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Lyzwinski L, Zwicker JD, Mcdonald S, Tough S. Psychological Interventions and Those With Elements of Positive Psychology for Child and Youth Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Literature Review, Lessons Learned, and Areas for Future Knowledge Dissemination. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e59171. [PMID: 39269752 PMCID: PMC11437230 DOI: 10.2196/59171] [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] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There was a marked decline in child and teenage mental health worldwide during the pandemic, with increasing prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Research indicates that positive psychological interventions may be beneficial for mental health. OBJECTIVE The aims of this review were to evaluate positive psychological interventions for child and youth mental health implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess overall effectiveness for mental health and knowledge. METHODS We undertook a literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar for all eligible studies on digital and hybrid in-person psychological interventions for youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A particular emphasis was placed on positive psychological interventions or interventions that had components of positive psychology, including gratitude, acceptance, positive emotions, or resilience building. RESULTS A total of 41 interventions were included in this review. Most of the interventions were digital. Overall, most of the interventions assisted with one or more mental health or psychological indicators, such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, stress, and resilience. However, findings were mixed when it came to targeting both depression and anxiety together. The interventions that promoted youth mental health most often had a range of diverse positive psychology components and were evidence based. Not all studies measured changes in mindfulness. Few studies examined knowledge acquired on mental health self-care, managing mental health problems, knowledge of positive psychological techniques, mindfulness knowledge, or mental health self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Diverse multicomponent interventions appear to assist with youth mental health overall, although their effects on both depression and anxiety are less clear. There is also a need for more research on knowledge gains to determine whether the interventions improved knowledge on mental health-supportive behaviors, which may be sustained beyond the intervention. Finally, more studies need to evaluate whether the interventions assisted with increasing self-efficacy for practicing positive psychological techniques as well as changes in mindfulness levels. Future studies should not only assess effectiveness for mental health outcomes but also assess knowledge translation, with valid measures of knowledge and self-efficacy for mental health-supportive behaviors and positive psychological skills acquired (eg, the ability to practice mindfulness).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette Lyzwinski
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Sheila Mcdonald
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Katsumata Y, Okano T, Takeshima T, Igarashi Y. Exploring factors associated with increased suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: A study using data from postmortem examinations conducted in an urban area. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2024; 3:e70005. [PMID: 39224899 PMCID: PMC11366773 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.70005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Aim The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with increased suicide deaths during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan using primary data from postmortem examinations. Methods We explored factors associated with suicides that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic (February 2020 to December 2021) using data from 115 postmortem examinations of suicides that occurred in one city in the Kanto region between January 2017 and December 2021. Results Multivariate analysis using graphical modelling and logistic regression analysis showed that both female sex (adjusted odds ratio: 3.732; 95% confidence interval: 1.044-13.345) and multiple mental disorders (adjusted odds ratio: 7.344; 95% confidence interval: 1.316-40.987) were significantly associated with suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic among the young age group (39 years or under). Conclusion The study results suggest that in addition to the factor of female sex previously identified, morbidity due to multiple mental disorders may be associated with the increased suicides in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study presented the new methodological possibility of analyzing background factors of suicide using postmortem examination data. In preparation for similar emergencies in the future, it is necessary to establish a system that provides care for multiple mental disorders and a continuous suicide-monitoring system that combines methods such as psychological autopsies with other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yotaro Katsumata
- Department of Human and Social SciencesTokyo Metropolitan UniversityTokyoJapan
| | | | | | - Yuka Igarashi
- Department of Human and Social SciencesTokyo Metropolitan UniversityTokyoJapan
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Scott D, McGrath M, Beard N, Chislett S, Baldwin R, Nehme Z, Lubman DI, Ogeil RP. Adolescent Suicidal Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia: Analysis of Acute Harms Assessed via Ambulance Data. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:908-915. [PMID: 38340123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.12.022] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigated changes in suicidal ideation, attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)-related ambulance attendances among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An interrupted time series analysis using data from the National Ambulance Surveillance System, a globally unique mental health and suicide surveillance system. Patients aged 12-17 years from the state of Victoria, Australia who were attended by ambulance for suicide attempts, suicide ideation, and NSSI between January 2016 and October 2021 were included. Monthly ambulance attendances during the pre-COVID period (January 2016-March 2020) were compared to those in the peak period of COVID-19 (April 2020-October 2021). RESULTS There were 20,125 ambulance attendances for suicide ideation, suicide attempt, and NSSI in adolescents over the study period. During the pre-COVID period, the number of suicide ideation, attempts, and NSSI attendances was increasing by 1.1% per month (incidence rate ratio [IRR]:1.011; 95% confidence interval [1.009-1.013], p < .001). There was no change in the rate of all suicide ideation, attempt, and NSSI for all adolescents during the period of COVID-19. However, when disaggregated by gender, there was a 0.7% increase in the monthly rate of attendances for females (IRR: 1.007 [1.001-1.013], p = .029), and a 3.0% decrease for males (IRR: 0.970 [0.964-0.975], p < .001). DISCUSSION Adolescent female suicide ideation, attempt, and NSSI attendances increased during the COVID-19 period, compared with males in the same time period. These findings suggest tailored intervention strategies may be needed to address the increasing trends of self-harm among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Scott
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael McGrath
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naomi Beard
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Chislett
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ryan Baldwin
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ziad Nehme
- Departments of Paramedicine, Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Blackburn North, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rowan P Ogeil
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia.
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Katsumata Y, Hachisuka H, Sago N, Shimizu Y, Oikawa K, Horii S, Kimata S. Use of Telephone Crisis Hotline by Callers with Suicidality in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:716-721. [PMID: 37038717 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2199807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to clarify changes over time in suicidal tendencies among crisis hotline service users in Japan before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD We analyzed telephone consultation data from January 2017 to June 2021 held by Inochi No Denwa, a leading organization providing a telephone crisis hotline in Japan. The number of monthly consultations by gender and the monthly counts of consultations identified by counselors as suicidal were collected, and we calculated trends over time in the proportion of suicidal calls by month using Joinpoint regression analysis. RESULTS The results indicated that the use of telephone crisis hotlines by suicidal callers increased significantly in Japan during the second wave of the pandemic in June to October 2020. These trends were also observed for both male and female users, although the increase began 1 month earlier for females than for males. CONCLUSION Previous studies reported that mental health deteriorated and suicide risk increased significantly during the second wave of COVID-19 in Japan. These trends are consistent with the present findings, suggesting increased use of the crisis hotline by individuals at high suicide risk.
