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Kvalø M, Parks-Stamm EJ, Thorsteinsen K, Olsen M, Martiny SE. Mapping the well-being of Norwegian mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:781-791. [PMID: 38623039 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had negative effects on many people's well-being and quality of life. In the present work, we focused on Norwegian mothers with elementary school children, and investigated whether their well-being, stress, and worries (and the relationships between them) changed across the early months of the pandemic. We collected data at two time points in 2020. In June 2020, 231 mothers (mean age = 40.09, SD = 6.22) responded to an online questionnaire in which they were asked to indicate their well-being, stress, and worries before the pandemic, during the lockdown (i.e., March 2020), and currently (i.e., June 2020). Of these 231 mothers, 97 (mean age = 40.58, SD = 5.66) answered the same questionnaire again in November 2020. Mothers' well-being was lower in November 2020 than before the pandemic (retrospectively reported). The age of the youngest child showed the strongest and most consistent relationship with mothers' well-being across all time points. In addition, we found that the stress mothers felt during the national lockdown in March 2020 was strongly associated with their well-being both during the lockdown and in June 2020. Finally, in November 2020, mothers' financial pandemic-related worries were negatively related to their well-being. Implications and suggestions for future research and for how societies can cope with future health-related crises are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Kvalø
- The Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | | | - Marte Olsen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sarah E Martiny
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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2
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Cleaver P, Non AL. Were fewer boys born in the United States during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic? A test of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis. Evol Anthropol 2024:e22043. [PMID: 39051448 DOI: 10.1002/evan.22043] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The Trivers-Willard hypothesis predicts that mammalian parents in poor environmental conditions will favor the offspring sex with more reliable chance of reproductive success, which in humans is females. Three months following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, England, and Wales, there were significant decreases in the sex ratio at birth (SRB) (male births/total live births). We analyzed this ratio with a seasonal autoregressive moving average model, and a logistic regression, using nationwide natality data for all singleton births in the United States from 2015 to 2021 (n = 25,201,620 total births). We identified no significant change in the sex ratio in either analysis. Rather, we observed marked differences in the sex ratio by maternal characteristics of race/ethnicity, age, and education, with more vulnerable groups having lower sex ratios. These findings suggest the SRB may be an important marker of reproductive vulnerability for disadvantaged groups in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Cleaver
- Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Amy L Non
- Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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3
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Badahdah AM, Viskupič F, Wiltse DL. The Influence of Disagreements over COVID-19 Preventive Measures on Stress and Sleep Quality. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241266185. [PMID: 39045771 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241266185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
In this paper we reported the rate of disagreements and their effect on stress levels and sleep quality. Data was collected from 573 South Dakota residents. We estimated two ordinary least squares regressions using stress and sleep quality due to COVID-19 as outcome variables. A high percentage (62.1%) of the participants reported disagreements over COVID-19 with friends and family members. Disagreements over COVID-19 were associated with a higher level of stress (β = 1.001, p = .000) and a lower level of sleep quality (β = -.431, p = .039). The results of this study should serve as a reminder to researchers to consider the impact of interpersonal conflict over public health measures with family and friends on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah M Badahdah
- School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies, Sociology Program, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Filip Viskupič
- School of American and Global Studies, Department of Political Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - David L Wiltse
- School of American and Global Studies, Department of Political Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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4
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Ta Z, Gilles AA, Parsinejad N, Egger MJ, Baron KG. Predicting the Persistence of Insomnia Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Behav Sleep Med 2024; 22:433-445. [PMID: 38148617 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2023.2298377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to evaluate the factors associated with vulnerability and course of insomnia longitudinally in the COVID-19 pandemic and examine differences between: (a) those who never demonstrated clinical insomnia symptoms, (b) those who demonstrated clinically elevated insomnia symptoms at 1 or 2 time points, and (c) those who demonstrated clinically elevated insomnia symptoms at all 3 time points. METHODS Participants (≥18 years old) completed measures of insomnia (ISI), depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), and pre-sleep arousal (PSAS) at 3 time points (baseline, 1 month, and 3 months). Data were analyzed using univariable odds ratios and multivariable multicategory logistic regression to determine demographic, psychological, and behavioral predictors of insomnia persistence. RESULTS A total of 129 participants completed all 3 assessments (70 female, age M = 44 years, SD = 16). We found that 40% (N = 51) never had insomnia symptoms, 33% (N = 42) reported transient insomnia symptoms (1 or 2 time points), and 28% (N = 36) reported persistent insomnia symptoms (all 3 time points). From the multivariable multicategory logistic analyses, pre-sleep arousal, gender, and income were significant predictors of insomnia persistence. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate elevated insomnia symptoms were persistent in a substantial number of individuals throughout the pandemic. Results suggest additional insomnia and psychological interventions are needed to improve sleep and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Ta
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Allyson A Gilles
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Nasim Parsinejad
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Marlene J Egger
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Kelly Glazer Baron
- Division of Public Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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Adzrago D, Chiangong J, Ormiston CK, Dada OM, Jones A, Williams F. Social distancing stress, anxiety/depression, COVID-19 diagnosis, gender identity, and immigration status. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:86. [PMID: 38877517 PMCID: PMC11177535 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01320-6] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strict social distancing public health measures to decrease COVID-19 spread increased social distancing stress. However, differences in social distancing stress by anxiety/depression symptoms are understudied, especially based on COVID-19 diagnosis status, gender identity, and immigration status. We examined whether the association between social distancing stress and anxiety/depression symptoms was moderated by COVID-19 diagnosis status, gender identity, and immigration status. We further examined the associations of social distancing stress with anxiety/depression symptoms, gender identity, and immigration status among individuals with and without COVID-19. METHODS We utilized data from a national cross-sectional survey among adults aged ≥ 18 years in the United States between May 13, 2021, and January 9, 2022 (n = 5,255). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the associations. RESULTS The prevalence of social distancing stress was higher among individuals with COVID-19 (79.23%) than among those without COVID-19 (67.51%). We observed significant associations between social distancing stress and anxiety/depression symptoms, moderated by COVID-19 diagnosis status, immigration status, and gender identity, respectively. Anxiety/depression symptoms were associated with social distancing stress among both individuals with and without COVID-19. Gender identity and immigration status were associated with social distancing stress among only individuals without COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that the association between social distancing stress and anxiety/depression varied by COVID-19 diagnosis status, gender identity, and immigration status. The findings underscore the need for more targeted psychological distress strategies to reduce social distancing stress and anxiety/depression among diverse US populations, while considering the impacts of COVID-19 diagnosis status, gender identity, and immigration status.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Adzrago
