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Janzik R, Borzekowski D, Böl GF. Investigating seasonal changes in factors associated with COVID-19 concerns: Results from a serial cross-sectional survey study in Germany between 2020 and 2023. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1397283. [PMID: 39091525 PMCID: PMC11291447 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1397283] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 risk perceptions are discussed to be volatile and have been shown to be connected to the adoption of preventive public health behaviors. This study aimed to investigate changes in COVID-19 concerns and influencing factors as a function of season among the German public. Methods Sixty-three waves of cross-sectional telephone surveys with German participants aged 14 years and older conducted at least monthly between June 2020 and April 2023 provided the data basis (N = 63,471). After pooling participants of different waves by season (spring, summer, fall, winter), data were analyzed with regard to changes in physical health, mental health, economic, and social COVID-19 concerns. Individual characteristics (e.g., age), COVID-19 behavior (e.g., hygiene practices), and related perceptions (e.g., controllability of risk) were considered as predictors of composite concerns in different seasons. Results Results showed a higher between-seasons than within-seasons variability in concerns, with rises in physical and mental health and social concerns during fall. Multivariate regressions revealed being female, lower education, adopting protective measures, and higher perceived probability of infection in both public and private settings to be consistent predictors of higher COVID-19 concerns. Coefficients of these predictors remained comparatively stable over seasons and years. Conclusion Results indicate re-occurring changes in concerns during a prolonged crisis, with distinct characteristics being consistently associated with higher reported concerns. To ensure the application of protective measures, communicators should consider that risk perceptions are subject to fluctuations, but that certain groups of individuals tend to develop them and therefore deserve particular focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Janzik
- Department Risk Communication, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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2
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Musbat S, Reuveni I, Magnezi R. Improvements in mental health associated with increased electronic communication and deterioration in physical health in adults aged 50+ during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1369707. [PMID: 38975353 PMCID: PMC11224488 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have documented changes in physical health, mental health and social parameters during COVID-19. At the same time, there are no comprehensive analyses of these parameters designed as longitudinal studies on large-scale older populations before and during the pandemic. Objective This longitudinal study aims to provide a quantitative analysis of the COVID-19 impact on the physical, mental, and social parameters in adults aged 50 and older before, in the early stages, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The data for this study were collected from three waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), a supranational longitudinal database: pre-COVID (October 2019-March 2020), early-COVID (June-September 2020), and during-COVID (June-August 2021). The sample included 31,526 individuals, compared across the three-time points through nonparametric group comparison tests. Results Physical health was subjectively rated as poorer in the during-COVID wave compared to the pre-COVID wave. Additionally, the number of illnesses or health conditions reported in the during-COVID wave was significantly higher than in the pre-COVID wave, with the biggest increases registered for cardiovascular diseases. The results also show that employment and overall social contact decreased while loneliness increased over time. Unexpectedly, mental health issues, such as sadness or depression and trouble sleeping, decreased significantly in the COVID waves compared to the pre-COVID wave. The analysis of two additional pre-COVID waves (2015, 2017) revealed that poorer pre-COVID mental health reflected in high values of sadness or depression and trouble sleeping was not an isolated peak but represented a typical baseline. The positive influence on the individuals' mental health during COVID-19 was found to be electronic communication, which showed higher values than face-to-face communication and lowered the odds of sadness or depression. Conclusion Future policies should thus consider the positive impact of electronic contacts on mental health to promote overall health in adults aged 50 and older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shay Musbat
- Department of Management, Health Systems Management Program, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Inbal Reuveni
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Racheli Magnezi
- Department of Management, Health Systems Management Program, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Moshtael R, Lynch ME, Duncan GE, Beam CR. A Genetically Informed Study of the Association Between Perceived Stress and Loneliness. Behav Genet 2024; 54:268-277. [PMID: 38341828 PMCID: PMC11032291 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-023-10176-5] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Although research shows a strong positive association between perceived stress and loneliness, the genetic and environmental etiology underlying their association remains unknown. People with a genetic predisposition to perceived stress, for example, may be more prone to feeling lonely and vice versa. Conversely, unique factors in people's lives may explain differences in perceived stress levels that, in turn, affect feelings of loneliness. We tested whether genetic factors, environmental factors, or both account for the association between perceived stress and loneliness. Participants were 3,066 individual twins (nFemale = 2,154, 70.3%) from the Washington State Twin Registry who completed a survey during April-May, 2020. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the item-level perceived stress and loneliness measures. The correlation between latent perceived stress and latent loneliness was .68. Genetic and nonshared environmental variance components underlying perceived stress accounted for 3.71% and 23.26% of the total variance in loneliness, respectively. The genetic correlation between loneliness and perceived stress was .45 and did not differ significantly between men and women. The nonshared environmental correlation was .54 and also did not differ between men and women. Findings suggest that holding constant the strong genetic association between perceived stress and loneliness, unique life experiences underlying people's perceived stress account for individual differences in loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Moshtael
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 3620 McClintock Ave., Seeley G. Mudd Room 501, Los Angeles, CA, 90063, USA.
| | - Morgan E Lynch
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Glen E Duncan
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - Christopher R Beam
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Ettman CK, Subramanian M, Fan AY, Adam GP, Abdalla SM, Galea S, Stuart EA. Assets and depression in U.S. adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:571-583. [PMID: 37838630 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02565-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mental health is shaped by social and economic contexts, which were altered during the COVID-19 pandemic. No study has systematically reviewed the literature on the relation between different assets and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the literature on financial (e.g. income/savings), physical (e.g., home ownership), and social (e.g., marital status, educational attainment) assets and depression in U.S. adults. For each asset type, we created binary comparisons to report on the direction of the relationship and described if each study reported insignificant, positive, negative, or mixed associations. RESULTS Among the 41 articles identified, we found that income was the most studied asset (n=34), followed by education (n=25), marital status (n=18), home ownership (n=5), and savings (n=4). 88%, 100%, and 100% of articles reported a significant association of higher income, home ownership, and higher savings, respectively, with less depression. The association between marital status and education with depression was more nuanced: 72% (13 of 18) studies showed that unmarried persons had greater risk of depression than married or cohabitating persons and 52% (13 of 25) of studies reported no significant difference in depression across educational groups. CONCLUSION This work adds to the literature a deeper understanding of how different assets relate to depression. In the context of largescale traumatic events, policies that maintain and protect access to social, physical, and financial assets may help to protect mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K Ettman
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | | | - Alice Y Fan
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Gaelen P Adam
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | | | - Sandro Galea
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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5
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Guardia T, Cote KA, Healey MK, Gammage KL, Campbell KL. Self-reported physical activity and sleep quality is associated with working memory function in middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38555591 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2333066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
While previous work has shown a positive relationship between cognitive performance and lifestyle factors in younger adults, evidence for this relationship among middle-aged and older adults has been mixed. The current study aimed to further test the relationship among physical activity, sleep quality, and memory performance in middle-aged and older adults, and to test whether this relationship holds up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results showed that physical activity was associated with better sleep quality and better working memory performance, and better sleep quality was associated with better working memory and self-perceptions of everyday memory abilities. Additionally, we found that the effects of physical activity on working memory were partially mediated by sleep quality. While these effects were small and only correlational in nature, they lend further support to the notion that sleep quality and physical activity are beneficial to memory later in life, even during a global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Guardia
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - Kimberly A Cote
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada
| | - M Karl Healey
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Liang L, Hu Y, Fei J, Yuan T, Gao R, Yue J, Song Q, Zhao X, Mei S. Association between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder among frontline nurse during COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated mediation analysis. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:1076-1083. [PMID: 38041239 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16916] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among frontline nurses who went to assist the epidemic situation in Wuhan, China, during the outbreak in 2020. The study also explored the mediating role of depression and the moderating role of age in the main relationship. BACKGROUND The relationship between burnout and PTSD in nurse has rarely been investigated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understand the relationship between these variables can provide empirical evidence for developing interventions and protocols that improve the health of nurses in future public health emergencies. DESIGN An online cross-sectional survey of targeted local 327 nurses who went to assist the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Wuhan during the initial outbreak. METHODS This study was conducted in August 2020, the burnout scale, the PTSD scale and the depression scale were used to survey participants. The moderated mediation model was used to test research hypotheses. RESULTS Burnout could affect the PTSD symptoms in nursing staffs and depression could mediate this relationship. Age moderated the relationship between burnout/depression and PTSD, and the effects was strong and significant among younger participants in the relationship between burnout and PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Burnout was identified as a core risk factor of PTSD in nurses. Depression and age played significant roles in the relationship between burnout and PTSD. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE PTSD, as a symptom that manifests after experiencing a stressful event, should be a key concern among frontline healthcare professionals. This study suggests that PTSD in nurses can be further reduced by reducing burnout. Attention should also be paid to the PTSD status of nurses of different age groups. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patients and the public were not involved in the design and implementation of this study. Frontline nurses completed an online questionnaire for this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Liang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yuanchao Hu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Junsong Fei
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Tongshuang Yuan
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ren Gao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jingyi Yue
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xixi Zhao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Songli Mei
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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Singh S, Polavarapu M, Vallerand K, Moore SS. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviors and Outcomes by Age Group and Race Ethnicity: Results From Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:355-363. [PMID: 37656165 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231199399] [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: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine changes in health behaviors and outcomes during early-pandemic (2020) vs pre-pandemic (2019) years by age groups and race/ethnicity. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System datasets from 2019 (n = 418 268) and 2020 (n = 401 958). All participants reported less likelihood to exercise (aOR, .78; 95% CI: .73-.83) and have poor physical health (aOR, .91; 95% CI: .86-.98) but more likelihood to have excellent general health (aOR, 1.33; 1.17-1.53) during 2020 vs 2019. Compared to 2019, during 2020 (i) Blacks were more likely to exercise (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02-1.51) and have excellent general health (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI: 1.13-2.54); (ii) Hispanics were less likely to exercise (aOR, .80; 95% CI: .74-.88), but more likely to have excellent general health (aOR, 2.44; 95% CI: 1.79-3.33) and mental health (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI: 1.15-1.72); and (iii) Whites were less likely to exercise (aOR, .58; 95% CI: .50-.67) and have good physical health (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI: .82-.95). All age groups, except 18-24 years, were less likely to exercise by 18%-39% during 2020 vs 2019. Furthermore, the 55-64 years age-group was 36% more likely to report excellent general health but 14% less likely to have good physical health. Identifying the most vulnerable racial/ethnic and age groups is pivotal to prioritizing public health resources and interventions to mitigate the impact of health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Singh
- Department of Population Health, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Mounika Polavarapu
- Department of Population Health, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - Sundaye S Moore
- Department of Population Health, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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8
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Ramezani N, Taylor BG, Balawajder EF, MacLean K, Pollack HA, Schneider JA, Taxman FS. Predictors of mental health among U.S. adults during COVID-19 early pandemic, mid- pandemic, and post-vaccine eras. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:643. [PMID: 38424510 PMCID: PMC10902933 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17781-x] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A collective trauma like COVID-19 impacts individuals differently due to socio-contextual and individual characteristics. Younger adults, minorities, affiliates of certain political parties, and residents of some regions of the United States reported experiencing poorer mental health during the pandemic. Being diagnosed with COVID-19, or losing a friend/family to it, was related to more adverse mental health symptoms. While the negative impact of COVID-19 on health outcomes has been studied, mental health changes during this pandemic need further exploration. METHODS In a study of 8,612 U.S. households, using three surveys collected from a nationally representative panel between May 2020 and October 2021, using a repeated cross-sectional design, a linear mixed effect regression model was performed to investigate factors associated with the mental health status, based on the Mental Health Inventory-5, of individuals throughout different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether an improvement over time, especially after vaccines became available, was observed. RESULTS An overall improvement in mental health was observed after vaccines became available. Individuals with no COVID-related death in their household, those not wearing masks, those identifying as members of the Republican Party, race/ethnicities other than Asian, men, older adults, and residents of the South were less likely than others to report mental health challenges. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the need for widespread mental health interventions and health promotion to address challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Due to the worse mental health observed among Asians, younger adults, women, low-income families, those with a higher level of concern for COVID-19, people who lost someone to COVID-19, and/or individuals with histories of opioid use disorder and criminal legal involvement, over the period of this study, targeted attention needs to be given to the mental health of these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Ramezani
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980032, One Capital Square, 830 East Main St, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA.
