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Batte C, Apio PO, Semulimi AW, Nuwasiima S, Kasoma RM, Mwesigwa MM, Twinamasiko N, Siddharthan T, Mukisa J, Mukunya D, Abaatyo J, Nalugya JS. Prevalence and factors contributing to mental health challenges among school-going adolescents: a case of a climate-vulnerable Manafwa Watershed in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2752. [PMID: 39385115 PMCID: PMC11462693 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20288-0] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, mental health challenges are common among school-going adolescents, with a prevalence of 50.2% and 43.6% for depression and anxiety disorders, respectively. In Northeastern Uganda, a prevalence of 26.6% and 8.6% for anxiety and depressive disorders respectively were reported among children. School-going adolescents are at higher risk of developing these mental health challenges and this could be worsened by natural disasters like landslides. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors contributing to mental health challenges (having at least one of following; depression, anxiety, anger, disruptive behaviour and social concept) among school adolescents in the Manafwa Watershed area. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study in 3 districts of the Manafwa watershed area (Bududa, Manafwa, and Butaleja). We selected school-going adolescents aged 13-18 years because of the nature of study tools. Mental health challenges (anxiety, depression, anger, disruptive behaviour and self-concept) were assessed using the Beck Youth Inventory-II. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were performed to determine factors associated with mental health challenges. RESULTS A total of 762 adolescents participated, with a median age of 17 years (interquartile range =16-17 years). More than half of the students were females. The prevalence of mental health challenges was 65% with a (confidence interval) = 54.0% - 75.0%; the majority 44% of the participants had anxiety, and 31% had disruptive behaviour. Families with more than five children [adjusted odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval= 1.08-1.29, p value = <0.001] and substance abuse [adjusted odds ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence interval= 1.15-1.24, p value <0.001] were significantly associated with mental health challenges. CONCLUSION The prevalence of mental health challenges among students was high with majority having anxiety and disruptive behaviour. Adolescents from families with more than five children and those with substance abuse were more likely to have mental health challenges. We therefore recommend that various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education, design a curriculum that caters to the mental health needs of children. Family planning awareness, awareness on Government laws prohibiting alcohol and substance use, and parenting skills should be raised by the local leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Batte
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Climate and Health Unit, Tree Adoption, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pamela Okwir Apio
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Andrew Weil Semulimi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Shivan Nuwasiima
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Mutebi Kasoma
- Climate and Health Unit, Tree Adoption, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Nakaseke General Hospital, Nakaseke, Uganda
| | - Martin Menya Mwesigwa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nelson Twinamasiko
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Trishul Siddharthan
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - John Mukisa
- School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Mukunya
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Busitema, Uganda
| | - Joan Abaatyo
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joyce Sserunjogi Nalugya
- Department of Psychiatry, Directorate of Medicine, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
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Tutzer F, Schurr T, Frajo-Apor B, Pardeller S, Plattner B, Schmit A, Conca A, Fronthaler M, Haring C, Holzner B, Huber M, Marksteiner J, Miller C, Perwanger V, Pycha R, Schmidt M, Sperner-Unterweger B, Hofer A. Relevance of spirituality and perceived social support to mental health of people with pre-existing mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal investigation. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:1437-1448. [PMID: 38112803 PMCID: PMC11291591 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and related measures have negatively impacted mental health worldwide. The main objective of the present longitudinal study was to investigate mental health in people living in Tyrol (Austria) and South Tyrol (Italy) during the COVID-19 pandemic and to report the prevalence of psychological distress among individuals with versus those without pre-existing mental health disorders (MHD) in the long-term (summer 2020-winter 2022). Here, we specifically focus on the relevance of spirituality and perceived social support in this regard. METHODS 161 individuals who had been diagnosed with MHD and 446 reference subjects participated in this online survey. Electronic data capture was conducted using the Computer-based Health Evaluation System and included both sociodemographic and clinical aspects as well as standardized questionnaires on psychological distress, spirituality, and the perception of social support. RESULTS The prevalence of psychological distress was significantly higher in individuals with MHD (36.6% vs. 12.3%) and remained unchanged among both groups over time. At baseline, the perception of social support was significantly higher in healthy control subjects, whereas the two groups were comparable in regards of the subjective relevance of faith. Reference subjects indicated significantly higher spiritual well-being in terms of the sense of meaning in life and peacefulness, which mediated in large part the between-group difference of psychological distress at follow-up. Notably, both faith and the perception of social support did not prove to be relevant in this context. CONCLUSIONS These findings point to a consistently high prevalence of psychological distress among people suffering from MHD and underscore the prominent role of meaning in life and peacefulness as a protective factor in times of crisis. Therapeutic strategies that specifically target spirituality may have a beneficial impact on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Tutzer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Timo Schurr
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatrice Frajo-Apor
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Silvia Pardeller
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Plattner
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bolzano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Anna Schmit
