1
|
Halvorson MA, Kuklinski MR, Bailey JA, Caouette JD, Guttmannova K, Rhew IC, Oesterle S. Young adults with a history of substance use disorder experienced more negative mental health, social and economic outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Addiction 2024; 119:1597-1607. [PMID: 38923042 DOI: 10.1111/add.16582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS For young adults, the disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic to work, social relationships and health-care probably impacted normative life stage transitions. Disaster research shows that negative effects of these events can persist for years after the acute crisis ends. Pandemic-related disruptions may have been especially consequential for young adults with a history of substance use disorder (SUD). The current work aimed to measure the broad impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults with and without a history of SUD. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data were from a longitudinal panel of n = 4407 young adults across the United States surveyed repeatedly from 2014 to 2019 (aged 19-26 years, pre-pandemic) and again in 2021 (aged 28 years, mid-pandemic). MEASUREMENTS We fitted multi-level models to understand the association between SUD history and pandemic outcomes, controlling for potential confounders (socio-demographic and health measures). Outcomes included overall life disruption; mental health, social and economic impacts; substance use; and physical health. FINDINGS Young adults with a history of SUD reported greater life disruption (standardized β = 0.13-0.15, Ps < 0.015) and negative mental health impacts (standardized β = 0.12-0.14, Ps < 0.012), experienced approximately 20% more work-related stressors (relative risks = 1.18-1.22, Ps < 0.002) and 50% more home-related stressors (relative risks = 1.40-1.51, Ps < 0.001), and had two to three times the odds of increased substance use during the pandemic (odds ratios = 2.07-3.23, Ps < 0.001). Findings generally did not differ between those with a recent SUD diagnosis and those in recovery from SUD before the pandemic began. CONCLUSIONS United States young adults with a history of substance use disorder (SUD) reported more life disruption and greater negative physical and mental health, social and economic impacts during the COVID mid-pandemic period than young adults with no history of SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max A Halvorson
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Margaret R Kuklinski
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jennifer A Bailey
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Justin D Caouette
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Katarina Guttmannova
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Isaac C Rhew
- Center for the Study of Health and Risk Behaviors, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sabrina Oesterle
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, School of Social Work, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Serido J, Li L, Vosylis R, Vasquez K, Sorgente A, Lep Ž, Fonseca G, Crespo C, Relvas AP, Zupančič M, Lanz M. Parental financial support and family emotional support to young adults during COVID-19: A help or a hindrance? FAMILY PROCESS 2024. [PMID: 39099313 DOI: 10.1111/famp.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The present study focuses on the role of family support to young adult children during COVID-19 in ameliorating the negative financial impact of the pandemic. Guided by the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory of stress and coping, we conceptualize the negative financial impact due to COVID-19 as a source of financial stress that would be associated with lower levels of both financial wellbeing and positive outlook of young adults. We rely on data collected from a multinational sample of young adults (ages 18-30) from six countries (China, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, US; N = 2102) over a 3-month period (July 2020-September 2020). We tested the potential effects of two types of support (i.e., parental financial support and family emotional support) using path analysis. While we find a consistent positive association between family emotional support and both financial wellbeing and positive outlook, we also find a consistent negative association between parental financial support and financial wellbeing, and a nonsignificant or negative association (Lithuania only) with a positive outlook. The significant interaction between COVID-19 financial impact and family emotional support on young adults' positive outlook reveals that the benefit of family emotional support is more evident when the negative financial impact is low or moderate. We discuss the implications of these findings in assisting young adults to cope with financial disruptions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Serido
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lijun Li
- Department of Psychology, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rimantas Vosylis
- Institute of Psychology, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Katherine Vasquez
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Angela Sorgente
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Žan Lep
- Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Educational Research Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriela Fonseca
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Crespo
- CICPSI, Faculty of Psychology, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda de Universidade, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Relvas
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maja Zupančič
- Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Margherita Lanz
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cërmjani B, Kelmendi K. Exploring Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth Among Bereaved Adults in Kosovo. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241265391. [PMID: 39047121 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241265391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The study explores resilience and posttraumatic growth in adults in Kosovo who have experienced grief, using the Resilience Portfolio Model as a guiding framework. Twelve participants shared their experiences through semi-structured interviews, aiming to capture detailed personal narratives and insights into coping with loss. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three main themes: "Reaction to Loss," "Navigating through Loss and Embracing Adaptations," and "Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth." The findings highlight the transformative experiences contributing to personal development and resilience, emphasizing the significant role of cultural dimensions in shaping resilience and posttraumatic growth. The study underscores the importance of considering cultural context in therapeutic approaches to better support individuals in their recovery and growth from experiences of loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benita Cërmjani
- Department of Psychology, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosova
| | - Kaltrina Kelmendi
- Department of Psychology, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Prishtina, Kosova
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Centorbi M, Di Martino G, della Valle C, Iuliano E, Di Claudio G, Mascioli A, Calcagno G, di Cagno A, Buonsenso A, Fiorilli G. Regular Physical Activity Can Counteract LONG COVID Symptoms in Adults over 40. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:119. [PMID: 39051280 PMCID: PMC11270337 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9030119] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Three years after the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, a chronic post-COVID syndrome "LONG COVID" persists, causing fatigue and shortness of breath, along with distress, anxiety, and depression. AIM To assess the impact of physical activity on the management and rehabilitation of LONG COVID, as well as to investigate the persistence of LONG COVID symptomatology in individuals over 40 years, beyond the pandemic. METHODS A total of 1004 participants (aged 53.45 ± 11.35) were recruited through an online snowball sampling strategy to complete a web-based survey. The following questionnaires were administered: Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE), Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), and Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC). RESULTS Significant gender differences were discovered, with women reporting higher symptoms than men (p < 0.001). Significant age differences were also found, with participants under 55 showing higher values than those over 55 (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found between aerobic and mixed physical activity (p > 0.05) while significant results emerged between physical activity groups and the no activity group (p < 0.001). The low-frequency group reported higher symptoms than the high-frequency group (all ps < 0.001). CONCLUSION Regardless of the type of physical activity performed, our survey identified the frequency of training as a crucial factor to overcome LONG COVID symptoms; the challenge lies in overcoming the difficulties due to the persistent feelings of inefficiency and fatigue typical of those who have contracted the infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Centorbi
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (G.D.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.M.); (G.C.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Giulia Di Martino
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (G.D.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.M.); (G.C.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Carlo della Valle
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Enzo Iuliano
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy;
| | - Gloria Di Claudio
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (G.D.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.M.); (G.C.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Amelia Mascioli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (G.D.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.M.); (G.C.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Calcagno
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (G.D.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.M.); (G.C.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Alessandra di Cagno
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Via Plinio 44, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Buonsenso
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (G.D.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.M.); (G.C.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Giovanni Fiorilli
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy; (M.C.); (G.D.M.); (G.D.C.); (A.M.); (G.C.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gondek D, Vandecasteele L, Sánchez-Mira N, Steinmetz S, Mehmeti T, Voorpostel M. The COVID-19 pandemic and wellbeing in Switzerland-worse for young people? Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:67. [PMID: 38844962 PMCID: PMC11157761 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The key objective of our study was to describe the population-average trajectories of wellbeing, spanning the period of 2017-2022, comparing young people with other age groups. Moreover, we aimed to identify subgroups of young people who experienced disproportionate changes in wellbeing. METHODS We used longitudinal data from six waves (2017-2022) of the Swiss Household Panel. Participants were at least 14 years old in 2017 and had at least one valid composite measure of wellbeing between 2017 and 2022 (n individuals = 11,224; n observations = 49,032). The data were typically collected with telephone or web interviewing. The age of participants ranged from 14 to 102, with a roughly equal distribution of men (51.1%) and women (48.9%). We conceptualized wellbeing as positive affect and life satisfaction, negative affect, stress and psychosomatic symptoms. We described the trajectories of wellbeing using piecewise growth curve analysis. We included sociodemographic characteristics to further describe wellbeing trajectories across subgroups of young people. These comprised (1) gender, (2) migration status, (3) partnership status, (4) living with parents, (5) education/employment status, (6) household income. RESULTS Young people (age 14-25) experienced a steady decline in positive affect and life satisfaction throughout the entire period, with the greatest change occurring before the pandemic (2017-2019). The trajectories in this outcome were largely stable in other age groups. Moreover, young individuals showed a more pronounced increase in negative affect, particularly in the pre-pandemic years, compared to older groups. Negative affect increased during the pandemic, followed by a subsequent decline post-pandemic, observed similarly across all age groups. Among young people specifically, the trajectory of stress was similar to the one of negative affect. However, issues such as sleep problems, weakness, weariness, and headaches continued to increase in this population from 2017 to 2022. We also found evidence for a greater increase in negative affect during the pandemic in young women and those not in employment or education. CONCLUSIONS Given the fact that the decline in young people's wellbeing in Switzerland started two years before the pandemic, our study emphasises the importance of consideing their wellbeing within a broader systemic context beyond pandemic-related changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Gondek
- FORS Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences, c/o Université de Lausanne, room 5893, Géopolis, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - L Vandecasteele
- Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - N Sánchez-Mira
- Institute of Sociology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - S Steinmetz
- Institute of Social Sciences (ISS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - T Mehmeti
- Institute of Sociology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - M Voorpostel
- FORS Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences, c/o Université de Lausanne, room 5893, Géopolis, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kupcewicz E, Schneider-Matyka D, Rachubińska K, Jastrzębski P, Bentkowska A, Grochans E. Health Behaviours and the Quality of Life of Students of Medical Fields during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2024; 16:1747. [PMID: 38892679 PMCID: PMC11174481 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111747] [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] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Social distancing and closing down public spaces associated with learning, leisure and physical activity limited the spread of COVID-19. These measures had an impact not only on the economy and education but also on health behaviours and the quality of life of individuals affected by the restrictions. The aim of this study was to identify the role of health behaviours in the perception of the quality of life of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This study was conducted among 796 students of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in the first quarter of 2022. Subgroup 1 consisted of students at the Public Health School (n = 428; 53.8%) and subgroup 2 consisted of students belonging to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (n = 368; 46.2%). The diagnostic survey method was applied, and an original survey questionnaire, the Health Behaviour Inventory and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL-Bref version) were used. (3) Results: The largest contribution to the prediction of quality of life of students in subgroup 1 was made by a positive mental attitude related to avoiding too strong emotions, which explained 19% of the result variability in the somatic domain (ßeta = 0.24; R2 = 0.21), 20% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.36; R2 = 0.20), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.52; R2 = 0.17) and 17% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.19; R2 = 0.19). Moreover, in subgroup 2, a predominantly positive mental attitude significantly predicted quality of life in the somatic domain, explaining 23% of the result variability (ßeta = 0.24; R2 = 0.26), while it explained 25% of the result variability in the psychological domain (ßeta = 0.47; R2 = 0.25), 16% of the result variability in the social domain (ßeta = 0.46; R2 = 0.17) and 21% of the result variability in the environmental domain (ßeta = 0.38; R2 = 0.23). (4) Conclusions: Positive correlations between health behaviours and the quality of life among the study participants were determined. Health-promoting behaviours had a beneficial impact on the respondents' quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The category of health behaviours described as a positive mental attitude was an important predictor for the participants' quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kupcewicz
- Department of Nursing, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 14 C Zolnierska Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Daria Schneider-Matyka
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 48 Żołnierska Street, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Kamila Rachubińska
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 48 Żołnierska Street, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Paweł Jastrzębski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 14 C Żołnierska Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Bentkowska
- Hospital Emergency Department, Provincial Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn, 18 Żołnierska Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Grochans
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 48 Żołnierska Street, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Butter S, Shevlin M, Gibson-Miller J, McBride O, Hartman TK, Bentall RP, Bennett K, Murphy J, Mason L, Martinez AP, Levita L. Psychological distress, wellbeing and resilience: modelling adolescent mental health profiles during the COVID-19 pandemic. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 4:16. [PMID: 38780717 PMCID: PMC11116324 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-024-00071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
There has been concern about adolescent mental health during the pandemic. The current study examined adolescent mental health during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Using indicator of psychological distress, wellbeing and resilience, latent profile analysis was used to identify homogeneous mental health groups among young people aged 13-24 (N = 1971). Multinomial logistic regression was then used to examine which sociodemographic and psychosocial variables predicted latent class membership. Four classes were found. The largest class (Class 1, 37.2%) was characterised by moderate symptomology and moderate wellbeing. Class 2 (34.2%) was characterised by low symptomology and high wellbeing, while Class 3 (25.4%) was characterised by moderate symptomology and high wellbeing. Finally, Class 4 was the smallest (3.2%) and was characterised by high symptomology and low wellbeing. Compared to the low symptomology, high wellbeing class, all other classes were associated with less social engagement with friends, poorer family functioning, greater somatic symptoms, and a less positive model of self. A number of unique associations between the classes and predictor variables were identified. Although around two-thirds of adolescents reported moderate-to-high symptomology, most of these individuals also reported concurrent moderate-to-high levels of wellbeing, reflecting resilience. Furthermore, these findings demonstrate how a more comprehensive picture of mental health can be gained through adopting a dual-continua conceptualisation of mental health that incorporates both pathology and well-being. In this way, at-risk youth can be identified and interventions and resources targeted appropriately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Butter
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland.
