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Shoshani A, Kor A. The longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' internalizing symptoms, substance use, and digital media use. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1583-1595. [PMID: 37540475 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent internalizing symptoms, substance use, and digital media use before and during the pandemic. A nationally representative longitudinal cohort of 3718 Israeli adolescents aged 12-16 at baseline completed measures of internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depression, and somatization), the prevalence of substance use (i.e., previous 30-day use of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis), and average daily use of internet/television, video games, and social media. Social support and daily routines were assessed as potential protective factors for mental health. Data were collected in 10 public schools at four measurement points: before the Covid-19 outbreak (September 2019), after the first wave lockdown (May 2020), after the third wave lockdown (May 2021), and after the fifth wave of the pandemic (May 2022). Multi-level mixed models were used to analyze the longitudinal data. The results showed significant increases in internalizing symptoms, substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis), and daily screen time from the start of the study to the 33-month follow-up. Social support and daily routines moderated the increases in internalizing symptoms and digital media use. These findings highlight the need for public and educational mental health services to address the continuing impact of the pandemic on adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Shoshani
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), P.O.Box 167, 46150, Herzliya, Israel.
| | - Ariel Kor
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), P.O.Box 167, 46150, Herzliya, Israel
- School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Kim S, Munten S, Kolla NJ, Konkolÿ Thege B. Conduct problems, hyperactivity, and screen time among community youth: can mindfulness help? an exploratory study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1248963. [PMID: 38654727 PMCID: PMC11035720 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1248963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The influence of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) programs on behavioural problems among community youth is largely understudied. While technology continues to evolve and the prevalence of screen-based activities is rising, limited studies have accounted for screen time when examining the efficacy of an MBI. Accordingly, this study investigated the impact of MBI on conduct problems and hyperactivity among community youth, accounting for sociodemographic characteristics and four types of screen time. Method Linear regression models were used to investigate 1) the association between four types of screen time and behavioural problems (i.e., conduct problems and hyperactivity) and 2) the efficacy of online mindfulness programs in reducing behavioural problems among community youth. The data were collected at baseline, intervention completion and 1-month follow-up (Spring 2021 to Spring 2022) in Ontario, Canada (n=117, mean age=16.82, male=22%, non-White=21%). Results The average score for conduct problems was within the normal range, while the average score for hyperactivity was considered borderline at baseline. Accounting for other types of screen time, time spent playing video games was significantly associated with increased conduct problems (β= 1.75, p=.03), albeit rendering non-significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. The online mindfulness program was significantly associated with reduced hyperactivity, controlling for baseline mental health, age, sex and screen time. Conclusion The current findings suggest a 12-week online mindfulness program may play a positive role in reducing hyperactivity even when accounting for screen time. Our findings advocate the evidence base on the efficacy of MBI in managing hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon Kim
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Munten
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan J. Kolla
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Barna Konkolÿ Thege
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Cheslack-Postava K, Forthal S, Musa GJ, Ryan M, Bresnahan M, Sapigao RG, Lin S, Fan B, Svob C, Geronazzo-Alman L, Hsu YJ, Skokauskas N, Hoven CW. Persistence of anxiety among Asian Americans: racial and ethnic heterogeneity in the longitudinal trends in mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:599-609. [PMID: 37624465 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02553-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine within-individual time trends in mental well-being and factors influencing heterogeneity of these trends. METHODS Longitudinal telephone survey of adults over 3 waves from the New York City (NYC) Metropolitan area during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Participants reported depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-8, anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7, and past 30-day increases in tobacco or alcohol use at each wave. Adjusted mixed effects logistic regression models assessed time trends in mental well-being. RESULTS There were 1227 respondents. Over 3 study waves, there were statistically significant decreasing time trends in the odds of each outcome (adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.47 (0.37, 0.60); p < 0.001 for depression; aOR (95% CI) 0.55 (0.45, 0.66); p < 0.001 for anxiety; aOR (95% CI) 0.50 (0.35, 0.71); p < 0.001 for past 30-day increased tobacco use; aOR (95% CI) 0.31 (0.24, 0.40); p < 0.001 for past 30-day increased alcohol use). Time trends for anxiety varied by race and ethnicity (p value for interaction = 0.05, 4 df); anxiety declined over time among white, Black, Hispanic, and Other race and ethnicity but not among Asian participants. CONCLUSIONS In a demographically varied population from the NYC Metropolitan area, depression, anxiety and increased substance use were common during the first months of the pandemic, but decreased over the following year. While this was consistently the case across most demographic groups, the odds of anxiety among Asian participants did not decrease over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely Cheslack-Postava
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Sarah Forthal
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - George J Musa
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan Ryan
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Michaeline Bresnahan
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosemarie G Sapigao
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, USA
| | - Susan Lin
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Bin Fan
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Connie Svob
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lupo Geronazzo-Alman
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yi-Ju Hsu
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Norbert Skokauskas
- Department of Mental Health, Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare (RKBU Central Norway), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christina W Hoven
- Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University-New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive Unit 23, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Rappaport LM, Mactavish A, Mastronardi C, Babb KA, Menna R, Amstadter AB, Battaglia M. Monthly correlates of longitudinal child mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic according to children and caregivers. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2637-2648. [PMID: 36484855 PMCID: PMC9734395 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02121-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple reviews identify the broad, pervasive initial impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children, who may be particularly vulnerable to long-term psychiatric sequelae of the ongoing pandemic. However, limited longitudinal research examines persistence of, or change in, children's distress or psychiatric symptomatology. From June 2020 through December 2021, we enrolled two cohorts of families of children aged 8-13 from Southwestern Ontario into a staggered baseline, longitudinal design that leveraged multi-informant report (N = 317 families). In each family, one child and one parent/guardian completed a baseline assessment, 6 monthly follow-up assessments, and one final follow-up assessment 9 months post-baseline. At each assessment, the child and parent/guardian completed the CoRonavIruS health Impact Survey and measures of child anxiety, depressive, irritability, and posttraumatic stress syndromes. Children's mental health, indexed by the severity of multiple syndromes, fluctuated over the study period. Elevated local monthly COVID-19 prevalence, hospitalization, and death rates were associated with monthly elevations in children's reported worry about contracting COVID-19 and stress related to stay-at-home orders. In turn, both elevated monthly worry about contracting COVID-19 and stress related to stay-at-home orders were associated with monthly elevations in child- and parent-/guardian-report of children's emotional distress and psychiatric syndromes. This study illustrates the importance of, and informs the potential design of, longitudinal research to track the mental health of children, who may be particularly vulnerable to broad psychosocial sequelae of health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance M Rappaport
- Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B3P4, Canada.