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Jolyna Chiangong
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cameron K Ormiston
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oluwabunmi M Dada
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA
| | - Antwan Jones
- Department of Sociology, Department of Epidemiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Faustine Williams
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Tokumitsu K, Sugawara N, Tabuchi T, Yasui-Furukori N. Real-world predictors of changes in fear of COVID-19 in the Japanese general population: a large-scale internet-based cohort study with 20,712 participants. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:435. [PMID: 38862949 PMCID: PMC11165830 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05899-6] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection that considerably impacts both physical and mental health. In particular, the prolonged nature of psychological issues associated with COVID-19 has become a concern. However, evidence based on longitudinal studies investigating the changes in fear of COVID-19 has been limited, posing a public health challenge. METHODS We investigated the predictors of changes in the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) scores in the general Japanese population using data from a large-scale internet-based cohort study. RESULTS We included 20,712 study participants (mean age = 51.1 years, percentage of males = 49.9%). The baseline FCV-19S score for the research participants was 17.0, and one year later, the FCV-19S score decreased to 15.8. The predictors of increase in FCV-19S scores were older age, male sex, COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy, higher baseline FCV-19S total score, severe psychological distress, never married, worsening subjective health status, a greater number of COVID-19 vaccinations, a history of alcohol dependency, and living with family members. Conversely, the predictors of decrease in FCV-19S scores included habitual alcohol intake, COVID-19 not requiring oxygen therapy and a higher household income. Our study was an internet-based survey focused on residents of Japan, which raises the possibility of selection bias and makes it unclear whether the findings can be extrapolated to other countries and cultures. CONCLUSION During the observation period, the FCV-19S scores significantly decreased. Severe COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy within one year of baseline was the most impactful predictor of an increase in FCV-19S score. On the other hand, mild COVID-19 not requiring oxygen therapy was a predictor of a decrease in FCV-19S scores. Therefore, we believe that it is necessary to adopt individualized approaches stratified by the severity of the infection when addressing the fear of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Tokumitsu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Towada City Hospital, Towada, Aomori, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Norio Sugawara
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Yasui-Furukori
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
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Szydlowska BM, Pola CC, Cai Z, Chaney LE, Hui J, Sheets R, Carpenter J, Dean D, Claussen JC, Gomes CL, Hersam MC. Biolayer-Interferometry-Guided Functionalization of Screen-Printed Graphene for Label-Free Electrochemical Virus Detection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:25169-25180. [PMID: 38695741 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing holds promise for rapid prototyping and low-cost production of biosensors for diverse pathogens. Among additive manufacturing methods, screen printing is particularly desirable for high-throughput production of sensing platforms. However, this technique needs to be combined with carefully formulated inks, rapid postprocessing, and selective functionalization to meet all requirements for high-performance biosensing applications. Here, we present screen-printed graphene electrodes that are processed with thermal annealing to achieve high surface area and electrical conductivity for sensitive biodetection via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. As a proof-of-concept, this biosensing platform is utilized for electrochemical detection of SARS-CoV-2. To ensure reliable specificity in the presence of multiple variants, biolayer interferometry (BLI) is used as a label-free and dynamic screening method to identify optimal antibodies for concurrent affinity to the Spike S1 proteins of Delta, Omicron, and Wild Type SARS-CoV-2 variants while maintaining low affinity to competing pathogens such as Influenza H1N1. The BLI-identified antibodies are robustly bound to the graphene electrode surface via oxygen moieties that are introduced during the thermal annealing process. The resulting electrochemical immunosensors achieve superior metrics including rapid detection (55 s readout following 15 min of incubation), low limits of detection (approaching 500 ag/mL for the Omicron variant), and high selectivity toward multiple variants. Importantly, the sensors perform well on clinical saliva samples detecting as few as 103 copies/mL of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, following CDC protocols. The combination of the screen-printed graphene sensing platform and effective antibody selection using BLI can be generalized to a wide range of point-of-care immunosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata M Szydlowska
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Cícero C Pola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Zizhen Cai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Lindsay E Chaney
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Janan Hui
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Robert Sheets
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Jeremiah Carpenter
- Center for Innovative Medical Devices and Sensors (REDDI Lab), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Delphine Dean
- Center for Innovative Medical Devices and Sensors (REDDI Lab), Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Jonathan C Claussen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Carmen L Gomes
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, United States
| | - Mark C Hersam
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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Lippert JF, Lewis T, Bruce D, Trifunović N, Singh M, Prachand N. Work-related factors of mental health among Chicago residents two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2024; 21:365-377. [PMID: 38560920 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2024.2323108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread consequences for economic, social, and general wellbeing with rates of anxiety and depression increasing across the population and disproportionately for some workers. This study explored which factors were the most salient contributors to mental health through a cross-sectional 68-item questionnaire that addressed topics related to the pandemic. Data were collected through an address-based sampling frame over the two months from April 2022 to June 2022. A total of 2,049 completed surveys were collected throughout Chicago's 77 Community Areas. Descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were generated to describe workplace characteristics, work-related stress, and sample demographics and their relationship to psychological distress. Independent participant and workplace factors associated with the outcomes were identified using multivariable logistic regression. The weighted prevalence of persons experiencing some form of psychological distress from mild to serious was 32%. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, certain marginalized communities experienced psychological distress more than others including females, adults over the age of 25 years of age, and people with higher income levels. Those who had been laid off, lost pay, or had reduced hours had increased odds of psychological distress (aOR = 1.71, CI95% 1.14-2.56; p = 0.009) as did people that reported that their work-related stress was somewhat or much worse as compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR = 2.22, CI95% 1.02-4.82; p = 0.04, aOR = 11.0, CI95% 4.65-26.1; p < 0.001, respectively). These results warrant further investigation and consideration in developing workplace and mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Lippert
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Taylor Lewis
- RTI International, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Douglas Bruce
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nena Trifunović
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Meha Singh