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Morishima R, Kanehara A, Aizawa T, Okada N, Usui K, Noguchi H, Kasai K. Long-Term Trends and Sociodemographic Inequalities of Emotional/Behavioral Problems and Poor Help-Seeking in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:537-544. [PMID: 37966408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.015] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the first 3 years of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we investigated the long-term trends of emotional/behavioral problems and poor help-seeking behavior in adolescents and examined the sociodemographic inequalities in these trends. METHODS A multiwave cross-sectional survey was conducted in Japan from October-November 2020, June-July 2021, and June-July 2022 using an anonymous questionnaire. Trends of emotional/behavioral problems (e.g., emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/inattention, and total difficulties) and poor help-seeking were tested using a chi-squared test with Bonferroni correction. The effects of sociodemographic factors (grade, gender, country of origin, and number of parents) on emotional/behavioral problems and poor help-seeking were examined by two mixed-effect logistic regression models: (1) with fixed effects for years and sociodemographic factors and (2) stratified by years if the interaction terms between years and each sociodemographic factor were significant. RESULTS The prevalence of total difficulties and emotional symptoms was the highest in 2021. The number of adolescents reporting hyperactivity/inattention and poor help-seeking increased between 2020 and 2021 and remained high in 2022. Inequalities in emotional/behavioral problems and poor help-seeking behavior were found with respect to all sociodemographic factors. DISCUSSION Despite the persistent emotional/behavioral problems, the results suggested that the number of adolescents who were unable to seek help increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, heterogeneities in the trends with respect to grade, gender, country of origin, and number of parents were detected. Prioritized supports targeting those with sociodemographic disadvantages may be needed to mitigate these inequalities in response to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Morishima
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Kawamura Gakuen Woman's University, Chiba, Japan; Waseda Institute of Social & Human Capital Studies (WISH), Tokyo, Japan; The Health Care Science Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akiko Kanehara
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Aizawa
- Graduate School of Economics and Business, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Usui
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Community Mental Health and Law, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruko Noguchi
- Waseda Institute of Social & Human Capital Studies (WISH), Tokyo, Japan; Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Kasai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), Tokyo, Japan
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Reifels L, Krysinska K, Andriessen K. Suicide prevention during disasters and public health emergencies: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1338099. [PMID: 38379672 PMCID: PMC10876787 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1338099] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Disasters and public health emergencies increasingly affect populations around the world, posing significant wide-ranging challenges for societies as well as for effective public health and suicide prevention. Intervention research is essential to inform evidence-based responses. Yet, despite evident public concern and growing research interest in heightened suicide risks and impacts, little is known about effective suicide prevention interventions in these contexts. We conducted a systematic review to examine the outcomes of suicide prevention strategies implemented in disasters and public health emergencies. Methods We searched five databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PTSDpubs) from inception to December 2022 for peer-reviewed quantitative studies that reported relevant intervention outcomes (changes in the frequency of suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm) for populations affected by disasters and public health emergencies. We assessed the quality of eligible studies using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, and distilled review findings through narrative synthesis. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021276195). Results Ten eligible and mostly observational studies were included in this review, which examined a range of universal, selective, and indicated interventions. Three of five studies of interventions in public health emergencies indicated the potential effectiveness and buffering effects of generic disaster related mental health support, access to urban parks, as well as the beneficial role of video-enabled tablets in facilitating treatment access and outcomes. Similarly, three of five studies of interventions in disaster contexts provided evidence of the beneficial role of universal economic security measures, national gun laws and buy back schemes, and volunteer-delivered mental health support. Overall, four of six studies with favorable outcomes examined interventions specifically deployed in disaster or public health emergency contexts, whereas two studies examined ongoing existing interventions. Three studies, respectively, of suicide prevention focused interventions or generic interventions reported favorable outcomes. The quality of included studies was variable, with two studies being rated as 'strong', four studies rated as 'moderate', and four studies rated as 'weak'. Conclusion Notwithstanding the limited scope and variable quality of published evidence, our review findings highlight the breadth of interventions that have been applied in such contexts with some success. There is a need for further research on effective interventions and intervention adaptations to inform evidence-based suicide prevention responses to disasters and public health emergencies. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021276195, PROSPERO ID CRD42021276195.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Reifels
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Chan HF, Cheng Z, Mendolia S, Paloyo AR, Tani M, Proulx D, Savage DA, Torgler B. Residential mobility restrictions and adverse mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1790. [PMID: 38245576 PMCID: PMC10799952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51854-6] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several governments tried to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, with lockdowns that prohibited leaving one's residence unless carrying out a few essential services. We investigate the relationship between limitations to mobility and mental health in the UK during the first year and a half of the pandemic using a unique combination of high-frequency mobility data from Google and monthly longitudinal data collected through the Understanding Society survey. We find a strong and statistically robust correlation between mobility data and mental health survey data and show that increased residential stationarity is associated with the deterioration of mental wellbeing even when regional COVID-19 prevalence and lockdown stringency are controlled for. The relationship is heterogeneous, as higher levels of distress are seen in young, healthy people living alone; and in women, especially if they have young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Fai Chan
- School of Economics and Finance, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
- Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology (BEST), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
- Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption (BITA), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
| | - Zhiming Cheng
- Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Department of Management, Macquarie Business School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Silvia Mendolia
- Department of Economics, Social Studies and Applied Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Damon Proulx
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Savage
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Benno Torgler
- School of Economics and Finance, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology (BEST), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption (BITA), Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- CREMA - Center for Research in Economics, Management and the Arts, Basel, Switzerland
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Efe Z, Baldofski S, Kohls E, Eckert M, Saee S, Thomas J, Wundrack R, Rummel-Kluge C. Linguistic Variables and Gender Differences Within a Messenger-Based Psychosocial Chat Counseling Service for Children and Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e51795. [PMID: 38214955 PMCID: PMC10818237 DOI: 10.2196/51795] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Text messaging is widely used by young people for communicating and seeking mental health support through chat-based helplines. However, written communication lacks nonverbal cues, and language usage is an important source of information about a person's mental health state and is known to be a marker for psychopathology. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate language usage, and its gender differences and associations with the presence of psychiatric symptoms within a chat counseling service for adolescents and young adults. METHODS For this study, the anonymized chat content of a German messenger-based psychosocial chat counseling service for children and adolescents ("krisenchat") between May 2020 and July 2021 was analyzed. In total, 661,131 messages from 6962 users were evaluated using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, considering the following linguistic variables: first-person singular and plural pronouns, negations, positive and negative emotion words, insight words, and causation words. Descriptive analyses were performed, and gender differences of those variables were evaluated. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis examined the predictive value of linguistic variables on the presence of psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS Across all analyzed chats, first-person singular pronouns were used most frequently (965,542/8,328,309, 11.6%), followed by positive emotion words (408,087/8,328,309, 4.9%), insight words (341,460/8,328,309, 4.1%), negations (316,475/8,328,309, 3.8%), negative emotion words (266,505/8,328,309, 3.2%), causation words (241,520/8,328,309, 2.9%), and first-person plural pronouns (499,698/8,328,309, 0.6%). Female users and users identifying as diverse used significantly more first-person singular pronouns and insight words than male users (both P<.001). Negations were significantly more used by female users than male users or users identifying as diverse (P=.007). Similar findings were noted for negative emotion words (P=.01). The regression model of predicting psychiatric symptoms by linguistic variables was significant and indicated that increased use of first-person singular pronouns (odds ratio [OR] 1.05), negations (OR 1.11), and negative emotion words (OR 1.15) was positively associated with the presence of psychiatric symptoms, whereas increased use of first-person plural pronouns (OR 0.39) and causation words (OR 0.90) was negatively associated with the presence of psychiatric symptoms. Suicidality, self-harm, and depression showed the most significant correlations with linguistic variables. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of examining linguistic features in chat counseling contexts. By integrating psycholinguistic findings into counseling practice, counselors may better understand users' psychological processes and provide more targeted support. For instance, certain linguistic features, such as high use of first-person singular pronouns, negations, or negative emotion words, may indicate the presence of psychiatric symptoms, particularly among female users and users identifying as diverse. Further research is needed to provide an in-depth look into language processes within chat counseling services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeki Efe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Baldofski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kohls
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Richard Wundrack
- Krisenchat gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Chair of Personality Psychology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Rummel-Kluge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Kautz SV, Bosk EA, Mendez A, Pomales H. Strategies and Adaptations to an Integrated Substance Use and Infant Mental Health Treatment Program During COVID-19. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024; 51:17-34. [PMID: 37773312 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01300-y] [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] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased parenting stress and substance use. At the same time that mental health and social service needs increased, access to services, including among those receiving treatment, decreased due to stay-at-home orders. Few programs were equipped or prepared to translate their interventions to a virtual format at the start of the pandemic. There is a critical need to identify effective adaptations to substance use and family-focused treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective program adaptations have continued relevance for the expansion of access to family-focused addiction services beyond the pandemic itself, particularly for rural or other hard to reach populations. Seventy-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with the five agencies participating in the implementation of the In-Home Recovery Program (IHRP), an in-home, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. Using a rapid analysis approach two coders analyzed interviews for recurring concepts and themes. Facilitators for adapting services included: (1) the introduction of virtual toxicology screens, (2) helping parents access technology, (3) assisting parents with non-identified children to decrease their stress, and (4) anticipating reoccurrences of substances during the pandemic. Barriers to adapting services included: (1) engaging young children in virtual treatment, (2) privacy, and (3) engaging in telehealth with parents experiencing domestic violence or reoccurrence of substances. Findings reveal virtual substance use treatment is possible. Facilitators to adaptation such as providing access to technology and virtual toxicology screens demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing telehealth interventions for substance use. Barriers to adaptations were primarily related to the infant mental health component. Telehealth is likely not appropriate for children below the age of five. Individual sessions focusing on caregiving, rather than dyadic treatment may be more suitable to virtual formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V Kautz
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Emily A Bosk
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Alicia Mendez
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Hannah Pomales
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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Anderes M, Pichler S. Mental health effects of social distancing in Switzerland. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2023; 51:101302. [PMID: 37659211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101302] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
This analysis examines the effect of COVID-19 on public mental health in Switzerland. Following an event-study framework, we compare helpline call volume and duration before and after the outbreak of the first and second wave. The use of administrative phone-level data allows us to i) decompose the total effects into an intensive and extensive margin and ii) calculate a measure of unmet need. For the first wave, our results show that callers with a history of helpline contacts increase calls substantially. We also identify capacity constraints leading to unmet need for psychological counseling. Finally, we find no effects in the second wave, which might be explained by a number of factors including the absence of a lockdown and less restrictive social distancing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Anderes
- ETH Zurich, KOF Swiss Economic Institute, Zurich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Pichler
- University of Groningen, Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Nettelbosje 2, 9747AE, Groningen, Netherlands.