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Conca
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bolzano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Martin Fronthaler
- Therapy Center Bad Bachgart, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Rodengo, Italy
| | - Christian Haring
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy B, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Huber
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Brunico, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Brunico, Italy
| | - Josef Marksteiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Carl Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Kufstein, Kufstein, Austria
| | - Verena Perwanger
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Merano, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Merano, Italy
| | - Roger Pycha
- Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bressanone, Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Bressanone, Italy
| | - Martin Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Lienz, Lienz, Austria
| | - Barbara Sperner-Unterweger
- Division of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alex Hofer
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Léda-Rêgo G, Studart-Bottó P, Abbade P, Rabelo-Da-Ponte FD, Casqueiro JS, Sarmento S, Dallalana C, Troesch M, Prates S, Miranda-Scippa Â. Lifetime prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115953. [PMID: 38763079 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115953] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric disease and part of its burden is related to the high rates of lifetime psychiatric comorbidity (PC), with diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic implications. METHODS Registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021282356). Meta-analyses were performed, searching for relevant papers published from 1993 to 2022 in Medline/PubMed (including E-Pub Ahead of Print), Embase, Cochrane Library (Central), PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and via hand-searching, without language restrictions. 12.698 studies were initially identified, 114 of which were ultimately chosen based on the eligibility criteria. We performed two meta-analyses (prevalence and risk ratio) of mental health conditions among subjects with BD and then conducted a comprehensive examination of moderator effects using multivariable meta-regression models for moderators identified as significant in the univariable analysis. FINDINGS Overall PC prevalence of at least one disorder was 38.91 % (95 % CI 35.24-42.70) and the most frequent disorders were: anxiety (40.4 % [34.97-46.06]), SUD (30.7 % [23.73-38.73]), ADHD (18.6 % [10.66-30.33]) and Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorder (15 % [6.21-31.84). The moderators with higher association with individual prevalences were UN's Human Development Index (HDI), female gender, age, suicide attempt, and age at onset (AAO). INTERPRETATION It becomes evident that the prevalence of PC among individuals with BD is notably high, surpassing rates observed in the general population. This heightened prevalence persists despite significant heterogeneity across studies. Consequently, it is imperative to redirect clinical focus towards comprehensive mental health assessments, emphasizing personalized and routine screening. Additionally, there is a pressing need for the enhancement of public policies to create a supportive environment for individuals with BD, ensuring better therapeutic conditions and sustained assistance. By addressing these aspects, we can collectively strive towards fostering improved mental health outcomes for individuals with BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Léda-Rêgo
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil.
| | - Paula Studart-Bottó
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Pedro Abbade
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - F Diego Rabelo-Da-Ponte
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Juliana Socorro Casqueiro
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Stella Sarmento
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Caroline Dallalana
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Mariana Troesch
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Sarah Prates
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Ângela Miranda-Scippa
- Centro de Estudos dos Transtornos de Humor e de Ansiedade (CETHA), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil; Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina, UFBA, Salvador, BA, Brasil
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Zvolensky MJ, Bakhshaie J, Redmond BY, Smit T, Nikčević AV, Spada MM, Distaso W. Coronavirus Anxiety, COVID Anxiety Syndrome and Mental Health: A Test Among Six Countries During March 2021. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2988. [PMID: 38654488 PMCID: PMC11200194 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2988] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health outcomes is widely documented. Specifically, individuals experiencing greater degrees of severity in coronavirus anxiety have demonstrated higher levels of generalized anxiety, depression and psychological distress. Yet the pathways in which coronavirus anxiety confers vulnerability are not well known. The present investigation sought to address this gap in the scientific literature by testing the indirect effect of the COVID-19 anxiety syndrome, which centres on the function of detecting and managing the environmental threat of virus exposure and its sequalae. Data were collected during the height of the pandemic (March 2021) and included 5297 adults across six countries. Structural equation modelling techniques revealed that the COVID-19 anxiety syndrome evidenced a statistically significant indirect effect between coronavirus anxiety and generalized anxiety, depression and work/social adjustment. Overall, results suggest there could be public health merit to targeting anxiety related to virus exposure to improve behavioural health for those who are struggling with excessive fear and worry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jafar Bakhshaie
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brooke Y. Redmond
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tanya Smit
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ana V. Nikčević
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | | | - Walter Distaso
- Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Hintz AM, Gomes-Filho IS, Loomer PM, de Sousa Pinho P, de Santana Passos-Soares J, Trindade SC, Cerqueira EDMM, Alves CMC, Rios YSS, Batista JET, Figueiredo ACMG, Cruz SSD. Depression and associated factors among Brazilian adults: the 2019 national healthcare population-based study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:704. [PMID: 37770824 PMCID: PMC10537974 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental disorders represent a major public health challenge worldwide, affecting 80% of people living in low- and middle-income countries. Depression, a mental disorder, is a chronic disease of long duration that causes changes in the brain, resulting from a combination of genetic, physiologic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The aim of this study was to investigate possible factors associated with depression in Brazilian adults. METHODS A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out using the public domain database of the 2019 National Health Survey, conducted in Brazil. Depression was considered the dependent variable, and through hierarchical analysis, predictor variables were investigated such as, at the distal level-socioeconomic variables, at the intermediate level-variables related to lifestyle behavior, health condition, and history, and at the proximal level-demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain the adjusted Odds Ratio and the respective 95% confidence interval to identify possible factors associated with depression. RESULTS The study included 88,531 participant records with 10.27% diagnosed with depression. The adjusted association measurements, after selecting the independent variables in the hierarchical analysis, showed the following factors associated with depression with differing magnitudes: age, brown and white race/skin color, female sex, poor, very poor, or regular self-reported health condition, diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, work-related musculoskeletal disorder, history of smoking habit, and macroeconomic region. CONCLUSIONS An effective strategy for preventing and managing depression in Brazilian adults must include the control of health status and lifestyle behavior factors, with actions and programs to reduce people's exposure to these factors, understanding that socioeconomic-demographic differences of each population can potentially reduce the disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter Michael Loomer
- School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Paloma de Sousa Pinho
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia, Santo Antonio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Johelle de Santana Passos-Soares
- Department of Health, Feira de Santana State University, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Soraya Castro Trindade
- Department of Health, Feira de Santana State University, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Simone Seixas da Cruz
- Department of Health, Feira de Santana State University, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Recôncavo of Bahia, Santo Antonio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil
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Rashnaei N, Akhavan Sepahi A, Siadat SD, Shahsavand-Ananloo E, Bahramali G. Characterization of gut microbiota profile in Iranian patients with bipolar disorder compared to healthy controls. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1233687. [PMID: 37808915 PMCID: PMC10552146 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1233687] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in mental health through the gut-brain axis, impacting central nervous system functions, behavior, mood, and anxiety. Consequently, it is implicated in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess and compare the gut microbiota profiles and populations of individuals with bipolar disorder and healthy individuals in Iran. Methods Fecal samples were collected from 60 participants, including 30 bipolar patients (BPs) and 30 healthy controls (HCs), following rigorous entry criteria. Real-time quantitative PCR was utilized to evaluate the abundance of 10 bacterial genera/species and five bacterial phyla. Results Notably, Actinobacteria and Lactobacillus exhibited the greatest fold change in BPs compared to HCs at the phylum and genus level, respectively, among the bacteria with significant population differences. Ruminococcus emerged as the most abundant genus in both groups, while Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes showed the highest abundance in BPs and HCs, respectively, at the phylum level. Importantly, our investigation revealed a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, potentially serving as a health indicator, in HCs compared to BPs. Conclusion This study marks the first examination of an Iranian population and provides compelling evidence of significant differences in gut microbiota composition between BPs and HCs, suggesting a potential link between brain functions and the gut microbial profile and population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassir Rashnaei
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Akhavan Sepahi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Shahsavand-Ananloo
- Department of Psychosomatic, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Golnaz Bahramali
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Christodoulou E, Pavlidou E, Mantzorou M, Koutelidakis A, Vadikolias K, Psara E, Vorvolakos T, Antasouras G, Serdari A, Vasios G, Giaginis C. Depression is associated with worse health-related quality of life, lower physical activity levels, and inadequate sleep quality in a Greek elderly population. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2486-2500. [PMID: 37280787 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2221446] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study is a cross-sectional study that aimed to investigate the potential associations between depression status, health-related quality of life, physical activity levels and sleep quality in a representative Greek elderly population. Three thousand four hundred five (3405) men and women over 65 years old from 14 different Greek regions were enrolled. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess depression status, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) was evaluated using Short Form Health Survey, physical activity levels were assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A high prevalence of depression and an increased incidence of poor quality of life, low physical activity levels and inadequate sleep quality among the elderly population were recorded. Depression status was independently associated with worse quality of life, poor physical activity, inadequate sleep quality, female gender, BMI and living alone after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Elderly age, low muscle mass, educational and financial status were also identified as indicators of depression; however, their impact on depression status was considerably attenuated after adjusting for confounding factors. In conclusion, depression was associated with worse health-related quality of life, poor physical activity and inadequate sleep quality in a Greek elderly population. Future randomized control trials should be performed to confirm the findings of this cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstratios Christodoulou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Eleni Pavlidou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Maria Mantzorou