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Orla McBride
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Todd K Hartman
- Department of Social Statistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Richard P Bentall
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England
| | - Kate Bennett
- Department of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England
| | - Jamie Murphy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Liam Mason
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, England
| | - Anton P Martinez
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England
| | - Liat Levita
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, England
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kozina A. Anxiety in a COVID-19 school year context: three-way longitudinal study on Slovenian adolescent sample. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:318-333. [PMID: 38049932 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2269858] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We investigated the trajectories of anxiety, general anxiety and more specifically COVID-19 anxiety in the period of school closure in Slovenia using a longitudinal design with three time points: at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the school year. DESIGN AND METHODS We have used data from a representative adolescent sample for Slovenia (n = 1233) and two anxiety scales: the LAOM Anxiety Scale and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale. The findings from latent growth curve models show a significant difference in initial levels and a decrease in both types of anxiety as well as an interaction effect between the initial level and the rate of change of COVID-19 anxiety. In addition to investigating the change in time, we were interested in covariates. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The findings show significant effects of: (a) gender, school level and academic achievement on initial levels of COVID-19 anxiety; (b) gender and school level on initial levels of anxiety; (c) gender on the rate of change in anxiety; (d) academic achievement on the rate of change in COVID-19 anxiety; and, additionally, (e) the significant but different role that school belongingness plays in anxiety and in particular COVID-19 anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Kozina
- Educational Research Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Donohoe-Bales A, O’Dean S, Smout S, Boyle J, Barrett E, Teesson M, Bower M. What set some young adults apart during the COVID-19 pandemic? Mental health trajectories, risk and protective factors in an Australian longitudinal study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:435-445. [PMID: 38205782 PMCID: PMC11055410 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231223690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence suggests that young adults (aged 18-34) were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but little is known about their longer-term mental health changes beyond the early pandemic period. This article investigates heterogeneous trajectories of mental health among Australian young adults across 2 years of the pandemic and identifies a broad range of associated risk and protective factors. METHOD Young adults (N = 653, Mage = 27.8 years) from the longitudinal Alone Together Study were surveyed biannually between July 2020 and June 2022. Measures assessed anxiety (7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale) and depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) symptoms at Waves 1-4, as well as demographic, psychological, adversity and COVID-19 factors at baseline. RESULTS Four and three distinct trajectories of anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively, were identified through growth mixture modelling. The proportion of participants in each anxiety trajectory were Asymptomatic (45.9%), Mild Stable (17.9%), Moderate-Severe Stable (31.1%) and Initially Severe/Recovering (5.1%). For depression, Mild Stable (58.3%), Moderate-Severe Stable (30.5%) and Reactive/Recovering (11.2%). Baseline factors associated with severe symptom trajectories included a lifetime mental health disorder, pre-pandemic stressful events, identifying as LGBTQIA+ and/or female, and experiencing one or more infection-control measures. Higher household income was protective. CONCLUSION Most young adults demonstrated stable trajectories of low or high symptoms during the pandemic, with smaller groups showing initially severe or reactive symptoms followed by marked improvements over time. Vulnerable subgroups (gender- or sexuality-diverse, those with prior adversity or pre-existing mental ill-health) may face ongoing impacts and require targeted psychosocial supports to assist their mental health recovery post-COVID-19 and in the event of future crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amarina Donohoe-Bales
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Siobhan O’Dean
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Scarlett Smout
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia Boyle
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barrett
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Marlee Bower
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Francois-Walcott RRR, Perks RE, Vowels LM, Carnelley KB. Insecure attachment and support-seeking during COVID-19: a sequential mixed methods investigation. Attach Hum Dev 2024; 26:159-180. [PMID: 38704616 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2349577] [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] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led many couples to stay at home together with minimal contact with others. As social distancing measures reduced contact with outside households, many partners could seek support only from one another. In two studies using a sequential mixed methods design, we investigated support-seeking behaviors in romantic relationships during COVID-19. In the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews (n = 48) showed differences in how and why partners seek support with an initial consideration of the role of attachment. We identified the following themes: direct support-seeking, indirect support-seeking, (in)dependence, and gender dynamics. In the quantitative study (n = 588), high COVID-19 worry, high attachment anxiety, and low attachment avoidance were associated with more support-seeking. Interestingly, we also found that when COVID-19 worry was high, individuals high in attachment avoidance were more likely to report seeking support. The paper provides a unique insight into the impact of COVID-19 on support-seeking behaviors in romantic relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rhia E Perks
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura M Vowels
- Family and Development Research Center (FADO), Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Botchway-Commey EN, Adonteng-Kissi O, Meribe N, Chisanga D, Moustafa AA, Tembo A, Baffour FD, Gatwiri K, Doyle AK, Mwanri L, Osuagwu UL. Mental health and mental health help-seeking behaviors among first-generation voluntary African migrants: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298634. [PMID: 38498578 PMCID: PMC10947684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mental health challenges are highly prevalent in African migrants. However, understanding of mental health outcomes in first-generation voluntary African migrants is limited, despite the unique challenges faced by this migrant subgroup. This review aimed to synthesize the literature to understand the mental health challenges, help-seeking behavior, and the relationship between mental health and mental health help-seeking behavior in first-generation voluntary African migrants living outside Africa. METHODS Medline Complete, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsychINFO were searched for studies published between January 2012 to December 2023. Retrieved articles were processed, data from selected articles were extracted and synthesized to address the study aims, and included studies were evaluated for risk of bias. RESULTS Eight studies were included, including four quantitative and four qualitative studies, which focused on women with postnatal depression. Mental health challenges reported in the quantitative studies were depression, interpersonal disorders, and work-related stress. Risk (e.g., neglect from health professionals and lack of social/spousal support) and protective (e.g., sensitivity of community services and faith) factors associated with mental health were identified. Barriers (e.g., cultural beliefs about mental health and racial discrimination) and facilitators (sensitizing African women about mental health) of mental health help-seeking behavior were also identified. No significant relationship was reported between mental health and mental health help-seeking behavior, and the risk of bias results indicated some methodological flaws in the studies. CONCLUSION This review shows the dearth of research focusing on mental health and help-seeking behavior in this subgroup of African migrants. The findings highlight the importance of African migrants, especially mothers with newborns, examining cultural beliefs that may impact their mental health and willingness to seek help. Receiving countries should also strive to understand the needs of first-generation voluntary African migrants living abroad and offer mental health support that is patient-centered and culturally sensitive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith N. Botchway-Commey
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Brain and Mind Group, Clinical Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Obed Adonteng-Kissi
- School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Southwest Campus, Bunbury, Australia
| | - Nnaemeka Meribe
- Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Chisanga
- Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action, Agriculture Victoria, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ahmed A. Moustafa
- Faculty of Society and Design, School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Agness Tembo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frank Darkwa Baffour
- School of Humanities, Social Science and Creative Industries, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kathomi Gatwiri
- Faculty of Health, Centre for Children & Young People, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aunty Kerrie Doyle
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing CAG, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lillian Mwanri
- Centre for Public Health Research Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing CAG, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
- Bathurst Rural Clinical School, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kampa M, Stark R, Klucken T. The impact of past childhood adversity and recent life events on neural responses during fear conditioning. J Neuroimaging 2024; 34:217-223. [PMID: 38009652 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13174] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Many studies have shown that exposure to life events can have a negative impact on mental health. Life events like the death of a spouse or the birth of a child pose a challenge and require temporal or permanent adjustments. Meta-analyses on brain stress responses found bilateral anterior insula activation in response to acute stress. Fear conditioning is assumed a crucial mechanism for the development of anxiety disorders associated with increased activation in the bilateral amygdala. Empirical evidence is lacking regarding the relationship of exposure to recent life events and past childhood adversity with neural processing during fear conditioning. METHODS In the present study, we analyzed data from 103 young, healthy participants. Multiple linear regressions were performed on functional magnetic resonance imaging activation during fear conditioning with the Life Events Scale for Students and the Childhood Trauma questionnaire included as covariates in two separate models. RESULTS We found a positive relationship between the number of life events in the last year and left amygdala activation to the conditioned stimulus. A second finding was a positive relationship between childhood adversity and right anterior insula response to the unconditioned stimulus. CONCLUSIONS Many studies have shown increased amygdala activity after stressful life events. In addition, the anterior insula is activated during acute stress. The present study points to stressor-induced increased salience processing during fear conditioning. We suggest that this could be a potential mechanism for resilience versus mental illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kampa
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Stark
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tim Klucken
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jabbari J, Roll S, McQueen A, Ridenour N. Increased experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, emotional distress and changes in perceived physical and mental health: A structural equation model. Nurs Open 2024; 11:e2125. [PMID: 38429914 PMCID: PMC10907826 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.2125] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore how experiences of increased loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic affected emotional distress and changes in perceptions of physical and mental health. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Data from the Socio-Economic Impacts of Covid-19 Survey, a national survey administered to 5033 adults in August and September 2020 in the United States, was utilized in this study. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the associations between increased experiences of loneliness during the pandemic, emotional distress and changes in perceptions of physical and mental health. RESULTS Among the 47% of participants who reported increased experiences of loneliness during the pandemic, 31% reported a poorer perceived change in mental health and 12% reported a poorer perceived change in physical health. Increased experiences of loneliness during the pandemic were significantly associated with emotional distress and poorer perceived mental and physical health changes. Emotional distress significantly mediated the effect between increased experiences of loneliness during the pandemic and poorer perceived mental and physical health changes. These findings highlight the importance of producing preventative actions to combat increased loneliness and emotional distress during and after future pandemics in order to improve health perceptions, which can result in negative health outcomes over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JoAnn Jabbari
- Washington University in St. Louis School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes‐Jewish CollegeSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Stephen Roll
- George Warren Brown School of Social WorkWashington University in St. LouisSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Amy McQueen
- Washington University in St. Louis School of MedicineSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Nancy Ridenour
- Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes‐Jewish CollegeSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Capute C, Quigley L, Bate J. The influence of attachment style on support and feedback seeking and depression severity among mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38424640 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12458] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The ways that people seek support during times of stress influence their mental health outcomes, including depression. Insecure attachment is a risk factor for depression and may also interfere with adaptive support and feedback-seeking behaviour during stress. The purpose of the present study was to test theorized associations between insecure attachment, support and feedback seeking, and changes in depression symptoms over 1 year, in a sample of mothers of school-age children in the context of stress elicited by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Participants (N = 70 mothers) completed self-report measures of anxious and avoidant attachment and depression severity at baseline in spring 2020 and then completed measures of past-year engagement in direct and indirect support seeking and excessive reassurance seeking (ERS), preference for negative feedback, and depression severity at a follow-up assessment in summer 2021. RESULTS Greater attachment anxiety at baseline predicted more frequent direct support seeking, indirect support seeking, and ERS during the 1-year follow-up period. In turn, greater indirect support seeking predicted greater increases in depression from baseline to follow-up. Greater attachment avoidance at baseline predicted less direct support seeking during the 1-year follow-up period. Greater attachment avoidance at baseline also predicted depression severity at follow-up, particularly among mothers with moderate to high levels of attachment anxiety, although none of the examined support and feedback-seeking behaviours mediated this association. CONCLUSIONS These results provide support for the role of activated attachment systems in determining support and feedback-seeking behaviour during stress, as well as the role of support and feedback-seeking behaviour in the maintenance and exacerbation of depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Capute
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Leanne Quigley
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jordan Bate
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Oker A, Laraki Y, Anders R, Fongaro E, Capdevielle D, Raffard S. Validation of the French COVID-Related Thoughts and Behavioral Symptoms Questionnaire (Cov-Tabs): A self-report assessment. L'ENCEPHALE 2024:S0013-7006(23)00217-8. [PMID: 38311477 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-Related Thoughts and Behavioral Symptoms (Cov-Tabs) is a self-reported questionnaire developed to identify the presence of psychological distress and anxiety-related behavior associated with COVID-19. This scale has been used since the first episodes of mass contamination of COVID-19 disease in the USA without psychometric validation analysis. The objective of this paper is to validate the French version of the Cov-TaBS. METHOD In this study, we assessed a French translation of Cov-Tabs in 300 subjects from the general population. Moreover, we assessed convergent and discriminant validities using an anxiety and depression scale and a paranoid ideation scale. Statistical analyses consisted of evaluating internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity as well. RESULTS The French translation of the Cov-Tabs demonstrated high internal consistency and reliability, as well as good temporal stability over a period of less than 2 weeks. It also showed strong convergent validity with anxiety and depression traits and divergent validity with paranoid ideation. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that the French version of the Cov-Tabs has robust psychometric properties and is a valid tool for evaluating behavioral symptomatology and thoughts related to COVID-19 disease. Therefore, the French version of the Cov-Tabs is a valid tool that can be used in French-speaking individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Oker
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, C2S, Reims, France.
| | - Yasmine Laraki
- CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire EPSYLON (EA 4556), Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Royce Anders
- Laboratoire EPSYLON (EA 4556), Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Delphine Capdevielle
- CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire EPSYLON (EA 4556), Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphane Raffard
- CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Laboratoire EPSYLON (EA 4556), Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kisker J, Schöne B. Regular use of acupressure mats reduces perceived stress at subjective but not psychophysiological levels: Insights from a three-week relaxation training. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:338-355. [PMID: 37715543 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12490] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Acupressure mats are promoted as stress management tools for easy and effective self-application, promising reduced stress and increased well-being. However, the scientific evidence for these effects is based on few experimental studies and lacks the examination of acupressure mats as a solitary relaxation tool. Our study aimed to examine which changes in stress and well-being can be expected from the use of acupressure mats by healthy young people on the subjective and psychophysiological level. Unexperienced participants practiced relaxation for three weeks either with an acupressure mat or without any tools (active control group [CG]). As a results, subjective well-being and stress decreased, while sleep quality and concentration endurance increased across groups. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), pain threshold and pain tolerance did not change significantly from pre- to post-training measurements. Most importantly, no significant differences were found between groups, indicating that training with an acupressure mat yielded no superior effects compared with an active control condition in healthy young students. As a conclusion, taking time to relax has some but limited beneficial effects on the subjective levels independent of the specific method for healthy students. Potential beneficial effects of acupressure mats might be bound to specific impairments, such as tension pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kisker
- Experimental Psychology I, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schöne
- Experimental Psychology I, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rao S, Dimitropoulos G, Williams JVA, Sharifi V, Fahim M, Munir A, Bulloch AGM, Patten SB. Associations between negative COVID-19 experiences and symptoms of anxiety and depression: a study based on a representative Canadian national sample. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2024; 44:56-65. [PMID: 38353940 PMCID: PMC11013027 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.44.2.03] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amid the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a notable increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression has become a pressing concern. This study examined the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Canada from September to December 2020, assessing demographic and socioeconomic influences, as well as the potential role of COVID-19 diagnoses and related negative experiences. METHODS Data were drawn from the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health by Statistics Canada, which used a two-stage sample design to gather responses from 14 689 adults across ten provinces and three territorial capitals, excluding less than 2% of the population. Data were collected through self-administered electronic questionnaires or phone interviews. Analytical techniques, such as frequencies, cross-tabulation and logistic regression, were used to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, the demographic characteristics of Canadians with increased anxiety and depression symptoms and the association of these symptoms with COVID-19 diagnoses and negative experiences during the pandemic. RESULTS The study found that 14.62% (95% CI: 13.72%-15.51%) of respondents exhibited symptoms of depression, while 12.89% (95% CI: 12.04%-13.74%) reported anxiety symptoms. No clear differences in symptom prevalence were observed between those infected by COVID-19, or those close to someone infected, compared to those without these experiences. However, there were strong associations between traditional risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms and negative experiences during the pandemic, such as physical health problems, loneliness and personal relationship challenges in the household. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the relationship between COVID-19 and Canadians' mental health, demonstrating an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms associated with COVID-19-related adversities and common prepandemic determinants of these symptoms. The findings suggest that mental health during the pandemic was primarily shaped by traditional determinants of depression and anxiety symptoms and also by negative experiences during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Rao
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gina Dimitropoulos
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeanne V A Williams
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vandad Sharifi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Fahim
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amlish Munir
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew G M Bulloch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Scott B Patten
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tao TJ, Yung YYY, Lau AYT, Liu H, Liang L, Bryant FB, Hou WK. Savoring mediates the mental health benefits of positive coping processes: A prospective population-based analysis. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:158-178. [PMID: 37691133 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12476] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Positive coping (e.g., self-efficacy and positive reappraisal) and savoring could bear mental health implications under large-scale disasters such as COVID-19. The integrative affect-regulation framework of psychological resilience proposes that evaluative efforts regulate affect, which then predicts positive short-term consequences and better mental health. This two-wave study was done during the prolonged, intensive COVID-19 control rules in Hong Kong and examined (1) the prospective associations of positive coping processes (i.e., self-efficacy and positive reappraisal) (T1, March-August 2021) with subsequent psychiatric symptoms (T2, September 2021-February 2022) and (2) the mediating effect of T2 savoring in the associations. Path analyses revealed that T1 self-efficacy and positive reappraisal were inversely related to T2 psychiatric symptoms. T2 savoring partially mediated the effect of T1 self-efficacy but fully mediated the effect of T1 positive reappraisal. Self-efficacy could have more sustainable direct positive associations with mental health, whereas the benefit of positive reappraisal might need to be catalyzed by savoring over time. Our study offered concrete illustrations of the conceptual tenets of the affect-regulation framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Junchen Tao
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yoyo Yuk Yu Yung
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Abby Yan Tung Lau
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huinan Liu
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li Liang
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fred B Bryant
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Wai Kai Hou
- Centre for Psychosocial Health, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vo HT, Dao TD, Duong TV, Nguyen TT, Do BN, Do TX, Pham KM, Vu VH, Pham LV, Nguyen LTH, Le LTH, Nguyen HC, Dang NH, Nguyen TH, Nguyen AT, Nguyen HV, Nguyen PB, Nguyen HTT, Pham TTM, Le TT, Nguyen TTP, Tran CQ, Nguyen KT. Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder as modified by health literacy: an observational study in Vietnam. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024; 15:33-44. [PMID: 38481048 PMCID: PMC10982660 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0261] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a "social vaccine" that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnam from December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (using the 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. RESULTS Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD. Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63-2.12; p<0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; p=0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; p=0.001). CONCLUSION Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Thi Vo
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Tien Duc Dao
- Institute of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Military Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Van Duong
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tan Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Orthopedics, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
- Director Office, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Can Tho, Vietnam
| | - Binh Nhu Do
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Military Science, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tinh Xuan Do
- Department of Psychiatry, Military Hospital 103, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Khue Minh Pham
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Vinh Hai Vu
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Viet Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Linh Van Pham
- Department of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Diseases, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Lien Thi Hong Nguyen
- Department of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Diseases, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Lan Thi Huong Le
- Director Office, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- Training and Direction of Healthcare Activity Center, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- Biochemistry Department, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Cong Nguyen
- Director Office, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- President Office, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Nga Hoang Dang
- Training and Direction of Healthcare Activity Center, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- Department of Quality Control, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | | | - Anh The Nguyen
- Director Office, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hai Duong, Vietnam
| | - Hoan Van Nguyen
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Viet Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | | | - Hoai Thi Thanh Nguyen
- Training and Direction of Healthcare Activity Center, Kien An Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Thu Thi Minh Pham
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thuy Thi Le
- President Office, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen
- Institute for Community Health Research, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Cuong Quoc Tran
- Faculty of Public Health, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Kien Trung Nguyen
