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Hung WC, Wu CY, Lee MB, Chan CT, Chen CY. Loneliness and suicide risks in the general population before and during first-year COVID-19 in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:510-516. [PMID: 38307799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness is a critical issue affecting the general population. Current evidence from national surveys of loneliness is scarce. The study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of loneliness and its associating suicide risks in Taiwan. METHODS Four annual telephone interview surveys were performed by the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center in 2015-2017 and 2020 during COVID outbreak. Each year the sample was randomly selected by stratifying the general public in different geographical areas and fulfilled a questionnaire collecting information including loneliness, psychological distress, and suicide risk assessment. All the data were analyzed using SPSS25 analysis. RESULTS A total of 8460 participants were recruited. The average prevalence of loneliness was 12.6 %. Feelings of loneliness was significantly correlated with psychological distress and most risk factors relating to suicide. The odds of loneliness for lifetime suicidal ideation, lifetime suicide attempt, and future suicide intent were 4.9, 5.1, and 9.2, respectively. During the COVID-19 period, loneliness and suicidality demonstrated a noteworthy decline trend, whereas "no one trustworthy to talk to" was the only item that showed significant increase under the pandemic and also impacted on loneliness. CONCLUSION Nearly one in ten Taiwanese people felt lonely before and during COVID-19. Loneliness was closely linked with various suicide risk factors such as lifetime suicide ideation and attempt or future intention. Although psychological distress and suicide risk were not increased during COVID-19, maintaining trustful relationships to seek support appeared to be critical to prevent the risks of loneliness or suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chieh Hung
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yi Wu
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Taiwanese Society of Suicidology & Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Been Lee
- Taiwanese Society of Suicidology & Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Ta Chan
- Taiwanese Society of Suicidology & Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Ying Chen
- Taiwanese Society of Suicidology & Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Haddadi Barzoki M. School belonging and depressive symptoms: the mediating roles of social inclusion and loneliness. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:205-211. [PMID: 38247289 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2024.2304067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness and depressive symptoms are prevalent among Finns. OBJECTIVES This study, which analyzes nationwide data from 149,986 students aged 13-18 years in Finland, focuses on the mediating effects of social inclusion and loneliness in the association between school belonging and depressive symptoms. METHOD AND RESULTS The analysis of variance showed that boys reported higher levels of school belonging and social inclusion, whereas girls reported higher levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis showed that social inclusion and loneliness partially mediated the effect of school belonging on depressive symptoms, but that social inclusion's effect was much greater than loneliness's. By focusing on the moderating role of sex, it was discovered that social inclusion significantly mediated depressive symptoms in girls more than boys. CONCLUSION The importance of social inclusion in preventing depressive symptoms was highlighted in the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Haddadi Barzoki
- Department of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland | UEF, Kuopio, Finland
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3
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Zhang J, Xiang X, Yang X, Mei Q, Cheng L. The effect of self-disclosure on loneliness among patients with coronary heart disease: The chain mediating effect of social support and sense of coherence. Heart Lung 2024; 64:74-79. [PMID: 38061319 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). It has a serious impact on the physical and mental health and the quality of life of patients with CHD. However, what factors contribute to loneliness and the mechanism of action still need to be explored. OBJECTIVES To explore the chain mediating effect among self-disclosure, social support, sense of coherence and loneliness in patients with CHD through a chain mediating model. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 248 patients with CHD from three tertiary hospitals in Shiyan, Hubei Province, China. Self-reported scales were used to assess feelings of loneliness, self-disclosure, social support and sense of coherence. The Amos 26.0 software was used to construct the chain mediating effect. RESULTS Self-disclosure cannot directly affect patients' loneliness (β = -0.60, P>0.05). Social support and sense of coherence play a significant complete mediating role between self-disclosure and loneliness, with an overall mediating effect value of -0.479. CONCLUSION Self-disclosure in CHD patients indirectly affect loneliness through social support and sense of coherence (β = -0.479, P = 0.001). Improving patient self-disclosure and modulation of social support and sense of coherence help reduce in loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Zhang
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 30, Renmin South Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, PR China
| | - Xiancheng Xiang
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 30, Renmin South Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 30, Renmin South Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, PR China
| | - Qian Mei
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 30, Renmin South Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, PR China
| | - Li Cheng
- School of Nursing, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 30, Renmin South Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, PR China.
