Negative life events and college students' adjustment: the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of grade

The present research explored the relationship among negative life events, self-esteem, grade, and adjustment of college students. In total, 1,717 college students were investigated by the adolescent life events scale, Rosenberg self-esteem inventory, and Chinese college students' adjustment scale. The results showed that negative life events were negatively correlated with self-esteem and college students' adjustment. Moreover, self-esteem was positively correlated with college students' adjustment. Negative life events significantly negatively predicted college students' adjustment, and self-esteem mediated the relationship between negative life events and college students' adjustment. Grade moderated the effects of negative life events on college students' adjustment. These findings have broad implications for college students' mental health.

The Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness and Depression in Elementary Pre-Service Teachers: The Sequential Mediating Role of Flow Experience and Learning Engagement

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between trait mindfulness, flow experience, learning engagement, and depression among elementary pre-service teachers.

Methods

We employed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Flow Experience Scale, Learning Engagement Scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to assess 614 elementary pre-service teachers.

Results

Trait mindfulness in elementary pre-service teachers negatively predicts depression. Trait mindfulness indirectly impacts depression through flow experience and learning engagement. Furthermore, flow experience and learning engagement serve as mediating factors in the relationship between trait mindfulness and depression among elementary pre-service teachers.

Conclusion

Flow experience and learning engagement play a mediating role in the relationship between trait mindfulness and depression among elementary pre-service teachers. This study enriches our understanding of depression cognitive theory, emphasizing the positive influence of internal resources on depression prevention. Additionally, it provides a deeper explanation of the mechanism through which trait mindfulness affects depression, offering valuable insights for future depression intervention programs.

Insomnia and depression levels among Malaysian undergraduate students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) during Movement Control Order (MCO)

Rapid outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 has caused the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) which aimed to reduce the spread in Covid-19 infections. While some may find it easy to adjust to the new norm, others found it difficult to switch from their normal routines and habits as according to the MCO SOP. This resulted in a more frequent insomnia and depression that subsequently impacted their mental health. Insomnia and depression levels are examined in this study as they relate to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the MCO among Malaysian undergraduate health sciences students at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UPM. Random sampling methods were utilised with consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were the instrument packages used in this investigation. An internet platform was used to distribute the questionnaire. Based on the results, it is concluded that depression and insomnia are significantly correlated, with a p-value of 0.05. This study also revealed the link between the severity of insomnia and the severity of depression among UPM students studying health sciences. The percentage of students with depression and insomnia was rather high (54.9% and 33.9%, respectively), and this occurred during the second wave of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia.

Barriers to treatment and care for depression among the youth in Uganda: The role of mental health literacy

Background

Depression represents a significant mental health problem (MHP) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially among early adults. Nevertheless, most early adults with depression do not seek treatment. Failure to recognize depression and knowledge about mental health literacy (MHL) may contribute to poor help-seeking behavior. This study assessed MHL, access and barriers to mental health care for depression among early adults in Uganda.

Methods

Data were collected from students in two of the largest universities in Uganda. Participants completed questionnaires on depression, MHL, sources of barriers and opportunities for MH service. Regression analyses and parametric tests were used to assess depression, access, barriers and opportunities to promote MH.

Results

About 12 per cent (n = 56) of the respondents were at the level of moderately severe to severe depression. Mental health literacy (MHL) scores were generally low ranging from "Ability to recognize mental disorders" (mean = 19.32, SD 3.22, range 18-32), and "Knowledge of risk factors" (mean = 4.39, SD 1.17, range 2-8), and "Knowledge of available information" (mean = 9.59, SD 2.53, range 5-20). Respondents reported barriers such as "stigma/discrimination" (65.53%), "lack of knowledge of where to receive help" (65.15%), "lack of trust in health workers" (62.56%), and "distant health facilities" (19.70%) that impede access to treatment and care. MHL significantly predicted depression (based on a continuous scale) (β = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.56, 0.70]) with the regression model yielding a significant fit [R ² = 0.40, F (2, 460) = 189.84, p < 0.001].

