1
|
Modica CA, Markley AE. Reciprocal longitudinal associations between positive body image and wellbeing among early-adult women. Body Image 2024; 51:101770. [PMID: 39116579 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101770] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined the prospective associations between body appreciation and wellbeing (i.e., self-esteem, depression, and emotional wellbeing) as well as body image flexibility and wellbeing among 490 women between 18-35 years of age (M = 28.63; SD = 4.27) residing in the United States. Women were contacted in three waves, each two months apart, and completed measures relating to each construct online. As a prerequisite of longitudinal analyses, this study found evidence of configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance over time for each relevant measure. Cross-lagged panel modeling evidenced bidirectional associations between body appreciation and self-esteem between all waves and unidirectional associations between body appreciation and subsequent depression (negative) and body appreciation and subsequent emotional wellbeing (positive). Results showed bidirectional associations between body image flexibility, self-esteem, depression, and emotional wellbeing, although these bidirectional associations never occurred during the same interval between waves. This study evidences that higher body appreciation and body image flexibility are prospectively associated with increases in self-esteem, emotional wellbeing and decreases in depression, and also shows scenarios where the inverse associations also hold true. We also describe how this study complements existing cross-sectional research and the need to examine associations among more diverse participant groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail E Markley
- Department of Psychology, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Willem L, Abrams S, Franco N, Coletti P, Libin PJK, Wambua J, Couvreur S, André E, Wenseleers T, Mao Z, Torneri A, Faes C, Beutels P, Hens N. The impact of quality-adjusted life years on evaluating COVID-19 mitigation strategies: lessons from age-specific vaccination roll-out and variants of concern in Belgium (2020-2022). BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1171. [PMID: 38671366 PMCID: PMC11047051 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18576-w] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When formulating and evaluating COVID-19 vaccination strategies, an emphasis has been placed on preventing severe disease that overburdens healthcare systems and leads to mortality. However, more conventional outcomes such as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and inequality indicators are warranted as additional information for policymakers. METHODS We adopted a mathematical transmission model to describe the infectious disease dynamics of SARS-COV-2, including disease mortality and morbidity, and to evaluate (non)pharmaceutical interventions. Therefore, we considered temporal immunity levels, together with the distinct transmissibility of variants of concern (VOCs) and their corresponding vaccine effectiveness. We included both general and age-specific characteristics related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Our scenario study is informed by data from Belgium, focusing on the period from August 2021 until February 2022, when vaccination for children aged 5-11 years was initially not yet licensed and first booster doses were administered to adults. More specifically, we investigated the potential impact of an earlier vaccination programme for children and increased or reduced historical adult booster dose uptake. RESULTS Through simulations, we demonstrate that increasing vaccine uptake in children aged 5-11 years in August-September 2021 could have led to reduced disease incidence and ICU occupancy, which was an essential indicator for implementing non-pharmaceutical interventions and maintaining healthcare system functionality. However, an enhanced booster dose regimen for adults from November 2021 onward could have resulted in more substantial cumulative QALY gains, particularly through the prevention of elevated levels of infection and disease incidence associated with the emergence of Omicron VOC. In both scenarios, the need for non-pharmaceutical interventions could have decreased, potentially boosting economic activity and mental well-being. CONCLUSIONS When calculating the impact of measures to mitigate disease spread in terms of life years lost due to COVID-19 mortality, we highlight the impact of COVID-19 on the health-related quality of life of survivors. Our study underscores that disease-related morbidity could constitute a significant part of the overall health burden. Our quantitative findings depend on the specific setup of the interventions under review, which is open to debate or should be contextualised within future situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lander Willem
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Steven Abrams
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Antwerp, Belgium
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Franco
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Namur Institute for Complex Systems (naXys) and Department of Mathematics, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Pietro Coletti
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Pieter J K Libin
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Artificial Intelligence Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James Wambua
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Simon Couvreur
- Department of Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel André
