Do remittances alleviate negative impacts of disaster on mental health? A case of the 2015 Nepal earthquake

The road to recovery: Financial resilience and mental health in post-apartheid South Africa

Following the post-apartheid era in South Africa, global economic hardships and financial shocks have forced most households to endure various mental and psychological stresses.. This has hindered the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3)-good health and wellbeing-prompting policymakers and academics to search for remedies to mitigate such stresses. Highlighting resilience as a means of improving wellbeing, this paper focuses on financial resilience and constructs an index using a multidimensional framework to investigate its association with mental health disorders. Using the South Africa National Income Dynamic Study alongside several robust estimation techniques, we uncover a negative association between financial resilience and mental health disorders among South Africans. More specifically, financial resilience is associated with an approximately 37% decrease in the occurrence of mental health disorders. The results also reveal disparities in the correlation between financial resilience and mental health disorders across different subgroups. Non-Whites (especially Blacks), urban dwellers, and male household heads are shown to most strongly experience the depression-reducing effect of financial resilience. This paper also shows that life satisfaction and household expenditure mediate the relationship between financial resilience and mental wellbeing. Toward the end of this paper, we discuss the implications of our results and offer some policy recommendations.

Internal and International Migration and the Mental Health of “Left-Behind” Older Parents

Despite evidence of the impact of adult children's migration on left-behind older parents, the comparison of left-behind older parents’ mental health and psychological well-being between internal and international migration is limited. This article examines how the relationship between adult children's migration and parent's mental health differs according to the migrant's destination — only internal migration, only international migration, or hybrid migration (at least one child who migrated internally and at least one child who migrated internationally). Drawing on a 2019 cross-sectional population-based survey of 697 left-behind older adults (≥ 60 years) in Nepal, we assessed the mental health of older parents, using the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and a range of socio-demographic, health, lifestyle, and child-related characteristics. Multilevel mixed-method linear regression was performed to examine the effect of adult children's migration on left-behind older parents’ depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Results showed that parents whose children had all migrated internationally were at higher risk of mental health problems, particularly anxiety and stress, compared to parents whose children had all migrated internally. Older parents from the hybrid group (having both internal and international migrant adult children) had higher levels of anxiety, compared to parents whose children had all migrated internally, with no significant difference in depression and stress symptoms. Further, mothers of internationally migrated children were at higher risk of mental health symptoms than fathers. Interventions aiming to improve left-behind older parents’ mental health and psychological well-being should specifically target parents whose children have migrated internationally.

Daily stressors and mental health following disaster: A school-based assessment of adolescent disaster survivors in China and Nepal

Postdisaster daily stressors, the economic and social challenges caused or exacerbated by disasters, have significant consequences for mental health but are rarely investigated in child and adolescent populations. We assessed posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression, and anxiety among adolescents affected by disasters in China and Nepal and examined the specific contributions of disaster-related trauma exposure and daily stressors across mental health outcomes. A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with a stratified random sampling design. Adolescents living in disaster-affected areas of southern China and Nepal (N = 4,215, 52.7% female, age range: 15-19 years) completed translated, validated measures. Mixed effects logistic regression analyses were conducted using a priori risk factors. PTSS were reported by 22.7% of participants and were higher among Nepali adolescents but did not differ between genders. Depressive symptoms were reported by 45.2% of the sample and were higher among Nepali adolescents and girls in both countries. Across all settings, disaster-related trauma exposure was a significant risk factor for PTSS, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, China: odds ratios (ORs) = 1.44-2.06, Nepal, ORs = 1.21-2.53. High levels of household and interpersonal daily stressors further improved the models and contributed significantly to all mental health difficulties, China: ORs = 1.77-1.98, Nepal: ORs = 1.49-1.90. Postdisaster economic insecurity and interpersonal stressors are thus, likely to worsen adolescent mental health outcomes. Programs that identify and address structural inequalities for adolescents in disaster-affected settings will have cascading effects for mental health.