| | - Alexandra Mactavish
- Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Carli Mastronardi
- Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Kimberley A Babb
- Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Rosanne Menna
- Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Child, Youth and Emerging Adults Programme, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Everest L, Henderson J, Dixon M, Relihan J, Hawke LD. Experiences of gender-diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: A longitudinal qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294337. [PMID: 37971999 PMCID: PMC10653488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294337] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased existing health challenges experienced by transgender (trans) and non-binary people. Additionally, COVID-19 has also negatively impacted youth mental health. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to the intersection of youth and trans and non-binary populations is currently not well established. The present longitudinal qualitative study aimed to examine the evolving challenges experienced by trans and non-binary youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Gender-diverse youth, defined as participants who did not identify as cisgender in April 2020, were invited to participate from among the participant pool of a COVID-19 cohort study in Canada. Qualitative interviews were conducted in August 2020, January 2021, and August 2021, during the first year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative themes were identified based on reflexive thematic analysis and plot-line narrative inquiry. RESULTS Ten participants aged 18 to 28 were included in the present analysis, yielding 29 transcripts. We identified themes of (1) losses of connection to gender-diverse communities, (2) changes in gender identity, affirmation, and self-reflection, (3) a dual burden of trans and non-binary specific health and service access challenges as well as COVID-19 pandemic related health challenges, and (4) virtually rebuilding gender-diverse communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Gender-diverse youth may experience unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The losses with gender-diverse communities may further isolate queer people from access to healthcare, housing, and employment. Public health policy targeted at gender-diverse youth may consider addressing "upstream" disparities in healthcare and housing in order to support the rebuilding of queer and gender-diverse communities by gender-diverse people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jo Henderson
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mahalia Dixon
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lisa D. Hawke
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Park S, Yon H, Ban CY, Shin H, Eum S, Lee SW, Shin YH, Shin JU, Koyanagi A, Jacob L, Smith L, Min C, Yeniova AÖ, Kim SY, Lee J, Hadalin V, Kwon R, Koo MJ, Fond G, Boyer L, Kim S, Hahn JW, Kim N, Lefkir E, Bondeville V, Rhee SY, Shin JI, Yon DK, Woo HG. National trends in alcohol and substance use among adolescents from 2005 to 2021: a Korean serial cross-sectional study of one million adolescents. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:1071-1081. [PMID: 36977821 PMCID: PMC10049906 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00715-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous studies have provided data on early pandemic periods of alcohol and substance use in adolescents, more adequate studies are needed to predict the trends of alcohol and substance use during recent periods, including the mid-pandemic period. This study investigated the changes in alcohol and substance use, except tobacco use, throughout the pre-, early-, and mid-pandemic periods in adolescents using a nationwide serial cross-sectional survey from South Korea. METHODS Data on 1,109,776 Korean adolescents aged 13-18 years from 2005 to 2021 were obtained in a survey operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. We evaluated adolescents' alcohol and substance consumption prevalence and compared the slope of alcohol and substance prevalence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic to see the trend changes. We define the pre-COVID-19 period as consisting of four groups of consecutive years (2005-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2015, and 2016-2019). The COVID-19 pandemic period is composed of 2020 (early-pandemic era) and 2021 (mid-pandemic era). RESULTS More than a million adolescents successfully met the inclusion criteria. The weighted prevalence of current alcohol use was 26.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.4-27.1] from 2005 to 2008 and 10.5% (95% CI 10.1-11.0) in 2020 and 2021. The weighted prevalence of substance use was 1.1% (95% CI 1.1-1.2) from 2005 to 2008 and 0.7% (95% CI 0.6-0.7) between 2020 and 2021. From 2005 to 2021, the overall trend of use of both alcohol and drugs was found to decrease, but the decline has slowed since COVID-19 epidemic (current alcohol use: βdiff 0.167; 95% CI 0.150-0.184; substance use: βdiff 0.152; 95% CI 0.110-0.194). The changes in the slope of current alcohol and substance use showed a consistent slowdown with regard to sex, grade, residence area, and smoking status from 2005 to 2021. CONCLUSION The overall prevalence of alcohol consumption and substance use among over one million Korean adolescents from the early and mid-stage (2020-2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic showed a slower decline than expected given the increase during the prepandemic period (2005-2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangil Park
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Hyunju Yon
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chae Yeon Ban
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyoin Shin
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seounghyun Eum
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Youn Ho Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung U Shin
- Department of Dermatology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu, CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Pg. Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Louis Jacob
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu, CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chanyang Min
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Abdullah Özgür Yeniova
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - So Young Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jinseok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Vlasta Hadalin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rosie Kwon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Min Ji Koo
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Guillaume Fond
- AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
- FondaMental Foundation, Creteil, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, CEReSS-Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
- FondaMental Foundation, Creteil, France
| | - Sunyoung Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Woo Hahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Namwoo Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eléa Lefkir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Victoire Bondeville
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Youl Rhee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
| | - Ho Geol Woo
- Department of Neurology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, South Korea.