| | - Bruce G Taylor
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Public Health Department, 4350 East West Highway, 8th floor, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Elizabeth Flanagan Balawajder
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Public Health Department, 4350 East West Highway, 8th floor, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kai MacLean
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Public Health Department, 4350 East West Highway, 8th floor, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Harold A Pollack
- Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, Department of Public Health Sciences, Urban Health Lab, University of Chicago, 969 E 60th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Department of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue MC 5065, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Faye S Taxman
- Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, 3351 Fairfax Drive Van Metre Hall, Arlington, VA, 22201, USA
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9
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Saltzman LY, Hansel TC. Psychological and social determinants of adaptation: the impact of finances, loneliness, information access and chronic stress on resilience activation. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1245765. [PMID: 38469213 PMCID: PMC10925763 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1245765] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Many people who face adversity, such as disasters, demonstrate resilience. However, less is known about reactions to large scale disasters with longer recovery periods. The concern is that protracted disasters may result in more chronic or accumulated stressors with an uncertain or unknown end point and can exhaust the natural coping methods and ability to rebound. Thus, understanding patterns of longer-term disaster recovery, inclusive of resilience, is needed. Further resilience is not individual specific rather social determinants, such as support networks and available resources, are contributing factors. Methods The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of mental health and resilience during increased stress, we aim to identify profiles of adaptation and psychological and social determinants that predict membership within predominant symptom groupings. We conducted an exploratory cross-section study (N = 334) with two phases of multivariate analysis. Latent profile models were estimated to identify groups based on depression, anxiety, and resilience scores. The second phase included a step-wise multinomial logistic regression to predict class membership. Results We identified four distinct groups: 33% of participants were categorized as anxious, 18% depressed, 9% comorbid, and 40% with above average levels of resilience. Psychosocial factors such as demographics, trauma history, information access, loneliness, and lack of financial resources predicted poorer mental health outcomes and lower resilience. Conclusion This study identified factors that contribute to overall wellbeing despite chronic stressors. Social determinants of adaptation, found in this study population, include loneliness, finances, and information access. The findings from this study support the need for both psychological and social adaption supports, inclusive of mental health treatment, to strengthen resilience activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tonya Cross Hansel
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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10
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Lee J, Wilson J, Oosterhoff B, Shook NJ. Self-quarantining, social distancing, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi wave, longitudinal investigation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298461. [PMID: 38408111 PMCID: PMC10896532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Social isolation and disconnectedness increase the risk of worse mental health, which might suggest that preventive health measures (i.e., self-quarantining, social distancing) negatively affect mental health. This longitudinal study examined relations of self-quarantining and social distancing with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A U.S. national sample (N = 1,011) completed eight weekly online surveys from March 20, 2020 to May 17, 2020. Surveys assessed self-quarantining, social distancing, anxiety, and depression. Fixed-effect autoregressive cross-lagged models provided a good fit to the data, allowing for disaggregation of between-person and within-person effects. Significant between-person effects suggested those who engaged in more self-quarantining and social distancing had higher anxiety and depression compared to those who engaged in less social distancing and quarantining. Significant within-person effects indicated those who engaged in greater social distancing for a given week experienced higher anxiety and depression that week. However, there was no support for self-quarantining or social distancing as prospective predictors of mental health, or vice versa. Findings suggest a relationship between mental health and both self-quarantining and social distancing, but further longitudinal research is required to understand the prospective nature of this relationship and identify third variables that may explain these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerin Lee
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - Jenna Wilson
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Oosterhoff
- Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Natalie J Shook
- University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
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11
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Yu CC, Tou NX, Low JA. Internet Use and Effects on Mental Well-being During the Lockdown Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Younger Versus Older Adults: Observational Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e46824. [PMID: 38319700 PMCID: PMC10879980 DOI: 10.2196/46824] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Majority of individuals, including both younger and older adults, had to adapt to digital means to cope with lockdown measures and pandemic-induced lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. While internet accessibility was beneficial during the pandemic, existing literature suggests that excessive use could lead to the rise of problematic internet use in adolescents and younger adults. However, the effects on older adults remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine differences in internet use during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how age differences in mental health could be explained by time spent on the internet. METHODS A door-to-door survey of a nationally representative sample of 602 adults in Singapore was carried out using computer-assisted personal interviewing during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (October to November 2020). Participants were categorized into younger (21-59 years old) and older (60 years or above) age groups. We assessed self-reported measures of depression, anxiety, and stress; psychosocial adaptability; ability to perform essential activities; social support; health status; digital media use patterns, and time spent on the internet. Procedures complied with existing safe distancing measures. RESULTS Older adults reported being less able to use digital platforms to meet needs and acquire information updates compared with younger adults during the lockdown period of the pandemic. Older adults spent significantly less time on the internet for both work and personal uses per day (mean 146.00 min, SD 9.18 min) compared with younger adults (mean 433.27 min, SD 14.32 min). Significant age differences in depression, anxiety, and stress were found, with younger adults showing poorer mental health. Mediation analysis showed that age differences in depression, anxiety, and stress were partially explained by time spent on the internet. These variables together explained 43%, 40%, and 40% of the variances in depression, anxiety, and stress scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings showed that younger adults spent significantly more time on the internet compared with older adults during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. They were also ahead in their ability to use digital resources to meet needs and engage socially compared with older adults. Despite this, the mental health of younger adults was poor, and this was partially accounted for by the amount of time spent on the internet. Since past research suggests that excessive time spent on the internet could lead to disordered use, the benefits brought by digital technologies could have been attenuated during the lockdown phase of the pandemic. Considering this potential negative effect, it is imperative to educate both young and old adults in the appropriate use of information and communication technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou Chuen Yu
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nien Xiang Tou
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - James Alvin Low
- Geriatric Education and Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Lara-Cinisomo S, Melesse B, Mendy ME. Demographic and COVID-19-Related Factors Associated with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among African American and Latina Women in a Midwestern State. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:36-44. [PMID: 36622569 PMCID: PMC9838266 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01495-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated racial and ethnic disparities among Latina and African American (AA) women, including risk factors for depression and anxiety. This study sought to identify demographic- and pandemic-related factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in adult AA and Latina women living in a Midwestern state. METHODS Data for this secondary analysis of 1037 AA and Latina women were collected in May 2020 and June/July 2020. Participants completed an online survey about their demographic characteristics, job changes due to COVID-19, general concern about COVID-19, concern about the effects COVID-19 on their mental health, and whether they prayed to cope with COVID-19. Linear regressions with bootstrapping were conducted to determine associations. RESULTS Latinas had significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than AA women. Older age was a buffer against depressive and anxiety symptoms. Women who anticipated a reduction in work hours or job loss had significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms than those with no job changes. A reduction in work hours was also a risk for higher depressive symptoms. General and specific concerns about the impact of COVID-19 were positively associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms. Race/ethnicity moderated the effect of praying to cope with COVID-19 on depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS As the pandemic continues, mental health resources should be allocated to help AA and Latina women who experienced or anticipate reductions in paid hours and those concerned about its effects. Research is needed to identify how praying increased depressive symptoms in adult Latina women early in the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth Street, 2015 Khan Annex, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA.