- Office of Epidemiology, Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nik Prachand
- Office of Epidemiology, Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois
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Chan JK, Marzuki AA, Vafa S, Thanaraju A, Yap J, Chan XW, Harris HA, Todi K, Schaefer A. A systematic review on the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and emotional disorder symptoms during Covid-19: unearthing the potential role of economic concerns and financial strain. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:237. [PMID: 38671542 PMCID: PMC11046828 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01715-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covid-19 has disrupted the lives of many and resulted in high prevalence rates of mental disorders. Despite a vast amount of research into the social determinants of mental health during Covid-19, little is known about whether the results are consistent with the social gradient in mental health. Here we report a systematic review of studies that investigated how socioeconomic condition (SEC)-a multifaceted construct that measures a person's socioeconomic standing in society, using indicators such as education and income, predicts emotional health (depression and anxiety) risk during the pandemic. Furthermore, we examined which classes of SEC indicators would best predict symptoms of emotional disorders. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted search over six databases, including Scopus, PubMed, etc., between November 4, 2021 and November 11, 2021 for studies that investigated how SEC indicators predict emotional health risks during Covid-19, after obtaining approval from PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021288508). Using Covidence as the platform, 362 articles (324 cross-sectional/repeated cross-sectional and 38 longitudinal) were included in this review according to the eligibility criteria. We categorized SEC indicators into 'actual versus perceived' and 'static versus fluid' classes to explore their differential effects on emotional health. RESULTS Out of the 1479 SEC indicators used in these 362 studies, our results showed that 43.68% of the SEC indicators showed 'expected' results (i.e., higher SEC predicting better emotional health outcomes); 51.86% reported non-significant results and 4.46% reported the reverse. Economic concerns (67.16% expected results) and financial strains (64.16%) emerged as the best predictors while education (26.85%) and living conditions (30.14%) were the worst. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes how different SEC indicators influenced emotional health risks across 98 countries, with a total of 5,677,007 participants, ranging from high to low-income countries. Our findings showed that not all SEC indicators were strongly predictive of emotional health risks. In fact, over half of the SEC indicators studied showed a null effect. We found that perceived and fluid SEC indicators, particularly economic concerns and financial strain could best predict depressive and anxiety symptoms. These findings have implications for policymakers to further understand how different SEC classes affect mental health during a pandemic in order to tackle associated social issues effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Kei Chan
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Sunway University Malaysia, Room: 4-4-11, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Aleya A Marzuki
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Samira Vafa
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Arjun Thanaraju
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Jie Yap
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Xiou Wen Chan
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Hanis Atasha Harris
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Khushi Todi
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Alexandre Schaefer
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Reinhart E. Money as Medicine - Clinicism, Cash Transfers, and the Political-Economic Determinants of Health. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:1333-1338. [PMID: 38598803 DOI: 10.1056/nejmms2311216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Reinhart
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago
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11
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Moon MH, Choi MH. Association between household income and mental health among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: Insights from a community health survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289230. [PMID: 38603729 PMCID: PMC11008867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
People of low socioeconomic status are vulnerable to health problems during disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the 2019 and 2021 Korea Community Health Survey, this study analyzed the associations between Korean adults' mental health and their national and regional-level household incomes during the pandemic. The prevalence of perceived stress and depression experience for each risk factor category was calculated through univariate analyses. A multivariate logistic regression analysis helped identify the association between two types of income levels (national or regional) and perceived stress and experience of depression. Additionally, we investigated the effect of income levels by subgroup (gender and residential area) on perceived stress and the experience of depression. During the pandemic, the crude prevalence of an experience of depression was higher (6.24% to 7.2%) but that of perceived stress remained unchanged. Regarding regional-income based mental health disparities, even after adjusting for each independent variable, perceived stress (2019 odds ratio (OR): 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.26-1.27, 2021 OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.32-1.32) and experience of depression (2019 OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.55-1.56, 2021 OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.63-1.64) increased as the income level decreased. The perceived stress based on the two income levels was higher in women than in men. For both income levels, the experience of depression of women was higher than that of men before COVID-19 and vice versa during the COVID-19 period. National income had a more pronounced effect on mental health in urban areas than in rural areas. Contrarily, the effect of regional income level on mental health was not consistent across residential areas (urban and rural areas). Our findings demonstrated that mental health disparities based on income level were more likely to occur during the COVID-19 pandemic and are better reflected through disparities in regional income levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hui Moon
- Department of Preventive and Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Medical College, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Office of Public Healthcare Service, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hyeok Choi
- Department of Preventive and Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Medical College, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
- Office of Public Healthcare Service, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
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12
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Friedlich CE, Park H, Duval CJ, Keshishian T, Murray SB. The prevalence of disordered eating in outpatient general psychiatry settings in publicly insured populations: a case series. Eat Disord 2024; 32:169-177. [PMID: 37933621 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2023.2277055] [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: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a dearth of research assessing the prevalence of eating disorders in publicly insured populations. While evidence shows that eating disorders affect people of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, research has neglected to focus on the rate at which they occur among those who have public health insurance. The present study indexes the prevalence of clinically significant disordered eating in a case series of 165 adults in a publicly insured sample at an outpatient general psychiatry clinic in Los Angeles, California. Results illustrate that 46 (27.8%) participants screened positive for clinically significant disordered eating with no significant differences relating to age or gender in those who screened positive versus those who did not (p > .05). This markedly elevated frequency of disordered eating presentations underscores the need for improved clinician training and education around disordered eating and eating disorder assessment as a whole. In addition, there is a critical need to study publicly insured populations so as to mitigate stereotypes about who has eating disorders and improve the likelihood of diagnosis and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra E Friedlich
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hyoungjin Park
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Christina J Duval
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Talene Keshishian