- National Reference Centre for Respiratory Pathogens, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Wenseleers
- Laboratory of Socioecology and Social Evolution, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zhuxin Mao
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrea Torneri
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Christel Faes
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Philippe Beutels
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Niel Hens
- Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Madden D. Mental health in Ireland during the Covid pandemic: Evidence from two longitudinal surveys. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0279526. [PMID: 38451900 PMCID: PMC10919714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Covid pandemic arrived in Ireland on February 29, 2020. In the following weeks various restrictions were introduced to stem the spread of the disease. Anxiety over the spread of the disease and over the restrictions introduced had an adverse effect upon mental health. This study examines the change in mental health for two groups: young adults aged around 23 at the time of onset of Covid (the 1998 cohort) and a sample of principal carers (PCs) of children who were aged 13 at the onset of Covid (the 2008 cohort). METHODS Data were obtained from the two cohorts of the longitudinal Growing Up In Ireland (GUI) survey. The sample included 1953 young adults (from the 1998 cohort) and 3547 principal carers (from the 2008 cohort). Mental health as measured by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression-8 scale was obtained for the last pre-Covid wave and for the Covid wave (surveyed in December 2020). Observations for which CES-D8 was not available in either pre or post Covid waves were excluded. Post-Covid sampling weights were applied. The change in depression rates was decomposed into a growth and distribution effect using a Shapley decomposition. The socioeconomic gradient of CES-D8 was examined pre and post Covid using concentration indices and a transition matrix was constructed to examine the dynamics of changes in CES-D8 and depression pre and post-Covid. RESULTS Relative to the last pre-Covid survey, mental health, as measured by CES-D8 deteriorated for both the young adults of the 1998 cohort and the PCs of the 2008 cohort. For young adults, the deterioration was more pronounced for females. There was no observable socioeconomic gradient for poor mental health amongst young adults, both pre and post Covid. For mothers from the 2008 cohort, a gradient was observed during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period with poorer mental health status for lower-income and less educated mothers. This gradient was less pronounced post-Covid, the levelling-off arising from a greater deterioration in mental health for higher-income and better-educated PCs. CONCLUSION Both observed cohorts showed a significant deterioration in mental health post Covid. For young adults the effect was significantly more pronounced among females and this is consistent with generally poorer mental health amongst females in this age group. There was little or no socioeconomic gradient observed for young adults, but the gradient became more shallow for principal carers. Care must be taken in terms of drawing policy implications from this study as the Covid-19 pandemic was arguably a unique event, even allowing for the likelihood of future pandemics. However, the study highlights the vulnerability of young adults, especially females, to the mental health effects arising from major public health shocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Madden
- School of Economics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kohlboeck G, Barbieri V, Wenter A, Piccoliori G, Engl A, Sevecke K, Wiedermann CJ, Exenberger S. Comparative study of children's mental health outcomes in Tyrol, Austria, and South Tyrol, Italy, during the COVID-19 pandemic. NEUROPSYCHIATRIE : KLINIK, DIAGNOSTIK, THERAPIE UND REHABILITATION : ORGAN DER GESELLSCHAFT OSTERREICHISCHER NERVENARZTE UND PSYCHIATER 2023:10.1007/s40211-023-00483-y. [PMID: 37989911 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-023-00483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to compare the mental health outcomes of children in North Tyrol, Austria, and South Tyrol, Italy, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, considering the sociocultural and contextual differences between the two regions. METHODS The Tyrolean COVID-19 Children's Study (TCCS: n = 401; June 2021 to July 2021) and the Corona and Psyche in South Tyrol 2021 Study (COP‑S; n = 3402; May 2021 to June 2021) were used for data analyses. Both studies employed cross-sectional designs and collected data through online questionnaires completed by children aged 7-13 years and their parents. Various psychosocial assessment tools including the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screening, Children Anxiety Test, Child Behavior Check List, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children were used in the surveys. RESULTS The comparison between North Tyrol and South Tyrol revealed no significant differences in perceived threats, trauma, or anxiety among children. Similarly, there were no substantial disparities in psychosomatic complaints, indicating similar manifestations of emotional distress across the two regions. CONCLUSION The comparative analysis of children's mental health outcomes in North Tyrol and South Tyrol during the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed the analogous influence of sociocultural and contextual factors on their wellbeing. Despite presumable variations in pandemic events, management strategies, and healthcare systems, the study suggests comparable resilience among children and highlights the importance of sociocultural factors in shaping their wellbeing. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive understanding and targeted interventions to support children's mental health during challenging times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Kohlboeck