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Young A, Levitt A, Kodeeswaran S, Markoulakis R. 'Just because we're younger doesn't mean our opinions should be any less valued': A qualitative study of youth perspectives on a Youth Advisory Council in a mental healthcare context. Health Expect 2023; 26:1883-1894. [PMID: 37326418 PMCID: PMC10485308 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13794] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recognition of the importance of youth engagement in youth mental health and/or addiction (MHA) service design and delivery is increasing. Youth Advisory Councils embedded in MHA organizations represent one strategy that allows youth to be involved in MHA at the individual, organization and systemic levels. This level of involvement can facilitate positive outcomes for both the youth and the organization. As these councils become more common, it is important that organizations are prepared to partner with the participating youth. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach to understand the motivations and expectations of youth with lived experience with MHA concerns who were beginning to work on a Youth Advisory Council in an MHA setting in the Greater Toronto Area. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with each youth, ages 16-26, on the advisory council (N = 8) to understand their motivations, expectations and goals coming into the work. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Analysis resulted in five overarching themes: providing opportunities for youth learning and growth, platforming youth, empowering youth, embracing youth leadership and promoting youth-driven change. The findings illustrate that these youth came into the Youth Advisory Council motivated to create positive change in the mental health system, take on leadership roles and had high expectations for organizational support. Our analyses provide insight for organizations planning and implementing Youth Advisory Councils in the MHA sector with the goal of best supporting youth in driving positive change across the system. CONCLUSION Youth want to be provided authentic opportunities for their engagement to make a difference. MHA organizations must embrace youth leadership and move towards listening to youth experience and acting on youth recommendations to enhance service design and implementation to improve access and to better meet the needs of youth utilizing these services. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTIONS This study incorporated service users, including youth ages 16-26 with lived experience of MHA concerns who served on the Youth Advisory Council at the Family Navigation Project, Sunnybrook. Youth Advisory Council members contributed to two relevant research activities: (1) youth reviewed the draft interview guide before data collection, and their feedback was prioritized in the final version and (2) youth contributed to knowledge translation through contributing to academic conference presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Young
- Sunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- York University School of Social WorkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Anthony Levitt
- Sunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
- Temerty Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Roula Markoulakis
- Sunnybrook Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Fehkührer S, Humer E, Kaltschik S, Pieh C, Probst T, Diestler G, Jesser A. Young People and the Future: School Students' Concerns and Hopes for the Future after One Year of COVID-19 in Austria-Findings of a Mixed-Methods Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2242. [PMID: 37628439 PMCID: PMC10454506 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in enormous changes in everyday life and numerous burdens for adolescents. This pilot study focused on how young people look to the future in the face of these burdens. Responses to two open-ended questions on concerns and hopes for the future that were part of a larger online survey on the mental health of school students in Austria were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Subsequently, differences in the experiences of boys and girls, young people with and without a migration background and psychologically stressed and non-stressed young people were examined by applying a mixed-methods approach. Data collection took place from 3 February to 28 February 2021. From a total survey sample of 3052 adolescents aged 14-20, a representative sample according to gender and migration background (N = 500) was drawn. Qualitative content analysis revealed several areas of concern about the future, including school-related concerns, concerns about the further development of the pandemic and the associated restrictions, concerns related to a lack of locus of control, health-related concerns and concerns about social relationships. The analysis also indicated young people's greatest hopes for the future, such as hopes related to further pandemic development, hopes regarding major life goals, school, social relationships and health. Young people's experiences differ according to gender, migration background and the extent of psychological distress. This study contributes to research on the psychological well-being of adolescents during the pandemic and provides important insights into the subjective experience of young people. It aims to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the concerns and hopes for the future of young people in a time marked by various challenges. The results of the study should be used to develop ideas for measures, such as the expansion of school psychological services and low-threshold support services for students, such as school social work and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Fehkührer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Elke Humer
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
- Faculty of Psychotherapy Science, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kaltschik
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Christoph Pieh
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Thomas Probst
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
| | - Gertraud Diestler
- Österreichischer Arbeitskreis für Gruppentherapie und Gruppendynamik, Fachsektion Integrative Gestalt Therapy Vienna, 1080 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Andrea Jesser
- Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Continuing Education Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria; (S.F.); (E.H.); (S.K.); (C.P.); (T.P.)
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9
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Abramovich A, Pang N, Kim KV, Stark RK, Lange S, Chaiton M, Logie CH, Hamilton HA, Kidd SA. A longitudinal investigation of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288591. [PMID: 37459299 PMCID: PMC10351701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on various dimensions of wellbeing among 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness over a 12-month period during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS 2SLGBTQ+ youth (recruited using a convenience sampling method) participated in three online surveys to assess mental health (depression, anxiety, suicidality), substance and alcohol use, health care access, and violence for 12-months between 2021-2022. Quantitative data analysis included non-parametric one-sample proportion tests, paired t-test and McNemar's test. Longitudinal data collected across all three timepoints were treated as paired data and compared to baseline data using non-parametric exact multinomial tests, and if significant, followed by pairwise post-hoc exact binomial tests. For the purposes of analysis, participants were grouped according to their baseline survey based on pandemic waves and public health restrictions. RESULTS 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness (n = 87) reported high rates of mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, over 12-months during the pandemic. Youth participants reported experiencing poor mental health during the early waves of the pandemic, with improvements to their mental health throughout the pandemic; however, results were not statistically significant. Likewise, participants experienced reduced access to mental health care during the early waves of the pandemic but mental health care access increased for youth throughout the pandemic. CONCLUSION Study results showed high rates of mental health issues among 2SLGBTQ+ youth, but reduced access to mental health care, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the need for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming mental health care and services to address social and mental health issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Abramovich
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nelson Pang
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kawon Victoria Kim
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rowen K. Stark
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Chaiton
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carmen H. Logie
- Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hayley A. Hamilton
