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Emerson E, Stancliffe RJ, Aitken Z, Bailie J, Bishop GM, Badland H, Llewellyn G, Kavanagh AM. Disability and loneliness in the United Kingdom: cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of trends and transitions. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2537. [PMID: 38114963 PMCID: PMC10729364 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness can have a detrimental impact on health, yet little is known about the association between disability and loneliness. METHODS Secondary analysis of three waves of data collected between 2017 and 2020 by the UK's annual household panel study, Understanding Society. Direct age-standardisation was used to compare the prevalence of loneliness at each wave and the persistence of loneliness across all three waves for participants with/without disabilities aged 16-65 years. Transitional probabilities for the stability of loneliness, the stability of non-loneliness, the onset of loneliness and the offset of loneliness between consecutive waves were also estimated. RESULTS At each wave, the prevalence of loneliness was significantly higher among respondents with disabilities than respondents without disabilities; these inequalities persisted with no evidence of change over time. The prevalence of persistent loneliness was 46% for respondents with disabilities compared with 22% for respondents without disabilities. Risk factors for the likelihood of persistent loneliness included disability, financial stress, not living as a couple, living in rented accommodation, being female and not being employed. The probability of the onset and stability of loneliness between successive waves were markedly higher for people with disabilities compared with people without disabilities. CONCLUSION Adults with disabilities were more likely to experience loneliness, become lonely and remain lonely over time than their peers. Policies and interventions aimed at reducing loneliness should ensure that they are accessible and effective for people with disabilities. Further research is needed to explore the health outcomes of persistent loneliness among people with/without disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Emerson
- Centre for Disability Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.
| | - Roger J Stancliffe
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Zoe Aitken
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jodie Bailie
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Glenda M Bishop
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hannah Badland
- Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Gwynnyth Llewellyn
- Centre for Disability Research and Policy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Anne M Kavanagh
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Lakhani A, Dema S, Hose J, Erdem N, Wollersheim D, Grindrod A, Grimbeek P, Charlifue S. Predictors of resilience for people with spinal cord injury over two periods of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions: a 12-month longitudinal study using structural equation modelling. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1334. [PMID: 37438771 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is disproportionately impacting the health of people with disability. Resilience has remained an important health promoting characteristic during periods of social distancing restrictions. Factors promoting resilience for people with disability under the context of the pandemic remains poorly understood. Studies have yet to investigate evidence-based factors that promote resilience over multiple periods of restrictions for people with disability. METHODS A longitudinal study developed via a collaborative partnership between peer-support workers with lived experience of spinal cord injury (SCI) and university researchers was undertaken to fill knowledge gaps around factors promoting resilience for people with SCI during two periods of stringent social distancing restrictions within Victoria, Australia. Over 12-months, participants with SCI completed two surveys, towards the end of two lockdown periods. Evidence-based factors associated with resilience were measured. The Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, the International SCI Quality of Life scale, and the 10-item Conor Davidson Resilience Scale, respectively measured autonomy and participation limitations, life satisfaction and psychological health, and resilience. A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach established factors directly and indirectly associated with resilience. RESULTS A model with excellent fit was produced. During two extended lockdowns over the 12-month period, increased family role limitations and favourable psychological health were respectively, negatively (Lockdown 1 [n = 127]: β = -.251, p < .01, Lockdown 2: β = -.400, p < .01) and positively (Lockdown 1: β = .601, p < .01, Lockdown 2 [n = 65]: β = .430, p < .01) associated with resilience. Indirect negative associations between resilience and increased outdoor autonomy limitations (Lockdown 1: β = -.195, p < .01, Lockdown 2: β = -.255, p < .01) and social life limitations (Lockdown 1: β = -.217, p < .01, Lockdown 2: β = -.142, p < .05) existed, and these relationships were moderated by psychological health. CONCLUSIONS Psychological health, and participation and autonomy are determinants of resilience during periods of crisis. Health and social care providers and public health departments should prioritise programs promoting these domains, to counter the negative impact of social distancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Lakhani
- The School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, 360 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- The Hopkins Centre, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Logan Campus, University Drive, Meadowbrook, QLD, 4131, Australia.
- Palliative Care Department, Eastern Health, 251 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, VIC, 3152, Australia.