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Verena Barbieri
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Anna Wenter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giuliano Piccoliori
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Adolf Engl
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Kathrin Sevecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian J Wiedermann
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Silvia Exenberger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou Y, Rahman MM, Khanam R, Taylor BR. Individual preferences, government policy, and COVID-19: A game-theoretic epidemiological analysis. APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING 2023; 122:401-416. [PMID: 37325082 PMCID: PMC10257574 DOI: 10.1016/j.apm.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic imposes serious short-term and long-term health costs on populations. Restrictive government policy measures decrease the risks of infection, but produce similarly serious social, mental health, and economic problems. Citizens have varying preferences about the desirability of restrictive policies, and governments are thus forced to navigate this tension in making pandemic policy. This paper analyses the situation facing government using a game-theoretic epidemiological model. Methodology We classify individuals into health-centered individuals and freedom-centered individuals to capture the heterogeneous preferences of citizens. We first use the extended Susceptible-Exposed-Asymptomatic-Infectious-Recovered (SEAIR) model (adding individual preferences) and the signaling game model (adding government) to analyze the strategic situation against the backdrop of a realistic model of COVID-19 infection. Findings We find the following: 1. There exists two pooling equilibria. When health-centered and freedom-centered individuals send anti-epidemic signals, the government will adopt strict restrictive policies under budget surplus or balance. When health-centered and freedom-centered individuals send freedom signals, the government chooses not to implement restrictive policies. 2. When governments choose not to impose restrictions, the extinction of an epidemic depends on whether it has a high infection transmission rate; when the government chooses to implement non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), whether an epidemic will disappear depends on how strict the government's restrictions are. Originality/value Based on the existing literature, we add individual preferences and put the government into the game as a player. Our research extends the current form of combining epidemiology and game theory. By using both we get a more realistic understanding of the spread of the virus and combine that with a richer understanding of the strategic social dynamics enabled by game theoretic analysis. Our findings have important implications for public management and government decision-making in the context of COVID-19 and for potential future public health emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxun Zhou
- School of Business, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | | | - Rasheda Khanam
- School of Business, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Brad R Taylor
- School of Business, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zrnić Novaković I, Streicher A, Ajduković D, Ajduković M, Kiralj Lacković J, Lotzin A, Lueger-Schuster B. Trajectories of Adjustment Disorder and Well-Being in Austria and Croatia during 20 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6861. [PMID: 37835131 PMCID: PMC10572495 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196861] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the trajectories of adjustment disorder (AD) symptoms and well-being over 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria and Croatia. Further objectives of this study were to examine whether sociodemographic characteristics and the symptoms of anxiety and depression could predict these trajectories. As part of the pan-European ESTSS ADJUST study, N = 1144 individuals were recruited using convenience sampling and assessed four times between June 2020 and January 2022 through an online survey. Latent growth curve modelling was applied to estimate the trajectories of AD symptoms and well-being. Over time, the prevalence of probable AD varied between 9.8% and 15.1%. The symptoms of AD tended to increase, whereas well-being tended to decrease. According to the majority of the models tested, women, participants from Austria and those with lower income had higher initial AD symptoms, whereas older participants and those from Croatia had higher initial well-being. In all models and at all timepoints, anxiety and depression significantly predicted AD and well-being scores. Overall, our study points to several predictors of AD and well-being and indicates high variability in people's reactions to the pandemic. Psychosocial support for the general population is needed during pandemics and similar crises, with a special focus on vulnerable groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Zrnić Novaković
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
| | - Alina Streicher
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
| | - Dean Ajduković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.A.); (J.K.L.)