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stuart B Murray
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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13
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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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14
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Williams MK, Crawford CA, Zapolski TC, Hirsh AT, Stewart JC. Longer-Term Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 Infection: Moderation by Race and Socioeconomic Status. Int J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s12529-024-10271-9. [PMID: 38396274 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-024-10271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While evidence suggests that the mental health symptoms of COVID-19 can persist for several months following infection, little is known about the longer-term mental health effects and whether certain sociodemographic groups may be particularly impacted. This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the longer-term mental health consequences of COVID-19 infection and examine whether such consequences are more pronounced in Black people and people with lower socioeconomic status. METHODS 277 Black and White adults (age ≥ 30 years) with a history of COVID-19 (tested positive ≥ 6 months prior to participation) or no history of COVID-19 infection completed a 45-minute online questionnaire battery. RESULTS People with a history of COVID-19 had greater depressive (d = 0.24), anxiety (d = 0.34), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (d = 0.32), and insomnia (d = 0.31) symptoms than those without a history of COVID-19. These differences remained for anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia symptoms after adjusting for age, sex, race, education, income, employment status, body mass index, and smoking status. No differences were detected for perceived stress and general psychopathology. People with a history of COVID-19 had more than double the odds of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (OR = 2.22) and PTSD (OR = 2.40). Education, but not race, income, or employment status, moderated relationships of interest such that COVID-19 status was more strongly and positively associated with all the mental health outcomes for those with fewer years of education. CONCLUSION The mental health consequences of COVID-19 may be significant, widespread, and persistent for at least 6 months post-infection and may increase as years of education decreases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Williams
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD100E, 46202, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Christopher A Crawford
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD100E, 46202, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tamika C Zapolski
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD100E, 46202, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Adam T Hirsh
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD100E, 46202, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jesse C Stewart
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 402 North Blackford Street, LD100E, 46202, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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15
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Wu Y, Liu X, Maculaitis MC, Li B, Berk A, Massa A, Weiss MC, McRoy L. Financial Toxicity among Patients with Breast Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:62. [PMID: 38201491 PMCID: PMC10778054 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010062] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reported the prevalence of financial distress (financial toxicity (FT)) and COVID-19-related economic stress in patients with breast cancer (BC). Patients with BC were recruited from the Ciitizen platform, Breastcancer.org, and patient advocacy groups between 30 March and 6 July 2021. FT was assessed with the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) instrument. COVID-19-related economic stress was assessed with the COVID-19 Stress Scale. Among the 669 patients, the mean age was 51.6 years; 9.4% reported a COVID-19 diagnosis. The prevalence rates of mild and moderate/severe FT were 36.8% and 22.4%, respectively. FT was more prevalent in patients with metastatic versus early BC (p < 0.001). The factors associated with FT included income ≤ USD 49,999 (adjusted odds ratio (adj OR) 6.271, p < 0.0001) and USD 50,000-USD 149,999 (adj OR 2.722, p < 0.0001); aged <50 years (adj OR 3.061, p = 0.0012) and 50-64 years (adj OR 3.444, p = 0.0002); living alone (adj OR 1.603, p = 0.0476); and greater depression severity (adj OR 1.155, p < 0.0001). Black patients (adj OR 2.165, p = 0.0133), patients with income ≤ USD 49,999 (adj OR 1.921, p = 0.0432), or greater depression severity (adj OR 1.090, p < 0.0001) were more likely to experience COVID-19-related economic stress. FT was common in patients with BC, particularly metastatic disease, during COVID-19. Multiple factors, especially lower income and greater depression severity were associated with financial difficulties during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 07103, USA;
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Xianchen Liu
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | | | - Benjamin Li
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
| | - Alexandra Berk
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Angelina Massa
- Invitae Corporation, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA; (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Lynn McRoy
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY 10001, USA; (B.L.); (L.M.)
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16
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Robaey P, Erbach M, Watanabe LK, Carreiro ER, Maisonneuve AR. Mediators and moderators of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on parent-child conflict in children in tertiary mental health care. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22422. [PMID: 38104168 PMCID: PMC10725487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49409-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focused on children treated for mental health problems during the pandemic. The present study examined how parent's difficulties in managing COVID-19 restrictions increased children's behavioral problems (internalizing and externalizing) and parent-child conflict through parental mental health and parental stress. Family functioning, particularly problem-solving ability, was tested as a resilience factor. were collected using online surveys from 337 parents with a child between the ages of 4 and 18 years who was receiving active outpatient mental health treatment at a pediatric tertiary care center. Parents who reported a greater impact of COVID-19 reported more behavioral difficulties in their children. This relationship was significantly mediated by parental mental health (general stress, anxiety, and depression) and parental stress. Similar indirect pathways were observed when examining internalizing and externalizing problems in children, where the most significant pathway had parental stress as the sole mediator. Furthermore, the effect of COVID-19 impact on parent-child conflict through parental stress was significantly moderated by problem-solving skills within the family. Parenting stress mediates the impact of COVID-19 on parent-child conflict. Interventions improving within family problem solving-skills may decrease the effect of parental stress on parent-child conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Robaey
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H8L1, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Madison Erbach
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H8L1, Canada
| | - Lori K Watanabe
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H8L1, Canada
| | - Elizabeth R Carreiro
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H8L1, Canada
| | - Alexander R Maisonneuve
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H8L1, Canada
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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17
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Garrido L, Lyra P, Rodrigues J, Viana J, Mendes JJ, Barroso H. Revisiting Oral Antiseptics, Microorganism Targets and Effectiveness. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1332. [PMID: 37763100 PMCID: PMC10532628 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A good oral health status is mostly dependent on good oral hygiene habits, which knowingly impacts systemic health. Although controversial, chemical oral antiseptics can be useful in adjunct use to mechanical dental plaque control techniques in the prevention and management of local and overall health and well-being. This review aims to revisit, gather and update evidence-based clinical indications for the use of the most popular oral antiseptics, considering different types, microorganism targets and effectiveness in order to establish updated clinical recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Helena Barroso
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal (P.L.); (J.V.); (J.J.M.)