Conclusions

MHL is low among university students amidst several barriers such as stigma, fear, and lack of trust. To attenuate the negative effects of MHPs on wellbeing and lower the increased risk of psychopathology into adulthood, it is critical to prioritize MHL, address barriers to treatment and care, and develop the requisite infrastructure to tackle depression among early adults.

Depression and suicidal behavior among adolescents living with HIV in Botswana: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Depression and suicidal behavior are the main causes of disability and morbidity, especially in adolescents living with HIV (ALWHIV). Data regarding these are lacking in Botswana, a country with a predominantly youthful population and ranked among the top four in the world most affected by HIV. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and suicidal behavior and explore their associated factors in Botswana ALWHIV.

METHODS

Responses were obtained from 622 ALWHIV using the DSM-5 and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents.

RESULTS

The mean age (SD) of the participants was 17.7 (1.60) years and more males (54.3%) participated than females. Depression and suicidal behavior rates among adolescents were 23% and 18.9%, respectively. Female participants were more likely to be depressed (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI 1.11-3.45) and have suicidal behaviour (AOR = 6.60; 95% CI 3.19-13.7). Loss of mother (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI 1.08-7.62) and viral load of 400 copies and above (AOR = 5.01; 95% CI 2.86-8.78) were associated with depression. Alcohol use disorder (AOR = 3.82; 95% CI 1.83-7.96) and negative feelings about status (AOR = 8.79; 95% CI 4.62-16.7) were associated with suicidal behavior. Good support (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.23-0.76) and increased frequency of religious activities were protective (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.14-0.79) against depression and suicidal behaviour, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, routine psychologic screening, which includes identifying psychological stressors and maladaptive coping, family and caregiver support services, and psychosocial support platforms, should be integrated into the management package for ALWHIV in Botswana.

Distinct trajectories of perinatal depression in Chinese women: application of latent growth mixture modelling

BACKGROUND

Current research on perinatal depression rarely pays attention to the continuity and volatility of depression symptoms over time, which is very important for the early prediction and prognostic evaluation of perinatal depression. This study investigated the trajectories of perinatal depression symptoms and aimed to explore the factors related to these trajectories.

METHODS

The study recruited 550 women during late pregnancy (32 ± 4 weeks of gestation) and followed them up 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Latent growth mixture modelling (LGMM) was used to identify trajectories of depressive symptoms during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Two trajectories of perinatal depressive symptoms were identified: "decreasing" (n = 524, 95.3%) and "increasing" (n = 26, 4.7%). History of smoking, alcohol use and gestational hypertension increased the chance of belonging to the increasing trajectories, and a high level of social support was a protective factor for maintaining a decreasing trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified two trajectories of perinatal depression and the factors associated with each trajectory. Paying attention to these factors and providing necessary psychological support services during pregnancy would effectively reduce the incidence of perinatal depression and improve patient prognosis.

Stress events and Changes in Dysfunctional Attitudes and Automatic Thoughts Following Recovery from Depression in Inpatient Psychotherapy: Mediation Analyses with Longitudinal Data

Background

Stressful event exposure, dysfunctional attitudes (DA), negative automatic thoughts (NAT), and declining positive automatic thoughts (PAT) have been associated with depressive relapse/recurrence. Few studies have investigated the course of these variables and their relevance for relapse/recurrence in remitted depression.

Methods

Following successful inpatient treatment, in 39 remitted depressive patients, stressful events, DA, NAT, PAT, and depressive relapse/recurrence were assessed five times during a 16-month follow-up. Data were analyzed with mixed effect models, and mediation effects were tested.