| | - Marina Ajduković
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Jana Kiralj Lacković
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.A.); (J.K.L.)
| | - Annett Lotzin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Lueger-Schuster
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (B.L.-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thakkar K, Spinardi JR, Yang J, Kyaw MH, Ozbilgili E, Mendoza CF, Oh HML. Impact of vaccination and non-pharmacological interventions on COVID-19: a review of simulation modeling studies in Asia. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1252719. [PMID: 37818298 PMCID: PMC10560858 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1252719] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Epidemiological modeling is widely used to offer insights into the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Asia. We reviewed published computational (mathematical/simulation) models conducted in Asia that assessed impacts of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions against COVID-19 and their implications for vaccination strategy. Methods A search of the PubMed database for peer-reviewed, published, and accessible articles in English was performed up to November 2022 to capture studies in Asian populations based on computational modeling of outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic. Extracted data included model type (mechanistic compartmental/agent-based, statistical, both), intervention type (pharmacological, non-pharmacological), and procedures for parameterizing age. Findings are summarized with descriptive statistics and discussed in terms of the evolving COVID-19 situation. Results The literature search identified 378 results, of which 59 met criteria for data extraction. China, Japan, and South Korea accounted for approximately half of studies, with fewer from South and South-East Asia. Mechanistic models were most common, either compartmental (61.0%), agent-based (1.7%), or combination (18.6%) models. Statistical modeling was applied less frequently (11.9%). Pharmacological interventions were examined in 59.3% of studies, and most considered vaccination, except one study of an antiviral treatment. Non-pharmacological interventions were also considered in 84.7% of studies. Infection, hospitalization, and mortality were outcomes in 91.5%, 30.5%, and 30.5% of studies, respectively. Approximately a third of studies accounted for age, including 10 that also examined mortality. Four of these studies emphasized benefits in terms of mortality from prioritizing older adults for vaccination under conditions of a limited supply; however, one study noted potential benefits to infection rates from early vaccination of younger adults. Few studies (5.1%) considered the impact of vaccination among children. Conclusion Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, non-pharmacological interventions helped to mitigate the health burden of COVID-19; however, modeling indicates that high population coverage of effective vaccines will complement and reduce reliance on such interventions. Thus, increasing and maintaining immunity levels in populations through regular booster shots, particularly among at-risk and vulnerable groups, including older adults, might help to protect public health. Future modeling efforts should consider new vaccines and alternative therapies alongside an evolving virus in populations with varied vaccination histories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karan Thakkar
- Vaccine Medical Affairs, Emerging Markets, Pfizer Inc., Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jingyan Yang
- Vaccine Global Value and Access, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, United States
| | - Moe H. Kyaw
- Vaccine Medical Affairs, Emerging Markets, Pfizer Inc., Reston, VA, United States
| | - Egemen Ozbilgili
- Asia Cluster Medical Affairs, Emerging Markets, Pfizer Inc., Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Helen May Lin Oh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Di Quirico R. Uncertainty, Anxiety and the Post-Pandemic Economic Environment. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2023; 20:227-232. [PMID: 37791078 PMCID: PMC10544235 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
There is ample evidence from medical and social sciences that economic crises impact on individual mental health. This makes neuro-psychiatric dynamics and individual mental health, particularly that of entrepreneurs, relevant for economic policy designers. At the same time, economic policies can have an impact on mental health, reducing or increasing economic uncertainty and, consequently, changing the level of anxiety in individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a severe economic crisis and a drastic transformation of the European economic environment. However, the severity and impact of this crisis differ from many other economic and financial setbacks of the past, including the one resulting from the 2008 crisis. Moreover, the consequences of the pandemic on mental health will add to the long-term consequences of the 2010s crisis and the effects of the war at Europe's Eastern borders. Together, the three crises may increase economic uncertainty in the post-pandemic World and its impact on mental health. This essay examines the connections between economic uncertainty, anxiety, and mental health. It suggests considering some relevant elements to estimate the impact of economic uncertainty on individual mental health. Also, hypotheses about the consequences of the "three crises shock" on mental health in the post-pandemic World are advanced. Finally, the essay helps anticipate how the EU anti-crisis economic policies may generate needs and opportunities for mental health care in national health systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Di Quirico