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18
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Phu DH, Maneerattanasak S, Shohaimi S, Trang LTT, Nam TT, Kuning M, Like A, Torpor H, Suwanbamrung C. Prevalence and factors associated with long COVID and mental health status among recovered COVID-19 patients in southern Thailand. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289382. [PMID: 37523396 PMCID: PMC10389739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental health disorders have become a growing public health concern among individuals recovering from COVID-19. Long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist for an extended period, can predict psychological problems among COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of long COVID and mental health status among Thai adults who had recovered from COVID-19, identify the association between the mental health status and long COVID symptoms, and investigate the risk factors associated with the correlation between long COVID and mental health outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 939 randomly selected participants in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 was used to investigate mental health symptoms, and a checklist comprised of thirteen common symptoms was used to identify the long COVID among participants. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the risk factors associated with mental health status and long COVID symptoms among participants. Among the 939 participants, 104 (11.1%) had depression, 179 (19.1%) had anxiety, and 42 (4.8%) were stressed. A total of 745 participants (79.3%) reported experiencing at least one symptom of long COVID, with fatigue (72.9%, SE±0.02), cough (66.0%, SE±0.02), and muscle pain (54.1%, SE±0.02) being the most frequently reported symptoms. All long COVID symptoms were significantly associated with mental health status. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest tightness were the highest risk factors for mental health status among COVID-19 patients. The final multivariable model indicated that female patients (OR = 1.89), medical history (OR = 1.92), and monthly income lower than 5,000 Thai baht (OR = 2.09) were associated with developing long COVID symptoms and mental health status (all p<0.01). This study provides valuable insights into the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on mental health and enhances understanding of the mechanisms underlying the condition for predicting the occurrence of mental health issues in Thai COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doan Hoang Phu
- Doctoral Program in Health Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Sarunya Maneerattanasak
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Shamarina Shohaimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Le Thanh Thao Trang
- Faculty of Basic Science and Public Health, Dong Thap Medical College, Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap, Vietnam
- M.P.H. and Ph.D. Program in Public Health Research, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Truong Thanh Nam
- M.P.H. and Ph.D. Program in Public Health Research, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- Faculty of Public Health, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho City, Vietnam
| | - Muminah Kuning
- Community Public Health Program, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Aunchalee Like
- Community Public Health Program, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Hameedah Torpor
- Community Public Health Program, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Charuai Suwanbamrung
- M.P.H. and Ph.D. Program in Public Health Research, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- Excellent Center for Dengue and Community Public Health (EC for DACH), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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19
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Zhu K, Wang S, Yue Y, Smith BA, Zhang ZF, Freudenheim JL, Niu Z, Zhang J, Smith E, Ye J, Cao Y, Zhang J, Hennessy DA, Lei L, Mu L. Disparities in insecurity, social support, and family relationships in association with poor mental health among US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9731. [PMID: 37322075 PMCID: PMC10272217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health. Identifying risk factors and susceptible subgroups will guide efforts to address mental health concerns during the pandemic and long-term management and monitoring after the pandemic. We aimed to examine associations of insecurity (concerns about food, health insurance, and/or money), social support, and change in family relationships with poor mental health and to explore disparities in these associations. An online survey was collected from 3952 US adults between May and August 2020. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma-related disorders were assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Perceived Stress Scale-4, and the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen, respectively. Social support was measured by the Oslo Social Support Scale. Logistic regression was used and stratified analyses by age, race/ethnicity, and sex were performed. We found a higher prevalence of poor mental health among those who were younger, female, with lower socioeconomic status, and racial/ethnic minorities. Participants who were worried about money, health insurance, or food had higher odds of symptoms of anxiety (OR = 3.74, 95% CI: 3.06-4.56), depression (OR = 3.20, 95% CI: 2.67-3.84), stress (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 2.67-3.57), and trauma-related disorders (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 2.42-3.55) compared to those who were not. Compared to poor social support, moderate and strong social support was associated with lower odds of all four symptoms. Participants who had changes in relationships with parents, children, or significant others had worse mental health. Our findings identified groups at higher risk for poor mental health, which offers insights for implementing targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Siyi Wang
- Department of Psychology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA
| | - Yihua Yue
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Beth A Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zuo-Feng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jo L Freudenheim
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zhongzheng Niu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Joshua Ye
- The Quarry Lane School, Dublin, CA, USA
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Sociology, State University of New York Buffalo State, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dwight A Hennessy
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York Buffalo State, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lijian Lei
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Lina Mu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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20
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Lewicka M, Hamilton JG, Waters EA, Orom H, Schofield E, Kiviniemi MT, Kanetsky PA, Hay JL. Associations between social COVID-19 exposure and psychological functioning. J Behav Med 2023; 46:472-482. [PMID: 36334169 PMCID: PMC9638199 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00374-7] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health have been widely reported, but less is known about how the impact of COVID-19 on others in one's social circle shapes these high distress levels. This study examines associations between social COVID-19 exposure-knowing someone who had a COVID-19 infection-and psychological functioning, as well as whether socio-demographic factors moderate these relationships. In June 2020, respondents (N = 343) from clinics in Tampa, Florida, U.S.A. reported whether they had social COVID-19 exposure, anxiety, depression, and stress, and other COVID-19-related concerns. Social COVID-19 exposure was associated with increased anxiety, stress, and concerns about a family member getting sick, and concerns about drinking and substance use. Several associations between exposure and psychological functioning were stronger in women, younger people, and people with lower income, implying these groups face elevated psychological risks due to the pandemic, and should be prioritized in mental health recovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malwina Lewicka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 USA
| | - Jada G. Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 USA
| | - Erika A. Waters
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, 4590 Children’s Place, Suite 9600, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Heather Orom
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, 304 Kimball, Buffalo, NY 14214 USA
| | - Elizabeth Schofield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 USA
| | - Marc T. Kiviniemi
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, University of Kentucky, 1000 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536 USA
| | - Peter A. Kanetsky
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Jennifer L. Hay
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 641 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 USA
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21