Results

Stressful events after discharge correlated with depressive relapse/recurrence. This association was mainly mediated by a stress-related decline of PAT within four months post discharge. Patients’ DA were relatively stable during the observation period and did not depend on stressful events, indicating DA as a risk trait for depressive relapse/recurrence. Mediation analyses revealed that independent of stress, DA were linked to depressive relapse/recurrence through more NAT.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest stressful events evoke relapse/recurrence in remitted depression through rapid deterioration of PAT after discharge from inpatient therapy. DA are expressed through NAT which additionally contribute to higher risk of depressive relapse/recurrence. Consequently, maintenance therapy requires techniques to promote the maintenance of PAT, and to effectively restructure DA and NAT.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitutions and Psychological Determinants of Depression among University Students in Malaysia: A Pilot Study

Depression is commonly observed in university students, who are a high risk group for developing psychiatric disorders during adulthood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and its traditional Chinese medicine body constitutions and psychological determinants among university students in Malaysia. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted between 9 and 28 September 2020 among 80 university students in Malaysia. Participants completed online survey questionnaires, including the validated Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CMCQ), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) stress subscale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), which assess depression, body constitution, dysfunctional attitude, stress, perceived stress, and self-esteem. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the associated risk factors for depression. The overall prevalence of depression among university students was 33.8%. The multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship between depression and qi-stagnation constitution (B = 0.089, p = 0.011), balanced constitution (B = -0.077, p = 0.049), and self-esteem (B = -0.325, p = 0.001). Our findings suggest that some traditional Chinese medicine body constitutions and self-esteem are significant risk factors affecting depression among university students. Identifying risk factors of depression is vital to aid in the early detection of depression among university students.

The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and depression: A cross-sectional survey with university students in Botswana

BACKGROUND

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with severe life-long negative outcomes, including depression. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, few studies have been conducted to assess the impact of ACEs.

AIM

To assess the influence of ACEs on depression among young adults.

SETTING

Participants were students at a large university in Gaborone, Botswana.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, we investigated the associations between ACEs and depression in young adults in Botswana (n = 392, mean age = 22.2, ± 2.5, 53.4% female). Bivariate correlation analyses, t-tests and analyses of variance (ANOVA) were performed to assess associations and compare ACEs at different levels of depression.

RESULTS

A total of 73% (n = 287) reported one or more ACEs, whilst 15% (59) reported five or more ACEs. About 64% (38) of those who reported five or more ACEs were female respondents. Prevalence of specific ACEs ranged from 9.5% (child neglect) to 36.3% (separation and divorce). One in three respondents reported parental separation or divorce, psychological abuse and family dysfunction, whilst 19% (11% moderate and 8% severe) reported significant depressive symptoms. Adverse childhood experiences significantly predicted depression (β = 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18, 0.37). Respondents at different levels of depression significantly differed on reporting ACEs (F (3, 389) = 11.43, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adverse childhood experiences are highly prevalent and key determinants of depression in young adulthood. A multifaceted and cross-system intervention (e.g. schools, social work, psychological services, health services and law enforcement) is required to protect, prevent and treat survivors of childhood adversity.

Psychiatric epidemiological survey of university students in Botswana: rationale and methods of the Youth Mental Health Study (YMHS)

BACKGROUND

While the burden of disease attributable to mental disorders in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) is lower than high-income countries, there is recognition that the dearth of evidence from the LMICs may underestimate the actual prevalence and burden associated with mental disorders. Such is likely the case for Botswana where there has been no nationally representative data on the prevalence of symptoms of mental disorders or even a subgroup estimation of mental disorders in the country. Thus, the Youth Mental Health Study (YMHS) aims to estimate the prevalence and identify predictors of symptoms of mental disorders among university students in Botswana to add to the evidence and contribute to the country's health service planning.

METHODS

The YMHS is a cross-sectional study of youth (18-29 years) attending six large universities (accounting for nearly half of the tertiary student population) in Botswana. A stratified sampling procedure with proportionate allocation and selection is used to select a representative sample of 1308 participants. An online survey comprising of a battery of reliable and validated self-report measures of symptoms of mental disorders is used. A developmental psychopathology framework is used in identifying the risk factors of mental disorders. Participant recruitment will span over 4 months beginning in February 2020.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has received ethics approval from the University of Botswana Institutional Review Board, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Participants will be provided with feedback of their own results. Aggregated findings will be disseminated to stakeholders in the tertiary education and health sector in Botswana, and through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and the media.