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean A. Kidd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Bălăeț M, Trender W, Hellyer PJ, Hampshire A. Associations between the use of psychedelics and other recreational drugs with mental health and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1184681. [PMID: 37398594 PMCID: PMC10307955 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1184681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The large-scale disruption to peoples' daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic provides a context for examining whether use of substances such as psychedelics in a naturalistic (outside of a controlled environment) setting, is associated with better mental wellbeing and resilience relative to those who use other drugs, or who do not use drugs at all. We interrogate data from the Great British Intelligence Test and identify that 7.8% out of N = 30,598 unique respondents used recreational drugs inclusive of psychedelics, cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment materials did not mention drug use would be surveyed, thereby enabling us to model the relationship with mood and resilience in people who had not specifically self-selected themselves for a 'drug' study. We report that people form clusters, characterized by different real-world patterns of drug use, and the majority of psychedelics users also use cannabis. However, a subset of cannabis users do not use psychedelics, enabling a subtractive comparison. Those who primarily used psychedelics and cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic had worse mood self-assessment and resilience scores compared to those who never used drugs or primarily used cannabis. This pattern was also evident for other recreational drug use clusters, except for those who primarily used MDMA and cannabis, who had better mood but were of too low incidence to have confidence in this estimate. These findings cast light on the significant differences in mental wellbeing between users of different drugs and the non-user population during a global-crisis and call for future research to explore the pharmacological, contextual and cultural variables associated with these differences, their generalisability and causal links with greater precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bălăeț
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William Trender
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council CDT Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Hellyer
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Hampshire
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Glowacki K, Affolder J, Macnab B, Ewert A, Tee K, Wenger M, Chan G, Mathias S, Barbic S. Infusing wellness opportunities into integrated youth services. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:403. [PMID: 37277769 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04809-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate health services and health promotion strategies for young people with mental health and substance use (MHSU) concerns are critical for recovery. Foundry, an integrated youth services (IYS) initiative for young people ages 12-24 in British Columbia (BC), Canada, has recently added leisure and recreational activities (referred to as the Wellness Program) into its services. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe how the Wellness Program was implemented over a two-year period into IYS (2) provide an overview of what the Wellness Program is, who accessed the program since inception and initial evaluation results. METHODS This study was part of the developmental evaluation of Foundry. A phased approach was used to implement the program at nine centres. Data was accessed from Foundry's centralized platform 'Toolbox' and included activity type, number of unique youth and visits, additional services sought, information about how youth found out about the centre, and demographics. Qualitative data was also accessed from focus groups (n=2) conducted with young people (n=9). RESULTS Over the two-year period, 355 unique youth accessed the Wellness Program, with 1319 unique visits. Almost half (40%) of youth identified the Wellness Program as the first point of access to Foundry. A total of 384 different programs were offered targeting five wellness domains (physical, mental/emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive/intellectual). The majority of youth identified as young girls/women (58.2%), 22.6% as gender diverse, and 19.2% as young men/boys. The mean age was 19 years, and most participants were between the ages of 19-24 years (43.6%). From the thematic analysis of focus groups, we found young people enjoyed the social aspect of the program with peers and facilitators, and identified program improvements that are being considered as the program grows. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the development and implementation of leisure-based activities (known as the Wellness Program) into IYS and can be used as a guide by international IYS initiatives. The initial reach of programs over two years is promising, and these programs are acting as a potential gateway for young people to access other health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Glowacki
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, The University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, #588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Affolder
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Therapeutic Recreation, Douglas College, PO Box 2503, New Westminster, BC, V3L 5B2, Canada
| | - Brooke Macnab
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Alayna Ewert
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Karen Tee
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Matt Wenger
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Godwin Chan
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Steve Mathias
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Providence Research, 10th Floor - 1190 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K5, Canada
| | - Skye Barbic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, The University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care, #588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Providence Research, 10th Floor - 1190 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K5, Canada
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12
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Godara M, Rademacher J, Hecht M, Silveira S, Voelkle MC, Singer T. Heterogeneous Mental Health Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: An Examination of Long-Term Trajectories, Risk Factors, and Vulnerable Groups. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091305. [PMID: 37174848 PMCID: PMC10177770 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091305] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Abundant studies have examined mental health in the early periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, empirical work examining the mental health impact of the pandemic's subsequent phases remains limited. In the present study, we investigated how mental vulnerability and resilience evolved over the various phases of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 in Germany. Data were collected (n = 3522) across seven measurement occasions using validated and self-generated measures of vulnerability and resilience. We found evidence for an immediate increase in vulnerability during the first lockdown in Germany, a trend towards recovery when lockdown measures were eased, and an increase in vulnerability with each passing month of the second lockdown. Four different latent trajectories of resilience-vulnerability emerged, with the majority of participants displaying a rather resilient trajectory, but nearly 30% of the sample fell into the more vulnerable groups. Females, younger individuals, those with a history of psychiatric disorders, lower income groups, and those with high trait vulnerability and low trait social belonging were more likely to exhibit trajectories associated with poorer mental well-being. Our findings indicate that resilience-vulnerability responses in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been more complex than previously thought, identifying risk groups that could benefit from greater support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvika Godara
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, 10557 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Martin Hecht
- Department of Psychology, Helmut Schmidt University, 22043 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarita Silveira
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, 10557 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel C Voelkle
- Institute of Psychology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society, 10557 Berlin, Germany
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13
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Landman B, Cohen A, Khoury E, Trebossen V, Bouchlaghem N, Poncet-Kalifa H, Acquaviva E, Lefebvre A, Delorme R. Emotional and behavioral changes in French children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2003. [PMID: 36737512 PMCID: PMC9897150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 outbreak caused severe disruptions in daily life, partly due to limitations implemented to prevent the spreading. In France, it included school closures during a national lockdown, then a reopening of schools, with access depending on viral status of students and teachers. Those changes had an impact on children's mental health. We conducted an online cross-sectional study using a parental self-administered survey in December 2021 to explore the emotional and behavioral changes (EBC) during this 5th wave (W5) and retrospectively since the first one (W1) in their children and their multidimensionality with principal factor analysis (PCA) and stability analysis. Out of 4552 parent responders, 62.4% (n = 2839) noticed negative EBC during W1 and 54.1% (n = 2462) during W5 of the pandemic. Only 10.0% of the responders noticed negative EBC at W1 but not during the W5. In younger children (3-6 years old) with significant EBC, PCA revealed three main dimensions at W1 and W5: restlessness, depression and anxiety. In older children (7-13 years old), PCA showed partially similar dimensions: depression-suicidality, anxiety and withdrawal. Almost all correlations between dimensions at W1 and W5 were significantly positive. Every EBC was stable across waves, except for one. Recall bias concerning the EBC during W1 and lack of data concerning parental mental health should be taken into account. Our stability analysis found a strong correlation between dimensions at W1 and W5. Our results highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on children's mental health and the predictive aspect of its early deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Landman
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.