| | - Biniyam Melesse
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth Street, 2015 Khan Annex, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Mendy
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S. Fourth Street, 2015 Khan Annex, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
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13
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Schoeps K, Tamarit A, De la Barrera U, Lacomba-Trejo L, Montoya-Castilla I. Social and Psychological Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Adolescents' and Young Adults' Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Mediation Study. Psychol Rep 2023; 126:2729-2756. [PMID: 35531784 PMCID: PMC9098395 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221100451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic has dramatically disrupted daily life, increasing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders and poor mental wellbeing. The compound effects of social, political and psychological stressors have increased psychological symptoms among adolescents and young people, with worries about COVID-19 playing a central role in the clinical course of their mental health problems caused by the pandemic. The aim of this cross-cultural study was to examine the social psychological effects of COVID-19 on adolescents' and young people's mental health and wellbeing in Ibero-American population. Participants involved 6,283 adolescents and young adults from five different Spanish-Speaking countries (83.7% female) aged between 12 and 30 years (M = 18.79; SD = 3.48). Participants completed the Worries about COVID-19 and its Consequences Scale (W-COV), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Descriptive analyses, multivariate ANOVAs and Pearson correlations were performed, as well as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) testing a mediational model. The results indicate cross-cultural difference in COVID-19 related worries, emotional symptoms and life satisfaction. Results from SEM confirmed the overall indirect effects of COVID-19 cases, political response and participants' conditions during lockdown on depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction mediated by COVID-19 related worries. These findings suggest that the social psychological factors underlying psychological symptoms could be partly explained by increased worries about COVID-19 and its personal, social, economic and political consequences, which may offer guidance to policy makers and health services for safeguarding youth mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstanze Schoeps
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment
and Treatment, Universitat de València, Valencia,
Spain
| | - Alicia Tamarit
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment
and Treatment, Universitat de València, Valencia,
Spain
| | - Usue De la Barrera
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment
and Treatment, Universitat de València, Valencia,
Spain
| | - Laura Lacomba-Trejo
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment
and Treatment, Universitat de València, Valencia,
Spain
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14
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Sams N, Darnell D, Fisher D, Allred R, Huyhn K, Mosser BA, Areán PA. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on U.S. older adults: self-reported pandemic-related concerns and consequences in a cross-sectional survey study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1203473. [PMID: 38046116 PMCID: PMC10693407 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1203473] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The purpose of this study was to explore COVID-19 pandemic-related concerns among a racially and ethnically representative sample of older adults in the U.S. Research design and methods Participants were 501 English-speaking adults 60 years and older recruited online nationally across the U.S. from Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) and Prolific Research Platforms during June of 2020. Data comes from a larger cross-sectional survey. We content analyzed open-ended responses about pandemic-related concerns and observed responses to a checklist of items created by the research team to assess for specific physical, social, and financial consequences experienced due to the pandemic. Results A majority of the sample (92%) reported at least one pandemic-related concern, with the highest percentage expressing concerns coded as Concern for Others (28%), Physical Health (27%), Socializing (24%), Finance (15%) and Socio-Political-Economic (14%). Participants reported high concern severity (M = 4.03, SD = 1.04) about their concerns mentioned in response to the open-ended concerns question. When prompted with a checklist of items, participants frequently endorsed disruption in social activities as a consequence of the pandemic (83%), disruptions that could impact physical health (45%), and concern over finances as a consequence of the pandemic (41%). Discussion and implications Older adults most frequently mentioned concerns about the well-being and behavior of others, one's own physical health, and the impacts of the pandemic and social distancing policies on social activities. Findings align with the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and point to the importance of supporting older adults to maintain meaningful social engagement under conditions of a pandemic and social distancing policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Sams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- CREATIV Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- ALACRITY Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Doyanne Darnell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dylan Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- CREATIV Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ryan Allred
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- CREATIV Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- ALACRITY Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kathy Huyhn
- CREATIV Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brittany A. Mosser
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- CREATIV Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- ALACRITY Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Patricia A. Areán
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- CREATIV Lab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- ALACRITY Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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15
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Lu Y, Zhou Y, Li Y, Cao J, Zhao W, Hu Y, Wang J, Zhu H, Xu Z. Mental health during the omicron pandemic: A comparison between medical staff and non-medical staff. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:221-227. [PMID: 37541598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A considerable number of people suffered from mental disorders due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As the virus mutated, the effect of COVID-19 changed. This study intends to compare the mental health between the medical staff and non-medical staff during the Omicron pandemic, and to analyze the relevant risk factors. METHODS The cross-sectional study was conducted by a set of online questionnaires, 1246 medical staff and 1246 non-medical staff were selected after a 1:1 propensity score matching. The questionnaires included the demographic characteristics, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Insomnia Severity Index Scale (ISI), and the Psychological Resilience Scale(CD-RISC). RESULTS Compared with medical staff, non-medical staff scored higher on CAS and CES-D (both P < 0.001). Non-medical staff had higher prevalence of anxiety (55.0 % versus 47.3 %; adjusted OR = 1.45, 95 % CI = 1.23-1.70), depression (62.4 % versus 53.4 %; adjusted OR = 1.46, 95 % CI = 1.23-1.73) and insomnia (46.5 % versus 43.4 %; adjusted OR = 1.21, 95 % CI = 1.02-1.43). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female, being younger than 40 years, having an annual income of <50,000 yuan, paying attention to omicron, in the course of an infection and below bachelor degree influenced anxiety, depression and insomnia of the medical staff and non-medical staff to different degree. LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS This study only collected data through the network. Therefore, the validity was reduced to some extent. The outbreak of the Omicron epidemic posed a significant challenge to public mental health, with non-medical staff at the highest risk for mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Lu
- Department of Applied Psychology, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuliang Zhou
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yahong Li
- Department of Applied Psychology, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenyan Zhao
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yingying Hu
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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16
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Franqueiro AR, Yoon J, Crago MA, Curiel M, Wilson JM. The Interconnection Between Social Support and Emotional Distress Among Individuals with Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4389-4399. [PMID: 37915959 PMCID: PMC10617401 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s410606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a public health concern affecting over 100 million U.S. adults. Because chronic pain is multifactorial, it requires a biopsychosocial approach to understand how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to both the development and maintenance of pain. On average, individuals with chronic pain report higher levels of emotional distress compared to pain-free individuals. Research has demonstrated that social support is associated with better pain outcomes and less emotional distress. It has been proposed that social support may improve pain outcomes by reducing the influence of stressors. However, the majority of research exploring the relationships between social support and pain-related outcomes has focused on the direct relationship between these variables, largely overlooking the process by which social support has a positive influence on pain. This narrative review synthesizes research on how chronic pain, emotional distress, and social support are highly interconnected, yet research investigating chronic pain and emotional distress within a social context is limited. We then highlight disparities in chronic pain, such that the burden of chronic pain is unequal between demographic groups. Next, we discuss existing evidence for the use of group-based interventions to address pain-related outcomes. Lastly, we summarize limitations of prior research studies and highlight gaps in the current literature. Overall, longitudinal research comprehensively investigating the distinct nuances in the measurement of social support and how these nuances relate to emotional distress and pain outcomes is needed and may provide insight into the unique needs of individuals or subgroups. Further, demographically diverse randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the process by which group-based interventions improve pain outcomes and whether these interventions are more effective for particular groups in order to personalize treatment approaches and address inequities in pain care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina R Franqueiro
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - JiHee Yoon
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Madelyn A Crago
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marie Curiel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jenna M Wilson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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17
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Gournay LR, Ferretti ML, Bilsky S, Vance E, Nguyen AM, Mann E, Williams P, Leen-Feldner EW. The effects of cannabidiol on worry and anxiety among high trait worriers: a double-blind, randomized placebo controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2147-2161. [PMID: 37552290 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Evidence suggests cannabidiol (CBD) displays broad therapeutic potential in the context of anxiety; however, no study has examined the effects of CBD on worry, a defining, cognitive feature of anxiety. Additionally, no study has examined the effects of an acute, single dose of CBD compared to repeated CBD administration. OBJECTIVES Within a sample of 63 individuals with elevated trait worry, the current study aimed to assess the effects of an empirically-derived high dose of CBD (i.e., 300mg) compared to a commercially-derived dose of CBD (i.e., 50mg) versus placebo on worry severity and anxiety symptoms after an acute dose and after a 2-week administration period. RESULTS Results indicated no effect of acute CBD dosing on worry severity or anxiety symptoms. Repeated CBD administration similarly did not impact worry severity; however, 300mg of CBD reduced anxiety symptoms across the 2-week administration period compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings suggest 300mg of oral CBD does not attenuate cognitive symptoms of anxiety (i.e., worry), following both acute and repeated administration. Some evidence for repeated administration of 300mg on physical symptoms of anxiety was obtained. Findings from the current study suggest CBD's modest anxiolytic effects may be specific to the physical aspects of anxious arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Riley Gournay
- University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - Morgan L Ferretti
- University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | | | - Emily Vance
- University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Anna Marie Nguyen
- University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Eric Mann
- University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, USA
| | - Parker Williams
- University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
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18
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Zhang P, Liu X, Zhang R, Xia N. Depression mediates the relationship between social capital and health-related quality of life among Chinese older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. Nurs Open 2023; 10:6517-6526. [PMID: 37400957 PMCID: PMC10416043 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1904] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the association between social capital and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to determine whether depression mediates the association among Chinese older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional research design. METHODS The Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Social Capital Questionnaire and 12-item Short-Form Health Survey were used to investigate 1201 older adults selected from Jinan, Shandong Province, China, using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. RESULTS Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between social capital and HRQoL (r = 0.269, p < 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that social capital was significantly negatively associated with depression (β = -0.072, p < 0.001) and that depression was associated with HRQoL (β = -1.031, p < 0.001). The mediation analyses showed that depression mediated the association between social capital and HRQoL, and the indirect effect size was 0.073 (95% confidence interval: 0.050, 0.100).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhang
- Department of Transplantation, Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiao‐Li Liu
- Department of Transplantation, Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Rong‐Mei Zhang
- Department of Transplantation, Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Ning Xia
- Department of Transplantation, Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
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19
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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.