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wirkner J, Brakemeier EL. The crisis is over, long live the crisis: mental health in emerging adulthood during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1283919. [PMID: 38356763 PMCID: PMC10864646 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1283919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction As a multidimensional stressor, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to mental health, with studies showing younger age groups to be particularly vulnerable. Thus, this study aimed to monitor mental health, potential risk/protective factors, and pandemic-related variables among young university students during the pandemic. Methods Students of the University of Greifswald (M age = 23.0 years, 73.9% female) participated in five cross-sectional online surveys in December 2020 (N = 1,127), March 2021 (N = 760), June/July 2021 (N = 531), December 2021 (N = 1,226), and December 2022 (N = 814). Sociodemographic data, depression and anxiety severity, loneliness, quality of life, coping strategies, resilience, self-esteem, and emotion regulation were measured. First, results from December 2020 were compared to pre-pandemic normative data. Second, the time course during the pandemic was analyzed. Third, linear models were calculated to examine the influence of risk and protective factures on depression and anxiety severity. Results Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as lower levels of self-esteem, physical and mental health, social relationships and well-being were found in December 2020 compared to pre-pandemic. Levels of depression and anxiety severity peaked in December 2022. Female sex, loneliness, and previous mental treatment showed associations with higher depression and anxiety severity, while higher self-esteem, resilience and use of reappraisal strategies appeared to act as protective factors. Discussion The study indicates the pandemic's detrimental impact on students' mental health and quality of life. Identified risk and protective factors provide guidance for tailored prevention and treatment, as well as the design of measures for future pandemics and other crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva-Lotta Brakemeier
- Department for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute for Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fotinos K, Sansone A, Greifenberger A, Katzman MA, Jannini TB, Reisman Y, Limoncin E, Jannini EA. Pornography and sexual function in the post-pandemic period: a narrative review from psychological, psychiatric, and sexological perspectives. Int J Impot Res 2024:10.1038/s41443-023-00812-3. [PMID: 38184709 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns had significant impacts on sexual functioning and behavior. Partnered sexual activity decreased overall, while solo sex activities such as masturbation and pornography consumption increased exponentially. Given the ongoing debate about the effects of pornography on sexual function, it was prudent to consider how the increase in porn consumption during the pandemic might have impacted sexual function in the post-pandemic period. Results indicated that despite the increased rates of use during lockdowns, there remains no evidence supporting the relationship between sexual dysfunction and porn use during and following the pandemic period. On the contrary, pornography consumption and solo sex activities offered an alternative to conventional sexual behavior during a highly stressful period and were found to have positive effects of relieving psychosocial stress otherwise induced by the pandemic. Specifically, those who maintained an active sexual life experienced less anxiety and depression, and greater relational health than those who were not sexually active. It is important to consider factors including frequency, context, and type of consumption when analyzing the impact of pornography on sexual function. While excessive use can have negative effects, moderate use can be a natural and healthy part of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Fotinos
- Course of Clinical Psychosexology, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Stress Trauma Anxiety Rehabilitation Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alexandria Greifenberger
- Stress Trauma Anxiety Rehabilitation Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Martin A Katzman
- Stress Trauma Anxiety Rehabilitation Treatment (S.T.A.R.T.) Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Adler Graduate Professional School, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Tommaso B Jannini
- School of Psychiatry, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Erika Limoncin
- Course of Clinical Psychosexology, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bellerba F, Bardeck N, Boehm M, D'Ecclesiis O, Raimondi S, Tomezzoli E, Miranda MS, Alves IM, Alves D, Abecasis A, Gabellone V, Gabrielli E, Vaglio G, Shamsara E, Pfeifer N, Mommo C, Incardona F, Kaiser R, Gandini S. SARS-CoV-2 trends in Italy, Germany and Portugal and school opening during the period of Omicron variant dominance: A quasi experimental study in the EuCARE project. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 138:63-72. [PMID: 37956899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.11.002] [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] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of school reopening on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Italy, Germany, and Portugal in autumn 2022 when the Omicron variant was prevalent. METHODS A prospective international study was conducted using the case reproduction number (Rc) calculated with the time parametrization of Omicron. For Germany and Italy, staggered difference-in-differences analysis was employed to explore the causal relationship between school reopening and Rc changes, accounting for varying reopening dates. In Portugal, interrupted time series analysis was used due to simultaneous school reopenings. Multivariable models were adopted to adjust for confounders. RESULTS In Italy and Germany, post-reopening Rc estimates were significantly lower compared to those from regions/states that had not yet reopened at the same time points, both in the student population (overall average treatment effect for the treated subpopulation [O-ATT]: -0.80 [95% CI: -0.94;-0.66] for Italy; O-ATT-0.30 [95% CI: -0.36;-0.23] for Germany) and the adult population (O-ATT: -0.04 [95% CI: -0.07;-0.01] for Italy; O-ATT: -0.07 [95% CI: -0.11;-0.03] for Germany). In Portugal, there was a significant decreasing trend in Rc following school reopenings compared to the pre-reopening period (sustained effect: -0.03 [95% CI: -0.04; -0.03] in students; -0.02 [95% CI: -0.03; -0.02] in adults). CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence of a causal relationship between school reopenings in autumn 2022 and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bellerba
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nils Bardeck
- Institute of Virology, University Clinics of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Boehm
- Institute of Virology, University Clinics of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oriana D'Ecclesiis
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Raimondi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Tomezzoli
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mafalda Silva Miranda
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon (IHMT-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Martins Alves
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon (IHMT-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Alves
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon (IHMT-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Abecasis
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, New University of Lisbon (IHMT-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Valeria Gabellone
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elisa Gabrielli
- Specialisation School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Vaglio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Elham Shamsara
- Department of Computer Science, Methods in Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nico Pfeifer
- Department of Computer Science, Methods in Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Rolf Kaiser
- Institute of Virology, University Clinics of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sara Gandini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Monte V, Ang JYZ, Tsai W. Negative COVID-19 impacts and depressive symptoms over time among first-year college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:219-228. [PMID: 35113772 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2032085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the disruptions to social life, financial impact, and academic concerns caused by COVID-19 experienced by first-year college students, as well as their associations with depressive symptoms over time. Participants and Methods: Five hundred and thirty freshman college students completed an online survey at baseline and 14-week follow-up. Results: We found that female students reported greater COVID-19 academic concerns than males. Black students endorsed lower COVID-19 academic concerns and Latinx students reported greater negative COVID-19 financial impact compared to other ethnic groups. First-generation college students reported greater negative COVID-19 financial impact than domestic students. COVID-19 academic concerns and negative social and financial impacts were associated with greater depressive symptoms at baseline. However, only COVID-19 academic concerns were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms over time. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the academic, social, and financial disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have negative mental health consequences that should be addressed in research and university settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Monte
- Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - William Tsai
- Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cruise CE, Celis S, Lashewicz BM. "I haven't really gone through things like this": Young long-term care workers' experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Work 2024; 78:931-948. [PMID: 38189722 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230437] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term care (LTC) facilities were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Using life course theory concepts, we looked for conditions that led to worker moral distress -i.e. pain or anguish over not being able to take right action - and how life stage may influence experiences. OBJECTIVE To illuminate the experiences of adults under the age of 30 who stepped into, and/or persevered in, working in LTC during the pandemic, recognizing that this emerging workforce represents the future of LTC in Canada. METHODS This secondary analysis uses interview data from a sub-sample of 16 young workers between 18 and 29 years of age who had been working in Canadian LTC facilities for between 8 months and 7 years. RESULTS Young workers expressed feeling guilt about mourning the loss of socially significant milestones as these milestones paled by comparison to the loss of life and consequences of resident isolation they witnessed at work. To manage feelings of moral distress, young workers attempted to maintain high standards of care for LTC residents and engaged in self-care activities. For some workers, this was insufficient and leaving the field of LTC was their strategy to respond to their mental health needs. CONCLUSION The life stage of young LTC workers influenced their experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are needed to support young workers' wellbeing and job retention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cera E Cruise
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sofia Celis
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bonnie M Lashewicz
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Novotný JS, Gonzalez-Rivas JP, Kunzová Š, Skladaná M, Pospíšilová A, Polcrová A, Vassilaki M, Medina-Inojosa JR, Lopez-Jimenez F, Geda YE, Stokin GB. The long-term effects of consecutive COVID-19 waves on mental health. BJPsych Open 2023; 10:e15. [PMID: 38111960 PMCID: PMC10755548 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies have documented the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, the long-term effects remain unclear. AIMS To examine longitudinal changes in mental health before and during the consecutive COVID-19 waves in a well-established probability sample. METHOD An online survey was completed by the participants of the COVID-19 add-on study at four time points: pre-COVID-19 period (2014-2015, n = 1823), first COVID-19 wave (April to May 2020, n = 788), second COVID-19 wave (August to October 2020, n = 532) and third COVID-19 wave (March to April 2021, n = 383). Data were collected via a set of validated instruments, and analysed with latent growth models. RESULTS During the pandemic, we observed a significant increase in stress levels (standardised β = 0.473, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (standardised β = 1.284, P < 0.001). The rate of increase in depressive symptoms (std. covariance = 0.784, P = 0.014), but not in stress levels (std. covariance = 0.057, P = 0.743), was associated with the pre-pandemic mental health status of the participants. Further analysis showed that secondary stressors played a predominant role in the increase in mental health difficulties. The main secondary stressors were loneliness, negative emotionality associated with the perception of COVID-19 disease, lack of resilience, female gender and younger age. CONCLUSIONS The surge in stress levels and depressive symptoms persisted across all three consecutive COVID-19 waves. This persistence is attributable to the effects of secondary stressors, and particularly to the status of mental health before the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings reveal mechanisms underlying the surge in mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 waves, with direct implications for strategies promoting mental health during pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sebastian Novotný
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juan Pablo Gonzalez-Rivas
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic; and Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA
| | - Šárka Kunzová
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Skladaná
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic; and Second Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Pospíšilová
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Polcrová
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic; and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Vassilaki
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jose Ramon Medina-Inojosa
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; and Marriot Heart Disease Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Francisco Lopez-Jimenez
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yonas Endale Geda
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; and Franke Global Neuroscience Education Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Gorazd Bernard Stokin
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic; and Department of Neurology, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Al Anazi S, Bajamal E, Hantira N, Esheaba O. Exploring Parental Experiences With School-Aged Children Receiving Web-Based Learning: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e50892. [PMID: 38127833 PMCID: PMC10763989 DOI: 10.2196/50892] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based learning has transformed education. Its ability to overcome physical barriers and deliver knowledge at the click of a button has made web-based learning popular and ensured that it will continue to be used in the future. The involvement of parents in web-based learning is fundamental to the success of the educational process, but limited attention has been paid to the impact of web-based learning on parents. Objective This study examined parental experiences with school-aged children receiving web-based learning in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods We sent cross-sectional, anonymous web-based questionnaires to school-aged children's parents. A total of 184 parents completed the survey. Results Parents' negative experiences of web-based learning (mean 4.13, SD 0.62) exceeded their positive experiences (mean 3.52, SD 0.65). The most negative experience reported by parents was their child's boredom due to prolonged sitting in front of a device (mean 4.56, SD 0.69). The most positive experience was their child's technological skill enhancement (mean 3.98, SD 88). Their child's lack of social interaction and friendship building promoted stress among parents (r=-0.190; P=.01). At the same time, their child's technological skill enhancement reduced stress among parents (r=0.261; P=.001). The most reported (63/184, 34.2%) obstacle to web-based learning was having multiple learners in the same household. Conclusions Web-based learning is a fundamental learning method and will continue to be used in the future because of its ability to overcome many barriers to education. Parental involvement in the continuity and success of the web-based learning process is crucial. However, the findings of this study illustrated that parents' experiences of web-based learning were more negative than positive. Parents who reported negative experiences reported an increase in stress and faced more obstacles due to web-based learning. Thus, more attention and intervention are needed to promote positive web-based learning experiences among parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samaa Al Anazi