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Toulany A, Vigod S, Kurdyak P, Stukel TA, Strauss R, Fu L, Guttmann A, Guan J, Cohen E, Chiu M, Hepburn CM, Moran K, Gardner W, Cappelli M, Sundar P, Saunders N. New and continuing physician-based outpatient mental health care among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada: a population-based study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1063203. [PMID: 38025438 PMCID: PMC10657868 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1063203] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess physician-based mental health care utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic among children and adolescents new to care and those already engaged with mental health services, and to evaluate differences by sociodemographic factors. Study design We performed a population-based repeated cross-sectional study using linked health and administrative databases in Ontario, Canada among all children and adolescents 3-17 years. We examined outpatient visit rates per 1,000 population for mental health concerns for those new to care (no physician-based mental healthcare for ≥1 year) and those with continuing care needs (any physician-based mental healthcare <1 year) following onset of the pandemic. Results Among ~2.5 million children and adolescents (48.7% female, mean age 10.1 ± 4.3 years), expected monthly mental health outpatient visits were 1.5/1,000 for those new to mental health care and 5.4/1,000 for those already engaged in care. Following onset of the pandemic, visit rates for both groups were above expected [adjusted rate ratio (aRR) 1.22, 95% CI 1.17, 1.27; aRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07, 1.12] for new and continuing care, respectively. The greatest increase above expected was among females (new: aRR 1.33, 95% CI 1.25, 1.42; continuing: aRR 1.22 95% CI 1.17, 1.26) and adolescents ages 13-17 years (new: aRR 1.31, 95% CI 1.27, 1.34; continuing: aRR 1.15 95% CI 1.13, 1.17). Mood and anxiety concerns were prominent among those new to care. Conclusion In the 18 months following onset of the pandemic, outpatient mental health care utilization increased for those with new and continuing care needs, especially among females and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alene Toulany
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simone Vigod
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women’s College Hospital, Women’s College Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Kurdyak
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Therese A. Stukel
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Astrid Guttmann
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Eyal Cohen
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Chiu
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charlotte Moore Hepburn
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - William Gardner
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mario Cappelli
- Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Purnima Sundar
- Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Natasha Saunders
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Sahoo S, Patra S. A Rapid Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Suicide and Self-Harm Behaviors in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic. CRISIS 2023; 44:497-505. [PMID: 37194641 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has caused psychological, social, and physical isolation in adolescents resulting in varying rates of suicidal behavior and self-harm. Aims: We investigated the pandemic's impact on adolescent suicidal behavior and self-harm by reviewing the existing literature. Methods: We searched PubMed using keywords: adolescent, suicide, suicidal behavior, self-harm, prevalence, and COVID-19 and included studies reporting primary data only. Results: Of the 551 studies identified, we included 39 studies in the final analysis. Two of the six high-quality population-based suicide registry studies reported increased suicide rates during the pandemic. Seven of fifteen emergency department-based studies out of which four were of high quality and three high-quality population-based health registry studies reported increased self-harm. A few school and community-based surveys and national helpline data also reported an increase in suicidal behavior or self-harm. Limitations: Methodological heterogeneity of the included studies. Conclusions: There is wide variation in study methodology, population, settings, and age groups in the included studies. Suicidal behavior and self-harm were increased in specific study settings and adolescent populations during the pandemic. More methodologically rigorous research is needed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent suicidal behavior and self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnajeet Sahoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Suravi Patra
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhubaneswar, India
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13
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Liu GY, Chang YH, Hwang IT, Shaw FFT, Hsu WY, Hsu CY, Gunnell D, Chang SS. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Calls to a National Suicide Prevention Hotline in Taiwan: An Analysis of Time Trend and Characteristics of Calls. Arch Suicide Res 2023; 27:1245-1260. [PMID: 36028924 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2114867] [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: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on call volumes and call characteristics using data from a national crisis helpline. Data were extracted for 215,066 calls to Taiwan's national suicide prevention hotline (January 2018-May 2020). We used negative binomial regression to investigate changes in the weekly number of calls during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak (January 21, 2020-May 25, 2020), relative to that expected according to the pre-pandemic trend. The call characteristics during the pandemic period (February 18, 2020-May 31, 2020) were compared between COVID-19 related vs unrelated calls. Higher-than-expected call volumes started from the 6th week of the pandemic and reached a peak in the 14th week, which was 38% (rate ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.26-1.51) higher than that expected based on the pre-pandemic trend. The higher-than-expected call volumes were mainly attributable to higher-than-expected calls from non-suicidal and male callers. Calls in which COVID-19 was mentioned (13.2%) were more likely to be from male and first-time callers, occur outside 12 am-6 am, last less than 5 min, and were less likely to be from callers who had previous suicide attempts, recent suicidal ideation or suicide plans or actions than COVID-19 unrelated calls. Callers who made COVID-19 related calls were more likely to request information than other callers. Crisis helplines should strategically adapt to the increased need and callers' specific concerns related to the outbreak.
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14
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Brülhart M, Klotzbücher V, Lalive R. Young people's mental and social distress in times of international crisis: evidence from helpline calls, 2019-2022. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11858. [PMID: 37481636 PMCID: PMC10363110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39064-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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We document mental and social distress of children, adolescents and adults, using data on 3 million calls to German helplines between January 2019 and May 2022. High-frequency data from crisis helpline logs offer rich information on the evolution of "revealed distress" among the most vulnerable, unaffected by researchers' study design and framing. Distress of adults, measured by the volume of calls, rose significantly after both the outbreak of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In contrast, the overall revealed distress of children and adolescents did not increase during those crises. The nature of young people's concerns, however, changed more strongly than for adults after the COVID-19 outbreak. Consistent with the effects of social distancing, call topics of young people shifted from problems with school and peers to problems with family and mental health. We find the share of severe mental health problems among young people to have increased with a delay, in the second and third year of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Brülhart
- Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- CEPR, London, UK
| | | | - Rafael Lalive
- Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- CEPR, London, UK.
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15
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Subotic-Kerry M, Braund TA, Gallen D, Li SH, Parker BL, Achilles MR, Chakouch C, Baker S, Werner-Seidler A, O'Dea B. Examining the impact of a universal positive psychology program on mental health outcomes among Australian secondary students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:70. [PMID: 37308960 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00623-w] [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] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the impact of a web-based positive psychology program delivered universally to secondary school students during school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS Using a quasi-experimental design conducted in 2020, 438 students aged 12-15 years (73% male) from 4 secondary schools were invited to complete the 'Bite Back Mental Fitness Challenge'. This web-based program consisted of 7 self-directed modules that targeted 5 key domains of positive psychology. Self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression and help-seeking intentions for mental health were assessed at baseline prior to school closures (February to March 2020) and at post-test after the return to school (July to August 2020). At post-test, students also reported on their perceived changes in mental health and help-seeking behavior for mental health during the pandemic. Completion of the program modules was recorded. RESULTS A total of 445 students consented and 336 (75.5%) completed both assessments. On average, participants completed 2.31 modules (SD: 2.38, range: 0 to 7). There was no change in symptoms of anxiety and depression or help-seeking intentions between baseline and post-test, with no significant effects for gender and history of mental illness. Students who were symptomatic for anxiety and depression at baseline reported lower symptoms at post-test, but this change was not significant. Ninety-seven students (27.5%) reported that their mental health had worsened during the pandemic, and a significant increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms was found in this subsample at post-test. Only 7.7% of students reported a change in their help-seeking behavior, with increased mental health support sought from the Internet, parents, and friends. CONCLUSIONS The universal delivery of a web-based positive psychology program during school closures did not appear to be associated with improved mental health symptoms; however, completion of the modules was low. Different effects may emerge when selectively delivered to students with mild or greater symptoms. The findings also suggest that broader measures of mental health and wellbeing, including perceived change, are key to the mental health surveillance of students during periods of remote learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Subotic-Kerry
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Taylor A Braund
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dervla Gallen
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophie H Li
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Belinda L Parker
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Melinda R Achilles
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Cassandra Chakouch