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Gao B, Cai Y, Zhao C, Qian Y, Zheng R, Liu C. Longitudinal associations between loneliness and online game addiction among undergraduates: A moderated mediation model. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104134. [PMID: 38228073 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Online gaming addiction (OGA) has become a noteworthy public concern, especially among university students, thereby requiring in-depth scrutiny. Although previous cross-sectional studies have established a positive link between loneliness and OGA, there is a lack of longitudinal evidence within this field. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms that elucidate the connection between loneliness and OGA are still poorly understood, underscoring a crucial research gap that requires further investigation. Our study utilized a longitudinal approach and developed a moderated mediation model. From September 2021 to September 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, data were collected from a sample of Chinese undergraduate students, with 367 participants at T1, 352 at T2, and 340 at T3. Participants completed online self-report surveys, providing valuable data on their levels of loneliness at T1, fear of missing out (FoMO) at T2, sensation seeking at T2, and OGA at T3. Our findings found that loneliness was positively linked to OGA. Further analysis demonstrated that FoMO partially mediated the link between loneliness and OGA. Meanwhile, sensation seeking moderated the pathway from FoMO to later OGA. Specifically, the effect of FoMO on OGA was significant for college students with high sensation seeking. This study offers longitudinal evidence linking loneliness and OGA, which has implications for the development of interventions to reduce OGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxiyu Cai
- School of Marxism, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Zhao
- School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuqing Qian
- School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, People's Republic of China
| | - Runting Zheng
- School of Public Policy and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi 445000, People's Republic of China
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5
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Luo Q, Shao R. The positive and negative emotion functions related to loneliness: a systematic review of behavioural and neuroimaging studies. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2023; 3:kkad029. [PMID: 38666115 PMCID: PMC10917374 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness is associated with high prevalences of major psychiatric illnesses such as major depression. However, the underlying emotional mechanisms of loneliness remained unclear. We hypothesized that loneliness originates from both decreases in positive emotional processing and increases in negative emotion processing. To test this, we conducted a systematic review of 29 previous studies (total participants n = 19 560, mean age = 37.16 years, female proportion = 59.7%), including 18 studies that included questionnaire measures of emotions only, and 11 studies that examined the brain correlates of emotions. The main findings were that loneliness was negatively correlated with general positive emotions and positively correlated with general negative emotions. Furthermore, limited evidence indicates loneliness exhibited negative and positive correlations with the brain positive (e.g. the striatum) and negative (e.g. insula) emotion systems, respectively, but the sign of correlation was not entirely consistent. Additionally, loneliness was associated with the structure and function of the brain emotion regulation systems, particularly the prefrontal cortex, but the direction of this relationship remained ambiguous. We concluded that the existing evidence supported a bivalence model of loneliness, but several critical gaps existed that could be addressed by future studies that include adolescent and middle-aged samples, use both questionnaire and task measures of emotions, distinguish between general emotion and social emotion as well as between positive and negative emotion regulation, and adopt a longitudinal design that allows us to ascertain the causal relationships between loneliness and emotion dysfunction. Our findings provide new insights into the underlying emotion mechanisms of loneliness that can inform interventions for lonely individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyi Luo
- Department of Clinical Psychology, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510370, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P.R. China
| | - Robin Shao
- Department of Affective Disorder, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511370, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, P.R. China