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria meccanica, chimica e dei materiali Università degli studi di Cagliari (Dept. Of Mechanical, Chemical, and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari) via Marengo, 2 - 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Barbieri V, Wiedermann CJ, Piccoliori G, Mahlknecht A, Plagg B, Ausserhofer D, Ravens-Sieberer U, Engl A. Evolution of Youth's Mental Health and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Tyrol, Italy: Comparison of Two Representative Surveys. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050895. [PMID: 37238443 DOI: 10.3390/children10050895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to an increase in youth mental health problems worldwide. Studies have revealed substantial variation in the incidence of these problems across different regions. Longitudinal studies of children and adolescents in Italy are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the development of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health in Northern Italy by comparing surveys conducted in June 2021 and in March 2022. METHODS A representative, large cross-sectional, online survey investigated HRQoL, psychosomatic complaints, and symptoms of anxiety and depression among 5159 and 6675 children and adolescents in 2021 and 2022, respectively, using the KIDSCREEN-10 index, HBSC symptom checklist, SCARED, CES-DC, and PHQ-2 instruments. Statistical analyses included a multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS Baseline characteristics showed significant differences in demographic variables between the two surveys. Girls and their parents reported a significantly lower HRQoL in 2021 than in 2022. Psychosomatic complaints differed significantly between sexes, and the results showed no decrease in psychosomatic complaints, anxiety, or depression between 2021 and 2022. Predictors of HRQoL, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and psychosomatic complaints in 2022 differed from those in 2021. CONCLUSIONS The characteristics of the 2021 pandemic, including lockdowns and home schooling, may have contributed to the differences between the two surveys. As most pandemic restrictions ended in 2022, the results confirm the need for measures to improve the mental and physical health of children and adolescents after the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Barbieri
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Christian J Wiedermann
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, 6060 Hall, Austria
| | - Giuliano Piccoliori
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Angelika Mahlknecht
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Plagg
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Dietmar Ausserhofer
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adolf Engl
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Barbeito I, Precioso D, Sierra MJ, Vegas-Azcárate S, Fernández Balbuena S, Vitoriano B, Goméz-Ullate D, Cao R, Monge S. Effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions in nine fields of activity to decrease SARS-CoV-2 transmission (Spain, September 2020-May 2021). Front Public Health 2023; 11:1061331. [PMID: 37124826 PMCID: PMC10131688 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1061331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We estimated the association between the level of restriction in nine different fields of activity and SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility in Spain, from 15 September 2020 to 9 May 2021. Methods A stringency index (0-1) was created for each Spanish province (n = 50) daily. A hierarchical multiplicative model was fitted. The median of coefficients across provinces (95% bootstrap confidence intervals) quantified the effect of increasing one standard deviation in the stringency index over the logarithmic return of the weekly percentage variation of the 7-days SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence, lagged 12 days. Results Overall, increasing restrictions reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission by 22% (RR = 0.78; one-sided 95%CI: 0, 0.82) in 1 week, with highest effects for culture and leisure 14% (0.86; 0, 0.98), social distancing 13% (0.87; 0, 0.95), indoor restaurants 10% (0.90; 0, 0.95) and indoor sports 6% (0.94; 0, 0.98). In a reduced model with seven fields, culture and leisure no longer had a significant effect while ceremonies decreased transmission by 5% (0.95; 0, 0.96). Models R 2 was around 70%. Conclusion Increased restrictions decreased COVID-19 transmission. Limitations include remaining collinearity between fields, and somewhat artificial quantification of qualitative restrictions, so the exact attribution of the effect to specific areas must be done with caution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inés Barbeito
- Research Centre for Communication and Information Technology (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Daniel Precioso
- Department of Informatics Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain
| | - María José Sierra
- Centre for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies, Ministry of Health, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Begoña Vitoriano