| | - Salvatore Dema
- Austin Health - Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, 1 Yarra Blvd, Kew, VIC, 3101, Australia
| | - Josh Hose
- AQA Victoria, 416 Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield, VIC, 3078, Australia
| | - Nazim Erdem
- AQA Victoria, 416 Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield, VIC, 3078, Australia
| | - Dennis Wollersheim
- The School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, 360 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Andrea Grindrod
- Palliative Care Department, Eastern Health, 251 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, VIC, 3152, Australia
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
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Holm ME, Suvisaari J, Koponen P, Koskinen S, Sainio P. Incidence and persistence of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with and without disability. J Psychosom Res 2023; 165:111127. [PMID: 36610334 PMCID: PMC9783094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111127] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the incidence (becoming distressed at the follow-up) and persistence (distressed at the baseline and the follow-up) of psychological distress among individuals with and without disability in the period from early 2017 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) to late 2020 (the second wave of the pandemic). METHODS We analyzed the population-based FinHealth 2017 survey and its follow-up conducted in 2020 (number of individuals who participated in both surveys: n = 4881; age = 18+). Logistic regressions were applied to investigate differences in the incidence and persistence of psychological distress between people with and without disability. We also investigated whether age, quality of life at the baseline, and perceived increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic moderated the association between disability and the incidence of distress. RESULTS The incidence of psychological distress was higher (OR = 3.01, 95% CI:2.09-4.35) for people with disability (18.9%) than among those without (7.4%), being highest (31.5%) among the youngest participants with disability, aged 18 to 39. People with disability who had a poor quality of life at the baseline were particularly prone to become distressed during the follow-up. People who reported perceived increase in loneliness during the pandemic were prone to become distressed at the follow-up regardless of their disability status. The persistence of distress was more common (OR = 6.00, 95% CI:3.53-10.12) among people with disability (65.7%) than among those without (24.9%). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic had more negative mental health effects on people with disability, especially adults with disability who were young and had a low quality of life before the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Eliisa Holm
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jaana Suvisaari
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivikki Koponen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Koskinen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Sainio
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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Yang L, Yu L, Kandasamy K, Wang Y, Shi F, Zhang W, Wang PP. Non-Pathological Psychological Distress among Mainland Chinese in Canada and Its Sociodemographic Risk Factors amidst the Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2326. [PMID: 36421650 PMCID: PMC9690647 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequalities, with a potentially heightened mental health risk for Mainland Chinese in Canada, given the rising anti-Chinese discrimination, and barriers in assessing health services. In this context, this study aimed to assess non-pathological psychological distress towards COVID-19 and identify its sociodemographic risk factors among Mainland Chinese in Canada at the early stages of the pandemic. METHODS A sample of 731 Mainland Chinese aged 16 or older completed an on-line survey to examine their attitudes, behavioural, and psychological responses towards COVID-19. Non-pathological psychological distress was assessed with a 7-item self-report scale to capture common emotional reactions towards COVID-19. RESULTS A factor analysis revealed a single-factor structure of the 7-item COVID-19 psychological distress scale (Eigen λ = 3.79). A composite psychological distress index (PDI) score was calculated from these items and used as the outcome variable. Multivariate regression models identified age, financial satisfaction, health status, and perceived/experienced discrimination as significant predictors of psychological distress (ps ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Mainland Chinese in Canada who were over 25, in poor financial/health status, or with perceived/experienced discrimination were at a higher risk for COVID-19-related psychological distress. The health inequity across these factors would inform the services to mitigate mental health risk in minority groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Yang
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
- The Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW), Markham, ON L3R 6G2, Canada
| | - Linke Yu
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Kesaan Kandasamy
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Yiran Wang
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Fuyan Shi
- School of Public Health, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Weiguo Zhang
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Peizhong Peter Wang
- The Centre for New Immigrant Well-Being (CNIW), Markham, ON L3R 6G2, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
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Aksenov LI, Myers J, Widener-Burrows D, Thibadeau J, Struwe S, Kelly MS. COVID-19 vaccination in individuals with spina bifida: A national survey. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2022; 15:549-557. [PMID: 36565076 DOI: 10.3233/prm-220091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to conduct a national survey of individuals with spina bifida (SB) and their care partners to assess COVID-19 vaccination behaviors and vaccine uptake. METHODS A survey instrument was designed to assess current vaccination status, general perceptions towards vaccinations, and barriers to vaccination within the SB community. Surveys were administered to individuals with SB or their representing care partner. Chi-squared and independent-samples t-tests were used to analyze the relationship between vaccine uptake and demographics. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to test which predictors impacted the odds that a participant received a COVID vaccine. RESULTS A total of 1,412 participants completed the questionnaire, and 1,145 participants reported their COVID-19 vaccine status. The most common reason for not getting vaccinated was a concern about vaccine safety and efficacy. Overall, healthcare professional recommendations played a significant (OR 2.77 p < 0.001) role in whether to get vaccinated. CONCLUSION About one in five individuals with SB have not received any COVID-19 vaccine. Actionable and modifiable factors were identified which may help increase vaccine uptake. Importantly, health providers play a critical role in COVID-19 vaccination messaging and should emphasize vaccine safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid I Aksenov
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John Myers
- Division of Health Analytics, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Sara Struwe
- Spina Bifida Association, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Maryellen S Kelly
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Division of Healthcare of Women and Children, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
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Mitra M, Turk MA. People with disabilities, community living, and COVID-19. Disabil Health J 2021; 15:101230. [PMID: 34906357 PMCID: PMC8665669 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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