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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
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20
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Carr D, Sheffler J, Meynadasy M, Schmidt B, Hajcak G, Sachs-Ericsson N. A longitudinal examination of the protective effect of resilience against anxiety among older adults with high COVID-related worry. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:419-437. [PMID: 37039031 PMCID: PMC10523701 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2191825] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study of community dwelling older adults (N = 453) examined consequences of COVID-related worries on changes in anxiety symptoms before relative to during the pandemic. We further evaluated if pre-COVID psychological resilience (PR) buffered the impact of COVID-related worry. Pre-COVID data were collected in September 2018. COVID-related worry and COVID anxiety symptoms were collected in October 2020 (Wave 2). Controlling for pre-COVID anxiety symptoms, we examined if COVID-related worries (e.g. I'm worried that I might die from COVID-19) were associated with increased anxiety symptoms, and whether pre-COVID PR moderated the association between COVID-related worries and prospective increases in anxiety symptoms. COVID-related worries were associated with increased anxiety symptoms (β = 0.005, p < .01), whereas pre-COVID PR was associated with a decrease in anxiety symptoms (β = -0.029, p < .05). PR moderated the association; COVID-related worries were associated with greater increases in anxiety symptoms among those with low pre-COVID PR (Model η2 = 0.35). Thus, the extent to which COVID-related worries influenced psychological health was dependent on pre-COVID levels of PR. We conclude the combined vulnerabilities of low pre-COVID PR and high COVID-related worries significantly increased the psychological consequences of COVID-19 for our sample of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Carr
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Julia Sheffler
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Melissa Meynadasy
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Brad Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Greg Hajcak
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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21
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Mohamad N, Ismail R, Ibrahim MF, Abdul Shukor IH, Mohamad MZ, Mahmud MF, Yaacob SS. Assessing Mental Health Outcomes in Quarantine Centres: A Cross-Sectional Study during COVID-19 in Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2339. [PMID: 37628536 PMCID: PMC10454547 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162339] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, persons under surveillance (PUS) were isolated in quarantine centres instead of at home. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the mental health issues experienced by these persons. This study aimed to assess mental health outcomes and associated factors among PUS and frontline workers at quarantine centres. This study conducted an analysis of secondary data from a cross-sectional survey carried out by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS). The MHPSS employed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) to evaluate mental health outcomes across 49 quarantine centres in Malaysia. The study included a total of 4577 respondents. The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression was found to be 0.9%, 11.4%, and 10.2%, respectively. Frontline workers and being part of the younger age group were found to be associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Other factors associated with mental health issues were being female, staying at an institution-type centre, and a longer duration of the stay or work at the centre. In conclusion, assessing the mental health status and its associated factors among quarantine centre occupants is crucial for developing future strategies to safeguard their mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Mohamad
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rohaida Ismail
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Faiz Ibrahim
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Imanul Hassan Abdul Shukor
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Zulfinainie Mohamad
- Non-Communicable Disease Control Sector, Selangor State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Farhan Mahmud
- Non-Communicable Disease Control Sector, Selangor State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Sara Yaacob
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
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22
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Chan SM, Wong H, Chen Y, Tang MYV. Determinants of depression and anxiety in homeless people: A population survey of homeless people in Hong Kong. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1145-1156. [PMID: 36734241 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231152208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are growing concerns about the homeless and mental health issues globally. This study aims to examine the mental health situation of homelessness and the determinants of anxiety and depression of them in Hong Kong. METHOD The data from the largest territory-wide study of the homeless population in 2021 was analyzed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between mental health and socioeconomic variables, including demographic background, economic indicators, COVID-19 worries, government measures, and respect by others. The symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). RESULTS The results showed that being female, food insecurity, and chronic diseases were the risk factors for anxiety and depression. A high level of respect by others was the protective factor for depression (adjusted OR 0.37, 95% CI [0.23, 0.61]) and anxiety (adjusted OR 0.40, 95% CI [0.24, 0.68]), compared to a low level of respect in the multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS Providing medical outreach services, additional resources for social services, implementation of homeless-friendly policies, and a progressive supply of public and transitional housing would help enhance the well-being of the homeless population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Ming Chan
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hung Wong
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yikang Chen
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mun-Yu Vera Tang
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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23
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Li Y, Pan Y, Ding X, Aierken A, Jiang W. The effect of training medical students in the community area in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in China: a community-based study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:517. [PMID: 37464393 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04509-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community practice training is an important part of education in medicine, public health, social medicine, and other disciplines. The objective of this study is to explore the effect and importance of the community practice of Master of Public Health graduates on community residents' health during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS This study used a pretest-posttest design. A total of 152 participants with age ≥ 60 years were selected using a multistage sampling method from Hangzhou in China. Baseline and endline data were collected using structured questionnaires by face-to-face interviews. All psychological and behavioral measurements were performed using standardized instruments and showed good reliability and validity. A total of 147 participants were included in the analysis. The chi-square and rank sum tests were used to compare the difference between baseline and endline for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between community practice training and changes in psychology and behavior. RESULTS The result of chi-square test revealed a statistically significant difference in participants' eating habits from baseline to endline. Participants reported that the self-perceived health status was different between endline and baseline by the rank sum test. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that community practice training was significantly associated with increased self-efficacy scores, cognitive function and eating habits, with odd ratios of 1.08, 0.90 and 1.93, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Community practice training was associated with changes in health behavior and psychology of community residents. Our results suggested enhanced community practice training for students under the Master of Public Health program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- School of medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - YiYang Pan
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - XiWen Ding
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ayizuhere Aierken
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- College of Control Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, China.
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Jeriček Klanšček H, Furman L. Socioeconomic Deprivation and Inequalities in Mental Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6233. [PMID: 37444081 PMCID: PMC10341098 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136233] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the existing inequalities in education and mental health. The aim of this study was to examine socioeconomic disadvantages and mental well-being inequalities among Slovenian adolescents in October 2020. The study used nationally representative data from 3052 adolescents aged 14 and 18 (Mage = 14.4 and 18.4). The WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to measure mental well-being and risk for depression. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify differences in the pattern of associations regarding sociodemographic characteristics and experiences during the pandemic with poor well-being and risk for depression. Our study found that adolescents from socially disadvantaged families faced poorer conditions as regards academic performance, had fewer opportunities to socialise with friends online, and were more likely to feel lonely; they reported lower levels of mental well-being and were at a higher risk for depression. The unemployment of both parents and adolescents' perceptions of family wealth were found to be the most important predictors of depression risk. In addition, experiencing deprivation and economic hardship during the pandemic was also identified as a significant predictor. The study concludes that social and economic conditions were critical determinants of adolescents' mental health during the pandemic and that effective intervention is needed to promote their well-being and reduce inequalities.
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Shah A, Arstein‐Kerslake O, Darling M, Morgan T, Torea AV, Laines H, Joshi B, Pena K, Young J. Latent class analysis of the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory on mental health outcomes in Siyan Clinical patients. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1215. [PMID: 37091358 PMCID: PMC10119487 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic has made an outsized negative impact on mental health worldwide. However, research indicates that this impact was not uniform. This study aimed to determine how mental health patients experienced the COVID-19 pandemic to characterize mental health disparities and identify underlying factors. Methods We used the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII) and latent class analysis to determine the impacts of epidemics and pandemics across several life domains in 245 survey respondents, all of whom were mental health patients at Siyan Clinical. Respondents were predominately White (84.5%) and female (76.3%), with the majority being diagnosed with anxiety or mood disorders (76.3%). Results In the work life domain, respondents in the higher-impact class were more likely to be employed and/or working in healthcare. In both the home life and emotional/physical health and infection domain, respondents with mood disorders, substance use disorders, or children under 18 living at home were more likely to be in the higher-impact class. In the home life and positive change domains, respondents that were married were more likely to be in the higher-impact class, indicating that this group experiences more impacts from the pandemic, both positive and negative. Finally, some groups stood out as having fewer impacts from the pandemic: respondents that were male, over age 55, White, and/or have anxiety disorders were more likely to experience fewer impacts from the pandemic in the work life and home life domains. Conclusions This study provides evidence that certain groups may experience greater or fewer impacts from the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Shah
- Siyan Clinical CorporationSanta RosaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Helen Laines
- Siyan Clinical CorporationSanta RosaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Karina Pena
- Siyan Clinical CorporationSanta RosaCaliforniaUSA
| | - James Young
- Siyan Clinical CorporationSanta RosaCaliforniaUSA
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Beach B, Steptoe A, Zaninotto P. Depression and anxiety in people with cognitive impairment and dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004162. [PMID: 37093859 PMCID: PMC10124844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some studies have identified declines in mental health during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in different age groups, including older people. As anxiety and depression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms among people with cognitive impairment, the mental health experiences of older people during the pandemic should take cognitive function into consideration, along with assessments made prior to the pandemic. This study addresses evidence gaps to test whether changes in depression and anxiety among older people through the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with cognitive impairment. It also investigates whether associations varied according to key sources of sociodemographic inequality. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) collected from 2018/2019 to November/December 2020, we estimated changes in depression and anxiety for people aged 50+ in England across 3 cognitive function groups: no impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. Conditional growth curve models were estimated for continuous measures over 3 time points (N = 5,286), with mixed-effects logistic regression used for binary measures. All models adjusted for demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, and cohabiting partnership), socioeconomics (education, wealth, and employment status), geography (urban/rural and English region), and health (self-rated and the presence of multimorbidity). We found that depression (measured with CES-D score) worsened from 2018/2019 to November/December 2020 for people with mild cognitive impairment (1.39 (95% CI: 1.29 to 1.49) to 2.16 (2.02 to 2.30)) or no impairment (1.17 (95%CI: 1.12 to 1.22) to 2.03 (1.96 to 2.10)). Anxiety, using a single-item rating of 0 to 10 also worsened among those with mild cognitive impairment (2.48 (2.30 to 2.66) to 3.14 (2.95 to 3.33)) or no impairment (2.20 (2.11 to 2.28) to 2.85 (2.77 to 2.95)). No statistically significant increases were found for those with dementia. Using a clinical cutoff for likely depression (CES-D ≥4), we found statistically significant increases in the probability of depression between 2018/2019 and November/December 2020 for those with no impairment (0.110 (0.099 to 0.120) to 0.206 (0.191 to 0.222)) and mild impairment (0.139 (0.120 to 0.159) to 0.234 (0.204 to 0.263)). We also found that differences according to cognitive function that existed before the pandemic were no longer present by June/July 2020, and there were no statistically significant differences in depression or anxiety among cognitive groups in November/December 2020. Wealth and education appeared to be stronger drivers for depression and anxiety, respectively, than cognitive impairment. For example, those with no impairment in the richest two-thirds scored 1.76 (1.69 to 1.82) for depression in June/July, compared to 2.01 (1.91 to 2.12) for those with no impairment in the poorest third and 2.03 (1.87 to 2.19) for those with impairment in the poorest third. Results may be limited by the small number of people with dementia and are generalizable only to people living in the community, not to those in institutional care settings. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a convergence in mental health across cognitive function groups during the pandemic. This suggests mental health services will need to meet an increased demand from older adults, especially those not living with cognitive impairment. Further, with little significant change among those with dementia, their existing need for support will remain; policymakers and care practitioners should ensure this group continues to have equitable access to mental health support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Beach
- Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Research Department of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Zaninotto
- Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Tancredi S, Ulytė A, Wagner C, Keidel D, Witzig M, Imboden M, Probst-Hensch N, Amati R, Albanese E, Levati S, Crivelli L, Kohler P, Cusini A, Kahlert C, Harju E, Michel G, Lüdi C, Ortega N, Baggio S, Chocano-Bedoya P, Rodondi N, Ballouz T, Frei A, Kaufmann M, Von Wyl V, Lorthe E, Baysson H, Stringhini S, Schneider V, Kaufmann L, Wieber F, Volken T, Zysset A, Dratva J, Cullati S. Changes in socioeconomic resources and mental health after the second COVID-19 wave (2020-2021): a longitudinal study in Switzerland. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:51. [PMID: 36959642 PMCID: PMC10035489 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01853-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the 2020/2021 winter, the labour market was under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in socioeconomic resources during this period could have influenced individual mental health. This association may have been mitigated or exacerbated by subjective risk perceptions, such as perceived risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 or perception of the national economic situation. Therefore, we aimed to determine if changes in financial resources and employment situation during and after the second COVID-19 wave were prospectively associated with depression, anxiety and stress, and whether perceptions of the national economic situation and of the risk of getting infected modified this association. METHODS One thousand seven hundred fifty nine participants from a nation-wide population-based eCohort in Switzerland were followed between November 2020 and September 2021. Financial resources and employment status were assessed twice (Nov2020-Mar2021, May-Jul 2021). Mental health was assessed after the second measurement of financial resources and employment status, using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). We modelled DASS-21 scores with linear regression, adjusting for demographics, health status, social relationships and changes in workload, and tested interactions with subjective risk perceptions. RESULTS We observed scores above thresholds for normal levels for 16% (95%CI = 15-18) of participants for depression, 8% (95%CI = 7-10) for anxiety, and 10% (95%CI = 9-12) for stress. Compared to continuously comfortable or sufficient financial resources, continuously precarious or insufficient resources were associated with worse scores for all outcomes. Increased financial resources were associated with higher anxiety. In the working-age group, shifting from full to part-time employment was associated with higher stress and anxiety. Perceiving the Swiss economic situation as worrisome was associated with higher anxiety in participants who lost financial resources or had continuously precarious or insufficient resources. CONCLUSION This study confirms the association of economic stressors and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the exacerbating role of subjective risk perception on this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tancredi
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Agnė Ulytė
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Wagner
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Keidel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Witzig
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Medea Imboden
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Amati
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Albanese
- Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Sara Levati
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Luca Crivelli
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Kohler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St-Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Alexia Cusini
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St-Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christian Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St-Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Erika Harju
- Department Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Gisela Michel
- Department Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Lüdi
- Department Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Ortega
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Baggio
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals & University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Chocano-Bedoya
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Rodondi
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tala Ballouz
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Frei
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Kaufmann
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viktor Von Wyl
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elsa Lorthe
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hélène Baysson
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valentine Schneider
- Cantonal Public Health Service of the Canton of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Kaufmann
- Cantonal Public Health Service of the Canton of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Wieber
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Volken
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Annina Zysset
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Julia Dratva
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Cullati
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Readaptation and Geriatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Li Y, Ding X, Aierken A, Pan Y, Chen Y, Hu D. The role of community cohesion in elderly people during the COVID-19 epidemic: a cross-sectional study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e45110. [PMID: 36921236 PMCID: PMC10148212 DOI: 10.2196/45110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elderly people were regarded as the most impacted and most vulnerable social group during the COVID-19 epidemic. The community environment is vital for their health. The elderly people had to stay home during the implementation of the management and control of the COVID-19 epidemic. They lack resources and suffer from anxiety. Thus, determining environmental factors beneficial for their physical and mental health is very important. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the association between community cohesion and physical and mental health among elderly people and to identify the related community service and environmental factors that may promote community cohesion. METHODS This community-based cross-sectional study was designed during the COVID-19 epidemic. A multistage sampling method is applied to this study. A total of 2,036 participants aged ≥ 60 years were sampled from 27 locations in China. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The neighborhood cohesion instrument consisting of three-dimensional scales was used to assess community cohesion. Self-efficacy and life satisfaction, cognitive function and depression, and community service and environmental factors were also measured using standard instruments. Statistical analyses were restricted to 2,017 participants. Separate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between community cohesion and physical and mental health factors, as well as related community service and environmental factors, among elderly people. RESULTS The results showed that high levels of community cohesion were associated with good self-perceived health status and life satisfaction and high levels of self-efficacy and psychological resilience, and their odds ratios (ORs) were 1.27 (95% CI, 1.01-1.59) and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.15-1.27) and 1.09 (95% CI, 1.05-1.13) and 1.05 (95% CI, 1.03-1.06), respectively. The length of stay in the community and the level of physical activity were positively associated with community cohesion scores, whereas the educational level was negatively associated with the community cohesion scores (P < .05). Community cohesion was also associated with low level of depression and high level of cognitive function. The community cohesion was significantly associated with community services and environmental factors from four dimensions. High levels of community cohesion were associated with transportation service, rental of rehabilitation equipment, high levels of satisfaction for community doctors' technical level and community waste disposal, and their ORs were 3.14 (95% CI, 1.87-5.28), 3.62 (95% CI, 2.38-5.52), 1.37 (95% CI, 1.08-1.73), and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.01-1.50), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Community cohesion was associated with the physical and mental health of elderly people. Our research suggests that enhancing community services and environmental management may be an effective strategy to increase community cohesion during the epidemic period of major infectious diseases. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Zhejiang University, 866 Yu-hang-tang Road, HangZhou, CN
| | - XiWen Ding
- Zhejiang University, 866 Yu-hang-tang Road, HangZhou, CN
| | | | - YiYang Pan
- Zhejiang University, 866 Yu-hang-tang Road, HangZhou, CN
| | - Yuan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, HangZhou, CN
| | - DongBin Hu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, CN
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29
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Henning-Smith C, Meltzer G, Kobayashi LC, Finlay JM. Rural/urban differences in mental health and social well-being among older US adults in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:505-511. [PMID: 35369828 PMCID: PMC11071151 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2060184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study seeks to identify differences in mental health and social well-being during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults by rural/urban location. METHODS We use data from the COVID-19 Coping Study, a nation-wide online study of U.S. adults aged 55 and older (n = 6,873) fielded during April-May, 2020. We investigated rural/urban differences in mental health (depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms) and social well-being (loneliness and social isolation); concern about COVID-19; and types of social participation (e.g. phone/video calls, visits). We also used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationship of rurality with mental health, adjusting for socio-demographic correlates, COVID-19 history, and COVID-19 concern. RESULTS We found similar prevalence of mental health and social well-being outcomes for rural and urban respondents. Rural respondents reported lower concern about COVID-19 and more frequent use of social media than urban respondents. CONCLUSION Mental health and social well-being did not differ by rural/urban location in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, rural residents reported less concern about COVID-19 and more use of social media, potentially leading to greater risk of illness from the pandemic in later months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Henning-Smith
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Gabriella Meltzer
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jessica M. Finlay
- Social Environment and Health Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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30
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Simjanoski M, de Azevedo Cardoso T, Wollenhaupt-Aguiar B, Pfaffenseller B, De Boni RB, Balanzá-Martínez V, Frey BN, Minuzzi L, Kapczinski F. Lifestyle Behaviors, Depression, and Anxiety Among Individuals Living in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am J Lifestyle Med 2023; 17:181-193. [PMID: 36883127 PMCID: PMC9157275 DOI: 10.1177/15598276221102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to investigate the association between lifestyle behaviors and symptoms of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. A web survey was conducted between July 3-August 3, 2020, across Canada. The main outcomes considered were a positive screening for depression, as evaluated by the PHQ-2 and positive screening for anxiety, as evaluated by the GAD-7. Lifestyle behaviors were assessed using the Short Multidimensional Lifestyle Inventory Evaluation-Confinement (SMILE-C), an instrument adapted for lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total sample size included 404 participants, of which 24.3% had a positive screen for depression, 20.5% for anxiety, and 15.5% for both. We found significant differences in SMILE-C scores between individuals with a positive and individuals with a negative screen for depression (P < .001). Likewise, there were significant differences in SMILE-C scores between individuals with a positive and individuals with a negative screen for anxiety (P < .001). We found an association between unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and symptoms of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 lockdown in Canada. The findings highlight the importance of lifestyle medicine (LM) education and targeted lifestyle interventions to promote healthy behaviors and help reduce the burden of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Simjanoski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | | | - Bianca Pfaffenseller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Raquel B De Boni
- Institute of Scientific and Technological Communication and Information in Health (ICICT), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vicent Balanzá-Martínez
- Teaching Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain
| | - Benicio N Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic and Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Luciano Minuzzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Flavio Kapczinski
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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31