| | - Alicia Cohen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Elie Khoury
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Trebossen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Nesrine Bouchlaghem
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Poncet-Kalifa
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Eric Acquaviva
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Aline Lefebvre
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,CHS Fondation Vallee, Gentilly, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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14
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Hirschtritt ME, Rodgers CRR. What Will It Take to Meet Adolescents' Mental Health Needs? J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:175-176. [PMID: 36604011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Hirschtritt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California; Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Caryn R R Rodgers
- Division of Academic General Pediatrics and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York
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15
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Sheikhan NY, Henderson JL, Halsall T, Daley M, Brownell S, Shah J, Iyer SN, Hawke LD. Stigma as a barrier to early intervention among youth seeking mental health services in Ontario, Canada: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:86. [PMID: 36703119 PMCID: PMC9877499 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09075-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma associated with mental health challenges is a major barrier to service seeking among youth. Understanding how stigma impacts service-seeking decisions from the perspectives of youth remains underexplored. Such research is necessary to inform effective stigma reduction. OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand how stigma influences service seeking among youth with mental health challenges. METHODS Qualitative inquiry was taken using youth engagement, underpinned by pragmatism. Data were collected via 4 virtual focus groups with 22 purposively selected youth participants with lived experience of mental health challenges in Ontario, Canada. Focus group guides were developed collaboratively among research team members, including youth co-researchers. Data were analyzed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Three main themes were constructed from the data: point of entry into the system, being biomedicalized or trivialized, and paving the way for non-stigmatizing services. Initial contact with the mental healthcare system was seen to be affected by stigma, causing participants to delay contact or be refused services if they do not fit with an expected profile. Participants described a constant negotiation between feeling 'sick enough' and 'not sick enough' to receive services. Once participants accessed services, they perceived the biomedicalization or trivialization of their challenges to be driven by stigma. Lastly, participants reflected on changes needed to reduce stigma's effects on seeking and obtaining services. CONCLUSION A constant negotiation between being 'sick enough' or 'not sick enough' is a key component of stigma from the perspectives of youth. This tension influences youth decisions about whether to seek services, but also service provider decisions about whether to offer services. Building awareness around the invisibility of mental health challenges and the continuum of wellness to illness may help to break down stigma's impact as a barrier to service seeking. Early intervention models of care that propose services across the spectrum of challenges may prevent the sense of stigma that deters youth from accessing and continuing to access services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Y. Sheikhan
- grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4 Canada
| | - Jo L. Henderson
- grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4 Canada
| | - Tanya Halsall
- grid.28046.380000 0001 2182 2255University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4 Canada
| | - Mardi Daley
- grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4 Canada
| | - Samantha Brownell
- grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4 Canada
| | - Jai Shah
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1 Canada
| | - Srividya N. Iyer
- grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, 1033 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1 Canada
| | - Lisa D. Hawke
- grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4 Canada
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16
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Centeio EE, Barcelona JM, Mercier K, Hart A, Foley JT. Believe in You student empowerment program: A pilot study. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 4:1078002. [PMID: 36726393 PMCID: PMC9885005 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1078002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The social and emotional health of youth is important, especially after students experience the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to understand the influence that the Believe In You Student Empowerment Program had on students social emotional learning (SEL) behaviors over a 10 week period during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods A part of this quantitative study, one school in each the intervention and the control group (delayed intervention; 2 schools total) participated in the study. Students enrolled in physical education within each school participated (n = 166; Intervention = 88). Students in each group took a survey at week 1 (baseline measure), week 5, and week 10. Students who were in the intervention group started the program after week 1, while the delayed intervention group began the program in week 5. Results A series of ANCOVA's examined the difference of social emotional learning knowledge and social emotional learning scales between the treatment and control groups. Self-awareness (F = 13.91, p < .01), self-management (F = 6.14, p < .01) & relationship skills (F = 5.50, p < .05) saw significant differences over time compared to the control group. The second series of analyses looked only at the intervention group and analyzed to determine significant differences in mean scores of SEL variables between weeks one and ten. Emotional regulation saw significant differences (t = 2.5, p < .01). The final set of analyses conducted were with the delayed intervention group and examined the difference in mean SEL scores over the three time periods. Again, emotional regulation saw significance with an interaction of time and gender (F = 4.162, p < .01). Discussion and Conclusion In a short period of time, Believe in You Student Empowerment Program has shown the potential to have a positive influence on students social emotional learning behaviors, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. More research should be conducted over a longer period of time, in-person, and with an experimental design to better understand the effects of the Varsity Brands Believe in You Student Empowerment Program and its implications with student social emotional learning behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Centeio
- College of Education, Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Hawai‘I at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States,Correspondence: Erin E. Centeio
| | - Jeanne M. Barcelona
- College of Education, Division of Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Studies, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Kevin Mercier
- College of Education and Health Sciences, Department of Health and Sport Sciences, Adelphi University, Garden, NY, United States
| | - Aaron Hart
- Vice President of Curriculum & Program Engagement, Varsity Brands, Cortland, NY, United States
| | - John T. Foley
- Department of Physical Education, SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY, United States
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17