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Antonios Koutelidakis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | | | - Evmorfia Psara
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vorvolakos
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Georgios Antasouras
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Aspasia Serdari
- Department of Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | - Georgios Vasios
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, Lemnos, Greece
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Jones EJ, Ayling K, Wiley CR, Geraghty AW, Greer AL, Holt-Lunstad J, Prather AA, Schreier HM, Silver RC, Sneed RS, Marsland AL, Pressman SD, Vedhara K. Psychology Meets Biology in COVID-19: What We Know and Why It Matters for Public Health. POLICY INSIGHTS FROM THE BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES 2023; 10:33-40. [PMID: 36942265 PMCID: PMC10018248 DOI: 10.1177/23727322221145308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial factors are related to immune, viral, and vaccination outcomes. Yet, this knowledge has been poorly represented in public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of biopsychosocial links relevant to COVID-19 outcomes by describing seminal evidence about these associations known prepandemic as well as contemporary research conducted during the pandemic. This focuses on the negative impact of the pandemic on psychosocial health and how this in turn has likely consequences for critically relevant viral and vaccination outcomes. We end by looking forward, highlighting the potential of psychosocial interventions that could be leveraged to support all people in navigating a postpandemic world and how a biopsychosocial approach to health could be incorporated into public health responses to future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kieran Ayling
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cameron R. Wiley
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Adam W.A. Geraghty
- Primary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amy L. Greer
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Aric A. Prather
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hannah M.C. Schreier
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Roxane Cohen Silver
- Department of Psychological Science, Department of Medicine, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Rodlescia S. Sneed
- Institute of Gerontology and Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna L. Marsland
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah D. Pressman
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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9
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Yao X, Xu X, Chan KL, Chen S, Assink M, Gao S. Associations between psychological inflexibility and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: A three-level meta-analytic review. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:148-160. [PMID: 36179778 PMCID: PMC9516602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of research has documented the positive associations between psychological inflexibility (PI) and mental health problems (i.e., depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the documented associations have been inconsistent. This review thus aimed to quantitatively summarize primary research to gain better estimates of these associations. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted in six databases and three-level meta-analytic models were used to statistically synthesize effect sizes and to examine moderators of the associations between PI and depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. RESULTS A total of 22 studies yielded 63 effect sizes on associations between PI and depressive, anxiety, or stress symptoms. The results of three separate meta-analyses revealed a large and significant association between PI and depressive (r = 0.580, 95 % CI [0.549; 0.775]), anxiety (r = 0.548, 95 % CI [0.468; 0.761]), and stress symptoms (r = 0.548, 95 % CI [0.506; 0.725]). The association between PI and depressive symptoms is stronger for males than for females, and the association between PI and stress symptoms varies by type of measure that primary studies use to assess PI and stress symptoms. LIMITATIONS Temporal or causal conclusions are not allowed due to cross-sectional nature of the associations included in meta-analyses. Clinical samples with high levels of stress were underrepresented. CONCLUSIONS PI seems an important risk factor for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and should therefore be targeted in interventions addressing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yao
- School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhan Xu
- School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ko Ling Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Shimin Chen
- School of Public Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mark Assink
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shuling Gao
- School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Kanes SJ, Dennie L, Perera P. Targeting the Arginine Vasopressin V 1b Receptor System and Stress Response in Depression and Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:811-828. [PMID: 37077711 PMCID: PMC10106826 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s402831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A healthy stress response is critical for good mental and overall health and promotes neuronal growth and adaptation, but the intricately balanced biological mechanisms that facilitate a stress response can also result in predisposition to disease when that equilibrium is disrupted. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis neuroendocrine system plays a critical role in the body's response and adaptation to stress, and vasopressinergic regulation of the HPA axis is critical to maintaining system responsiveness during chronic stress. However, exposure to repeated or excessive physical or emotional stress or trauma can shift the body's stress response equilibrium to a "new normal" underpinned by enduring changes in HPA axis function. Exposure to early life stress due to adverse childhood experiences can also lead to lasting neurobiological changes, including in HPA axis function. HPA axis impairment in patients with depression is considered among the most reliable findings in biological psychiatry, and chronic stress has been shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis and onset of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Modulating HPA axis activity, for example via targeted antagonism of the vasopressin V1b receptor, is a promising approach for patients with depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders associated with HPA axis impairment. Despite favorable preclinical indications in animal models, demonstration of clinical efficacy for the treatment of depressive disorders by targeting HPA axis dysfunction has been challenging, possibly due to the heterogeneity and syndromal nature of depressive disorders. Measures of HPA axis function, such as elevated cortisol levels, may be useful biomarkers for identifying patients who may benefit from treatments that modulate HPA axis activity. Utilizing clinical biomarkers to identify subsets of patients with impaired HPA axis function who may benefit is a promising next step in fine-tuning HPA axis activity via targeted antagonism of the V1b receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Kanes