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Baker
- Orygen, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Aliza Werner-Seidler
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bridianne O'Dea
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Wood SJ, Ilomäki J, Gould J, Tan GS, Raven M, Jureidini JN, Grzeskowiak LE. Dispensing of psychotropic medications to Australian children and adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2013-2021: a retrospective cohort study. Med J Aust 2023. [PMID: 37182907 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine longitudinal patterns of dispensing of antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, psychostimulant, and hypnotic/sedative medications to children and adolescents in Australia during 2013-2021. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study; analysis of 10% random sample of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dispensing data. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING People aged 18 years or younger dispensed PBS-subsidised psychotropic medications in Australia, 2013-2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Population prevalence of dispensing of psychotropic medications to children and adolescents, by psychotropic class, gender, and age group (0-6, 7-12, 13-18 years). RESULTS The overall prevalence of psychotropic dispensing to children and adolescents was 33.8 per 1000 boys and 25.2 per 1000 girls in 2013, and 60.0 per 1000 boys and 48.3 per 1000 girls in 2021. The prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy was 5.4 per 1000 boys and 3.7 per 1000 girls in 2013, and 10.4 per 1000 boys and 8.3 per 1000 girls in 2021. Prevalent dispensing during 2021 was highest for psychostimulants (boys, 44.0 per 1000; girls, 17.4 per 1000) and antidepressants (boys, 20.4 per 1000; girls, 33.8 per 1000). During 2021, the prevalence of dispensing was higher than predicted by extrapolation of 2013-2019 data for many classes, including antidepressants (boys: +6.1%; 95% CI, 1.1-11.1%; girls: +22.2%; 95% CI, 17.4-26.9%), and psychostimulants (boys: +14.5%; 95% CI, 8.0-21.1%; girls: +27.7%; 95% CI, 18.9-36.6%). The increases were greatest for girls aged 13-18 years (antidepressants: +20.3%; 95% CI, 16.9-23.7%; psychostimulants: +39.0%; 95% CI, 27.9-50.0%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of both psychotropic dispensing and psychotropic polypharmacy for children and adolescents were twice as high in 2021 as in 2013. The reasons and appropriateness of the marked increases in psychotropic dispensing during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to adolescent girls, should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Wood
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Jenni Ilomäki
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Jacqueline Gould
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
| | - George Sq Tan
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Melissa Raven
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
| | - Jon N Jureidini
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA
| | - Luke E Grzeskowiak
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA
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17
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Hwang IT, Shaw FFT, Hsu WY, Kuan CI, Liu GY, Chang SS. New COVID-19 challenges and response strategies adopted by a national suicide prevention hotline: A qualitative study. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:54-63. [PMID: 36906512 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2186535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Crisis helplines provide important support for vulnerable individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may also impact the helplines. We explored the challenges that the pandemic brought to Taiwan's national suicide prevention hotline and the hotline's responses. We interviewed 14 hotline workers and conducted data analysis using the framework method. The pandemic posed two new challenges to the hotline: potential service interruption and the adjustment of perceived role among hotline workers. The hotline's well-formulated response plan helped it sustain its services during the pandemic, although the workers also experienced stress and frustration resulted from role ambiguity. Our data highlighted the hotline workers' need for accurate COVID-19 information, relevant training, and timely support.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Ting Hwang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Fortune Fu-Tsung Shaw
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Resource Development, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yau Hsu
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-I Kuan
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Guang-Yi Liu
- National Taiwan University Children and Family Research Center Sponsored by CTBC Charity Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Sen Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Global Health Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Auger N, Low N, Chadi N, Israël M, Steiger H, Lewin A, Ayoub A, Healy-Profitós J, Luu TM. Suicide Attempts in Children Aged 10-14 Years During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:899-905. [PMID: 36870902 PMCID: PMC9980433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if suicide attempts increased during the first year of the pandemic among young adolescents in Quebec, Canada. METHODS We analyzed children aged 10-14 years who were hospitalized for a suicide attempt between January 2000 and March 2021. We calculated age-specific and sex-specific suicide attempt rates and the proportion of hospitalizations for suicide attempts before and during the pandemic and compared rates with patients aged 15-19 years. We used interrupted time series regression to measure changes in rates during the first (March 2020 to August 2020) and second (September 2020 to March 2021) waves and difference-in-difference analysis to determine if the pandemic had a greater impact on girls than boys. RESULTS Suicide attempt rates decreased for children aged 10-14 years during the first wave. However, rates increased sharply during the second wave for girls, without changing for boys. Girls aged 10-14 years had an excess of 5.1 suicide attempts per 10,000 at the start of wave 2, with rates continuing to increase by 0.6 per 10,000 every month thereafter. Compared with the prepandemic period, the increase in the proportion of girls aged 10-14 years hospitalized for a suicide attempt was 2.2% greater than that of boys during wave 2. The pattern seen in girls aged 10-14 years was not present in girls aged 15-19 years. DISCUSSION Hospitalizations for suicide attempts among girls aged 10-14 years increased considerably during the second wave of the pandemic, compared with boys and older girls. Young adolescent girls may benefit from screening and targeted interventions to address suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Auger
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Bureau d'information et d'études en santé des populations, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Nancy Low
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicholas Chadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mimi Israël
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Howard Steiger
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada; Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aimina Ayoub
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Bureau d'information et d'études en santé des populations, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Healy-Profitós
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Bureau d'information et d'études en santé des populations, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thuy Mai Luu
- Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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19
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Cooney A, McCashin D. Experiences and wellbeing of Samaritans crisis line volunteers in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:322-333. [PMID: 35437048 PMCID: PMC9983053 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221089538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature demonstrates that working in a crisis line volunteer role, despite being rewarding, poses a risk of adverse effects on health and additional pressure exists with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, there is limited research on the experiences of such volunteers. AIMS This study aimed to explore the experiences of Samaritans volunteers in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby contributing to the overall knowledge of crisis line volunteering, and gaining an understanding of how this role is impacted by the pandemic. METHOD A qualitative approach was taken, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with volunteers from Samaritans branches in Ireland (n = 13). Data were then analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Four overarching themes were identified: (1) responding to calls in the context of COVID-19, with sub-themes being change in the nature of calls, reliance on existing approach in handling calls and varying emotional responses to calls, (2) sense of loss, with sub-themes being loss of older and vulnerable volunteers, reduced social connectedness and restricted aspects of the service, (3) positive experiences, with sub-themes being supportive culture, new personal skills and perspectives and volunteering as an escape from lockdown and (4) adaptation challenges, with sub-themes being logistical changes and concern for sustainability of the service. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight important insights into the experiences of Samaritans volunteers in Ireland, revealing that the pandemic brought about challenges, but also gave rise to some positive experiences. Implications of these findings are discussed in the context of the existing literature and recommendations made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Cooney
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Ireland
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20
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Prokein B, Dau M, Mittlmeier T, Schafmayer C, Frerich B. [Surgical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 94:454-459. [PMID: 36859604 PMCID: PMC9977090 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-023-01832-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within a few months coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread around the world. Some studies showed a significant reduction in medical consultations. Due to new discussions about restrictions in the case of rising COVID-19 case numbers, this study investigated the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical emergencies at the Rostock University Medical Center and compared the results to the years before. MATERIAL AND METHODS The aim of the study was to compare the case numbers of the surgical emergency department of the Rostock University Medical Center from the period 2020 and 2021 to the years before (2018, 2019). Furthermore, the consequences of COVID-19 case numbers for the case numbers of the surgical emergency department were investigated. RESULTS A total of 74,936 patient cases could be included in this study. The results showed a significant reduction of surgical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation with the COVID-19 case numbers (p < 0.001). The restrictions of the government showed a direct influence on COVID-19 case numbers and emergency visits. CONCLUSION The results showed a correlation of COVID-19 case numbers with the case numbers of the surgical emergency department. Due to difficult workforce planning during a pandemic, this can be important information for workforce management in similar future events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Prokein
- Klinik für Mund‑, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055, Rostock, Deutschland.