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Bonnet U, Specka M, Roser P, Scherbaum N. Cannabis use, abuse and dependence during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:7-18. [PMID: 36346483 PMCID: PMC9641691 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02564-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between cannabis use or addiction and SARS-COV-2 infection rates and COVID-19 outcomes is obscure. As of 08/01/2022 among 57 evaluated epidemiological/clinical studies found in Pubmed-database, most evidence for how cannabis use patterns were influenced by the pandemic was given by two systematic reviews and 17 prospective studies, mostly involving adolescents. In this age group, cannabis use patterns have not changed markedly. For adults, several cross-sectional studies reported mixed results with cannabis use having increased, decreased or remained unchanged. Two cross-sectional studies demonstrated that the severity of adults´ cannabis dependence was either increased as a consequence of increasing cannabis use during the pandemic or not changed. Regarding the effect of cannabis use on COVID-19 outcomes, we found only five retrospective/cross-sectional studies. Accordingly, (i) cannabis use did not impact mild COVID-19 symptoms; (ii) cannabis using individuals experienced more COVID-19-related hospitalizations; (iii) cannabis using veterans were associated with reduced SARS-COV-2 infection rates; (iv) frequent cannabis use was significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality, and (v) cannabis dependents were at higher risk of COVID-19 breakthrough after vaccination. It should be outlined that the validity of these retrospective/cross-sectional studies (all self-reports or register/e-health-records) is rather low. Future prospective studies on the effects of cannabis use on SARS-COV-2 infection rates and COVID-19 outcomes are clearly required for conclusive risk-benefit assessments of the role of cannabis on users' health during the pandemic. Moreover, substance dependence (including cannabis) is associated with (often untreated) somatic comorbidity, which severity is a proven key risk factor for worse COVID-19 outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo Bonnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Grutholzallee 21, 44577 Castrop-Rauxel, Germany ,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Specka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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18
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Marchand K, Liu G, Mallia E, Ow N, Glowacki K, Hastings KG, Mathias S, Sutherland JM, Barbic S. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol or drug use symptoms and service need among youth: a cross-sectional sample from British Columbia, Canada. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:82. [PMID: 36550587 PMCID: PMC9774070 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about youth alcohol and drug use have risen since the declaration of the global COVID-19 pandemic due to the pandemic's impact on known risk and protective factors for substance use. However, the pandemic's immediate and long-term impact on youths' substance use patterns has been less clear. Thus, this study sought to determine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted alcohol or drug use and its risk and protective factors among youth accessing integrated youth services. METHODS We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study of patient-reported outcomes data collected between May 2018 and February 2022 among youth (n = 6022) ages 10-24 accessing a provincial network of integrated youth services in Canada. The main exposure of interest was the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 - February 2022) compared with a pre-pandemic period (May 2018 - February 2020). As measured by the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs - Short Screener, outcomes included the average number of past month alcohol or drug use symptoms and past month likelihood of service need for alcohol/drug use (moderate/high vs. low need). Interrupted time series (ITS) examined change in average monthly alcohol/drug use symptoms between the pre- and pandemic periods. Stratified multivariable logistic regression investigated how the pandemic modified the effects of established risk/protective factors on likelihood of alcohol/drug use service need. RESULTS Fifty-percent of youth met the criteria for moderate/high likelihood of alcohol/drug use service need, with the odds being 2.39 times (95% confidence interval = 2.04, 2.80) greater during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Results from the ITS indicated significant immediate effects of the pandemic on monthly substance use symptoms (p = 0.01). Significant risk/protective factors for service need included exposure to violence, engagement in meaningful activities, and self-rated physical and mental health; and the direction of their effects remained consistent across pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic corresponded with increased alcohol or drug use among youth accessing integrated services. This signals an urgent need for increased clinical capacity in existing youth services and policies that can respond to risk/protective factors for substance use earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Marchand
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.498725.5Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
| | - Guiping Liu
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, 201- 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Emilie Mallia
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada
| | - Nikki Ow
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.498725.5Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
| | - Krista Glowacki
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.498725.5Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
| | - Katherine G. Hastings
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Steve Mathias
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.498725.5Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1 Canada
| | - Jason M. Sutherland
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.498725.5Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, 201- 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Skye Barbic
- Foundry, 915-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada ,grid.498725.5Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
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Trajectories of resilience and mental distress to global major disruptions. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:1171-1189. [PMID: 36302711 PMCID: PMC9595401 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a major societal disruption, raising the question of how people can maintain or quickly regain their mental health (i.e., be resilient) during such times. Researchers have used the pandemic as a use case for studying resilience in response to a global, synchronously starting, and chronic set of stressors on the individual and societal level. Our review of this recent literature reveals that mental distress trajectories during the pandemic largely resemble mental distress responses to individual-level macro-stressors, except for a lower prevalence of recovery trajectories. Results suggest more resilient responses in older adults, but trajectories are less consistent for younger and older ages compared with middle-aged adults. We call for more research integrating state-of-the-art operationalizations of resilience and using these to study resilience over the lifespan.
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20
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Impact Potpourri: A Multimethod Survey Study on Youth Substance Use During COVID-19. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2022; 13:46-55. [PMID: 36452036 PMCID: PMC9677386 DOI: 10.1097/cxa.0000000000000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the important implications of youth substance use, it is essential to document and describe changes in substance use during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS This multimethod survey study examines the impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on youth substance use among 149 Canadian youth who were using substances at a mid-pandemic period. Participants were 21.9 years of age on average (SD=2.2), including 99 girls/young women, 42 boys/young men, and 8 transgender or nonbinary individuals. The majority were Caucasian and born in Canada. Qualitative and quantitative findings are reported, with thematic analysis combined with descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. RESULTS Qualitatively, many youth reported increases or shifts in their substance use over the course of the pandemic. Youth reported using substances with limited numbers of peers, with family, or alone. Many reported using substances out of boredom and to cope. While legal substances remained highly accessible, illegal substances were reported to be more difficult to acquire and less trustworthy. Spending had increased. Quantitative findings suggested alcohol use has decreased, but other substance use has remained stable in the sample as a whole, although for each substance, some youth reported increases. DISCUSSION Despite minimal quantitative change, qualitative findings show that some youth increased their use of some substances during the pandemic, decreased others, changed their motivation to use, and decreased in safety behaviors. Youth-serving organizations should be aware of individual differences, the changing context of substance use, and the potential long-term impacts.