- College of Nursing, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Bajamal
- College of Nursing, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neama Hantira
- College of Nursing, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ola Esheaba
- Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dong K, Liu WC, Su Y, Lyu Y, Huang H, Zheng N, Rogers JA, Nan K. Scalable Electrophysiology of Millimeter-Scale Animals with Electrode Devices. BME FRONTIERS 2023; 4:0034. [PMID: 38435343 PMCID: PMC10907027 DOI: 10.34133/bmef.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Millimeter-scale animals such as Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila larvae, zebrafish, and bees serve as powerful model organisms in the fields of neurobiology and neuroethology. Various methods exist for recording large-scale electrophysiological signals from these animals. Existing approaches often lack, however, real-time, uninterrupted investigations due to their rigid constructs, geometric constraints, and mechanical mismatch in integration with soft organisms. The recent research establishes the foundations for 3-dimensional flexible bioelectronic interfaces that incorporate microfabricated components and nanoelectronic function with adjustable mechanical properties and multidimensional variability, offering unique capabilities for chronic, stable interrogation and stimulation of millimeter-scale animals and miniature tissue constructs. This review summarizes the most advanced technologies for electrophysiological studies, based on methods of 3-dimensional flexible bioelectronics. A concluding section addresses the challenges of these devices in achieving freestanding, robust, and multifunctional biointerfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kairu Dong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- College of Biomedical Engineering & Instrument Science,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Wen-Che Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuyan Su
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital,
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yidan Lyu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hao Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Nenggan Zheng
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- College of Computer Science and Technology,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- State Key Lab of Brain-Machine Intelligence,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- CCAI by MOE and Zhejiang Provincial Government (ZJU), Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - John A. Rogers
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics,
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering,
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Kewang Nan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems,
Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321299, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jensen-Campbell LA, Liegey Dougall A, Heller AC, Iyer-Eimerbrink P, Bland MK, Hull K. Do Social Support and Loneliness Influence Emerging Adults' Mental Health during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Brain Sci 2023; 13:1691. [PMID: 38137139 PMCID: PMC10741457 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13121691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Youths' mental health is at a crisis level, with mental health problems doubling in the US since the pandemic began. To compound the mental health crisis, there is a global loneliness epidemic, with emerging adults worldwide experiencing some of the highest rates. One study with two phases examined the influence of social support and loneliness on mental health in US emerging adults during the pandemic, including changes in these relationships over one year. Emerging adults (N = 449) completed online questionnaires via Prolific in May 2020 (Phase 1) and again from January to May 2021 (N = 253; Phase 2). More perceived support was related to reduced loneliness, with family support having the most significant influence. Loneliness mediated the link between perceived support and adverse health outcomes. Higher loneliness predicted more perceived stress and sleep difficulties concurrently and over time. There was a bidirectional relationship between loneliness and depression, such that higher levels of either variable at Time 1 predicted increases in the other over time. Results highlight the detrimental impact of loneliness on emerging adults' mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauri A. Jensen-Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Angela Liegey Dougall
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Abigail C. Heller
- Department of Psychology, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA;
| | - Priya Iyer-Eimerbrink
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75241, USA;
| | - Michelle K. Bland
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Kristen Hull
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.L.D.); (M.K.B.); (K.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Curtis MG, Floresca YB, Davoudpour S, Xu J, Phillips G. Patterns of COVID-19 related lifestyle disruptions and their associations with mental health outcomes among youth and young adults. JOURNAL OF MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS 2023; 4:100029. [PMID: 38125785 PMCID: PMC10732581 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjmad.2023.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a socionatural disaster that has disrupted the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Youth and young adults (YYA) were uniquely vulnerable to the proximal mental health effects of the pandemic; however, few studies have examined the long-term mental health effects of the pandemic. In the present study, we sought to (a) identity distinctive profiles of COVID-related lifestyle disruptions experienced by YYA, (b) investigate sociodemographic characteristics correlates of profile membership, and (c) examine the extent to which profile membership was prospectively associated with changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Hypothesis were tested using latent profile analysis with data from 1055 YYA collected across two time-points, 6-months apart. Results produced a three-class model: low- (11%), moderate- (61%), and high-levels of (28%) disruption. Members of the high levels of disruption group were more likely to identify as Black or Latinx American, bisexual/pansexual, or as transgender or gender diverse in comparison to the low levels of disruption group. Inclusion in the high levels of disruption group was associated with increases in depressive and anxiety symptoms from T1 to T2. YYA from multiple marginalize communities (i. e. those who identified as both racial/ethnic and sexual/gender minorities) experienced the greatest levels of lifestyle disruption related to COVID-19. Consequently, disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic prospectively eroded their mental health. YYA are in urgent need of developmentally appropriate resources to effectively recovery from the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Curtis
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Ysabel Beatrice Floresca
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Shahin Davoudpour
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
| | - Gregory Phillips
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
- Division of Public Health Practice, Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lan H, Suo X, Zuo C, Pan N, Zhang X, Kemp GJ, Gong Q, Wang S. Distinct pre-COVID brain structural signatures in COVID-19-related post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:11373-11383. [PMID: 37804248 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad372] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth are common co-occurring psychological responses following exposure to traumatic events (such as COVID-19 pandemic), their mutual relationship remains unclear. To explore this relationship, structural magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 115 general college students before the COVID-19 pandemic, and follow-up post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth measurements were collected during the pandemic. Voxel-based morphometry was conducted and individual structural covariance networks based on gray matter volume were further analyzed using graph theory and partial least squares correlation. Behavioral correlation found no significant relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth. Voxel-based morphometry analyses showed that post-traumatic stress symptoms were positively correlated with gray matter volume in medial prefrontal cortex/dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and post-traumatic growth was negatively correlated with gray matter volume in left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Structural covariance network analyses found that post-traumatic stress symptoms were negatively correlated with the local efficiency and clustering coefficient of the network. Moreover, partial least squares correlation showed that post-traumatic stress symptoms were correlated with pronounced nodal properties patterns in default mode, sensory and motor regions, and a marginal correlation of post-traumatic growth with a nodal property pattern in emotion regulation-related regions. This study advances our understanding of the neurobiological substrates of post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth, and suggests that they may have different neuroanatomical features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Lan
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xueling Suo
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chao Zuo
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Nanfang Pan
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Graham J Kemp
- Liverpool Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre (LiMRIC) and Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Guardino CM, Whittaker F, Williams EA, Franchini M. Resilience resources, coping, and health outcomes in college students during the Covid-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37988057 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2269446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Resilience resources are predispositions that promote individuals' abilities to cope with stress. Objective: The current cross-sectional study used path analysis with parallel multiple mediators to test whether coping behaviors mediated associations between resilience resources and somatic, depression, and anxiety symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: Undergraduates at a small Northeastern college (n = 193) completed online surveys assessing resilience resources, coping, and symptoms. Results: Results support significant indirect effects from resilience resources to somatic symptoms through positive reinterpretation and growth, mental disengagement, and substance use. Total indirect effects for depressive symptoms were driven by mental disengagement and substance use, with a direct effect of resilience resources. The effect of resilience resources on anxiety symptoms was mediated by mental disengagement, and there was a direct effect of resilience resources. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that some coping strategies link resilience resources to better outcomes, potentially informing interventions for adaptive coping during public health crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Freya Whittaker
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eleanor A Williams
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meredith Franchini
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Shah HA, Househ M. Understanding Loneliness in Younger People: Review of the Opportunities and Challenges for Loneliness Interventions. Interact J Med Res 2023; 12:e45197. [PMID: 37917125 PMCID: PMC10654910 DOI: 10.2196/45197] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness affects the quality of life of people all around the world. Loneliness is also shown to be directly associated with mental health issues and is often the cause of mental health problems. It is also shown to increase the risk of heart diseases and other physical illnesses. Loneliness is studied both from the social and medical sciences perspectives. There are also interventions on the basis of health informatics, information and communication technologies (ICTs), social media, and other technological solutions. In the literature, loneliness is studied from various angles and perspectives ranging from biological to socioeconomical and through anthropological understandings of technology. From the ICT and technological sides, there are multiple reviews studying the effectiveness of intervention strategies and solutions. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive review on loneliness that engulfs the psychological, social, and technological studies of loneliness. From the perspective of loneliness informatics (ie, the application of health informatics practices and tools), it is important to understand the psychological and biological basis of loneliness. When it comes to technological interventions to fight off loneliness, the majority of interventions focus on older people. While loneliness is highest among older people, theoretical and demographical studies of loneliness give a U-shaped distribution age-wise to loneliness; that is, younger people and older people are the demographics most affected by loneliness. But the strategies and interventions designed for older people cannot be directly applied to younger people. We present the dynamics of loneliness in younger people and also provide an overview of the technological interventions for loneliness in younger people. This paper presents an approach wherein the studies carried out from the perspectives of digital health and informatics are discussed in detail. A comprehensive overview of the understanding of loneliness and the study of the overall field of tools and strategies of loneliness informatics was carried out. The need to study loneliness in younger people is addressed and particular digital solutions and interventions developed for younger people are presented. This paper can be used to overcome the challenges of technological gaps in the studies and strategies developed for loneliness. The findings of this study show that the majority of interventions and reviews are focused on older people, with ICT-based and social media-based interventions showing promise for countering the effects of loneliness. There are new technologies, such as conversational agents and robots, which are tailored to the particular needs of younger people. This literature review suggests that the digital solutions developed to overcome loneliness can benefit people, and younger people in particular, more if they are made interactive in order to retain users.