| | - Michael Dau
- grid.413108.f0000 0000 9737 0454Klinik für Mund‑, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055 Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Mittlmeier
- grid.413108.f0000 0000 9737 0454Klinik für Unfall‑, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055 Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Clemens Schafmayer
- grid.413108.f0000 0000 9737 0454Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Thorax‑, Gefäß- und Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055 Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Bernhard Frerich
- grid.413108.f0000 0000 9737 0454Klinik für Mund‑, Kiefer- und Plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18055 Rostock, Deutschland
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21
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Miller A, Fray L, Gore J. Was COVID-19 an unexpected catalyst for more equitable learning outcomes? A comparative analysis after two years of disrupted schooling in Australian primary schools. AUSTRALIAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 2023:1-22. [PMID: 37359303 PMCID: PMC9976675 DOI: 10.1007/s13384-023-00614-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] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
By the end of 2021, more than 168 million students across the globe had missed a year of face-to-face schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In NSW, Australia, most students engaged in learning from home for eight weeks during 2020 and a further 14 weeks during 2021. This study provides robust empirical evidence on how two years of disruptions to schooling affected student learning. Drawing on matched data for 3,827 Year 3 and 4 students from 101 NSW government schools, this paper compares student achievement growth in mathematics and reading for 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2021 (second year of the pandemic) student cohorts. While overall there was no significant difference between cohorts, when analysed by socio-educational advantage, we were surprised to find that students in the lowest band achieved approximately three months' additional growth in mathematics. Arguably, grave concerns about the potentially dire impact of COVID-19 on the learning of disadvantaged students were met by investments that made a difference. We argue that targeted funding and system-wide initiatives to support more equitable outcomes should remain a priority after the pandemic if Australia is to meet its aspirations for excellence and equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Miller
- Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Leanne Fray
- Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jennifer Gore
- Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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22
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Erez G, Yakubovich S, Sadeh H, Shoval G, Schoen G, Meiri G, Hertz-Palmor N, Butler T, Barzilai Y, Mosheva M, Gothelf D, Bloch Y. Pediatric psychiatric emergency rooms during COVID-19: a multi-center study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:828. [PMID: 36575441 PMCID: PMC9793352 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04371-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been a major stressor for the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. Surveys and reports from hotlines indicate a significant rise in mental health problems. As the psychiatric emergency room (ER) is a first-line free-of-charge facility for psychiatric emergencies, we expected to see a significant increase in visits, specifically of new patients suffering from anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders. METHODS Data from two psychiatric hospital ERs and one general hospital were included. All visits of children and adolescents from the computerized files between March and December of 2019 were analyzed anonymously and compared to the same months in 2020, using multilevel linear modeling. RESULTS There was a significant decline in the total number of visits (p = .017), specifically among those diagnosed as suffering from stress-related, anxiety, and mood disorder groups (p = .017), and an incline in the proportion of visits of severe mental disorders (p = .029). DISCUSSION The limited use of child and adolescent psychiatric emergency facilities during the pandemic highlights the importance of tele-psychiatry as part of emergency services. It also suggests the importance of the timeline of the emergence of clinically relevant new psychiatric diagnoses related to the pandemic. Future studies are needed to establish the long-term effects of the pandemic and the expeditious use of tele-psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galit Erez
- grid.415607.10000 0004 0631 0384Shalvata Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Sol Yakubovich
- grid.415607.10000 0004 0631 0384Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Hadar Sadeh
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel
| | - Gal Shoval
- grid.415340.70000 0004 0403 0450Geha Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Gila Schoen
- grid.415340.70000 0004 0403 0450Geha Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Soroka Medical Center and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel
| | - Nimrod Hertz-Palmor
- grid.413795.d0000 0001 2107 2845Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tali Butler
- grid.415739.d0000 0004 0631 7092Ziv Medical Center (Safed) and Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yael Barzilai
- grid.415607.10000 0004 0631 0384Shalvata Mental Health Center, Hod Hasharon, Israel
| | - Mariela Mosheva
- grid.413795.d0000 0001 2107 2845Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Doron Gothelf
- grid.413795.d0000 0001 2107 2845Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yuval Bloch
- Shalvata Mental Health Center and Tel Aviv University, Hod Hasharon, Israel.
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23
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Li X, Yu J. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected young people?-Mapping knowledge structure and research framework by scientometric analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1052727. [PMID: 36530726 PMCID: PMC9755507 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1052727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a large body of literature focusing on the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and young people. The purpose of this study is to explore the current research status and the specific mechanism of COVID-19's effects on young people based on related literature. This paper mainly used VOS viewer and CiteSpace software to conduct a scientometric analysis of 5,077 publications retrieved from the Web of Science database. The results show that the main contributors to the field were mainly from North America and Europe, and the trend of research focus was from shallow to deep. The five main research areas in the field were summarized by keyword clustering analysis as follows: lifestyle changes due to lockdown; changes in stress and emotions; psychological illness and trauma; risk perception and practice toward the epidemic; interventions and social support. Finally, they were linked by four pathways to form a framework that integrates the relationships between the five domains and between elements within each of them, revealing the mechanism of COVID-19's effect on young people. In addition, less studied but promising elements are also presented in the framework, such as research on special groups (disadvantaged socioeconomic groups and sexual minority youth) and extreme suicidal tendencies that deserve our further attention.
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24
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Li SH, Achilles MR, Subotic-Kerry M, Werner-Seidler A, Newby JM, Batterham PJ, Christensen H, Mackinnon AJ, O’Dea B. Protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a CBT-based smartphone application for improving mental health outcomes in adolescents: the MobiliseMe study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:746. [PMID: 36451142 PMCID: PMC9710004 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04383-3] [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: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a leading cause of disability in adolescents, however few receive evidence-based treatment. Despite having the potential to overcome barriers to treatment uptake and adherence, there are very few CBT-based smartphone apps for adolescents. To address this gap, we developed ClearlyMe®, a self-guided CBT smartphone app for adolescent depression and anxiety. ClearlyMe® consists of 37 brief lessons containing core CBT elements, accessed either individually or as part of a 'collection'. Here, we describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial aiming to evaluate the effect of ClearlyMe® on depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes, including engagement, anxiety and wellbeing, when delivered with and without guided support compared to an attention matched control. METHODS We aim to recruit 489 adolescents aged 12-17 years with mild to moderately-severe depressive symptoms. Participants will be screened for inclusion, complete the baseline assessment and are then randomly allocated to receive ClearlyMe® (self-directed use), ClearlyMe® with guided SMS support (guided use) or digital psychoeducation (attention-matched control). Depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes will be assessed at 6-weeks (primary endpoint) and 4-months post-baseline (secondary endpoint). Engagement, conceptualised as uptake, adherence and completion, will also be assessed 6-weeks post-baseline. Mixed-effects linear modelling will be used to conduct intention-to-treat analyses to determine whether reductions in depressive symptoms and secondary outcomes are greater for conditions receiving ClearlyMe® relative to control at 6-weeks and 4-months post-baseline and greater for intervention adherers relative to non-adherers. To minimise risk, participants will be encouraged to use the Get Help section of the app and can also opt to receive a call from the team clinical psychologist at baseline, and at the 6-week and 4-month post-baseline assessments when reporting suicidal ideation. DISCUSSION This is the first clinical trial examining a CBT smartphone app specifically designed for adolescent depression. It will provide empirical evidence on the effects of ClearlyMe® on depressive symptoms when used with and without guided support. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000131752). UNIVERSAL TRIAL NUMBER U1111-1271-8519.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. H. Li
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - M. R. Achilles
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - M. Subotic-Kerry
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - A. Werner-Seidler
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - J. M. Newby
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute and School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - P. J. Batterham
- grid.1001.00000 0001 2180 7477Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - H. Christensen
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - A. J. Mackinnon
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
| | - B. O’Dea
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales Australia
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25
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Sperandei S, Page A, Bandara P, Reis A, Saheb R, Gaur P, Munasinghe S, Worne K, Fozzard C, Brakoulias V. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital-treated self-harm in Sydney (Australia). Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1515-1522. [PMID: 34996305 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211068393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated trends in hospital-treated self-harm and hospital presenting suicidal ideation in the period before and after COVID-19 public health responses by key socio-demographic groups among those presenting to hospitals in the Western Sydney (Australia) population catchment. METHODS Emergency department presentations for the period January 2016 to June 2021 were used to specify a series of interrupted time-series models to compare the observed and expected event rates of (1) hospital-treated self-harm and (2) hospital presenting suicidal ideation in the period following the onset of COVID-19 public health measures in March 2020. Rate differences between observed and expected rates in the post-implementation period were also estimated in models stratified by sex, age group, country of birth and socio-economic status. RESULTS There was no significant increase in hospital-treated self-harm in the period post-implementation of public health orders (March 2020) compared to the previous period, although there were lower than expected rates of emergency department presentations among non-Australian-born males, males aged 0-14 years and 25-44 years, and females aged 45-64 years. In contrast, there was a significant increase in hospital presenting suicidal ideation, particularly among women (rate difference per 100,000 = 3.91, 95% confidence interval = [1.35, 6.48]) and those aged 15-24 years (both males and females, rate differences ranging from 8.91 to 19.04), and among those residing in lower socio-economic status areas (both males and females, rate differences ranging from 0.90 to 2.33). CONCLUSION There was no increase in hospital-treated self-harm rates in the 15 months post-implementation of COVID-19 public health orders in Western Sydney; however, there was a significant increase in hospital presenting suicidal ideation. The limited change in suicidal behaviour may reflect the success of social and economic supports during this period, the benefits of which may have been different for young people, and those of lower socio-economic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Sperandei
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Page
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Piumee Bandara
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Arianne Reis
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Rowena Saheb
- Towards Zero Suicides, Mental Health Service, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Pankaj Gaur
- Integrated and Community Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sithum Munasinghe
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathryn Worne
- Mental Health Service, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn Fozzard