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Stoddard J, Reynolds E, Paris R, Haller SP, Johnson SB, Zik J, Elliotte E, Maru M, Jaffe AL, Mallidi A, Smith AR, Hernandez RG, Volk HE, Brotman MA, Kaufman J. The Coronavirus Impact Scale: Construction, Validation, and Comparisons in Diverse Clinical Samples. JAACAP OPEN 2023; 1:48-59. [PMID: 37359142 PMCID: PMC10010775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaacop.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective This report is of the construction and initial psychometric properties of the Coronavirus Impact Scale in multiple large and diverse samples of families with children and adolescents. The scale was established to capture the impact of the coronavirus pandemic during its first wave. Differences in impact between samples and internal structure within samples were assessed. Method A total of 572 caregivers of children and adolescents or expecting mothers in diverse clinical and research settings completed the Coronavirus Impact Scale. Samples differed in regard to developmental stage, background, inpatient/outpatient status, and primary research or clinical setting. Model free methods were used to measure the scale's internal structure and to determine a scoring method. Differences between samples in specific item responses were measured by multivariate ordinal regression. Results The Coronavirus Impact Scale demonstrated good internal consistency in a variety of clinical and research populations. Across the groups studied, single, immigrant, predominantly Latinx mothers of young children reported the greatest impact of the pandemic, with noteworthy effects on food access and finances reported. Individuals receiving outpatient or inpatient care reported greater impacts on health care access. Elevated scores on the Coronavirus Impact Scale were positively associated with measures of caregiver anxiety and both caregiver- and child-reported stress at a moderate effect size. Conclusion The Coronavirus Impact Scale is a publicly available scale with adequate psychometric properties for use in measuring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Stoddard
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Ruth Paris
- Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Simone P Haller
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sara B Johnson
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jodi Zik
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Eliza Elliotte
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mihoko Maru
- Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allison L Jaffe
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ajitha Mallidi
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashley R Smith
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Raquel G Hernandez
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Center for Pediatric Health Equity Research, St. Petersburg, Florida
| | - Heather E Volk
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Melissa A Brotman
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joan Kaufman
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore
- Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
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22
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Piehlmaier DM, Stagno E, Nagy A. Overconfidence at the time of COVID-19:Does it lead to laxer attitudes? Soc Sci Med 2023; 328:116000. [PMID: 37290148 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health education campaigns often aim to create awareness by increasing objective knowledge about pathogens, such as COVID-19. However, the present paper proposes that confidence in one's knowledge more than knowledge is a significant factor that leads to a laxer attitude toward COVID-19 and hence lower support for protective measures and reduced intention to comply with preemptive behaviors. METHODS We tested two hypotheses in three studies conducted between 2020 and 2022. In Study 1, we assessed participants' level of knowledge and confidence, as well as attitudes toward COVID-19. In Study 2, we tested the relation between fear of COVID-19 and protective behaviors. In Study 3, we used an experimental approach to show the causal effect of overconfidence on fear of COVID-19. In addition to manipulating overconfidence and measuring fear of COVID-19, we also measured prophylactic behaviors. RESULTS In Study 1, more overconfident participants had a laxer attitude toward COVID-19. While knowledge had an increasing effect on worry, confidence in said knowledge significantly decreased worry about COVID-19. In Study 2, participants who were more worried about COVID-19 were more likely to engage in protective behaviors (e.g., wearing masks). In Study 3, we show that when overconfidence was experimentally diminished, fear of COVID-19 increased. The results support our claim that the effect of overconfidence on attitudes toward COVID-19 is causal in nature. Moreover, the results show that people with higher fear of COVID-19 are more likely to wear masks, use hand sanitizers, avoid crowded places or social gatherings, and get vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS Managing adherence to public health measures is critical when it comes to highly infectious diseases. Our findings suggest that efficient information campaigns to increase adherence to public health measures should focus on calibrating people's confidence in their knowledge about COVID-19 to prevent the spread of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik M Piehlmaier
- Department of Strategy and Marketing University of Sussex Business School Jubilee Building, BN1 9SL, Falmer, Brighton, UK; Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, University of Oxford, Nuffield Dept of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Rd, OX2 6GG, Oxford, UK.
| | - Emanuela Stagno
- Department of Strategy and Marketing University of Sussex Business School Jubilee Building, BN1 9SL, Falmer, Brighton, UK
| | - Agnes Nagy
- Department of Strategy and Marketing University of Sussex Business School Jubilee Building, BN1 9SL, Falmer, Brighton, UK
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Han J, Zhang X, Zhang S, Li Y, Zhang D, Chen Q. Analysis of the anxiety level and influencing factors during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic among the parents of students in China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1143836. [PMID: 36969685 PMCID: PMC10034118 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1143836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019, there has been a significant impact on the mental health of parents. However, no detailed study on the mental health status of parents has been conducted to date. Methods This study was a cross-sectional used a whole-group random sampling method to conduct an online questionnaire survey with 102,883 parents in Guangdong Province, China, April 25, 2020 and May 14, 2020. Anxiety was assessed by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7). Potential factors of anxiety were estimated using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis by SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Results Among the total 94,705 parents who have completed the questionnaire survey (92.05% response rate). The incidence of anxiety was 23.77%. Parents' anxiety symptoms are more likely to be caused by female family roles, higher levels of education, unemployed or jobless employment status, children not being an only child, and children having negative attitudes toward online courses. Conclusions Our research shows that most parents experienced mild anxiety during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 epidemic. Our findings provide strong evidence for investigating and focusing on the mental health of this population during the COVID-19 epidemic. Therefore, governments and healthcare departments at all levels should actively provide psychological counseling services to relieve their anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Han
- Shenzhen Bao'an District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yuting Li
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingsong Chen
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Public Health Detection and Assessment, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Lim CS, Dodd CA, Rutledge LE, Sandridge SW, King KB, Jefferson DJ, Tucker T. Usability and Satisfaction Outcomes from a Pilot Open Trial Examining Remote Patient Monitoring to Treat Pediatric Obesity during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20032373. [PMID: 36767739 PMCID: PMC9915194 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric obesity is common and a significant burden. Supplementing pediatric obesity treatment with technology is needed. This manuscript examines the usability and satisfaction, as well as explores initial effectiveness, of a remote patient monitoring system (RPMS) designed for youth presenting for pediatric weight management treatment. METHODS 47 youth, 10 to 17 years old, with obesity and a caregiver participated. For three months, families received treatment via the RPMS. Usability and satisfaction outcomes were examined. Exploratory analyses were conducted to examine initial effectiveness from baseline and post-treatment (month 3) assessments. RESULTS More than 80% of patients used the RPMS, and overall, patients completed 27 out of 90 daily sessions (30%). Youth and caregivers reported high satisfaction. Non-parametric tests revealed no significant improvements for youth or caregiver weight status after the RPMS treatment. Significant improvements in other outcomes examined were limited. CONCLUSIONS Families were satisfied with the RPMS, but use of the system was limited. Initial effectiveness was not able to be determined due to the amount of missing data, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Modifications of the RPMS and future evaluation of usability and effectiveness are warranted to determine utility in supplementing pediatric obesity clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal S. Lim
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Cameronne A. Dodd
- Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Laura E. Rutledge
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Shanda W. Sandridge
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Krista B. King
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Darryl J. Jefferson
- Center for Telehealth, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Tanya Tucker
- Center for Telehealth, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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Monnig MA, Clark SE, Avila JC, Sokolovsky AW, Treloar Padovano H, Goodyear K, Aston ER, Haass-Koffler CL, Tidey JW, Ahluwalia JS, Monti PM. COVID-19-Related Stressors and Clinical Mental Health Symptoms in a Northeast US Sample. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1367. [PMID: 36674123 PMCID: PMC9858791 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Research has linked specific COVID-19-related stressors to the mental health burden, yet most previous studies have examined only a limited number of stressors and have paid little attention to their clinical significance. This study tested the hypothesis that individuals who reported greater COVID-19-related stressors would be more likely to have elevated levels of anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and serious psychological distress. METHODS An online survey was administered to a convenience sample from 18 June to 19 July 2020, in US states that were most affected by COVID-19 infections and deaths at the time. Individuals who were 18 or older and residents of five Northeast US states were eligible to participate (N = 1079). In preregistered analyses, we used logistic regression models to test the associations of COVID-19 stressors with symptoms on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and K6, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. RESULTS COVID-19-related stressors (i.e., essential worker status, worry about COVID-19 infection, knowing someone hospitalized by COVID-19, having children under 14 at home, loneliness, barriers to environmental rewards, food insecurity, loss of employment) were associated with meeting thresholds (i.e., positive screening) for anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and/or serious psychological distress. Loneliness and barriers to environmental rewards were associated with all mental health outcomes. LIMITATIONS We used a non-probability sample and cannot assume temporal precedence of stressors with regard to development of mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These findings link specific stressors to the mental health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie A. Monnig
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Samantha E. Clark
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Jaqueline C. Avila
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Alexander W. Sokolovsky
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Hayley Treloar Padovano
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Kimberly Goodyear
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Aston
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Carolina L. Haass-Koffler
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Tidey
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Jasjit S. Ahluwalia
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Peter M. Monti
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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Batra A, Jackson K, Hamad R. Effects Of The 2021 Expanded Child Tax Credit On Adults' Mental Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Health Aff (Millwood) 2023; 42:74-82. [PMID: 36623218 PMCID: PMC10089297 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The US Congress temporarily expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC) during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide economic assistance for families with children. Although formerly the CTC provided $2,000 per child for mostly middle-income parents, during July-December 2021 it provided up to $3,600 per child. Eligibility criteria were also expanded to reach more economically disadvantaged families. There has been little research evaluating the effect of the policy expansion on mental health. Using data from the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey and a quasi-experimental study design, we examined the effects of the expanded CTC on mental health and related outcomes among low-income adults with children, and by racial and ethnic subgroup. We found fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms among low-income adults. Adults of Black, Hispanic, and other racial and ethnic backgrounds demonstrated greater reductions in anxiety symptoms compared to non-Hispanic White adults with children. There were no changes in mental health care use. These findings are important for Congress and state legislators to weigh as they consider making the expanded CTC and other similar tax credits permanent to support economically disadvantaged families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akansha Batra
- Akansha Batra, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Rita Hamad
- Rita Hamad , University of California San Francisco
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Bastain TM, Knapp EA, Law A, Algermissen M, Avalos LA, Birnhak Z, Blackwell C, Breton CV, Duarte C, Frazier J, Ganiban J, Greenwood P, Herbstman J, Hernandez-Castro I, Hofheimer J, Karagas MR, Lewis J, Pagliaccio D, Ramphal B, Saxbe D, Schmidt R, Velez-Vega C, Tang X, Hamra GB, Margolis A. COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences and Symptoms of Pandemic-Associated Traumatic Stress Among Mothers in the US. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2247330. [PMID: 36525271 PMCID: PMC9856510 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.47330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance The primary outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of women with children remain largely unknown. Objectives To identify and describe clusters of mothers of children participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program that characterize pandemic-associated hardships, coping mechanisms, and behaviors, and to evaluate associations between pandemic-associated hardships, coping strategies, and behavior changes with pandemic-associated traumatic stress symptoms. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter cohort study investigated experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic between April 2020 and August 2021 among maternal caregivers of children participating in the ECHO Program. Data from self-identified mothers of ECHO-enrolled children from 62 US cohorts were included in analyses. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to July 2022. Exposures The primary exposures were pandemic-associated changes in mothers' health, health care utilization, work and finances, coping strategies, and health-associated behaviors. Exposures were assessed via a self-reported questionnaire designed by ECHO investigators. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the total symptoms score of pandemic-associated traumatic stress (PTS), defined as the number of items endorsed at least sometimes or more frequently, from a 10-item self-report measure. Results The study surveyed 11 473 mothers (mean [SD] age, 37.8 [7.4] years; 342 American Indian [2.98%], 378 Asian [3.29%], 1701 Black [14.83%], and 7195 White [62.71%]; 2184 with Hispanic/Latina ethnicity [19.04%]) and identified 2 clusters that best characterized their COVID-19 pandemic experiences-one characterized by higher life disruptions (eg, to work and health care), higher social isolation, more coping behaviors to mitigate the outcomes of the pandemic, and more changes to their health behavior routines (high change [1031 mothers]) and the other characterized by lower changes (low change [3061 mothers]). The high change cluster was more socioeconomically advantaged and reported higher PTS (mean [SD] number of symptoms, 3.72 [2.44] vs 2.51 [2.47]). Across both clusters, higher pandemic-associated hardships, coping mechanisms, and behavior changes were associated with higher PTS, and these associations were greater in the low change cluster. Conclusions and Relevance In this study of more than 11 000 US mothers, associations between socioeconomic factors, stressful life events, and mental health sequelae were complex. Accordingly, programs, policies, and practices targeting mental health during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic should consider the range and configuration of hardships in designing the most effective interventions to mitigate long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M. Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | - Emily A. Knapp
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew Law
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Lyndsay A. Avalos
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Zoe Birnhak
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | | | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | - Cristiane Duarte
- Columbia University–New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Jean Frazier
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester
| | - Jody Ganiban
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Paige Greenwood
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, New York
| | - Ixel Hernandez-Castro
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | - Julie Hofheimer
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | | | - Johnnye Lewis
- College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
| | | | - Bruce Ramphal
- Harvard University Medical School, New York, New York
| | - Darby Saxbe
- Dornsife College, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Rebecca Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis
| | - Carmen Velez-Vega
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan
| | - Xiaodan Tang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ghassan B. Hamra
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Amy Margolis
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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Mortimer AE, Sabatino MJ, Boama-Nyarko E, Castañeda-Avila M, Goulding M, Julce C, Labossiere S, Mabry G, McCullers A, McNicholas E, Moormann A, Schieber E, Walubita T, Forrester S. Investigating a key structural determinant of health, racism, and related social determinants of health in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 pandemic. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:1018186. [PMID: 38455280 PMCID: PMC10910901 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2022.1018186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
A disproportionate burden of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is being shouldered by members of racial and ethnic minorities and socially disadvantaged communities. Structural and social determinants of health have been recognized as key contributors to the inequalities observed. Racism, a major structural determinant of health that patterns related social determinants of health, in the USA, warrants further investigation. In this perspective piece we provide an overview of the historical context of racism, followed by preliminary findings from the ongoing COVIDStory study-a cross-sectional study addressing perceptions of COVID-19 and COVID-19 research-that highlights the experiences of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic identifying adult participants, residing in Worcester Massachusetts, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then discuss these findings in the context of current and past research considering racism and relevant social determinants of health. Our study results suggest that racism and its residuals (residential segregation, economic insecurity, discrimination, bias, and vigilance) are modern challenges for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants, and these findings are supported by the existing literature. It is our hope that this perspective piece provides additional evidence for action on structural and social determinants affecting the health of minoritized people, especially those living in Massachusetts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvis E. Mortimer
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Meagan J. Sabatino
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Esther Boama-Nyarko
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Maira Castañeda-Avila
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Melissa Goulding
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Clevanne Julce
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Stephane Labossiere
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | | | - Asli McCullers
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Eileen McNicholas
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ann Moormann
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Schieber
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Tubanji Walubita
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sarah Forrester
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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Depression, anxiety and stress among people infected with COVID-19 in Dhaka and Chittagong cities. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10415. [PMID: 36060465 PMCID: PMC9422344 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10415] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Covid-19 is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by novel coronavirus 2019. Many individuals have suffered or are experiencing psychological symptoms due to feelings of isolation, insecurity and instability triggered by Covid-19. This study aimed to explore the perceived psychological distress and associated factors among people infected with Covid-19 in Dhaka and Chittagong cities. Methods Using the face-to-face interview method, a survey was conducted from 23 April to 22 May 2021 on a questionnaire on depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21), socio-demographic, economic and health factors. Among those who had ever been infected with Covid-19, a total of 2092 respondents (1180 from Dhaka and 912 from Chittagong) were randomly selected and interviewed. χ2 test for independence of attributes was employed to observe the association of various socioeconomic, cultural, demographic and health factors with psychological distress. Moreover, multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors that contributed to psychological distress. Results Among participants from Dhaka, of three mental health conditions, the prevalence was higher for anxiety (80.0%), followed by stress (64.2%) and depression (59.8%), respectively. Anxiety was also more prevalent (57.3) among respondents in Chittagong, followed by depression (47.7%) and stress (39.5%). As the coexistence of symptoms, 52.8% of respondents in Dhaka, 34.4% in Chittagong experienced depression, anxiety and stress simultaneously. Moreover, in both Dhaka and Chittagong, all three psychological symptoms were strongly correlated in pairs. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most consistent factors associated with mild to moderate (MM), and severe to extremely severe (SES) depression were respondents from Chittagong who were illiterate or primary educated (OR = 0.166, CI: 0.076–0.364 for MM and OR = 0.041, CI: 0.013–0.131 for SES), male (OR = 0.999, CI: 0.666–1.496 for MM and OR = 0.395, CI: 0.249–0.625 for SES), single (OR = 0.393, CI: 0.157–0.982 for MM and OR = 0.121, CI: 0.049–0.303 for SES) and married (OR = 0.403, CI: 0.177–0.916 for MM and OR = 0.075, CI: 0.033–0.167 for SES), had a family of size ≤ 4 (OR = 0.253, CI: 0.140–0.458 for MM and OR = 0.114, CI: 0.059–0.218 for SES) and a family of size 5–6 (OR = 0.151, CI: 0.084–0.272), and no family members at risk being infected with Covid-19 (OR = 0.699, CI: 0.487–1.002 for MM and OR = 0.332, CI: 0.199–0.522 for SES). The analysis yielded similar findings for the other two mental health subscales, such as anxiety and stress. For respondents in Dhaka, the effect of factors other than sex on psychological distress was the opposite in Chittagong. Overall, psychological distress during the outbreak was greater among respondents in Dhaka than in Chittagong if respondents were not classified based on various characteristics. Conclusion This study showed that in both Dhaka and Chittagong, a substantially large portion of Covid-19-infected respondents experienced all three psychological distress (e.g., depression, anxiety and stress). Regardless of the dissimilarity between the results in Dhaka and Chittagong, better mental health support was needed for women in both cities.
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Merchant H, Khan F, Dewalwar V, Roy P, Das S, Desousa A. The silent toll of second COVID-19 wave: A dass-21 questionnaire survey among health-care workers at a Tertiary-Care Public Hospital, Mumbai. ANNALS OF INDIAN PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/aip.aip_61_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Sanchez K, da Graca B, Hall LR, Bennett MM, Powers MB, Warren AM. The Pandemic Experience for People with Depressive Symptoms: Substance Use, Finances, Access to Treatment, and Trusted Sources of Information. Subst Abuse 2022; 16:11782218221126973. [PMID: 36188442 PMCID: PMC9520161 DOI: 10.1177/11782218221126973] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are well recognized, but little is known about the pandemic experience among people experiencing mental health symptoms. Methods: In June 2020, a national sample of 5023 U.S. adults, including 785 scoring ⩾10 on the PHQ-8 for symptoms of depression, completed survey measures related to their pandemic experience. Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic experience for which participants scoring PHQ-8 ⩾ 10 had the greatest increase in odds of reporting moderate/severe negative impacts included: mental health treatment access (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.81, 6.70-11.57), family stress/discord (OR, 95% CI = 5.21, 4.24-6.42), food access (OR, 95% CI = 3.76, 2.97-4.77), and income/employment (OR, 95% CI = 3.19, 2.66-3.83). They were also significantly more likely to report increased use of prescription painkillers (OR, 95% CI = 8.46, 4.50-15.92) and other drugs (OR, 95% CI = 4.43, 2.85-6.89), and less trust in healthcare authorities/providers, family/friends, and employers, and more trust in websites/blogs/social media, for COVID-19 information ( P-values < .05). Conclusions: The interplay among depressive symptoms, substance use, lack of trust in healthcare authorities, and negative impact of the pandemic on family, finances, and access to mental health treatment and food indicate the need for robust social and behavioral health safety nets to buffer communities from the shadow epidemics of depression, family violence, and overdose deaths during public health disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Sanchez
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
- University of Texas at Arlington, School of Social Work, Arlington, TX, USA
| | | | - Lauren R Hall
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Mark B Powers
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Texas A&M University—College of Medicine, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ann Marie Warren
- Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Texas A&M University—College of Medicine, Dallas, TX, USA
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