and well-being between the first lockdown and the return to school. This is a secondary analysis of a longitudinal 3-wave panel survey. The study sample included 603 students (aged 13–14) in 17 secondary schools across south-west England. Students completed a survey pre-pandemic (October 2019), during lockdown (May 2020) and shortly after returning to school (October 2020). Multilevel models, with random effects, were conducted for anxiety, depression and well-being outcomes with school and peer connectedness as predictor variables. Symptoms of anxiety decreased from pre-pandemic to during the first UK lockdown and increased on the return to school; anxious symptoms decreased the most for students reporting feeling least connected to school pre-pandemic. Students reporting low levels of school and peer connectedness pre-pandemic experienced poorer mental health and well-being at all time points. Low school connectedness pre-pandemic was associated with a greater increase in anxious and depressive symptoms between lockdown and the return to school when compared to students with medium levels of school connectedness. No associations were found with high school connectedness or with low/high peer connectedness. For adolescents with poor school connectedness, the enforced time away from school that the pandemic caused led to reduced anxiety. Going forwards, we need to consider ways in which to promote connection with school as a way of supporting mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Widnall
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK; (L.W.); (B.M.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lizzy Winstone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK; (L.W.); (B.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Ruth Plackett
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK;
| | - Emma A. Adams
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK;
| | | | - Becky Mars
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK; (L.W.); (B.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Judi Kidger
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK; (L.W.); (B.M.); (J.K.)
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27
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Kaess M. Self-harm: a transdiagnostic marker of psychopathology and suicide risk during the COVID-19 pandemic? Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1-3. [PMID: 35819728 PMCID: PMC9343285 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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