Collapse
|
33
|
Moin JS, Vigod SN, Plumptre L, Troke N, Asaria M, Papanicolas I, Wodchis WP, Brail S, Anderson G. Sex differences among children, adolescents and young adults for mental health service use within inpatient and outpatient settings, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073616. [PMID: 37914301 PMCID: PMC10626835 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pandemic and public health response to contain the virus had impacts on many aspects of young people's lives including disruptions to daily routines, opportunities for social, academic, recreational engagement and early employment. Consequently, children, adolescents and young adults may have experienced mental health challenges that required use of mental health services. This study compared rates of use for inpatient and outpatient mental health services during the pandemic to pre-pandemic rates. DESIGN Population-based repeated cross-sectional study. SETTING Publicly delivered mental healthcare in primary and secondary settings within the province of Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS All children 6-12 years of age (n=2 043 977), adolescents 13-17 years (n=1 708 754) and young adults 18-24 years (n=2 286 544), living in Ontario and eligible for provincial health insurance between March 2016 and November 2021. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Outpatient mental health visits to family physicians and psychiatrists for: mood and anxiety disorders, alcohol and substance abuse disorders, other non-psychotic mental health disorders and social problems. Inpatient mental health visits to emergency departments and hospitalisations for: substance-related and addictive disorders, anxiety disorders, assault-related injuries, deliberate self-harm and eating disorders. All outcomes were analysed by cohort and sex. RESULTS During the pandemic, observed outpatient visit rates were higher among young adults by 19.01% (95% CI: 15.56% to 22.37%; 209 vs 175 per 1000) and adolescent women 24.17% (95% CI: 18.93% to 29.15%; 131 vs 105 per 1000) for mood and anxiety disorders and remained higher than expected. Female adolescents had higher than expected usage of inpatient care for deliberate self-harm, eating disorders and assault-related injuries. CONCLUSIONS Study results raise concerns over prolonged high rates of mental health use during the pandemic, particularly in female adolescents and young women, and highlights the need to better monitor and identify mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19 containment measures and to develop policies to address these concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John S Moin
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simone N Vigod
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Miqdad Asaria
- Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Irene Papanicolas
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Walter P Wodchis
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shauna Brail
- Institute for Management & Innovation, University of Toronto Mississauga, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geoff Anderson
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jain N, Ali T, Chaudhury S, Chaudhari B, Saldanha D. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the psychosocial health of medical students. Ind Psychiatry J 2023; 32:S201-S205. [PMID: 38370945 PMCID: PMC10871437 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_221_23] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic had many psychological adverse effects due to fear and panic of infection. However social distancing and lockdown restrictions imposed to curb the spread of infection had an impact on the social life of people. The effects of this on the psychosocial health of the population were less explored area. Aim To study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the psychosocial health of medical students. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on medical students with the help of an online Google Form administering a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic information; Coronavirus Social Distance Attitudes Scale and Attitude toward lockdown measure to assess favorable or opposing attitudes of participants toward social distancing and lockdown; Bergen Social Relationship Scale, Evaluation of Social System scale and Social Support Questionnaire to measure quality of social relations and social support satisfaction; and three item loneliness scale to evaluate feeling of loneliness. Results The loneliness levels in participants were high (mean = 6.74 ± 0.79). There was a gender difference in the variables measured. Male students showed a favorable attitude toward social distancing (Positive social distance attitude scale P < 0.001, negative social distance attitude scale P < 0.001) and a better quality of social relations (Bergen Social relationship P < 0.001, evaluation of social system P < 0.001, SSQN P < 0.001, SSQS P < 0.001). However, male students scored more for loneliness as compared to females during the lockdown period (P < 0.001). Conclusion The loneliness levels were high in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and even higher in males who were considered a non-vulnerable group. So the balanced approach between preventive restriction measures and the social connectedness of the population is advised for making social distancing policies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitya Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tahoora Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suprakash Chaudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Bhushan Chaudhari
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Daniel Saldanha
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Padmanabhanunni A, Pretorius TB. Fear of COVID-19, Perceived Stress, and PTSD: The Serial Mediating Role of Sense of Coherence. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2399-2409. [PMID: 37998059 PMCID: PMC10670897 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The literature has identified that a sense of coherence plays a protective role in the relationship between adverse events and mental health. The current study examines the role of a sense of coherence (SOC) in the relationship between fear of COVID-19, perceived stress, and dimensions of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants (n = 322) were students at a metropolitan university in South Africa who completed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the 13-item Sense of Coherence Scale, and the PTSD Checklist. Path analysis was used to conduct a serial mediation analysis. The results show that SOC mediates the relationship between perceived stress and the dimensions of PTSD but does not mediate the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and PTSD. Furthermore, the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and dimensions of PTSD was mediated by serial perceived stress and sense of coherence, supporting the hypothesis that higher levels of fear of COVID-19 leads to higher levels of perceived stress. However, while high levels of fear of COVID-19 increase perceived stress, SOC significantly mediates the subsequent impact on PTSD symptoms.
Collapse
|
36
|
Lu L, Hannigan LJ, Brandlistuen RE, Nesvåg R, Trogstad L, Magnus P, Unnarsdóttir AB, Valdimarsdóttir UA, Andreassen OA, Ask H. Mental Distress Among Norwegian Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Predictors in Initial Response and Subsequent Trajectories. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606164. [PMID: 38024210 PMCID: PMC10630161 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606164] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To identify factors associated with change in mental distress at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, relative to pre-pandemic levels, and with changes during the following 1.5 years. Methods: The prospective Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study collected eight waves of data during the pandemic (March 2020-September 2021) in 105,972 adult participants used for this analyses. A piecewise latent growth model was fitted to identify initial level and longitudinal changes in mental distress. Results: Mental distress peaked at the beginning of the pandemic. Factors associated with initial increases were: medical conditions, living alone, history of psychiatric disorders, lower education, female sex, younger age, and obesity. Being quarantined or infected with SARS-CoV-2 were associated with increasing distress while being vaccinated was associated with reduced mental distress. Conclusion: Having a chronic disease and being quarantined or infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus were associated with more mental distress during the pandemic. This knowledge is important for planning interventions to support individuals during future pandemics and other societal crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Lu
- Institute of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Norment Centre, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laurie J. Hannigan
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ragnhild E. Brandlistuen
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnar Nesvåg
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lill Trogstad
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Bára Unnarsdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Unnur A. Valdimarsdóttir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ole A. Andreassen
- Norment Centre, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norment Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helga Ask
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Promenta Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Francis-Levin N, Ghazal LV, Francis-Levin J, Zebrack B, Chen M, Zhang A. Exploring the Relationship between Self-Rated Health and Unmet Cancer Needs among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9291-9303. [PMID: 37887571 PMCID: PMC10605547 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100671] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the unmet needs of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors by comparing SGM AYA self-rated health (SRH) scores to their non-SGM (i.e., cisgender/heterosexual) counterparts. The Cancer Needs Questionnaire-Young People (CNQ-YP) and self-rated health measures were used to assess unmet needs in AYAs aged 15-39 who had been diagnosed with cancer in the previous ten years (n = 342). Participants were recruited from a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center registry using the modified Dillman's method. Self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) data were collected. Independent t-tests were used to test between-group differences in unmet needs and Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine the difference in SRH scores between SGM and non-SGM AYA cancer survivors. SGM AYA cancer survivors reported greater mean needs than their non-SGM counterparts across all six domains and reported significantly greater needs in the domains of Feelings and Relationships, t(314) = -2.111, p = 0.036, Information and Activities, t(314) = -2.594, p = 0.009, and Education, t(207) = -3.289, p < 0.001. SGM versus non-SGM SRH scores were significantly different, indicating that a higher percentage of SGM AYAs reported poor/fair health compared to those who were non-SGM. Unmet life and activities needs were negatively associated with AYA cancer survivors' SRH, whereas unmet work needs were positively associated with AYA cancer survivors' SRH. An AYA's gender identity (SGM versus non-SGM) was not a moderator. SGM AYAs are an understudied group within an already vulnerable patient population. Unmet psychosocial needs related to one's feelings and relationships, and information and activity needs merit further research to develop tailored interventions that reflect the experiences of SGM AYAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Francis-Levin
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Lauren V. Ghazal
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Jess Francis-Levin
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA;
| | - Bradley Zebrack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Meiyan Chen
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Anao Zhang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (B.Z.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vacchiano M, Politi E, Lueders A. The COVID-19 pandemic as an existential threat: Evidence on young people's psychological vulnerability using a Multifaceted Threat Scale. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292894. [PMID: 37824537 PMCID: PMC10569596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Research offers evidence that younger generations suffered the most psychologically from the COVID-19 crisis. In this article, we look at the onset of the pandemic to understand the reasons for this increased vulnerability. We use the COVID-19 Multifaceted Threat Scale to explore potential mechanisms underlying generational differences in psychological well-being. In a sample of 994 individuals (+18) obtained in the USA and India, we first assess levels of perceived psychological well-being across the generations. Thus, we measure cross-generational differences in the perceived levels of financial, relational, existential, health and lifestyle threats experienced by respondents seven months after the pandemic broke out. In accordance with earlier findings, the results confirm that people from Generation Z and Generation Y reported worse levels of psychological well-being than older adults. Our results suggest that the heightened existential threat, as reflected in a loss of meaning and feelings of being "trapped", mediate the association between younger generations and worse psychological well-being. No substantial intergenerational differences were found for other threat dimensions. The observed effects were consistent across both national contexts, hence stressing the importance of existential concerns as a mechanism underlying the psychological vulnerability of younger people in the historical contingencies of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Vacchiano