- Mental Health Service, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Vlasios Brakoulias
- Mental Health Service, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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26
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Fray L, Jaremus F, Gore J, Harris J. Schooling upheaval during COVID-19: troubling consequences for students' return to school. AUSTRALIAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHER 2022; 50:1-18. [PMID: 36157081 PMCID: PMC9489483 DOI: 10.1007/s13384-022-00572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus resulted in various stay-at-home orders and school closures around the globe, causing unprecedented disruption to the lives of children and generating grave concern for their well-being. This study draws on phone interviews with 12 teachers and 6 school leaders from 13 government schools in New South Wales, Australia, to provide insight into how students fared on their return to school after the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020. The interviews highlighted negative consequences for many students including increased stress and anxiety and decreased engagement. This evidence suggests that even a comparatively short period of school closure can drive troubling changes in students' well-being and behaviour following their return to school. Given far more challenging conditions arising from the pandemic, both elsewhere in Australia and globally, we argue that attending to student well-being is as important as ensuring academic achievement and must be a key focus of policy makers and education systems moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Fray
- CT Building, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Felicia Jaremus
- CT Building, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Jennifer Gore
- CT Building, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Jess Harris
- CT Building, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia
- Teachers and Teaching Research Centre, School of Education, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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27
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Korczak DJ, Madigan S, Vaillancourt T. Data Divide-Disentangling the Role of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Mental Health and Well-being. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:635-636. [PMID: 35467721 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.0791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daphne J Korczak
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education and School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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28
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O’Keeffe P. Young Peoples’ Construction of DIY Dirt Jumps in Melbourne, Australia, Throughout the Covid-19 Lockdowns. JOURNAL OF APPLIED YOUTH STUDIES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9088726 DOI: 10.1007/s43151-022-00075-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Access to public space is critically important for young people, providing key opportunities for self-expression, independence, identity development and relationship building. The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly affected how young people can engage with public spaces. In Melbourne, Australia, young people have experienced 262 days in lockdown, contributing to escalating anxiety and depression, social isolation, physical health impacts and increased exposure to family conflict and family violence. Throughout this time, there has been a proliferation of young people constructing DIY dirt jumps across Melbourne. This article analyses this unstructured production of public space, focusing on one case study and drawing from council responses. I suggest that through this practice, young people challenge adult interpretations of public space, intentionally or unintentionally, resisting adult control of public space at a time when young people have been denied opportunities for independence and autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O’Keeffe
- Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia
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29
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An J, Yin Y, Zhao L, Tong Y, Liu NH. Mental health problems among hotline callers during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13419. [PMID: 35646488 PMCID: PMC9135033 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The study aims to explore the mental health of the hotline callers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods Callers (N = 10,490) from the Beijing Psychological Support Hotline from January 21st to June 30th in 2019 and 2020 were enrolled and divided into two groups (during (2020) and before (2019) COVID-19 pandemic). The severity of depressive symptoms, psychological distress, hopefulness, and suicidal ideation (SI) was assessed. Demographic characteristics and major concerns were also collected. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square test were used to compare the differences in mental health conditions and major concerns between two years and between different age groups. The multivariable logistic regression was used to explore whether mental health conditions were associated with pandemic and demographic factors. Results Results from multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the change in suicidal ideation (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.21-1.92) was significantly different across age groups. Callers during the pandemic reported a higher level of hopefulness (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.03-1.24]), a lower level of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.74-0.89]) and psychological distress (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.81-0.98]), and were less likely to report SI (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.61-0.77]) compared with callers before the pandemic. Conclusions Compared with callers before the pandemic, hotline callers during the early stage of COVID-19 pandemic did not present significant mental health problems. Younger callers during the pandemic were more vulnerable for the presence of suicidal ideation. Hotline-based crisis interventions might provide specific psychological support to cope with troubles during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing An
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China,Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China,WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China,Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China,WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Liting Zhao
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China,Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China,WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Tong
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, Beijing, China,Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, China,WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Nancy H. Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
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30
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DelPozo-Banos M, Lee SC, Friedmann Y, Akbari A, Torabi F, Lloyd K, Lyons RA, John A. Healthcare contacts with self-harm during COVID-19: An e-cohort whole-population-based study using individual-level linked routine electronic health records in Wales, UK, 2016-March 2021. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266967. [PMID: 35476839 PMCID: PMC9045644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reduced rates of help seeking by those who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported. OBJECTIVES To understand changes in healthcare service contacts for self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic across primary, emergency and secondary care. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used routine electronic healthcare data for Wales, United Kingdom, from 2016 to March 14, 2021. Population-based data from primary care, emergency departments and hospital admissions were linked at individual-level. All Welsh residents aged ≥10 years over the study period were included in the study. Primary, emergency and secondary care contacts with self-harm at any time between 2016 and March 14, 2021 were identified. Outcomes were counts, incidence, prevalence and proportion of self-harm contacts relative to all contacts in each and all settings, as well as the proportion of people contacting one or more settings with self-harm. Weekly trends were modelled using generalised estimated equations, with differences between 2020 (to March 2021) and comparison years 2016-2018 (to March 2017-2019) quantified using difference in differences, from which mean rate of odds ratios (μROR) across years was reported. RESULTS The study included 3,552,210 individuals over the study period. Self-harm contacts reduced across services in March and December 2020 compared to previous years. Primary care contacts with self-harm reduced disproportionately compared to non-self-harm contacts (μROR = 0.7, p<0.05), while their proportion increased in emergency departments during April 2020 (μROR = 1.3, p<0.05 in 2/3 comparison years) and hospital admissions during April-May 2020 (μROR = 1.2, p<0.05 in 2/3 comparison years). Despite this, those who self-harmed in April 2020 were more likely to be seen in primary care than other settings compared to previous years (μROR = 1.2, p<0.05). A lower proportion of those with self-harm contacts in emergency departments were subsequently admitted to hospital in December 2020 compared to previous years (μROR = 0.5, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that those who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been less likely to seek help, and those who did so faced more stringent criteria for admission. Communications encouraging those who self-harm to seek help during pandemics may be beneficial. However, this needs to be supported by maintained provision of mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S. C. Lee
- Swansea University Medical School, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Y. Friedmann
- Swansea University Medical School, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - A. Akbari
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - F. Torabi
- Population Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - K. Lloyd
- Swansea University Medical School, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - R. A. Lyons
- Swansea University Medical School, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - A. John
- Swansea University Medical School, Wales, United Kingdom
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31
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Goldfeld S, O'Connor E, Sung V, Roberts G, Wake M, West S, Hiscock H. Potential indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children: a narrative review using a community child health lens. Med J Aust 2022; 216:364-372. [PMID: 35066868 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
▪In this narrative review, we summarise the vast and burgeoning research on the potential and established indirect impacts on children of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a community child health lens to organise our findings and to consider how Australia might best respond to the needs of children (aged 0-12 years). ▪We synthesised the literature on previous pandemics, epidemics and natural disasters, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. We found clear evidence of adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children that either repeated or extended the findings from previous pandemics. ▪We identified 11 impact areas, under three broad categories: child-level factors (poorer mental health, poorer child health and development, poorer academic achievement); family-level factors that affect children (poorer parent mental health, reduced family income and job losses, increased household stress, increased abuse and neglect, poorer maternal and newborn health); and service-level factors that affect children (school closures, reduced access to health care, increased use of technology for learning, connection and health care). ▪There is increasing global concern about the likely disproportionate impact of the current pandemic on children experiencing adversity, widening existing disparities in child health and developmental outcomes. ▪We suggest five potential strategy areas that could begin to address these inequities: addressing financial instability through parent financial supplements; expanding the role of schools to address learning gaps and wellbeing; rethinking health care delivery to address reduced access; focusing on prevention and early intervention for mental health; and using digital solutions to address inequitable service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Goldfeld
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Elodie O'Connor
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Valerie Sung
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Gehan Roberts
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Melissa Wake
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Sue West
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
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32
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Abstract
Adolescents and young adults (AYA) use social media more than any other generation, including to learn about their health. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic further accelerated both health harming and health benefits of technology use. Also, during this time, medical professionals moved more quickly to virtual visits, changing AYA, family, and provider interactions and expectations. Remote health care, broader technology use, and improved youth engagement have the potential to address long-standing barriers to health equity. Telehealth disadvantages still exist, however, especially for those with decreased access. Recent rapid changes have not allowed for sufficient study to address optimizing the experience, effectiveness, and utilization of remote health care. Fortunately, because of their expansive engagement with social media and technology, AYA are paving the way toward a digital health future. Health professionals are encouraged to improve their virtual and social media interactions with AYA patients, while finding ways to improve health equity. [Pediatr Ann. 2022;51(4):e161-e166.].