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Suanrueang P, Peltzer K, Lkhamsuren Z, Yap LK. The association between psychosocial factors, protective factors, and its associated triggers with psychological distress among Bolivian adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12589. [PMID: 37537238 PMCID: PMC10400538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between psychosocial factors, protective factors, and its associated triggers with psychological distress among Bolivian adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted by investigating the 2018 Bolivia global school-based student health survey (GSHS). The total number of students who participated in this survey was 7931, and the final sample was 7377. The mean age of the participants was 15.3 years (SD = 1.4). Psychological distress was assessed with a 2-item screener (loneliness and worry induced sleep disturbance). In all 22.3% of participants reported experiencing psychological distress, with 18.1% among adolescent males and 26.2% among adolescent females. In adjusted logistic regression analysis (AOR, 95% CI), there are two significant directions of association. One is the negative association, such as parental involvement as a protective factor. School adolescents who had more parental involvement were less likely to experience psychological distress. Parents understand problems or worries (0.64, 0.54-0.75, p < .001) and parents disregard privacy (0.69, 0.58-0.82, p < .001). On the other hand, many psycho-social factors are significantly positively associated with psychological distress. School adolescents who experience more psychosocial factors are more likely to experience psychological distress. Physical assault in the previous year (1.83, 1.59-2.11, p < .001), being bullied at school (1.27, 1.07-1.52, p < .01), being bullied outside of school (1.36, 1.15-1.61, p < .001), and being cyberbullied (1.60, 1.37-1.88, p < .001), were all significantly associated with psychological distress. Healthy relationships in a family, and interventions to reduce violence and bullying, should be encouraged and promoted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Passakorn Suanrueang
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Zuchi Lkhamsuren
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lyen Krenz Yap
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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7
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Denche-Zamorano A, García-Gil MÁ, Mendoza-Muñoz M, Barrios-Fernandez S. Sadness and Loneliness in Adolescents with Physical, Sensory or Health Problems in Low/Middle-Income Countries. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:996. [PMID: 37371228 DOI: 10.3390/children10060996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Feelings of loneliness and sadness are increasing among the global youth, especially in disadvantaged settings. Young people with disabilities from low-income countries may be at greater risk of experiencing such emotions. This study aims to assess the dependence between difficulties/disability and sadness, loneliness and crying for no reason in young people from low- to middle-income countries and to test the risk of experiencing these emotions in young people with different disabilities versus the overall population. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the Programme for International Student Assessment for Development survey, with 34,604 participants aged 15 years from seven countries: Cambodia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, Senegal, and Zambia. Dependent relationships were found between difficulties/disabilities and loneliness, sadness and crying. People with disabilities had a higher prevalence of these emotions. The probability of experiencing sadness, loneliness and crying was higher among people with difficulties/disabilities. Young people with disabilities in low-income countries are at a higher risk of experiencing feelings of loneliness, sadness and crying compared to the general population of the same age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Denche-Zamorano
- Promoting a Healthy Society (PHeSO) Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - María Ángeles García-Gil
- Education Sciences Department, Teacher Training College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
| | - María Mendoza-Muñoz
- Research Group on Physical and Health Literacy and Health-Related Quality of Life (PHYQOL), Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
- Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
| | - Sabina Barrios-Fernandez
- Occupation, Participation, Sustainability and Quality of Life (Ability Research Group), Nursing and Occupational Therapy College, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
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8
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Gketsios I, Tsiampalis T, Kanellopoulou A, Vassilakou T, Notara V, Antonogeorgos G, Rojas-Gil AP, Kornilaki EN, Lagiou A, Panagiotakos DB, Kosti RI. The Synergetic Effect of Soft Drinks and Sweet/Salty Snacks Consumption and the Moderating Role of Obesity on Preadolescents' Emotions and Behavior: A School-Based Epidemiological Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:633. [PMID: 36983792 PMCID: PMC10053451 DOI: 10.3390/life13030633] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is high along with the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems among children and adolescents. The present study sought to investigate the synergetic effect of soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks consumption, and the moderating role of obesity on preadolescents' emotions and behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1728 Greek preadolescents aged 10-12 and their parents, during the school years 2014-2016. Parental and child characteristics were collected anonymously, through self-administered and validated questionnaires. Among others, soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks consumption was recorded, classifying preadolescents as low or at least moderate consumers, while anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI)) were