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21
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Factors associated with depressive symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: A 2021 national survey. J Affect Disord 2022; 317:212-220. [PMID: 36041583 PMCID: PMC9419429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have identified a set of variables associated with depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the existing antecedents in Mexico, in addition to being limited to the beginning of the health emergency, made use of small and unrepresentative samples. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with clinically significant depressive symptomatology (CSDS) in a representative Mexican sample of 2021. METHODS A secondary cross-sectional analysis of the Encuesta Nacional de Bienestar Autorreportado (ENBIARE) was conducted. For the present study, the effective sample was 30,901. Univariate and bivariate anaylses were followed by a multiple Poisson regression, which served to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios of each variable under study. RESULTS The prevalence of CSDS in the year 2021 was 15.3 %. In the multivariable analysis, the factors associated with CSDS were the number of recent stressful events, having a major functional limitation, not having social support from family or friends, being female, having suffered recent discrimination, alcohol or other drug use (by oneself or someone at home), not being married or cohabiting, living in a rural area, having had a diagnosis of COVID-19, having lost a job, living with a chronic patient, not doing physical exercise, and having a low educational level. LIMITATIONS The main limitations were the cross-sectional nature of the data, the use of self-report measures, as well as the fact that this was a secondary analysis that did not allow consideration of additional variables. CONCLUSIONS A set of personal and contextual variables were identified that can help focus prevention and intervention efforts on the phenomenon of depression.
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22
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Sheikhan NY, Hawke LD, Ma C, Courtney D, Szatmari P, Cleverley K, Voineskos A, Cheung A, Henderson J. A Longitudinal Cohort Study of Youth Mental Health and Substance use Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario, Canada: An Exploratory Analysis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2022; 67:841-853. [PMID: 35635281 PMCID: PMC9157274 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221097906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth mental health appears to have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact on substance use is less clear, as is the impact on subgroups of youth, including those with pre-existing mental health or substance use challenges. OBJECTIVE This hypothesis-generating study examines the longitudinal evolution of youth mental health and substance use from before the COVID-19 pandemic to over one year into the pandemic among youth with pre-existing mental health or substance use challenges. METHOD A total of 168 youth aged 14-24 participated. Participants provided sociodemographic data, as well as internalizing disorder, externalizing disorder, and substance use data prior to the pandemic's onset, then every two months between April 2020-2021. Linear mixed models and Generalized Estimating Equations were used to analyze the effect of time on mental health and substance use. Exploratory analyses were conducted to examine interactions with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS There was no change in internalizing or externalizing disorder scores from prior to the pandemic to any point throughout the first year of the pandemic. Substance use scores during the pandemic declined compared to pre-pandemic scores. Exploratory analyses suggest that students appear to have experienced more mental health repercussions than non-students; other sociodemographic and clinical characteristics did not appear to be associated with mental health or substance use trajectories. CONCLUSIONS While mental health remained stable and substance use declined from before the COVID-19 pandemic to during the pandemic among youth with pre-existing mental health challenges, some youth experienced greater challenges than others. Longitudinal monitoring among various population subgroups is crucial to identifying higher risk populations. This information is needed to provide empirical evidence to inform future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Y Sheikhan
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, 274071University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa D Hawke
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clement Ma
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, 274071University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren Courtney
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Szatmari
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristin Cleverley
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,70379Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aristotle Voineskos
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Cheung
- 71545Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Henderson
- 7978Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Braksiek M, Lindemann U, Pahmeier I. Physical Activity and Stress of Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany—A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Areas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148274. [PMID: 35886126 PMCID: PMC9321660 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although infection with SARS-CoV-2 appears to be less dangerous for children and adolescents, research indicates that the measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have had and continue to have negative effects on children’s and adolescents’ mental health and physical activity (PA). Due to the different health policies, country-specific studies as well as studies in different phases of the pandemic are important to obtain a differentiated picture of the effects of the pandemic. This study set out to investigate children’s and adolescents’ PA, stress, and well-being as well as the associations between these two variables during a phase of a gradual decline in measure to contain the pandemic in Germany. For this purpose, 1293 children and adolescents in a rural area of a federal state in Germany were investigated. The results indicated that children and adolescents felt sadder and less well during this period than children and adolescents before the pandemic. Results also revealed that they were more physically active than children and adolescents before the pandemic as well as in the second lockdown but less active than in the first lockdown. Both well-being and sadness were positively associated with the PA. The study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the situation of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Braksiek
- Department of Sport Science, University of Vechta, 49377 Vechta, Germany; (M.B.); (I.P.)
| | - Uta Lindemann
- Department of Sport Science, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Iris Pahmeier
- Department of Sport Science, University of Vechta, 49377 Vechta, Germany; (M.B.); (I.P.)