- Department of Sociology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Politi
- Laboratory of Social Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for Social and Cultural Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Lueders
- Institute of Communication Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wingerson MJ, Baugh CM, Provance AJ, Armento A, Walker GA, Howell DR. Changes in Quality of Life, Sleep, and Physical Activity During COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Athletes. J Athl Train 2023; 58:887-894. [PMID: 36827615 PMCID: PMC11215709 DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-0529.22] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The abrupt cessation of school and sport participation during the COVID-19 pandemic may have negative implications for adolescent mental health. OBJECTIVES To (1) compare mental, physical, and social health and behaviors during pandemic-related stay-at-home mandates with the same measures collected 1 to 2 years earlier and (2) evaluate the relationships between physical activity and sleep during the pandemic and changes in anxiety, fatigue, and peer relationships between assessment times. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Pediatric sports medicine center. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS A total of 39 high school athletes (25 adolescent girls, 14 adolescent boys; age = 16.2 ± 0.9 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement System anxiety, fatigue, and peer relationships short forms and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were completed twice (initial assessment in May 2018 or 2019, follow-up assessment in May or June 2020). Frequency and duration of physical activity and frequency of interaction with other individuals (family, peers, sport coaches, etc) were self-reported at follow-up assessment for the 2 weeks before school or sport closure and the 2 weeks before questionnaire completion. RESULTS Higher levels of anxiety (5.5 ± 4.0 versus 3.6 ± 3.4 points; P = .003) and fatigue (5.4 ± 3.7 versus 2.3 ± 2.5 points; P < .001) and worse sleep quality (6.6 ± 2.9 versus 4.3 ± 2.3 points; P < .001) were observed during the pandemic compared with previous assessments. Reductions in physical activity were noted between assessments (exercise duration: 86.4 ± 41.0 versus 53.8 ± 30.0 minutes; P < .001). Sleep quality but not physical activity during the pandemic predicted changes in fatigue (P = .03, β = 0.44 [95% CI = 0.06, 0.83]) and peer relationships (P = .01, β = -0.65 [95% CI = -1.16, -0.15]) from initial to follow-up assessment. CONCLUSIONS Mental and physical health declined during stay-at-home mandates compared with assessments 1 to 2 years earlier. Physical activity behaviors and sources of social interaction underwent changes after school and sport cessation. Sleep quality may have provided some protection against declining adolescent mental health during the pandemic, although this relationship requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathew J. Wingerson
- Department of Orthopedics, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Christine M. Baugh
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Aaron J. Provance
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Aubrey Armento
- Department of Orthopedics, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora
| | - Gregory A. Walker
- Department of Orthopedics, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora
| | - David R. Howell
- Department of Orthopedics, Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Sports Medicine Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pedersen HF, Stripp TK, Hvidt NC, Isene TA, la Cour P, Stålsett G, Danbolt LJ. Mental health of Scandinavians during the first lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic: Psychosocial resources and coping strategies as protective or risk factors for anxiety and depression. Scand J Psychol 2023; 64:543-551. [PMID: 36871196 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12911] [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] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic was a global health and economic crisis. In the early phase of the pandemic, studies found that populations were reporting lower levels of mental well-being and high levels of distress and worry. This study investigated potential protective and risk factors such as sociodemographics and psychological factors such as adaptation/coping. METHODS Two convenience samples from Norway and Denmark were recruited during the early phase of the first lockdown in May 2020 using snowball sampling primarily by social media. Measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) for screening anxiety and depression, COVID-19 distress, and coping strategies applied during the lockdown. Descriptive analyses were applied as well as bivariate correlations for associations between coping and mental health measures. RESULTS Levels of anxiety and depression were not alarmingly high, but being young, single, and female constituted a higher risk for poorer mental health. Applying positive reframing strategies was negatively associated with poor mental health and high COVID-19 stress, whereas distraction coping strategies were positively correlated with poor mental health and high COVID-19 stress. CONCLUSION Applying positive reframing as a coping strategy may constitute a protective factor for mental health in the early phase of a crisis such as a pandemic. This knowledge may inform public health agencies on how to promote mental health in similar situations in the future. However, longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of the different coping strategies applied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi F Pedersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Center for Existential Health, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tobias K Stripp
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels C Hvidt
- Research Unit of General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tor-Arne Isene
- Research Center for Existential Health, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Peter la Cour
- Research Center for Existential Health, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Gry Stålsett
- MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars J Danbolt
- Research Center for Existential Health, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Remesan AK, Sekaran VC, Jothikaran TAJ, Ashok L. Substance Use among Emerging Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review through the Lens of Sustainable Development Goals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6834. [PMID: 37835104 PMCID: PMC10572374 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196834] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Public health initiatives, including lockdowns to reduce the spread of COVID-19, have resulted in societal stressors like loneliness, job loss, and economic collapse linked to worsening mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and coping-related substance use. The various psychosocial stressors caused by the pandemic have potentially led to the increased use of substances across the globe, particularly among emerging adults. The current study summarises the literature on substance use among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The terms "coronavirus", "COVID-19", "substance use", "substance abuse", "drug use", drug abuse", "emerging adults", and "young adults" were all used in different combinations throughout the search, using the Scopus, PubMed, and JSTOR databases. Using this method, a total of 28 English-language citations published between 2020 and 2023 were obtained. Following a study of the articles mentioned above, 16 papers were removed. The remaining 12 papers were included in this review. Even though substance use dropped when COVID-19 lockdowns began, it rose when restrictions were removed, particularly among those with prior substance use. Studies related to mental health need to assess substance use, as many emerging adults use substances to cope with distress, including isolation and loneliness, which are part of the current mental health crisis among emerging adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajith K. Remesan
- Department of Health Policy, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India;
| | - Varalakshmi Chandra Sekaran
- Department of Health Policy, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India;
| | - Teddy Andrews Jaihind Jothikaran
- Department of Social and Health Innovation, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (T.A.J.J.); (L.A.)
| | - Lena Ashok
- Department of Social and Health Innovation, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India; (T.A.J.J.); (L.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Theron LC, Cockcroft K, Annalakshmi N, Rodgers JG, Akinduyo TE, Fouché A. Emerging Adult Resilience to the Early Stages of the COVID-Pandemic: A Systematic Scoping Review. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01585-y. [PMID: 37698747 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Human resilience to COVID-19 related stressors remains a pressing concern following the aftereffects of the pandemic and in the face of probable future pandemics. In response, we systematically scoped the available literature (n = 2030 records) to determine the nature and extent of research on emerging adults' adaptive responses to COVID-19 stressors in the early stages of the pandemic. Using a multisystem resilience framework, our narrative review of 48 eligible studies unpacks the personal, relational, institutional and/or physical ecological resources that enabled positive emerging adult outcomes to COVID-18 stressors. We found that there is a geographical bias in studies on this topic, with majority world contexts poorly represented. Resources leading to positive outcomes foregrounded psychological and social support, while institutional and ecological supports were seldom mentioned. Multisystemic combinations of resources were rarely considered. This knowledge has valuable implications for understanding resilience in the context of other large-scale adverse conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L C Theron
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, Groenkloof Campus, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - K Cockcroft
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - N Annalakshmi
- Psychology Department, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - J G Rodgers
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - T E Akinduyo
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A Fouché
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Skalidou S, Anestis A, Skalidis E, Kontaxi O, Kyrezi A, Konstantinou P, Papadimitriou K. A Repeated Cross-Sectional Pilot Study of Physical Activity, Levels of Depression and Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Young Greek Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2493. [PMID: 37761690 PMCID: PMC10530675 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182493] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this repeated cross-sectional pilot study was to investigate the impact of participating in PA on the mental health of young adults in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out during two quarantine periods: Survey I on 5 May 2020, and Survey II on 30 April 2021. The Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scales and the level of PA were used to assess a sample of individuals aged between 18 and 26 years old. In 2020 and 2021, a total of 268 (33.9% males) and 380 (37.1% females) subjects participated in the studies, respectively. According to the findings, the vast majority of the participants in both samples reported that they are physically active (p = 0.86), while they consider exercise as a significant health factor (p = 0.10). Moreover, anxiety levels statistically significant increased (p = 0.001), while depression levels remained relatively stable with a slight increase of approximately (p > 0.05). Additionally, in both surveys, individuals who engaged in a PA program exhibited reduced levels of depression and anxiety (p = 0.001). Also, gender appears to influence anxiety and depression levels, while a lack of exercise exacerbates these measures in both genders when compared to physically active individuals. Concludingly, it is crucial for public health strategies to include interventions that promote safe PA in the event of future lockdowns or similar emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smaragda Skalidou
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.S.); (A.A.); (E.S.); (A.K.)
- Surgical Department, York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York YO31 8HE, UK;
| | - Andreas Anestis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.S.); (A.A.); (E.S.); (A.K.)