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Hertz-Palmor N, Ruppin S, Matalon N, Mosheva M, Dorman-Ilan S, Serur Y, Avinir A, Mekori-Domachevsky E, Hasson-Ohayon I, Gross R, Gothelf D, Pessach IM. A 16-month longitudinal investigation of risk and protective factors for mental health outcomes throughout three national lockdowns and a mass vaccination campaign: Evidence from a weighted Israeli sample during COVID-19. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115119. [PMID: 36881950 PMCID: PMC9968478 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is an ongoing global crisis, with a multitude of factors that affect mental health worldwide. We explored potential predictors for the emergence and maintenance of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the general population in Israel. METHODS Across the span of 16 months, 2478 people completed a repeated self-report survey which inquired psychiatric symptoms and pandemic related stress factors (PRSF). We applied mixed-effects models to assess how each stressor contributes to depression, anxiety and PTSS at each time point, and longitudinally assessed participants who completed at least two consecutive surveys (n = 400). We weighted our sample to increase representativeness of the population. RESULTS Fatigue was the strongest predictor for depression, anxiety and PTSS at all time points, and predicted deterioration overtime. Financial concerns associated with depression and anxiety at all time points, and with their deterioration overtime. Health related concerns were uniquely associated with anxiety and PTSS at all time points and their deterioration, but not with depression. Improvement in sense of protection overtime associated with decrease in depression and anxiety. Hesitancy towards vaccination was associated to higher financial concerns and lower sense of protection by the authorities. CONCLUSIONS Our findings accentuate the multitude of risk factors for psychiatric morbidity during COVID-19, and the centrality of fatigue in determining mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimrod Hertz-Palmor
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel; MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Shachar Ruppin
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Noam Matalon
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Mariela Mosheva
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Shirel Dorman-Ilan
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Yaffa Serur
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Asia Avinir
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Ehud Mekori-Domachevsky
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | | | - Raz Gross
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Doron Gothelf
- The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Edmond and Lily Safra Children Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Itai M Pessach
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Tan ESS, Chin SAFX, Sathapan MSP, Dewi AD, Amini F, Bustami NA, Tan PY, Ho YB, Tan CK. Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Evidence from Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4046. [PMID: 36901057 PMCID: PMC10001641 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The interplay of physical, social, and economic factors during the pandemic adversely affected the mental health of healthy people and exacerbated pre-existing mental disorders. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the general population in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study involving 1246 participants was conducted. A validated questionnaire consisting of the level of knowledge and practice of precautionary behaviors, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) was used as an instrument to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results revealed that most participants possessed a high level of knowledge about COVID-19 and practiced wearing face masks daily as a precautionary measure. The average DASS scores were beyond the mild to moderate cut-off point for all three domains. The present study found that prolonged lockdowns had significantly impacted (p < 0.05), the mental health of the general population in Malaysia, reducing quality of life during the pandemic. Employment status, financial instability, and low annual incomes appeared to be risk factors (p < 0.05) contributing to mental distress, while older age played a protective role (p < 0.05). This is the first large-scale study in Malaysia to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie Sin Sing Tan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Astrid Disimond Dewi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Farahnaz Amini
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Normina Ahmad Bustami
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Pui Yee Tan
- Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Yu Bin Ho
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Chung Keat Tan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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Zeitoun T, Plante A, Sabiston CM, Dieudé M, Doré I. The Association between Change in Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Health Indicators in Immunosuppressed Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2099. [PMID: 36767466 PMCID: PMC9916248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032099] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Little is known on how changes in lifestyle behaviors affect mental health among immunosuppressed individuals who observed stricter physical and social distancing measures due to higher risk of complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the association between changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST) and sleep duration following COVID-19 outbreak on mental health indicators of immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives. Participants (n = 132) completed an online questionnaire between May and August 2020. Linear regressions were conducted to assess the associations between an increase or decrease in lifestyle behaviors and mental health indicators. Individuals with decreased MVPA and increased ST experienced higher distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Those who reported an increase or decrease in sleep had higher levels of stress, distress and depressive symptoms. Decreases in sleep was associated with higher anxiety symptoms. Lifestyle behaviors in the context of a stressful life event such as the COVID-19 pandemic may impact mental health indicators of immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Zeitoun
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | | | - Catherine M. Sabiston
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6, Canada
| | - Mélanie Dieudé
- CHUM Research Centre, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Faculty of medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplant Research Program (CDTRP), Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Héma-Québec, Montréal, QC H4R 2W7, Canada
| | - Isabelle Doré
- CHUM Research Centre, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplant Research Program (CDTRP), Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
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Bird LJ, McCabe M, Lim YY, Cornish K. Prevalence and correlates of subjective cognitive concerns in Australian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1094497. [PMID: 36710843 PMCID: PMC9874933 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1094497] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus (COVID-19) instigated unprecedented global effects on healthcare systems, economies, employment, education, travel, and social lives. In addition to increased mental health challenges, pandemic restrictions have triggered emerging cognitive concerns. University students are at particularly high risk of adverse lockdown-related effects, yet despite the substantial adaptions to learning necessitated by COVID-19, limited research has so far focused on the cognitive consequences of the pandemic among university students. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the nature, prevalence, and correlates of subjective cognitive concerns among 972 students (Median age = 22 years, 70% female) enrolled at Monash University, Australia, in December 2020. Methods Students completed the online THRIVE@Monash survey, 5 weeks following prolonged lockdown in Melbourne. Using group comparisons and hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses, we examined associations between demographic and enrolment characteristics, COVID-19-related experiences and impacts (author-developed questions), self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms (PROMIS Anxiety and Depression scales), and students' perceived changes in everyday cognitive functions (author-developed questions). Results Over 60% of students reported subjective cognitive concerns (SCCs). After controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms, students reporting more SCCs were more likely to be younger, from White/European ethnic backgrounds, and in their first year of undergraduate study. No differences in SCCs were found between male and female students. Greater worry, anxiety, or stress related to COVID-19 (e.g., infection, leaving the house, hygiene and exposure prevention, impact on physical and mental health), and time spent reading or talking about COVID-19, were generally not associated with SCCs after controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms. Discussion These findings highlight vulnerable subgroups of students who might benefit from regular monitoring, education, and interventions to support their cognitive health during the pandemic and beyond. In addition, cognitive concerns may provide additional insight into mental health problems among students, and emphasize the importance of understanding factors that impact students' long-term academic and career success.
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Mills-Finnerty C, Staggs H, Hogoboom N, Naparstek S, Harvey T, Beaudreau SA, O’Hara R. Association between mental health symptoms and behavioral performance in younger vs. older online workers. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:995445. [PMID: 37065893 PMCID: PMC10090330 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.995445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased rates of mental health problems, particularly in younger people. Objective We quantified mental health of online workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cognition during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020. A pre-registered data analysis plan was completed, testing the following three hypotheses: reward-related behaviors will remain intact as age increases; cognitive performance will decline with age; mood symptoms will worsen during the pandemic compared to before. We also conducted exploratory analyses including Bayesian computational modeling of latent cognitive parameters. Methods Self-report depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 8) and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7) prevalence were compared from two samples of Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers ages 18-76: pre-COVID 2018 (N = 799) and peri-COVID 2020 (N = 233). The peri-COVID sample also completed a browser-based neurocognitive test battery. Results We found support for two out of three pre-registered hypotheses. Notably our hypothesis that mental health symptoms would increase in the peri-COVID sample compared to pre-COVID sample was not supported: both groups reported high mental health burden, especially younger online workers. Higher mental health symptoms were associated with negative impacts on cognitive performance (speed/accuracy tradeoffs) in the peri-COVID sample. We found support for two hypotheses: reaction time slows down with age in two of three attention tasks tested, whereas reward function and accuracy appear to be preserved with age. Conclusion This study identified high mental health burden, particularly in younger online workers, and associated negative impacts on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Mills-Finnerty
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Colleen Mills-Finnerty,
| | - Halee Staggs
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nichole Hogoboom
- Department of Psychology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Sharon Naparstek
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tiffany Harvey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Sherry A. Beaudreau
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ruth O’Hara
- Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Lin D, Sun Y, Yang Y, Han Y, Xu C. Urban park use and self-reported physical, mental, and social health during the COVID-19 pandemic: An on-site survey in Beijing, China. URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING 2023; 79:127804. [PMID: 36447619 PMCID: PMC9691510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for people's health. Studies have demonstrated the positive impact of urban green spaces, particularly urban parks, on physical and mental health. However, few studies have evaluated social health, which is a component of human health, and more understanding of the relationship between urban parks and human health during the COVID-19 pandemic is required. This study examined the effects of urban parks on people's health using a canonical correlation model. Physical, mental, and social health were the dependent health variables, and five factors related to urban parks were the independent variables. This study investigated 22 urban parks inside the Forth Ring Road in Beijing, China using a questionnaire survey. The results demonstrated a positive association between urban parks and human health during the pandemic. Distance to the parks, park area, and park size were positively correlated with physical, mental, and social health. Furthermore, frequency and duration of visits to urban parks were positively associated with mental health and contact with neighbors. The health effects of urban park use varied with park types and locations' urbanization background. These findings can provide insights for health-oriented urban park planning and construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Lin
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Yang
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Han
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyang Xu
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Forest Ecosystem of State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Center for Urban Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Emotional State, Life Satisfaction and Worries Regarding COVID-19 in Spanish and Chilean Adolescents during Spring 2020. Scand J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Psychol 2022; 10:144-152. [PMID: 36687262 PMCID: PMC9828208 DOI: 10.2478/sjcapp-2022-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The lockdown due to COVID-19, has affected the mental health of the population. Recent literature suggests a greater psychological impact on adolescents regardless of their cultural background. Objective The aim is to analyze the emotional state, life satisfaction and worries about COVID-19 in Chilean and Spanish adolescents. Method A total of 1078 adolescents (M=15.18; SD=1.25) completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the COVID-19 Worry Scale and the Life Satisfaction Scale. The design was cross-sectional and descriptive. Descriptive analyses, t-tests, and linear regressions were performed. Results More emotional symptoms, worries and lower life satisfaction were observed in Chile. Girls had more worries and emotional symptoms. An affected psychological state is also observed in Spanish adolescents, especially in Chilean adolescents. Worries about COVID-19 affect depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction in both samples. Conclusions Further research is needed to prevent psychological distress in future pandemics. Developing tailored interventions are encouraged.
