Burden of mental health disorders and synthesis of community-based mental health intervention measures among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in low middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Association between physical activity and mental health problems among children and adolescents: A moderated mediation model of emotion regulation and gender

BACKGROUND

Studies suggests a correlation between physical activity and mental health, particularly in children and adolescents. However, the specific mechanisms underlying this relationship is not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate the potential mediating role of emotion regulation and the moderating influence of gender through a moderated mediation model.

METHODS

A sample size of 4763 students (mean age = 11.12 ± 1.48 years, 52.8 % females) from seven schools in Shenzhen, China, was recruited during the period of October to November 2023. The participants were administered self-reported questionnaires assessing physical activity, mental health, and emotion regulation. The moderated mediation model was analyzed. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0.

RESULTS

The results indicate a negative correlation between physical activity and mental health problems (all p < 0.001). This association was partially mediated by both cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression (all p < 0.001). Additionally, gender significant moderated the path between physical activity and emotion regulation, specifically cognitive reappraisal (p < 0.001) and expressive suppression (p < 0.01).

LIMITATIONS

As a result of the cross-sectional design, no causal relationship could be established, and measurement bias should be noted.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity is found to have a positive effect on the mental health problem of children and adolescents with emotion regulation serve as a partial mediator in the relationship. Additionally, in the mediation model, gender influences the first half of the path.

Socio-cultural erosion and the mental health crisis in Iranian youth: Root causes, challenges, and culturally aligned interventions

This review, in light of the Socio-Cultural Erosion Theory, addresses the alarming deterioration in mental health among Iranian youth. According to this theory, rapid socio-cultural changes, economic instability, and pervasive influences of digital media create a drift between traditional values and modern expectations that are detrimental to mental health. The major risk factors identified in order of significance were, in descending order, economic hardship, academic stress, cultural pressures, and digital exposure. It is for this reason that evidence-based, practical interventions are proposed through policy reforms, educational changes, and community-based support to assist youth in Iran in meeting these challenges. The need is for solutions that are embedded within the specific cultural, economic, and social contexts of Iran to promote resilience and mental well-being.

Physical activity on the mental health of children and adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures-A systematic review

PROPOSE

To review published Physical Activity (PA) on the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents aged 5 to 18 years during COVID-19 pandemic-induced school closures.

METHODS

From the database creation to April 2022, 10 databases are retrieved, with 4427 records filtered, 14 included in this research. The research takes Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) evaluation standards.

RESULTS

The thesis selects 14 studies from 6 countries, involving 400009 children and adolescents. These studies happened during the lockdown of COVID-19 (from December 2019 to April 2021). During the lockdown of COVID-19, schools were closed, which was considered part of a more extensive lockdown. Schools were closed for 1 to 4 weeks. There were 10 high quality studies (71.4%) and 4 medium quality studies (28.6%). 4 studies report that the pandemic reduces the time of PA but increases the time of watching screen and sitting. 10 studies (71.4%) identify that PA is positive for the mental health, because it helps reduce mental symptoms to a certain extent, especially anxiety, depression, and emotional disorders. 5 studies show that PA may not improve the mental health of children and adolescents under 12 during the pandemic. 4 studies indicate that the influence of PA on mental health of children and adolescents is determined by the amount of activity, including the extent, intensity, frequency, and duration, etc.

CONCLUSIONS

In this narrative synthesis of reports from the class suspension period, reports that PA has a improve on the mental health of children and adolescents to a certain extent. it is found that PA may be helpful in reducing mental health symptoms of children and adolescents who are influenced by class suspension because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, stakeholders of the mental health of children and adolescents around the world should recommend PA because it is a practicable and beneficial way for long-term mental support.