Long term mental health trajectories after disasters and pandemics: A multilingual systematic review of prevalence, risk and protective factors

The patterns of long-term psychological response after disasters and pandemics remain unclear. We aimed to determine the trajectories for post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression and anxiety prevalence following disasters and pandemic exposure; and identify associated risk and protective factors. A systematic review of the English, Chinese, and Japanese longitudinal mental health literature was conducted. We searched Cochrane, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL (English), CNKI and SINOMED (Chinese) and CiNii (Japanese) for studies published between January 2000 and May 2022. Following a pre-specified protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42020206424), conditional linear growth curve models and ANOVA analyses were conducted. The search identified 77,891 papers, with a final sample of 234: 206 English, 24 Chinese, and 4 Japanese-language papers. PTSS rates improved for all ages (p = .018, eta² = 0.035). In contrast, depression and anxiety prevalence remained elevated for years following exposure (p = .424, eta² = 0.019 and p = .051, eta² = 0.064, respectively), with significantly higher rates for children and adolescents (p < .005, eta² > 0.056). Earthquakes and pandemics were associated with higher prevalence of PTSS (p < .019, eta² > 0.019). Multi-level risk and protective factors were identified. The chronicity of mental health outcomes highlights a critical need for tailored, sustainable mental health services, particularly for children and adolescents, in disaster- and pandemic-affected settings.

How do income changes impact on mental health and wellbeing for working-age adults? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lower incomes are associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing, but the extent to which income has a causal effect is debated. We aimed to synthesise evidence from studies measuring the impact of changes in individual and household income on mental health and wellbeing outcomes in working-age adults (aged 16-64 years).

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ASSIA, EconLit, and RePEc on Feb 5, 2020, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quantitative non-randomised studies. We had no date limits for our search. We included English-language studies measuring effects of individual or household income change on any mental health or wellbeing outcome. We used Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tools. We conducted three-level random-effects meta-analyses, and explored heterogeneity using meta-regression and stratified analyses. Synthesis without meta-analysis was based on effect direction. Critical RoB studies were excluded from primary analyses. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020168379.

FINDINGS

Of 16 521 citations screened, 136 were narratively synthesised (12·5% RCTs) and 86 meta-analysed. RoB was high: 30·1% were rated critical and 47·1% serious or high. A binary income increase lifting individuals out of poverty was associated with 0·13 SD improvement in mental health measures (95% CI 0·07 to 0·20; n=42 128; 18 studies), considerably larger than other income increases (0·01 SD improvement, 0·002 to 0·019; n=216 509, 14 studies). For wellbeing, increases out of poverty were associated with 0·38 SD improvement (0·09 to 0·66; n=101 350, 8 studies) versus 0·16 for other income increases (0·07 to 0·25; n=62 619, 11 studies). Income decreases from any source were associated with 0·21 SD worsening of mental health measures (-0·30 to -0·13; n=227 804, 11 studies). Effect sizes were larger in low-income and middle-income settings and in higher RoB studies. Heterogeneity was high (I²=79-87%). GRADE certainty was low or very low.

INTERPRETATION

Income changes probably impact mental health, particularly where they move individuals out of poverty, although effect sizes are modest and certainty low. Effects are larger for wellbeing outcomes, and potentially for income losses. To best support population mental health, welfare policies need to reach the most socioeconomically disadvantaged.

FUNDING

Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Chief Scientist Office, and European Research Council.

Do Remittances Enhance Elderly Adults' Healthy Social and Physical Functioning? A Cross-Sectional Study in Nigeria

Existing research demonstrates that the effect of remittances on different health outcomes of elderly adults in low-income countries with inadequate social security is inconclusive. The present study set out to fill this gap by examining the effects of receiving remittances on the healthy social and physical functioning of Nigeria’s elderly adults. We also investigate the nonlinear association between remittances and social and physical functioning to identify the minimum amount required to engender healthy social and physical functioning in Nigerian elderly adults. This study utilized data from the 2018/2019 Nigerian Living Standard Survey (NLSS), which included 55,350 young people aged 12–44 (control group) and 18,937 elderly adults aged 45 and above (treatment group). We addressed our objectives using logistic regression-adjusted predicted probabilities and predictive margins. The results reveal that remittance recipients have higher healthy social functioning probabilities than non-recipients. We also found that the influence that remittances have on social functioning depends on the amount of the remittances received. Quantitatively, receiving more than NGN 1,200,000 in remittances ensures increased social functioning probabilities. Given the disparity between the average remittance amount of NGN 54,306.92 received by elderly adults and the NGN 1,200,000 threshold associated with healthy social functioning, bridging this gap is paramount for promoting social functioning among Nigerian elderly adults. We also discussed policy implications for fostering the healthy aging of the population in the interim.