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Effects of housing environments on COVID-19 transmission and mental health revealed by COVID-19 Participant Experience data from the All of Us Research Program in the USA: a case-control study. BMJ Open 2022. [PMID: 36535714 DOI: 10.1101/2022.04.05.22273358v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the association between housing types and COVID-19 infection (or mental health) during the early stages of the pandemic by using the large-scale individual-level All of Us Research Program COVID-19 Participant Experience (COPE) survey data. We hypothesise that housing types with a shared component are associated with elevated COVID-19 infection and subsequent mental health conditions. DESIGN A retrospective case-control study. SETTING Secondary analysis of online surveys conducted in the USA. PARTICIPANTS 62 664 participant responses to COPE from May to July 2020. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome measure is the self-reported COVID-19 status, and the secondary outcome measures are anxiety or stress. Both measures were applied for matched cases and controls of the same race, sex, age group and survey version. RESULTS A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that housing types with a shared component are significantly associated with COVID-19 infection (OR=1.19, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3; p=2×10-4), anxiety (OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4; p=1.1×10-6) and stress (OR=1.29, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4; p=4.3×10-10) as compared with free-standing houses, after adjusting for confounding factors. Further, frequent optional shopping or outing trips, another indicator of the built environment, are also associated with COVID-19 infection (OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8; p=0.02), but not associated with elevated mental health conditions. Confounding factors are controlled in the analysis such as ethnicity, age, social distancing behaviour and house occupancy. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that houses with a shared component tend to have an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission, which consequently leads to high levels of anxiety and stress for their dwellers. The study also suggests the necessity to improve the quality of the built environment such as residential housing and its surroundings through planning, design and management, ensuring a more resilient society that can cope with future pandemics.
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Luo W, Baldwin E, Jiang AY, Li S, Yang B, Li H. Effects of housing environments on COVID-19 transmission and mental health revealed by COVID-19 Participant Experience data from the All of Us Research Program in the USA: a case-control study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063714. [PMID: 36535714 PMCID: PMC9764101 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the association between housing types and COVID-19 infection (or mental health) during the early stages of the pandemic by using the large-scale individual-level All of Us Research Program COVID-19 Participant Experience (COPE) survey data. We hypothesise that housing types with a shared component are associated with elevated COVID-19 infection and subsequent mental health conditions. DESIGN A retrospective case-control study. SETTING Secondary analysis of online surveys conducted in the USA. PARTICIPANTS 62 664 participant responses to COPE from May to July 2020. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome measure is the self-reported COVID-19 status, and the secondary outcome measures are anxiety or stress. Both measures were applied for matched cases and controls of the same race, sex, age group and survey version. RESULTS A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that housing types with a shared component are significantly associated with COVID-19 infection (OR=1.19, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3; p=2×10-4), anxiety (OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4; p=1.1×10-6) and stress (OR=1.29, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4; p=4.3×10-10) as compared with free-standing houses, after adjusting for confounding factors. Further, frequent optional shopping or outing trips, another indicator of the built environment, are also associated with COVID-19 infection (OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8; p=0.02), but not associated with elevated mental health conditions. Confounding factors are controlled in the analysis such as ethnicity, age, social distancing behaviour and house occupancy. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that houses with a shared component tend to have an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission, which consequently leads to high levels of anxiety and stress for their dwellers. The study also suggests the necessity to improve the quality of the built environment such as residential housing and its surroundings through planning, design and management, ensuring a more resilient society that can cope with future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Luo
- Biosystems Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Mathematics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Edwin Baldwin
- Biosystems Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Anna Yi Jiang
- Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Shujuan Li
- School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Haiquan Li
- Biosystems Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Osawa I, Goto T, Tabuchi T, Koga HK, Tsugawa Y. Machine-learning approaches to identify determining factors of happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic: retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054862. [PMID: 36526317 PMCID: PMC9764099 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054862] [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: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate determining factors of happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Large online surveys in Japan before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS A random sample of 25 482 individuals who are representatives of the Japanese population. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Self-reported happiness measured using a 10-point Likert scale, where higher scores indicated higher levels of happiness. We defined participants with ≥8 on the scale as having high levels of happiness. RESULTS Among the 25 482 respondents, the median score of self-reported happiness was 7 (IQR 6-8), with 11 418 (45%) reporting high levels of happiness during the pandemic. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that meaning in life, having a spouse, trust in neighbours and female gender were positively associated with happiness (eg, adjusted OR (aOR) for meaning in life 4.17; 95% CI 3.92 to 4.43; p<0.001). Conversely, self-reported poor health, anxiety about future household income, psychiatric diseases except depression and feeling isolated were negatively associated with happiness (eg, aOR for self-reported poor health 0.44; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.48; p<0.001). Using machine-learning methods, we found that meaning in life and social capital (eg, having a spouse and trust in communities) were the strongest positive determinants of happiness, whereas poor health, anxiety about future household income and feeling isolated were important negative determinants of happiness. Among 6965 subjects who responded to questionnaires both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no systemic difference in the patterns as to determinants of declined happiness during the pandemic. CONCLUSION Using machine-learning methods on data from large online surveys in Japan, we found that interventions that have a positive impact on social capital as well as successful pandemic control and economic stimuli may effectively improve the population-level psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itsuki Osawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Goto
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Health Economics, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
- TXP Medical Co. Ltd, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hayami K Koga
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yusuke Tsugawa
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Service Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Chu SKY, To DTC, Liu CCH, Wong T, Li KKW. Psychological Impact of Cancellation of Elective Surgeries for Ophthalmic Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14852. [PMID: 36429571 PMCID: PMC9690636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214852] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine hospital services globally. The cancellation of elective surgeries placed a psychological burden on patients. A questionnaire study was conducted to identify the psychological impact of canceling cataract operations on patients at Kowloon East Cataract Center, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong, from April to June 2020. In total, 99 participants aged 59 years old and above, who had their cataract surgeries postponed or as scheduled, were studied using the standardized patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7). None of the patients who had their cataract surgeries rescheduled reached the cutoff score for major depression in PHQ-9, whereas, according to GAD-7, five patients had mild symptoms of anxiety, and one had severe symptoms. There was no significant psychosocial impact of the cancellation of cataract surgeries on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K. Y. Chu
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David T. C. To
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Candice C. H. Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Tony Wong
- Department of Clinical Psychology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth K. W. Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Rioux PA, Chaumon M, Demers A, Fitzback-Fortin H, Kübel SL, Lebrun C, Mendoza-Duran E, Micillo L, Racine C, Thibault N, van Wassenhove V, Grondin S. Psychological Time during the COVID-19 Lockdown: Canadian Data. TIMING & TIME PERCEPTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/22134468-bja10063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures have affected routines and mental well-being of people around the world. Research also shows distorted time perception during lockdowns which can partially be explained by compromised well-being. The present study investigates Canadians’ temporal experience and mental well-being at two periods of national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic (spring 2020: n = 66; beginning of 2021: n = 100). As results indicate, the only difference between these periods on the investigated variables was the strictness of lockdown measures. Our findings show associations between anxiety, depression, confinement indicators, and time perception (future temporal distance, passage of time judgments). Stepwise regression models indicated that depression and strictness of measures predicted the impression that the next week appeared farther away; one’s loneliness appraisal was associated with a perceived slower time flow. Our findings give a preliminary idea about time perception and mental well-being in the Canadian lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maximilien Chaumon
- Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Unversité, Centre MEG-EEG, Centre de NeuroImagerie Recherche (CENIR), 75013 Paris, France
| | - Antoine Demers
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Sebastian L. Kübel
- Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, 79100 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Catherine Lebrun
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Luigi Micillo
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Charles Racine
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Nicola Thibault
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Virginie van Wassenhove
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit, NeuroSpin, CEA, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 91191 Gif/Yvette, France
| | - Simon Grondin
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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Gilbar O, Gelkopf M, Berger R, Greene T. Risk factors for depression and anxiety during COVID-19 in Israel: A two-wave study before and during the pandemic. Stress Health 2022; 38:736-745. [PMID: 35034419 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Research indicates that mental health problems increased across the globe after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a need for research examining specific risk factors for mental health problems, while accounting for symptoms before the pandemic. This study examined risk factors for depression and anxiety symptoms among Israeli adults following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel, above and beyond depression and anxiety symptoms reported 3 years before the pandemic. We performed a two-wave 3-year longitudinal study (W1 July-September 2017; W2 May-June 2020). The final sample included 578 participants who completed anxiety and depression self-report questionnaires at both waves. The W2 assessment additionally included being considered high-risk for COVID-19, and measures regarding loneliness, perceived stress, and COVID-19 worries. Both anxiety and depression symptoms were significantly higher at W2 during the pandemic. Worries related to COVID-19, perceived stress, loneliness, and prior mental health symptoms predicted depression and anxiety in W2. Additionally, being younger was associated with W2 anxiety. The current study highlights risk factors for psychological distress in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attention of clinicians and policy makers should be given to the important role of loneliness when screening and treating people during this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohad Gilbar
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marc Gelkopf
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rony Berger
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.,Center for Compassionate and Mindful Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Talya Greene
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Fields EC, Kensinger EA, Garcia SM, Ford JH, Cunningham TJ. With age comes well-being: older age associated with lower stress, negative affect, and depression throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:2071-2079. [PMID: 34915781 PMCID: PMC9200900 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.2010183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Despite initial concerns about older adult's emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, reports from the first months of the pandemic suggested that older adults were faring better than younger adults, reporting lower stress, negative affect, depression, and anxiety. In this study, we examined whether this pattern would persist as the pandemic progressed.Method: A convenience sample of 1,171 community-dwelling adults in the United States, ages 18-90, filled out surveys on various metrics of emotional well-being starting in March 2020 and at various time points through April 2021. We created time bins to account for the occurrence of significant national events, allowing us to determine how age would relate to affective outcomes when additional national-level emotional events were overlaid upon the stress of the pandemic.Results: Older age was associated with lower stress, negative affect, and depressive symptomatology, and with higher positive affect, and this effect was consistent across time points measured from March, 2020 through April, 2021. Age was less associated with measures of worry and social isolation, but older adults were more worried about their personal health throughout the pandemic.Conclusion: These results are consistent with literature suggesting that older age is associated with increased resilience in the face of stressful life experiences and show that this pattern may extend to resilience in the face of a prolonged real-world stressor.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.2010183 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C. Fields