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33
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Islam MI, Yunus FM, Isha SN, Kabir E, Khanam R, Martiniuk A. The gap between perceived mental health needs and actual service utilization in Australian adolescents. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5430. [PMID: 35361817 PMCID: PMC8971377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09352-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being highly prevalent, adolescent mental health problems are undertreated. To better understand the mental health treatment gap, we assessed the prevalence and correlates of help-seeking, including perceived need for care and access to that care. Data were drawn from Young Minds Matter (YMM) survey-the second Australian child and adolescents survey of mental health and wellbeing. Parent-reported data and self-reported child data were combined into one dataset to analyse 2464 Australian adolescents aged 13-17 years. We employed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess the correlation between independent variables (professionally assessed with mental disorders only, self-reported self-harm/suicidality only and both) and their distribution over outcome variables (perceived need and service use). Mental disorders include depression, anxiety, ADHD and conduct disorder. Our study revealed 15.0%, 4.6% and 7.7% had professionally assessed with mental disorders only, self-reported self-harm/suicidality only and both, respectively. Overall, 47.4% and 27.5% of adolescents respectively perceived need for care and used services in the past-12-months. While among those only who perceived the need, only 53% of adolescents used any services. Professionally assessed with mental disorders only, self-reported self-harm/suicidality only and both were associated with higher likelihood of perceived need and service use (p < 0.001 for all). However, adolescents who self-reported self-harm/suicidality only were not found to be significantly associated with service use among those who perceived the need for care. Adolescents who perceived the need for mental health care but did not seek care represent a treatment gap. Our results suggest the importance of reducing the wide treatment gap that exists between need and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Irteja Islam
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Centre for Health Research and School of Business, The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia.
- Centre for International Public Health and Environmental Research, Bangladesh (CIPHER,B), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Fakir Md Yunus
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Samia Naz Isha
- CAPABLE-A Cambridge-Led Programme in Bangladesh (In Affiliation With ICDDR,B and IEDCR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Enamul Kabir
- Centre for Health Research and School of Sciences, The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Rasheda Khanam
- Centre for Health Research and School of Business, The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Alexandra Martiniuk
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Office of the Chief Scientist, The George Institute for Global Health, Level 5/1 King Street, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, The University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
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Pavlova A, Witt K, Scarth B, Fleming T, Kingi-Uluave D, Sharma V, Hetrick S, Fortune S. The Use of Helplines and Telehealth Support in Aotearoa/New Zealand During COVID-19 Pandemic Control Measures: A Mixed-Methods Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:791209. [PMID: 35153859 PMCID: PMC8833513 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.791209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated interventions have affected mental well-being and associated health service use. AIMS the aim of this study was to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures on helpline and telehealth service demand. METHODS the study utilized a mixed methods research design. Segmented regression analyses were used first to identify changes in patterns of demand for Aotearoa/New Zealand national helplines (n = 11) from January 2020 until the end of March 2021. Thematic analysis of 23 in-depth interviews was used next to explore the reasons behind the quantitative findings from the perspective of various organizational stakeholders. RESULTS the data from 1,244,293 Aotearoa/New Zealand national helplines' contacts between January 2020 and March 2021 showed a non-significant (1.4%) upward trend for the full range of observations. Throughout this period, a peak and trough pattern was observed. Significant demand increases were observed in anticipation of containment measures (12.4% increase from January to March 2020) and significant demand decreases coincided with relaxation of restrictions (6.9% decrease from April to June 2020). There were spikes in demand during public health interventions (i.e., mental health promotion, introduction of new helpline services) and regional lockdowns, but these did not result in significant changes in trends. In general, the demand for helplines stabilized at a new higher level. Most of the contacts occurred by telephone calls. Contacts by other methods (webchat, text, email) have shown higher uptake during the periods of lockdowns. Quantitative-qualitative data triangulation showed that youth and populations who were disproportionally negatively affected by unstable economic conditions and underemployment made more frequent contacts. Providers emphasized that increased demand could be viewed positively as a successful outcome of public health messaging; however, greater capacity is needed to better serve higher demand. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19, related interventions, and measures of control were associated with an increase in contacts to helplines. However, the extent of the demand increases was lower than observed internationally. Moreover, in Aotearoa/New Zealand the reasons for increases in demand were often beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and measures of control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Pavlova
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katrina Witt
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bonnie Scarth
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Theresa Fleming
- Faculty of Health, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Vartika Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Hetrick
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Fortune
- Department of Social and Community Health, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Zolopa C, Burack JA, O’Connor RM, Corran C, Lai J, Bomfim E, DeGrace S, Dumont J, Larney S, Wendt DC. Changes in Youth Mental Health, Psychological Wellbeing, and Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review. ADOLESCENT RESEARCH REVIEW 2022; 7:161-177. [PMID: 35252542 PMCID: PMC8881192 DOI: 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers around the world have made efforts to assess its impact on youth mental health; however, the breadth of this topic has impeded a clear assessment of pandemic outcomes. This study aimed to address this gap by reviewing changes in youth (age ≤ 25) mental health, psychological wellbeing, substance use, and the use or delivery of relevant services during the pandemic. PubMed and Embase were searched in May 2021 to conduct a rapid review of the literature. The results encompass 156 primary publications and are reported using a narrative synthesis. Studies of mental health (n = 122) and psychological wellbeing (n = 28) generally indicated poor outcomes in many settings. Publications regarding substance use (n = 41) noted overall declines or unchanged patterns. Studies of service delivery (n = 12) indicated a generally positive reception for helplines and telehealth, although some youth experienced difficulties accessing services. The findings indicate negative impacts of the pandemic on youth mental health, with mixed results for substance use. Services must support marginalized youth who lack access to telehealth. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Zolopa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
| | - Jacob A. Burack
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Roisin M. O’Connor
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Charlotte Corran
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Jessica Lai
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Emiliana Bomfim
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Sarah DeGrace
- Department of Psychiatry, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - Julianne Dumont
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Sarah Larney
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 boulevard d’Edouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Dennis C. Wendt
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
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36
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Ellis LA, Dammery G, Wells L, Ansell J, Smith CL, Tran Y, Braithwaite J, Zurynski Y. Psychological distress and digital health service use during COVID-19: A national Australian cross-sectional survey. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1028384. [PMID: 36339853 PMCID: PMC9631931 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1028384] [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] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to the lives and mental health of Australians. In response, health services adapted rapidly to digital modes of treatment, prevention and care. Although a large amount of research emerged in the first year of the pandemic, the longer-term mental health impacts, contributing factors, and population-level utilization of digital health services are unknown. METHODS A population-based online survey of 5,100 Australians adults was conducted in October 2021. Psychological distress was assessed with the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale. Additional survey questions included use and satisfaction with digital health services. Where available, data were compared with our previous survey conducted in 2018, permitting an examination of pre- and post-pandemic digital health service utilization. RESULTS In 2021, almost a quarter (n = 1203, 23.6%) of respondents reported serious levels of psychological distress; participants with pre-existing health related conditions, of younger age, lower educational attainment, those who lost their job or were paid fewer hours, or living in states with lockdown policies in place were at highest risk of serious psychological distress. Almost half of all respondents (n = 2177, 42.7%) reported using digital health technologies in 2021, in contrast to just 10.0% in 2018. In 2021, respondents with serious psychological distress were significantly more likely to consult with a healthcare professional via telephone/videoconferencing (P < 0.001), access healthcare via a telephone advice line (P < 0.001), or via an email or webchat advice service (P < 0.001) than those with no serious psychological distress. Those with and without psychological distress were highly satisfied with the care they received via digital health technologies in 2021. CONCLUSION Rates of serious psychological distress during the second year of the pandemic remained high, providing further evidence for the serious impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the general population. Those with psychological distress accessed digital mental health services and were satisfied with the care they received. The results highlight the continued need for mental health support and digital health services, particularly for people living with chronic conditions, younger adults and people most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the short term and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,NHMRC Partnership Centre in Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Genevieve Dammery
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,NHMRC Partnership Centre in Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Leanne Wells
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - James Ansell
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Carolynn L Smith
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,NHMRC Partnership Centre in Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yvonne Tran
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,NHMRC Partnership Centre in Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yvonne Zurynski