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24
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Nandlall N, Hawke LD, Hayes E, Darnay K, Daley M, Relihan J, Henderson J. Learning Through a Pandemic: Youth Experiences With Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic. SAGE OPEN 2022; 12:21582440221124122. [PMID: 36185703 PMCID: PMC9511001 DOI: 10.1177/21582440221124122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this paper was to examine the school-related experiences of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants represented both clinical and community youth aged 14 to 28 who were sampled as part of a larger study. Feedback from youth attending school during the pandemic was qualitatively examined and youth who planned to attend school prior to the pandemic and did (n = 246) and youth who planned to attend but did not (n = 28) were compared quantitatively. Youth appreciated the flexibility of online learning and some also reported experiencing a lack of support from their school and the need for instructor training on how to deliver virtual classes effectively. Future studies should examine what factors influence student engagement with virtual learning, what strategies could improve supports for student in their long-term career development, and the longitudinal experiences of youth who may have chosen not to go back to school due to the pandemic. This survey was conducted in Ontario, Canada. A more diverse sample collected outside of Ontario would improve generalizability. Qualitative data were based on survey responses and not interviews. Thus we were unable to discern the reasons youth decided to attend school, or not, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Nandlall
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for
Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa D. Hawke
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for
Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Em Hayes
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for
Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karleigh Darnay
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for
Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mardi Daley
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for
Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Relihan
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for
Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joanna Henderson
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for
Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,
Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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25
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Wenter A, Schickl M, Sevecke K, Juen B, Exenberger S. Children's Mental Health During the First Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Burden, Risk Factors and Posttraumatic Growth - A Mixed-Methods Parents' Perspective. Front Psychol 2022; 13:901205. [PMID: 35719524 PMCID: PMC9201953 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.901205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying containment measures such as physical distancing and school closures led to major changes in children's everyday lives. By means of a mixed-methods study, the "Tyrolean COVID-19 Children's Study" investigated the effects of the pandemic and factors influencing mental health and health-related quality of life of North Tyrolean (Austria) and South Tyrolean (Italy) children aged 3-13 years. Parents filled out N = 2,691 online questionnaires (951 preschool children: 3-6 years; 1,740 schoolchildren: 7-13 years) at four measurement time points (March 2020, December 2020, June 2021, December 2021). For both age groups, children's mental health outcomes (internalising problems, posttraumatic stress symptoms) were worse in December 2021 (t4) than children's mental health outcomes in March 2020 (t1). With regard to aggressive behaviour, this difference was only found among schoolchildren. Thematic analysis of an open ended, written question revealed the following positive changes in children during the Corona crisis: (1) the importance of intra- and extra-familial relationships, (2) new competences and experiences, (3) values and virtues, (4) use of time, and (5) family strength. Using multilevel modelling, threat experience, economic disruption, and perceived posttraumatic growth were shown to be the strongest predictors of all outcomes. Additionally, male gender was shown to be a predictor of aggressive behaviour. In terms of age, schoolchildren showed more internalising problems, aggressive behaviour, and threat experience than preschool children. With regard to time, parents in December 2021 reported more threat experience in older children and less perceived posttraumatic growth in both older and younger children, than parents at the beginning of the pandemic. Targeted support for vulnerable children may prevent longer-term development of psychopathologies and contribute to society's psychosocial resilience in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, sustainable promotion of children's posttraumatic growth can also contribute to children's mental health and could even offer a chance to turn the crisis into an opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wenter
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maximilian Schickl
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kathrin Sevecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Juen
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Silvia Exenberger
- Department of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Austria
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Gadermann A, Thomson K, Gill R, Schonert-Reichl KA, Gagné Petteni M, Guhn M, Warren MT, Oberle E. Early Adolescents' Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Their Well-Being. Front Public Health 2022; 10:823303. [PMID: 35592082 PMCID: PMC9110968 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.823303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early adolescence is a time of psychological and social change that can coincide with declines in mental health and well-being. This study investigated the psychological and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of students who responded to a survey in Grades 7 and 8 (ages 12–14) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The objectives of this study were (i) to provide an overview on early adolescents' experiences and social-emotional well-being during the pandemic; and (ii) to examine whether changes in social experiences as well as feeling safe from getting COVID-19 at school were associated with changes in well-being outcomes over the course of a year. Methods A sample of n = 1,755 students from a large public school district self-reported on their life satisfaction, optimism, and symptoms of sadness across two time points: First, in their Grade 7 year (pre-pandemic; January to March, 2020) and then 1 year later in their Grade 8 year (during the pandemic; January to March, 2021). In Grade 8, students also reported on pandemic-specific experiences, including changes in mental health, social relationships, and activities, as well as coping strategies and positive changes since the pandemic. Data were collected online using the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI), a population-based self-report tool that assesses children's social-emotional development and well-being in the context of their home, school, and neighborhood. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between pandemic-related changes in relationships and perceived safety from getting COVID-19 at school with changes in well-being outcomes. Results Students reported a range of experiences, with a large proportion reporting moderate concerns and impacts of the pandemic, including worries about their mental health and missing school activities. Students reported significantly lower optimism, lower life satisfaction, and higher sadness compared to the previous year. Within the sample, improvements in relationships with parents and other adults at home was associated with higher well-being during the pandemic. Implications Results from this study can inform decision making of policy-makers, educators, and practitioners working with youth, by providing information on students' experiences during the pandemic and identifying factors that may be protective for students' mental health during and beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gadermann
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kimberly Thomson
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Randip Gill
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Monique Gagné Petteni
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Guhn
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael T Warren
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Oberle
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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27
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Ross JA, Malone PK, Levy S. The Impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic on Substance Use in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:S81-S85. [PMID: 35476024 PMCID: PMC9129126 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been associated with dramatic increases in substance use, as marked by increased alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis sales. Lethal opioid overdoses also increased dramatically, especially during the initial phases of the epidemic when lockdowns and social isolation combined with increasing fentanyl contamination of the illicit drug supply resulted in more overdoses and fewer opportunities for rescue. Substance use, and especially inhalational drug use, increases the likelihood of both transmission and severe infection. Youth are especially vulnerable to substance use and have increased risk of long-term problems. These outcomes highlight the need for greater access to substance use treatment. Virtual treatment, which emerged as a promising format during the pandemic, may reduce access barriers. This article reviews trends in substance use during the pandemic, explores root causes of increased use and overdose, and examines the potential to increase treatment through virtual care, especially during future periods of disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Ross
- Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115,Corresponding author: Jennifer A. Ross, 300 Longwood Avenue, Mailstop 3393, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Patrice K. Malone
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York, 10032
| | - Sharon Levy
- Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
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28
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the literature on the trends in substance use among youth during the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. RECENT FINDINGS The pandemic has given rise to concerns about the mental health and social well-being of youth, including its potential to increase or exacerbate substance use behaviors. This systematic review identified and included 49 studies of use across alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, e-cigarettes/vaping, and other drugs, and unspecified substances. The majority of studies across all categories of youth substance use reported reductions in prevalence, except in the case of other drugs and unspecified drug and substance use, which included three studies that reported an increase in use and three studies that reported decrease in use. Overall, the results of this review suggest that the prevalence of youth substance use has largely declined during the pandemic. Youth substance use in the post-pandemic years will require monitoring and continued surveillance.
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