Using Logistic Regression to Identify Leading Factors to Prepare for an Earthquake Emergency during Daytime and Nighttime: The Case of Mass Earthquake Drills

Historical data have demonstrated that earthquakes can happen any time of the day and night. Drills may help communities to better prepare for such emergencies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 4 October to 20 November 2017, in Mexico City. The sample size was 2400. The addressed research questions were “what factors predict the likelihood that respondents would report that they agree on conducting mass evacuation drills: (a) any time of the day and (b) any time at night?” The logistic regression technique was employed to identify the factors leading to the outcome. In relation to (a), five variables were significantly associated with the outcome, i.e., age, frequency of drills, warning time, knowledge on what to do, and “perception vulnerability city”. Regarding (b), five variables were also significantly associated with the outcome variable, i.e., age, level of education, frequency of drills, negative emotions, and fear of house/building collapsing. More generally, several drills should be conducted any time of the day and night; further, 50% of them should be announced and 50% unannounced. Furthermore, the time of earthquake drills should be randomly selected. In this way, we may just match the spatial–temporal dimension of an earthquake emergency. It is hoped that the findings will lead to better preparedness of the residents of the capital city during an earthquake occurrence.

The impact of financial inclusion on mental health

This paper examines the impact of financial inclusion on the mental health of heads of household in Nigeria. The study employed data from the 2015/2016 Nigerian General Household Survey (GHS), matched with georeferenced data concerning financial services obtained from the Insight2Impact (i2i) GIS interface. The results indicate that financial inclusion has a strong positive impact on mental health. The study used a robust instrumental variable method, in which a household's distance from the nearest financial institution was used as the instrument for financial inclusion. In addition, it identified the potential channels through which financial inclusion can influence mental health, including: (1) food expenditure; (2) remittances; and (3) risk-coping mechanisms. The findings of this study reinforce growing evidence for the benefits of financial inclusion for alleviating depression symptoms.

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We study the effect of financial inclusion on mental health of household heads.

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We proxied mental health using the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale (CES-D 10).

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We construct a multidimensional financial inclusion index using three dimensions of financial inclusion.

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We combine georeferenced data on financial location data points with the Nigerian General Household survey.

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We find that financial inclusion results in improved mental health of household heads.

The Relationship Between Social Capital and Depressive Symptoms Among the Elderly in China: The Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction

Background and Aim

Depression has become a serious health and social issue in recent years in China. This study aims to explore the relationship between social capital and depressive symptoms among the elderly in China, with a particular focus on the mediating role of life satisfaction.

Methods

The data of this study were sourced from the 2016 wave of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), involving 1243 older adults aged 60 and above. A multiple linear regression model was used to explore the impact of social capital on depressive symptoms. Moreover, the add-on PROCESS macro for SPSS was employed to measure the mediating effect of life satisfaction on the relationship between social capital and depressive symptoms.

Results

The regression results suggest that CES-D score was associated with trust (coefficient = −0.1013, p < 0.01). In addition, the protective role of trust was significantly stronger for older adults aged 70–79, women, the poorest 1/3, and the elderly who live in rural areas. Moreover, the mediation analysis results suggest that the effect of trust on depressive symptoms was fully mediated by life satisfaction.

Conclusion

This study reveals that social capital has a positive effect on depressive symptoms among the elderly, and the positive health effect shows significant age, gender, income, and location inequalities. Furthermore, this study also provides new evidence indicating that life satisfaction fully mediates the relationship between social capital and depressive symptoms. Improving social capital could be a promising way for China to promote healthy aging in the future.