also recorded. Approximately 6 out of 10 preadolescents were characterized by at least moderate consumption of either sweet/salty snacks, or soft drinks, while 22.7% of the participants had at least moderate consumption of both soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks. Boys and preadolescents with a lower level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as well as those living in a more obesogenic family environment were more likely to be in the higher consumption groups. When compared to just either the moderate consumption of sweet/salty snacks, or the moderate consumption of soft drinks, the combination of both unhealthy eating habits was associated with significantly higher odds of both aggressiveness and loneliness, while the examined relationships were significantly stronger in overweight/obese children. The positive synergistic effect of soft drinks and sweet/salty snacks consumption on preadolescents' emotions of loneliness and aggressive behavior is even burdened by obesity status highlighting the urgent need for policymakers to take preventive measures to halt the detrimental consequences of UPFs consumption on health outcomes, particularly in overweight/obese children. The importance of the improvement of children's unhealthy eating habits by emphasizing the association between food intake and emotional and behavioral status is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Gketsios
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sports and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42132 Trikala, Greece
| | - Thomas Tsiampalis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sports and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42132 Trikala, Greece
- Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Health Science & Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Kanellopoulou
- Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Health Science & Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Venetia Notara
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Public and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - George Antonogeorgos
- Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Health Science & Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
| | - Andrea Paola Rojas-Gil
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, 22100 Tripoli, Greece
| | - Ekaterina N. Kornilaki
- Department of Preschool Education, School of Education, University of Crete, 74100 Rethimno, Greece
| | - Areti Lagiou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Public and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, School of Health Science & Education, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra 2617, Australia
| | - Rena I. Kosti
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sports and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42132 Trikala, Greece
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Marthoenis, Dahlia, Nassimbwa J. Prevalence and factors associated with loneliness among Indonesian female adolescents: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:328. [PMID: 35918660 PMCID: PMC9347157 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01909-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Loneliness, or the perception of social disconnectedness, is a public health concern and is reported to be a frequent experience during adolescence (10–19 years). This study investigates the prevalence of loneliness and associated health-risk behaviors among Indonesian female adolescents.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study, data for which were extracted from the WHO’s Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), which uses a globally standardized cross-sectional methodology to provide accurate data on behaviors and protective factors among students. Data from 4993 female students aged 13–17 years old from 74 schools were extracted from the 2015 survey in Indonesia and analyzed. Loneliness was used as a single measure, as happens in other studies using GSHS data. Descriptive analysis was done for age, socioemotional issues, health-risk behaviors, and contextual factors. This was followed by multiple logistic regression analysis to identify loneliness-associated factors.
Results
Approximately 6.5% of Indonesian female adolescents experience loneliness most of the time or always. Adolescents experiencing loneliness had a higher rate of sleep disturbance (37.6%), suicide ideation (21%), suicide plan (20.8%), smoking behavior (15%), and alcohol use (15.7%) than the general population. Multiple regression analysis confirms that adolescents who have no close friends, have been bullied during the past month, experience sleep disturbance, have had suicide ideation and suicide plans, are always feeling hungry, are exposed to passive smoking, and are engaged in a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher likelihood of suffering from loneliness (p < 0.05). On the other hand, having kind and helpful classmates served as a useful protection against loneliness (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The rate of loneliness in Indonesian female adolescents is relatively lower than previously reported elsewhere. Several health-risk behaviors and contextual factors are associated with loneliness. It is important to gain insight into the exact interplay between factors and loneliness since that could inform future intervention development and lead to better well-being among female adolescents.