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,NHMRC Partnership Centre in Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Kohls E, Guenthner L, Baldofski S, Eckert M, Efe Z, Kuehne K, Saee S, Thomas J, Wundrack R, Rummel-Kluge C. Suicidal Ideation Among Children and Young Adults in a 24/7 Messenger-Based Psychological Chat Counseling Service. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:862298. [PMID: 35418889 PMCID: PMC8995430 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.862298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidality in children and young adults is a pervasive problem: approximately 40% of respondents in epidemiological surveys in German schools reported suicidal ideation, while up to 9% reported a suicide attempt in the past. While there is compelling evidence for the effectiveness of telephone-based hotline services, an increasing preference of adolescents for messenger-based counseling services can be observed. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the utilization behavior and user satisfaction of users contacting a German messenger-based chat counseling service ("krisenchat") regarding suicidal ideation. METHODS The present cross-sectional study analyzed retrospective anonymous data on sociodemographic variables, utilization behavior, and user satisfaction of krisenchat users who used the service between May 2020 and July 2021. Chi-square-tests were used to identify associations of sociodemographic characteristics and utilization behavior with suicidal ideation. Mann-Whitney-U-tests were used to compare the user satisfaction and the recommendation-to-others-rate between suicidal and non-suicidal krisenchat-users. RESULTS In total, chat data of N = 11,031 users were collected. Of the n = 6,962 users included in the final analysis, n = 1,444 (20.7%) contacted krisenchat because of suicidal ideation. The average user experiencing suicidal ideation was 17 years old, female and currently not receiving other treatment. Further, suicidal ideation was significantly and positively associated with age and non-suicidal self-injury. Regarding utilization patterns, there were significant positive associations between suicidal ideation and counseling session count, mean amount of messages sent, and mean amount of words used per message by the user. User satisfaction was high, with 64.7% (n = 413) of users that answered the feedback survey and experiencing suicidal ideation rating the help they received as at least "good" and a recommendation rate of 89.6% (n = 571). Most importantly, no differences were found between users reporting suicidal ideation and those that do not regarding satisfaction and the probability of recommending the service. CONCLUSION Results imply satisfaction with the counseling service among users with suicidal ideation. Nevertheless, there is a need for further research into messenger-based counseling services regarding the prevention of suicidal behavior in children, youths, and young adults. Longitudinal studies are especially needed to assess the effectiveness of messenger-based interventions. STUDY REGISTRATION DRKS00026671.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kohls
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lukas Guenthner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Baldofski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Zeki Efe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Kuehne
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Richard Wundrack
- krisenchat gGmbH, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Chair of Personality Psychology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Rummel-Kluge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Brülhart M, Klotzbücher V, Lalive R, Reich SK. Mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic as revealed by helpline calls. Nature 2021; 600:121-126. [PMID: 34789873 PMCID: PMC9973557 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04099-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mental health is an important component of public health, especially in times of crisis. However, monitoring public mental health is difficult because data are often patchy and low-frequency1-3. Here we complement established approaches by using data from helplines, which offer a real-time measure of 'revealed' distress and mental health concerns across a range of topics4-9. We collected data on 8 million calls from 19 countries, focusing on the COVID-19 crisis. Call volumes peaked six weeks after the initial outbreak, at 35% above pre-pandemic levels. The increase was driven mainly by fear (including fear of infection), loneliness and, later in the pandemic, concerns about physical health. Relationship issues, economic problems, violence and suicidal ideation, however, were less prevalent than before the pandemic. This pattern was apparent both during the first wave and during subsequent COVID-19 waves. Issues linked directly to the pandemic therefore seem to have replaced rather than exacerbated underlying anxieties. Conditional on infection rates, suicide-related calls increased when containment policies became more stringent and decreased when income support was extended. This implies that financial relief can allay the distress triggered by lockdown measures and illustrates the insights that can be gleaned from the statistical analysis of helpline data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Brülhart
- University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Centre for Economic Policy Research, London, UK.
| | | | - Rafael Lalive
- University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,CEPR, London, United Kingdom
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Ross AM, Krysinska K, Rickwood D, Pirkis J, Andriessen K. How best to provide help to bereaved adolescents: a Delphi consensus study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:591. [PMID: 34814884 PMCID: PMC8609510 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03591-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many adolescents struggle with their grief and mental health issues after the death of a close person, such as a family member or a friend. Given the potentially devastating impact of the loss on the adolescent and their family, professional help can be warranted. However, little is known about how to best help these adolescents. This study aimed to address this gap by determining what help professionals (i.e., counselors) should provide to bereaved adolescents. METHODS The Delphi method was used to achieve consensus regarding the importance of statements that describe actions a helping professional can take to help a bereaved adolescent. Statements were compiled through a systematic search of the scientific and grey literature, and reviewing interview data from a recent related research study with bereaved adolescents, parents and counselors. An expert panel (N = 49) comprising 16 adolescents, 14 parents and 19 helping professionals, rated each statement. Statements that were endorsed by at least 80% of panellists were considered consensus recommendations. RESULTS Panellists endorsed 130 out of 190 statements as appropriate actions. These included help for a bereaved adolescent being offered on an ongoing basis, with support to be provided flexibly to meet individual adolescent needs and to acknowledge the agency of the adolescent. Support after a loss by suicide should be tailored to address specific suicide-related issues. Parents of bereaved adolescents should also be offered support so that they are better equipped to help their bereaved adolescent. CONCLUSIONS This study identified consensus recommendations on how a helping professional might best help bereaved adolescents. It is hoped that these recommendations will guide helping professionals and enhance adolescent grief interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Ross
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St., Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St., Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Debra Rickwood
- grid.1039.b0000 0004 0385 7472Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Canberra, 2617 Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XCentre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St., Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St., Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia.
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Kidcope and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Understanding High School Students' Coping and Emotional Well-Being. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910207. [PMID: 34639505 PMCID: PMC8508328 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social isolation, grief, and loss among many adolescents. As the pandemic continues to impact individuals and communities across the globe, it is critical to address the psychological well-being of youths. More studies are needed to understand the effective ways adolescents cope with pandemic-related psychological distress. In this study, 146 students from 1 high school in a U.S. midwestern state completed an adapted version of Kidcope, a widely used coping instrument in disaster research, and measures were taken on generalized distress and COVID-19-related worries. Findings indicated that most students experienced COVID-19-related fears and general emotional distress. Additionally, we found that disengagement coping strategies were associated with lower general distress (p ≤ 0.05) and COVID-19 worries (p ≤ 0.10). Active coping was not associated with general distress and COVID-19 worries. Overall, our findings highlight the need to develop tailored interventions targeting youth coping strategies to reduce and prevent emotional distress and amplify healthy coping skills as the pandemic persists.
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41
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Andriessen K, Krysinska K, Rickwood D, Pirkis J. "Finding a safe space": A qualitative study of what makes help helpful for adolescents bereaved by suicide. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 46:2456-2466. [PMID: 34452590 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1970049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing a death by suicide is a devastating event in the lives of adolescents; however, little is known about what makes help helpful according to their experiences. Thematic analysis of individual and group interview data (N = 18) yielded four themes: feeling connected with, and understood by a helper, having a sense of control over, and access to the help as needed. Findings indicate that help should be based on supportive and educational approaches with respect to the adolescents' agency and the family context. Help must be accessible on a long-term basis while catering for flexible usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Debra Rickwood
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Watling D, Batchelor S, Collyer B, Mathieu S, Ross V, Spence SH, Kõlves K. Help-Seeking from a National Youth Helpline in Australia: An Analysis of Kids Helpline Contacts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18116024. [PMID: 34205148 PMCID: PMC8199956 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Counselling helplines or hotlines are key support services for young people with mental health concerns or in suicide and self-harm crises. We aimed to describe young peoples' use of a national youth helpline (Kids Helpline, Australia, KHL) to understand how usage changed over time. A descriptive analysis was conducted on 1,415,228 answered contacts between 2012-2018. We described the trend of service usage over the observed period, the types of youth who used the service, and the problems young people contacted the service about. Phone (APC = -9.1, KHL: -10.4 to -7.8, p < 0.001) and email (APC = -13.7, 95%CI: -17.1 to -10.2, p < 0.001) contacts decreased over time whereas webchat contacts increased (APC = 16.7, 95%CI: 11.7 to 22.0, p < 0.001). With this increase in webchat contacts, there was an associated increase in total webchat contact duration. Concerns raised in contacts to the service were primarily related to emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns (53.2% phone, 57.3% webchat, 58.2% email) followed by social relationship issues (20.4% phone, 20.3% webchat, 16.8% email) and family relationships (19.4% phone, 17.2% webchat, 21.8% email). The increased preference for online text-based information and counselling services can help inform development of services for young people and allocation of staff/service training and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Watling
- W.H.O Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia; (D.W.); (S.M.); (V.R.); (S.H.S.)
| | - Samantha Batchelor
- Advocacy and Research Division, Yourtown, Brisbane 4064, Australia; (S.B.); (B.C.)
| | - Brian Collyer
- Advocacy and Research Division, Yourtown, Brisbane 4064, Australia; (S.B.); (B.C.)
| | - Sharna Mathieu
- W.H.O Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia; (D.W.); (S.M.); (V.R.); (S.H.S.)
| | - Victoria Ross
- W.H.O Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia; (D.W.); (S.M.); (V.R.); (S.H.S.)
| | - Susan H. Spence
- W.H.O Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia; (D.W.); (S.M.); (V.R.); (S.H.S.)
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- W.H.O Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia; (D.W.); (S.M.); (V.R.); (S.H.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3735 3380
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