- EmbarkNeuro, Oakland, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Stephen J Kanes, EmbarkNeuro, Inc, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1300, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA, Tel +1 610 757 7821, Email
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11
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Hossain MT, Ahammed B, Jahan N, Islam MA, Rahman MM, Khan B, Sarker MJA, Nibir MMAM, Hasan M, Hasib M, Rahman R, Islam MN. Prevalence and predictors of pornography exposure during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study on students in Bangladesh. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1046813. [PMID: 36605242 PMCID: PMC9807871 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1046813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pornography exposure, particularly among students, in Bangladesh, has increased in the twenty-first century. However, pornography exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were compelled to "stay at home" and relied extensively on the internet for all forms of activities, including academia, socializing, and communication, has remained unexplored. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of pornography exposure among students during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the associated predictors. Methods A web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among students with certain specifications, i.e., current students at high school/college/university with access to the internet and valid social media accounts. By administering a semi-structured e-questionnaire using Google Forms, a total of 646 valid responses were retained for this study. The data were analyzed in two phases by Pearson's Chi-square and multiple logistic regression model, using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25. The results were expressed as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results The findings suggest that 75.9% of students were exposed to pornography during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and preferred to watch the amateur/professional genre of pornography. Pornography exposure was significantly associated with age and relationship status, as students aged 22-24 years (95% CI: 1.01-2.41; p = 0.045) and over 25 years (95% CI: 1.61-10.03; p = 0.003) were more likely to watch pornography, while married students and those in relationships (95% CI: 1.24-3.49; p = 0.006) also watched pornography during the pandemic. In contrast, students who were living alone (95% CI: 0.38-0.92; p = 0.021), were living in the Khulna division (95% CI: 0.16-0.52; p < 0.001) or had a negative attitude toward pornography (95% CI: 0.94-0.99; p = 0.002) were less likely to be exposed to pornography. Conclusion Pornography exposure was higher among students in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic, and religiosity and disapproving attitudes toward pornography negatively influenced the pornography exposure. For a better understanding of the complex dynamics of socio-demographic issues with pornography exposure among students, extensive research is required for policymakers to devise appropriate strategies and interventions to ensure healthy and safe sex life for the younger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Tanvir Hossain
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh,*Correspondence: Md. Tanvir Hossain
| | - Benojir Ahammed
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Jahan
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Akhtarul Islam
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mostafizur Rahman
- Department of Disaster Management and Resilience, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Bayezid Khan
- Development Studies Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Juwel Ahmed Sarker
- Department of Development Studies, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mahamudul Hasan
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Hasib
- Mass Communication and Journalism Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Rumana Rahman
- English Discipline, Arts and Humanities School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nazrul Islam
- Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
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12
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A Survey of Mobile Apps for the Care Management of Patients with Dementia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10071173. [PMID: 35885700 PMCID: PMC9317040 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10071173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive disorder that currently affects approximately 50 million people globally and causes a heavy burden for their families and societies. This study analyzed mobile apps for dementia care in different languages and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Con-trolled Clinical Trials, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei App Store for mobile applications for dementia care. The Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) was used to assess the quality of applications. Results: We included 99 apps for dementia care. No significant difference in MARS scores was noted between the two language apps (Overall MARS: English: 3.576 ± 0.580, Chinese: 3.569 ± 0.746, p = 0.962). In the subscale analysis, English apps had higher scores of perceived impact than Chinese apps but these were not significant (2.654 ± 1.372 vs. 2.000 ± 1.057, p = 0.061). (2) Applications during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher MARS scores than those before the COVID-19 pandemic but these were not significant (during the COVID-19 pandemic: 3.722 ± 0.416; before: 3.699 ± 0.615, p = 0.299). In the sub-scale analysis, apps during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher scores of engagement than apps before the COVID-19 pandemic but these were not significant (3.117 ± 0.594 vs. 2.698 ± 0.716, p = 0.068). Conclusions: Our results revealed that there is a minor but nonsignificant difference between different languages and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further cooperation among dementia professionals, technology experts, and caregivers is warranted to provide evidence-based and user-friendly information to meet the needs of users.