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
| | | | - Sandry M. Garcia
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Jaclyn H. Ford
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Tony J. Cunningham
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Barchielli B, Cricenti C, Gallè F, Sabella EA, Liguori F, Da Molin G, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Giannini AM, Ferracuti S, Napoli C. Climate Changes, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Russian-Ukrainian War: What Is the Impact on Habits Change and Mental Health? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11929. [PMID: 36231229 PMCID: PMC9565033 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate Change, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19, and Wars are some of the great challenges of our time. The consequences will affect psychological well-being and could have a harmful impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess the level of preoccupation and fears surrounding issues of the 21st-century and the implication for psychological well-being of the general population from Central/Southern Italy among different age groups. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, topics formulated ad-hoc about preoccupation, fears, habits, and willingness to change habits in the future related to the 21st-century challenges, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21) was administered online. A sample of 1831 participants (61% F; mean age 47.71 ± 17.30) was obtained. Results showed that young adults and older adults, respectively, reported greater and less psychological well-being. Young adults reported higher scores for preoccupation, changing habits, and willingness to change habits in the future, while older adults reported the lowest scores except for changing habits, also controlling for gender. Results for this variable, as well as correlations between the many variables described, rely on the specificity of age, and 21st-century challenges. Moreover, the main fears related to the 21st-century concerns were different based on both age and gender. In conclusion, the various stresses of the 21st-century discussed in this study have a relationship with personal well-being, and it is important to consider potential global mental health issues resulting from these stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Clarissa Cricenti
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Liguori
- Family Psychotherapy Academy, Via Raffaele Morghen 181, 80129 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Schmitz A, Garten C, Kühne S, Brandt M. Worries about inadequate medical treatment in case of a COVID-19 infection: the role of social inequalities, COVID-19 prevalence and healthcare infrastructure. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1761. [PMID: 36114486 PMCID: PMC9482236 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigates individual and regional determinants of worries about inadequate medical treatment in case of a COVID-19 infection, an important indicator of mental wellbeing in pandemic times as it potentially affects the compliance with mitigation measures and the willingness to get vaccinated. The analyses shed light on the following questions: Are there social inequalities in worries about inadequate medical treatment in case of a COVID-19 infection? What is the role of the regional spread of COVID-19 infections and regional healthcare capacities? Methods Based on data derived from the German Socioeconomic Panel (SOEP), a representative sample of the German population aged 18 years and over, we estimated multilevel logistic regression models with individual-level (level 1) and regional-level (level 2) variables. The regional variables of interest were (a) the number of COVID-19 infections, (b) the number of hospital beds as an overall measure of the regional healthcare capacities, and (c) the number of free intensive care units as a measure of the actual capacities for treating patients with severe courses of COVID-19. Results Women, older respondents, persons with migrant background and those with a lower socioeconomic status were more likely to report worries about inadequate medical treatment in case of a COVID-19 infection. Moreover, respondents with chronic illness, lower subjective health and those who consider COVID-19 as a threat for their own health were more likely to report worries. In addition, also regional characteristics were relevant. Worries were more common in poorer regions with higher COVID-19 infections and worse health infrastructure as indicated by the number of hospital beds. Conclusions The analysis not only indicates that several social groups are more concerned about inadequate medical treatment in case of a COVID-19 infection, but also highlights the need for considering regional-level influences, such as the spread of the virus, poverty rates and healthcare infrastructure, when analyzing the social and health-related consequences of the pandemic.
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Lacomba‐Trejo L, Schoeps K, Valero‐Moreno S, del Rosario C, Montoya‐Castilla I. Teachers' Response to Stress, Anxiety and Depression During COVID-19 Lockdown: What Have We Learned From the Pandemic? THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2022; 92:864-872. [PMID: 35610141 PMCID: PMC9347633 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a result of national lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak, teachers were forced to suspend their classes and replace them with online teaching and home schooling. Additional stressors such as competing family responsibility have increased their worries and mental health problems. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19-related worries on teachers' emotional symptoms, considering the mediating role of several protective factors. METHODS A total of 614 Chilean teachers (94.60% women) participated in this study using a cross-sectional design and incidental sampling method. Self-report data was collected assessing emotional symptoms, COVID-19-related worries, life satisfaction, affect balance, and resilience. Descriptive analyses, Pearson's correlations, hierarchical regressions, and mediation models were conducted. RESULTS The results indicated that emotional symptoms were associated with prepandemic physical and mental health problems, higher levels of worries and negative affect, as well as lower levels of life satisfaction and resilience. Results from the mediation models showed that the negative impact of COVID-19-related worries on emotional symptoms was alleviated by affect balance and resilience. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of addressing the risk and protective factors for teachers' mental health during exceptional situations such as the ongoing pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lacomba‐Trejo
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological TreatmentsUniversitat de ValènciaValenciaSpain, Valencia
| | - Konstanze Schoeps
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological TreatmentsUniversitat de ValènciaValenciaSpain, Valencia
| | - Selene Valero‐Moreno
- Department of Developmental and Educational PsychologyUniversitat de ValènciaValenciaSpain, Valencia
| | | | - Inmaculada Montoya‐Castilla
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological TreatmentsUniversitat de ValènciaValenciaSpain, Valencia
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Corrêa RE, Velho PENF, do Prado Calazans R, Camargo C, Tolocka RE. Physical activity and emotions in a period of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SPORTS MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 4:172-176. [PMID: 35505687 PMCID: PMC9047400 DOI: 10.1016/j.smhs.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social distancing (SD) to prevent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission reduced practices of physical activities (PA) and changed emotional conditions, but the relationship between PA and the emotions has to be further studied. This study aimed to analyze PA and the intensity of basic emotions during a period of social distancing in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection was performed using the snowball system and an online survey with questions about the minimum weekly frequency of 30-min moderate and/or vigorous activities (MVPA), intensity of basic emotions, and sociodemographic profile. A total of 704 volunteers participated; mean age 38.1 ± 13.4 years, 67.9% female, 82.0% insufficiently practiced MVPA, and 37.9% of the group reported no weekly PA. Anxiety/fear was the emotion with the highest intensity in the study period. A significant association was observed between PA and intensity of happiness (rho = 0.125; p < 0.01) and a negative association between PA practice and intensity of anxiety/fear (rho = -0.090; p < 0.05), sadness (rho = -0.134; p < 0.01), and anger (rho = -0.109; p < 0.01). Also, an association was observed between anxiety/fear and social isolation (rho = 0.082; p < 0.05). These results suggest that public policies offering PA programs and psychological care are required to improve the quality of life of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Espanha Corrêa
- Postgraduate Program in Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas – UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, 13083-887, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael do Prado Calazans
- Postgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba – UNIMEP, Piracicaba, SP, 13390-000, Brazil
| | - Calvino Camargo
- Health Science Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Roraima – UFRR, Boa Vista, RR, 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Rute Estanislava Tolocka
- Postgraduate Program in Human Movement Sciences, Universidade Metodista de Piracicaba – UNIMEP, Piracicaba, SP, 13390-000, Brazil
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Nóbrega MDPSDS, Kogien M, Marcon SR, de Souza Gonçalves AM, Bittencourt MN, Pena JLC, Silva MSC, Santos Junior DF, Mendes DT, Moreira WC, da Silva Chaves SC, Alves JS, da Silva Lins JC, Alves VDM. COVID-19 and the Mental Health of Nursing Professionals in Brazil: Associations between Social and Clinical Contexts and Psychopathological Symptoms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10766. [PMID: 36078484 PMCID: PMC9518523 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an important negative psychological impact on people worldwide, especially nursing professionals who seem to be more vulnerable to the development of psychopathological symptoms. Objective: To analyze relationships between variables from the social and clinical contexts with psychopathological symptoms in nursing professionals from different geographic regions of Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 1737 nursing professionals from the five regions of Brazil. Data collection was carried out online with a questionnaire made available via Google Forms containing sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical questions, and the Symptom Assessment Scale-40-R, for the assessment of psychopathological symptoms. Differences between mean scores for the severity of psychopathological symptoms were assessed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis tests. Results: There was a significant difference in the psychoticism domain scores according to Brazilian geographic region, with greater severity among professionals from the North and Northeast regions when compared with those from the South region. Social context variables (gender, age group, and marital status) and clinical variables (psychological and psychiatric follow-up; psychological or emotional support by the institution; family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker with COVID-19, and death among them; use of psychiatric medication without a medical prescription; and taking steps to take care of their mental health) were significantly related to psychopathological symptoms. Conclusions: The results point to the importance of mental health promotion strategies for professionals through psychological or emotional support, as evidence indicates that this support can be a predictor of reduced psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Moisés Kogien
- Faculty of Nursing, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78068-600, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - José Luís Cunha Pena
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá 68902-280, Brazil
| | - Maria Silvia Costa Silva
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá 68902-280, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Jheynny Sousa Alves
- School of Nursing, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil
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Babicki M, Bogudzińska B, Kowalski K, Mastalerz-Migas A. Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life among Online Responders in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study Covering Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9934. [PMID: 36011561 PMCID: PMC9408464 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the population. This study aims to assess the prevalence of subjective depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as assess the quality of life in different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic based on an online survey. Methods: The study was conducted based on an original and anonymous questionnaire, consisting of a section assessing sociodemographic status and psychometric tools: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) and Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). A total of 6739 people participated in the survey, with the largest number from the first wave of the pandemic (2467-36.6%), followed by 1627 (24.1%) for the second wave, 1696 (25.2%) for wave three and 949 (14.1%) for wave four. The mean age of the study group was 28.19 ± 9.94. Results: There was an initial, gradual increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms over the three waves. There were no significant differences in the quality-of-life scores, except for the second and third waves (-0.0846; p = 0.013. It was found that women, residents of big cities and people with psychiatric history showed higher BDI and GAD-7 scores. Conclusions: The impact of the pandemic on mental health was not homogeneous, with the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic having more of an impact compared to the fourth wave. Female respondents' sex, history of mental disease and reduced earning capacity exacerbated psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bogna Bogudzińska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Consultation Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
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