- Division of Science and Technology, The American College of Thessaloniki, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Skalidis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.S.); (A.A.); (E.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Ourania Kontaxi
- Surgical Department, York & Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, York YO31 8HE, UK;
| | - Athanasia Kyrezi
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.S.); (A.A.); (E.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Panagiota Konstantinou
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Bioscience Education, King’s College, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Konstantinos Papadimitriou
- Faculty of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of East London, Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, 54624 Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ubillos-Landa S, Puente-Martínez A, González-Castro JL. Psychological withdrawal and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study. Psychol Health 2023; 38:1361-1377. [PMID: 34955057 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.2019254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The first objective was to track temporal changes in participants' mental health during the 2020 lockdown in Spain. Second, we tested whether age moderated the association between the use of psychological withdrawal and mental health over time. Design: Participants (N = 396, 74% women) completed three waves of a web-based survey during the lockdown. Age mean was 40.11 (sd = 12.66). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants answered a set of sociodemographic data, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the Measures of Affect Regulation Scale (MARS). RESULTS Disruptions and withdrawal were associated with more mental health symptoms (between 39% and 41% mental distress). Growth models showed that social dysfunction increased over time while dysphoric symptoms decreased. The use of withdrawal aggravated social dysfunction symptoms. Young people who use more withdrawal experienced more social dysfunction and dysphoria over time than those who used less withdrawal strategies. CONCLUSION The differential trends in social dysfunction versus dysphoria symptoms suggest an adaptation process after the initial stress of the lockdown. Older age was correlated with less mental health problems and reflects age related improvements in emotional regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ubillos-Landa
- Department of Social Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Burgos (UBU), Burgos, Spain
| | - Alicia Puente-Martínez
- Department of Social Psychology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Salamanca (USAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Educational Science, Faculty of Education, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Buechner H, Toparlak SM, Ostinelli EG, Shokraneh F, Nicholls-Mindlin J, Cipriani A, Geddes JR, Syed Sheriff R. Community interventions for anxiety and depression in adults and young people: A systematic review. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2023; 57:1223-1242. [PMID: 36722407 PMCID: PMC10466972 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221150362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests that community-based interventions may be effective for anxiety and depression. This study aimed to describe studies of community interventions delivered to adults and/or young people, either in person or online, evaluated in randomised controlled trials and provide an indication as to their effectiveness, acceptability, quality of data and where possible, mechanisms of action. We included interventions delivered at and/or by museums, art galleries, libraries, gardens, music groups/choirs and sports clubs. METHOD We developed and followed a preregistered protocol: PROSPERO CRD42020204471. Randomised controlled trials in adults and young people were identified in an extensive search with no date/time, language, document type and publication status limitations. Studies were selected according to predetermined eligibility criteria and data independently extracted and then assessed using Risk of Bias 1. The studies were deemed too heterogeneous for meta-analysis and were therefore reported using a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Our analysis included 31 studies, with 2898 participants. Community interventions most studied in randomised controlled trials were community music (12 studies, 1432 participants), community exercise (14 studies, 955 participants) and community gardens/gardening (6 studies, 335 participants). The majority of studies were from high-income countries - many were in specific populations (such as those with physical health problems) and were generally of low quality. Dropout rates across the included studies were low (1 participant on average per 100 participants). The inadequate description of interventions limited identification of potential mechanisms of action. DISCUSSION The uncertainty of the evidence allows only a weak recommendation in support of community interventions for anxiety and depression. The results suggest community engagement is a promising area for wide-reaching interventions to be implemented and evaluated, but more high-quality trials are needed, especially in young people and under-represented communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sureyya M Toparlak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Edoardo G Ostinelli
- Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Farhad Shokraneh
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - John R Geddes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Syed Sheriff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Barbalat G, Tanguy Melac A, Zante E, Haesebaert F, Franck N. Predictors of mental well-being over the first lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic in France. A repeated cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1234023. [PMID: 37701911 PMCID: PMC10493269 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1234023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Numerous studies have investigated the positive and negative effects of potential predictors of well-being during lockdowns due to COVID-19. Yet, little is known on whether these effects significantly changed with time spent in lockdown. In the current study, we described the association of mental well-being with a large number of background characteristics (e.g., socio-demographic or health-related factors), COVID-related factors, and coping strategies, over the duration of the first lockdown due to COVID-19 in France. Methods A nationwide online survey was conducted over 7 of the 8 weeks of the 1st lockdown in France, i.e., from 25 March 2020 to 10 May 2020. The level of mental well-being was reported using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). We also measured various background characteristics (e.g., age, sex, education, health issues), COVID-related factors (e.g., health and economic risks, agreement with lockdown), and coping strategies. Our analytical strategy enabled us to disentangle effects aggregated over the study period from those that linearly vary with time spent in lockdown. Results Our final dataset included 18,957 participants. The level of mental well-being dropped gradually from the third to the eighth week of lockdown [49.7 (sd 7.9) to 45.5 (sd 10.6)]. Time in lockdown was associated with a decrease in well-being (for each additional 10 days of lockdown: B = -0.30, 95%CI: -0.62, -0.15). Factors that showed significantly negative and positive effects on well-being as time in lockdown progressed were (for each additional 10 days of lockdown): having current psychiatric problems (B = -0.37; 95%CI: -0.63, -0.04), worries about having access to personal protective equipment (B = -0.09; 95%CI: -0.18, -0.01), coping by having positive beliefs about the future of the pandemics (B = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.62), being supported by neighbors (B = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.44), and being involved in collective actions (B = 0.23; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.46). Discussion Participants from our sample saw a drop in their mental well-being throughout the first period of COVID-19 lockdown. Policymakers should be mindful of factors contributing to greater deterioration of mental well-being over time, such as having current psychiatric issues. Promoting collective actions and local support from neighbors may alleviate the deterioration of mental well-being over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Barbalat
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- UMR 5229, CNRS and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Pôle Centre rive gauche, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | | | - Elodie Zante
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Frédéric Haesebaert
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- PSYR2, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR 5292, CRNL, Université de Lyon, UCBL, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Franck
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- UMR 5229, CNRS and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Pôle Centre rive gauche, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mabire-Yon R, Le Bonniec A, Arnaud S, Préau M. Organization of psychosocial factors associated with worry about acquiring SARS-CoV-2 among women undergoing cancer treatment: an empirical network comparison approach. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 42:315-332. [PMID: 37632453 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2246126] [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] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pandemic-induced anxiety can have adverse mental and somatic health consequences on cancer patients (CP). This study aimed to (1) explore the intricate relationships between worry related to potential SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 perception, sociodemographic factors, and the perceived effectiveness of lockdown measures and (2) investigate if these relationships differ between cancer patients and individuals without a history of cancer (IWHC). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative study in France between December 1 and 14, 2020. Network analysis was employed on a sample of 1889 women, including 282 cancer patients and 1607 noncancer individuals. RESULTS Our findings indicate that CP were 20% more likely to express worry than IWHC. Anxiety is embedded within a complex network involving sociodemographic, cognitive, and emotional factors. The emotional components related to COVID-19 perception were found to play a crucial role. The networks for both groups were observed to be identical. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the heightened vulnerability of cancer patients to pandemic-induced anxiety, emphasizing the crucial role of emotional components related to COVID-19 perception. The observed similarities in the anxiety network between cancer patients and those without a history of cancer suggest that universal approaches might be effective across groups. IMPLICATIONS Utilizing the Causal Attitude Network Model, we propose potential methods for managing and reducing individual anxiety levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Mabire-Yon
- Unit Inserm U1296, Radiations: Defense, Health and Environment, Institute of Psychology - University Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France
| | - Alice Le Bonniec
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siméone Arnaud
- Unit Inserm U1296, Radiations: Defense, Health and Environment, Institute of Psychology - University Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France
| | - Marie Préau
- Unit Inserm U1296, Radiations: Defense, Health and Environment, Institute of Psychology - University Lumière Lyon 2, Bron, France
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Murray A, Ushakova A, Zhu X, Yang Y, Xiao Z, Brown R, Speyer L, Ribeaud D, Eisner M. Predicting Participation Willingness in Ecological Momentary Assessment of General Population Health and Behavior: Machine Learning Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e41412. [PMID: 37531181 PMCID: PMC10433031 DOI: 10.2196/41412] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is widely used in health research to capture individuals' experiences in the flow of daily life. The majority of EMA studies, however, rely on nonprobability sampling approaches, leaving open the possibility of nonrandom participation concerning the individual characteristics of interest in EMA research. Knowledge of the factors that predict participation in EMA research is required to evaluate this possibility and can also inform optimal recruitment strategies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the extent to which being willing to participate in EMA research is related to respondent characteristics and to identify the most critical predictors of participation. METHODS We leveraged the availability of comprehensive data on a general young adult population pool of potential EMA participants and used and compared logistic regression, classification and regression trees, and random forest approaches to evaluate respondents' characteristic predictors of willingness to participate in the Decades-to-Minutes EMA study. RESULTS In unadjusted logistic regression models, gender, migration background, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, stress, and prosociality were significant predictors of participation willingness; in logistic regression models, mutually adjusting for all predictors, migration background, tobacco use, and social exclusion were significant predictors. Tree-based approaches also identified migration status, tobacco use, and prosociality as prominent predictors. However, overall, willingness to participate in the Decades-to-Minutes EMA study was only weakly predictable from respondent characteristics. Cross-validation areas under the curve for the best models were only in the range of 0.56 to 0.57. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that migration background is the single most promising target for improving EMA participation and sample representativeness; however, more research is needed to improve prediction of participation in EMA studies in health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aja Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasia Ushakova
- Centre for Health Informatics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Xinxin Zhu
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Zhuoni Xiao
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Brown
- Clinical Psychology Department, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lydia Speyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Denis Ribeaud
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Eisner
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Bertoletti A, Cannistrà M, Soncin M, Agasisti T. The heterogeneity of Covid-19 learning loss across Italian primary and middle schools. ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION REVIEW 2023; 95:None. [PMID: 37547887 PMCID: PMC10398678 DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2023.102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the heterogeneous impact of school closures during Covid-19 pandemic in Italy on academic performance across different schools, grades, subjects and groups of students. Our analysis utilises an innovative dataset that combines administrative data on standardised tests in grades 5 and 8 with a specifically-designed survey that collects information about teachers' practices between February and June 2020. Firstly, by employing a multilevel (mixed-effects) model, we estimate the extent of learning loss and examine its variability across schools, for students in primary and middle levels during the school year 2020/21. The findings confirm that learning loss has been considerable (between 0.05 and 0.27 SD) although heterogeneity across disciplines and grades exists - higher in English in grade 5, and in mathematics and reading in grade 8. Secondly, as a main contribution of the paper, we explore the mechanisms behind the substantial differences observed across schools, which can be explained by the ability of teachers in using digital tools and evaluating their students, as well as by the leadership role exerted by school principals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Cannistrà
- School of Management, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20156, Italy
| | - Mara Soncin
- School of Management, Politecnico di Milano, Milan 20156, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Graupensperger S, Walukevich-Dienst K, Patrick ME, Lee CM. The Protective Role of Perceived Control on Associations Between Job Loss, Financial Difficulties, and Substance Use Among Young Adults Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:1239-1248. [PMID: 37355479 PMCID: PMC10789195 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01565-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Adverse life events that threaten normative transitions are associated with increased alcohol and cannabis use among young adults. However, few studies have tested the extent to which specific negative events impact substance use behaviors nor identified relevant risk or protective factors (e.g., perceived control). During the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults experienced economic adversities (i.e., job loss and financial strain) at disproportionally high rates. This provided a unique opportunity to test associations between job loss/financial difficulties and substance use outcomes and whether perceived control in work and finance domains moderated these associations. Young adults completed self-report surveys at two time points-prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020) and in the acute phase of the pandemic (April/May 2020). Participants (N = 519; Mage = 25.4 years; 62.8% female) were recruited in and around Seattle, WA, as part of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study. Pandemic-related job loss (18.9%) and financial difficulty (49.7%) were relatively common in this sample. Job loss was associated with increased number of drinks on the heaviest past-month drinking occasion (from January 2020 to April/May 2020). Financial difficulty was associated with increased drinking frequency and number of drinks on the heaviest drinking occasion. The effect of job loss and financial difficulty on alcohol and cannabis use was generally moderated by participants' perceived control of these domains. For those with low perceived control, job loss/financial difficulty was associated with increased alcohol/cannabis use, but for those high in perceived control, job loss/financial difficulty was associated with decreased alcohol use frequency. Findings give advance understanding of how economic adversities relate to young adults' alcohol and cannabis use. Notably, perceived control over these domains may be modifiable through prevention efforts aiming to foster self-efficacy among young people and policy to provide available agency to those in need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Graupensperger
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | - Megan E Patrick
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christine M Lee
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|