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13
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Nishat JF, Shovo TEA, Ahammed B, Islam MA, Rahman MM, Hossain MT. Mental health status of early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1074208. [PMID: 36683997 PMCID: PMC9849885 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1074208] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to unemployment, the prolonged lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic caused panic and deepened poverty, especially among lower-class and marginal people. The related financial crises led to harmful practices such as the early marriage of adolescent girls, which deteriorated these girl's mental state. AIMS This study attempted to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among early married girls and determine the associated predictors of the growing mental health burden. METHODS This cross-sectional survey was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dumuria Upazila in the Khulna district of Bangladesh. Data were collected purposively from 304 girls who were married off during the COVID-19 pandemic, this was carried out between 22 July and 31 August 2022 by administering a semi-structured interview schedule, with mental health measured by the depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS 21). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25), and multiple linear regression was executed in order to predict mental health problems among early married girls. RESULTS The findings show that the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh was 60.9% (95% CI: 0.554-0.663), 74.7% (95% CI: 0.698-0.796), and 23.7% (95% CI: 0.189-0.285). The prevalence was relatively higher among girls from the Sanatan (Hindu) religion and younger girls than among Muslim and older girls, respectively. The multiple linear regressions indicate that age, age at marriage, duration of the marriage, spousal occupation, intimate partner violence (IPV), and subjective happiness were the critical predictors of mental health problems among early married girls. CONCLUSION Early marriage, along with various adverse outcomes, i.e., IPV, maladjustment, and poor subjective happiness, has resulted in heightened mental health problems for young girls. Policymakers should implement coercive measures to prevent early marriage, especially during social, economic, political, and health crises; in addition, more research is recommended in order to explore the mechanisms that make early married girls psychologically vulnerable and thus formulate protective and preventive programs for addressing such vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taufiq-E-Ahmed Shovo
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Benojir Ahammed
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Akhtarul Islam
- Statistics Discipline, Science, Engineering and Technology School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Tanvir Hossain
- Sociology Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
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14
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Coral-Almeida M, Carrington SJ, Carrión-Yaguana VD, Mascialino G. How not to manage a pandemic, and how to recover from it: Lessons from Ecuador. Facets (Ott) 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2022-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the initial outbreak in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in more than four million deaths worldwide. Ecuador initially experienced one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world. The pandemic quickly overwhelmed health care systems resulting in excess deaths of 37 000 from March to October, 2020. The public health measures taken to stop the spread of the virus had a devastating impact on the economy. There was a sharp contraction (7.8%) in Ecuador’s GDP in 2020. Furthermore, income poverty and inequality increased dramatically. The lasting effects of the pandemic will be harder to overcome. This article recounts and analyzes the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador, to draw lessons from this complex experience, and from the benefit of limited but important successes. We also aim to provide suggestions for best practices moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Coral-Almeida
- Grupo de bioquimioinformática GBQ, La Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Pichincha 170124, Ecuador
| | - Sarah J. Carrington
- Department of Economics, La Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | | | - Guido Mascialino
- Escuela de Psicología, La Universidad de Las Américas, Quito 170124, Ecuador
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