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Loneliness Status and Related Factors among the Hakka Elderly in Fujian, China: Based on the Health Ecological Model. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:2633297. [PMID: 36046082 PMCID: PMC9420631 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2633297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There are few studies estimating the loneliness of the Hakka elderly in China. This study aims to examine the loneliness status and related factors among the Hakka elderly in Fujian, China. The short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) was used to assess the loneliness of the Hakka elderly. Factors associated with loneliness were classified as individual indicators, behavioral indicators, interpersonal indicators, and social indicators according to the health ecological model (HEM). Hierarchical linear regression models were established to identify the main factors that were most predictive of loneliness. A sample of 1,262 Hakka elderly people was included in this study. Females (β = 0.631, P=0.012), those with ≥2 chronic diseases (β = 1.340, P < 0.001), those who were currently living in rural areas (β = 4.863, P < 0.001) or suburban areas (β = 2.027, P < 0.001), those with parents both died (β = 0.886, P=0.001), and those with the Urban Employees Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI; β = 0.852, P=0.030) obtained a higher score of ULS-8. Those exercised regularly (β = −2.494, P < 0.001), those had leisure activities (β = −1.937, P < 0.001), those ate healthy (β = −1.270, P < 0.001), and those with better self-rated financial status and higher education level received a lower score of ULS-8. There are differences in loneliness among different Hakka elderly population subgroups, and healthy behaviors and lifestyles may reduce the loneliness of the Hakka elderly. Relevant interventions should be implemented in a targeted manner, focusing on susceptible populations. This is most evident among those who were female, living in rural areas, with parents both died, with lower education, and with multiple chronic diseases.
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Guan Q, Huan F, Wang Y, Wang L, Shen L, Xiong J, Guo W, Jing Z. The relationship between secondhand smoking exposure and mental health among never-smoking adolescents in school: Data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey. J Affect Disord 2022; 311:486-493. [PMID: 35654283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoking. Adolescence is a stage of rapid psychological development and is highly susceptible to various factors that can cause some mental health problems. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of secondhand smoking exposure in never-smoking school adolescents and evaluate whether there is an association between secondhand smoking exposure and mental health. METHODS 70 nationally representative data sets from the Global School-based Student Health Survey, conducted between 2003 and 2017, were used to estimate the prevalence of secondhand smoking exposure and evaluate whether there is an association between secondhand smoking exposure and loneliness, sleeplessness, and suicidal ideation. RESULTS Total 191, 613 no-smoking school adolescents (43.0% boys) were included in this analysis. The prevalence of secondhand smoking exposure ranged from 15.1% in Tajikistan to 79.6% in Timor-Leste. There was no difference in the prevalence of secondhand smoking exposure between boys and girls in most countries. After adjusted, secondhand smoking exposure was positively associated with loneliness (odds ratio 1.39, 95% CI 1.30-1.49), sleeplessness (odds ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.28-1.47), and suicidal ideation (odds ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.15-1.30) in never-smoking school adolescents in overall samples. LIMITATIONS Use of self-report measures and potentially limited generalizability. CONCLUSIONS Secondhand smoking exposure remains a serious public health issue among never-smoking school adolescents and its impact on adolescent mental health cannot be ignored. Stricter and more comprehensive policies and bans on secondhand smoking should be implemented, and adolescents' mental health should receive more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangdong Guan
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Huan
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Li Wang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lianlian Shen
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianping Xiong
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Guo
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyue Jing
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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12
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K. Loneliness is associated with poor mental health, social-environmental factors, and health risk behaviours among national samples of in-school adolescents in four Caribbean countries. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 27:559-570. [PMID: 33586531 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1883071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the study was to estimate associations of loneliness with poor mental health, social-environmental and health risk behaviour indicators among adolescents in the Caribbean. Cross-sectional national 'Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)' data of four Caribbean countries (N = 9,143 adolescents) in 2016-2017 were analysed. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, loneliness was significantly positively associated with all five poor mental health outcomes (having no close friends, anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, suicidal ideation, suicide plan and suicide attempt). Regarding social-environmental outcomes, loneliness was significantly positively associated with bullying victimization, having been physically attacked, involvement in fighting, frequent experiences of hunger and passive smoking (in particular among boys). In terms of health risk behaviour outcomes, loneliness significantly increased the odds for current tobacco use, ever drunk, trouble from alcohol use, ever amphetamine use, multiple sexual partners, leisure-time sedentary behaviour, injury and frequent soft drink consumption. In addition, among boys, loneliness increased the likelihood for current cannabis use. Loneliness is associated with poorer mental health, social-environmental risk factors and health risk behaviours. Results show the importance of taking loneliness into account in a number of mental, social, and physical health factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- 1ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
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