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Mathematics, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Goméz-Ullate
- Department of Informatics Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain
- School of Science and Technology, IE University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Cao
- Research Centre for Communication and Information Technology (CITIC), University of A Coruña (UDC), Galicia, Spain
| | - Susana Monge
- CIBER Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Communicable Diseases, National Centre of Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Susana Monge,
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Limongi F, Siviero P, Trevisan C, Noale M, Catalani F, Ceolin C, Conti S, di Rosa E, Perdixi E, Remelli F, Prinelli F, Maggi S. Changes in sleep quality and sleep disturbances in the general population from before to during the COVID-19 lockdown: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1166815. [PMID: 37124253 PMCID: PMC10134452 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1166815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to explore changes in sleep quality and sleep disturbances in the general population from before to during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021256378) and the PRISMA guidelines were followed. The major databases and gray literature were systematically searched from inception to 28/05/2021 to identify observational studies evaluating sleep changes in the general population during the lockdown with respect to the pre-lockdown period. A random effects meta-analysis was undertaken for studies reporting (a) the means of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global scores or the means of the sleep onset latency (SOL) times (minutes - min) before and during the lockdown, (b) the percentages of poor sleep quality before and during the lockdown, or (c) the percentages of changes in sleep quality. Subgroup analysis by risk of bias and measurement tool utilized was carried out. A narrative synthesis on sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, insomnia and sleep medication consumption was also performed. Results Sixty-three studies were included. A decline in sleep quality, reflected in a pooled increase in the PSQI global scores (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.26; 95% CI 0.17-0.34) and in SOL (SMD = 0.38 min; 95% CI 0.30-0.45) were found. The percentage of individuals with poor sleep quality increased during the lockdown (pooled relative risk 1.4; 95% CI 1.24-1.61). Moreover, 57.3% (95% CI 50.01-61.55) of the individuals reported a change in sleep quality; in 37.3% (95% CI 34.27-40.39) of these, it was a worsening. The studies included in the systematic review reported a decrease in sleep efficiency and an increase in sleep disturbances, insomnia, and in sleep medication consumption. Discussion Timely interventions are warranted in view of the decline in sleep quality and the increase in sleep disturbances uncovered and their potentially negative impact on health. Further research and in particular longitudinal studies using validated instruments examining the long-term impact of the lockdown on sleep variables is needed. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021256378, identifier CRD42021256378.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Limongi
- Aging Branch, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Siviero
- Aging Branch, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Siviero, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-6567-5808
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Aging Branch, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Padova, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marianna Noale
- Aging Branch, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Catalani
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Ceolin
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Conti
- Unit of Behavioral Neurology and Dementia Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa di Rosa
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Perdixi
- Unit of Behavioral Neurology and Dementia Research Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Remelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Prinelli
- Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefania Maggi
- Aging Branch, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Giannakou K, Fakonti G, Kyprianidou M. Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals and the general population in Cyprus: A web-based cross-sectional survey. J Eval Clin Pract 2022; 28:959-969. [PMID: 36115011 PMCID: PMC9538130 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general population in Cyprus. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted (November 2021-January 2022), using a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire to collect information covering a wide range of potential determinants including sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, trust in the healthcare system, satisfaction with it, utilization of preventive healthcare services, COVID-19 vaccination information and general vaccination knowledge. RESULTS A total of 2582 participants completed the survey. Overall, 53.5% of participants representing the general population, and 70.0% of the HCPs received the COVID-19 vaccination. We found that as the age increases by 1 year among the general population, the odds of being vaccinated against COVID-19 increase by 1.02 units (95% 1.00, 1.03, p= 0.035). In addition, participants among the general population with increased trust in national healthcare authorities' guidelines (OR = 3.96, 95% CI: 3.41, 4.61), and increased vaccination knowledge scores (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.18) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated, while those who had underage children living in the household were significantly less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.91). Furthermore, male HCPs (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.59), and those who reported increased trust in national healthcare authorities' guidelines (OR = 5.38, 95% CI: 3.65, 7.95) were significantly more likely to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION Public health policymakers can use national campaigns and long-term planning to build public trust in national healthcare authorities and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination. Such strategies could pave the way for adequate vaccine uptake and prepare the public for unfavourable scenarios, such as future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Giannakou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Georgia Fakonti
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Kyprianidou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marciniak M, Jaskulska S, Gasparovic S, Janiūnaitė B, Horbačauskienė J, Glavak Tkalić R. The Psychological Well-Being and Civic Engagement of Polish, Croatian and Lithuanian Academic Students during COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11202. [PMID: 36141466 PMCID: PMC9517317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811202] [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: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to recognize the relationship between well-being and civic engagement under the difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst students from Poland, Lithuania and Croatia. Overall, 1362 academic students (Poland, n = 596, Croatia, n = 386, and Lithuania, n = 379) participated in the study. Mean rank differences in civic engagement level (overall CE) were analysed by levels of psychological well-being (overall PWB and its subscales) using the Kruskal-Wallis test (one-way ANOVA on ranks). We conducted post hoc analysis with Bonferroni tests to measure the significance of differences in CE between the detailed levels of PWB. To avoid biases due to interaction effects between dependent variables, the analysis of mean ranks was followed by a binomial logistic regression analysis model and subgroups analysis (by gender and by country). Results obtained showed that students with higher levels of psychological well-being have higher levels of civic engagement. The differences in the CE level are most pronounced in relation to the dimension of a PWB, such as "positive relations with others", followed by "personal growth", "autonomy", and "self-acceptance". In a crisis, such as a pandemic, it is worth encouraging students to take targeted actions, as well as to create actions referring to personal development and relationships. There were no differences in the direction and shape of the associations between psychological well-being and civic engagement with respect to the country and the gender of the participants, which leads us to draw conclusions pointing to the globalised nature of student experience during the pandemic in this part of Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Marciniak
- School Pedagogy Research Unit, Faculty of Educational Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Sylwia Jaskulska
- School Pedagogy Research Unit, Faculty of Educational Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Slaven Gasparovic
- Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Brigita Janiūnaitė
- Research Group in Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Kaunas University of Technology, 44249 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jolita Horbačauskienė
- Research Group in Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Kaunas University of Technology, 44249 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cai W, Zhou Y. Men smoke less under the COVID-19 closure policies: The role of altruism. Soc Sci Med 2022; 306:115159. [PMID: 35753168 PMCID: PMC9217683 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study examines whether people smoked more under the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) closure policies which trapped them at home with their families. In such circumstances, the pleasure from smoking could be more tempting than usual, but at the same time smokers’ families are more likely to be victims of passive smoking. This study uses temporal and regional variations in policy strengths with data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker project (OxCGRT) to examine the impact of COVID-19 closure policies on smoking behaviors. With longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2018 and 2020, we find diminished smoking behaviors among Chinese male adults when the government implemented strict public health policies for the COVID-19 pandemic. People with more conscientiousness personality traits or stronger pro-family attitudes tend to smoke less as policy stringency increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weicheng Cai
- Center for Social Research and Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Center for Social Research and Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, China.
| |
Collapse
|