Mental health research in Botswana: a semi-systematic scoping review

Mental and substance use disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite this, there is a paucity of mental health research in low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We carried out a semi-systematic scoping review to determine the extent of mental health research in Botswana. Using a predetermined search strategy, we searched the databases Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL with Full Text, MEDLINE, MEDLINE with Full Text, MLA International Bibliography, Open Dissertations) for articles written in English from inception to June 2020. We identified 58 studies for inclusion. The most researched subject was mental health aspects of HIV/AIDS, followed by research on neurotic and stress-related disorders. Most studies were cross-sectional and the earliest published study was from 1983. The majority of the studies were carried out by researchers affiliated to the University of Botswana, followed by academic institutions in the USA. There seems to be limited mental health research in Botswana, and there is a need to increase research capacity.

Depressive symptoms in first year students at a rural South African University

BACKGROUND

The rate of depressive illness in university students is currently regarded as being higher than the general population prevalence. While some students are insightful into the mental health issues they are facing and are voicing their concerns regarding the need for intervention services, many others are not wholly aware of the significance of their emotional states within the broader context of mental health problems.

METHODS

A sample of 483 undergraduate first-year Psychology students at a rural-based university in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa was administered the University Student Depression Inventory (USDI). Reported symptom prevalence was examined for the overall sample as well as gender, rural/urban background, and age subgroups.

RESULTS

Symptoms of hopelessness, loss of interest, low self-esteem and low mood were reported in over one-fifth of the participants, with 20.3% questioning whether life is worth living. Seven percent of participants admitted having had thoughts of suicide.

LIMITATIONS

The study was conducted at one university only. Also, the investigation relied on self-reports of depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The findings raise concern about the extent to which students' depressive symptoms affect their quality of life and their academic performance. The finding that 7% of the sample admitted to having thoughts of suicide is worrying and reinforces students' calls for mental health support on their university campuses.

Intervention for depression among chemistry education undergraduates in a Nigerian university

Objective

We assessed the efficacy of a rational-emotive behaviour therapy psycho-educational programme in reducing depression among chemistry education undergraduates in a Nigerian university.

Methods

Twenty-three chemistry education undergraduates with major depressive disorder were randomised to a treatment group (12) or control group (11). Students were scored using Beck’s Depression Inventory three times (pre-test, post-treatment, and follow-up). An evidence-based protocol for combating depression was used in the treatment. Controls received counselling. Data were evaluated using univariate analysis of variance and two-way mixed analysis of variance.

Results

Mean depression scores did not differ between groups prior to the intervention. Rational-emotive behaviour therapy was effective in reducing depression scores.

Conclusion

Rational-emotive behaviour therapy is an effective tool in assisting university undergraduates (of chemistry education) to manage depression.

The influence of self-reported childhood sexual abuse on psychological and behavioural risks in young adults at a university in Botswana

Globally, childhood sexual abuse is a public health problem that affects millions of people. Few studies have considered its long-term ramifications, especially among young adults in developing countries. This study assessed the influence of childhood sexual abuse on depression and behaviours in young adults. Data were obtained from 362 students enrolled at a university in Botswana (Age: M = 21.40, standard deviation = 2.48) using the Childhood Sexual Abuse Scale, the 21-item Beck’s Depression Inventory–II, Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The t test and chi-square test of independence were used to assess subgroup differences and regression analyses were used to assess the extent to which childhood sexual abuse predicted depression and risky behaviours. About 25% ( n = 90) reported childhood sexual abuse, 18% reported harmful alcohol use ( n = 66, 18.2%), 7.82% ( n = 28) reported severe depression, and 24% ( n = 101) reported failure to use contraceptives. Childhood sexual abuse significantly predicted depression and all the behavioural outcomes in the study. The effect sizes of the associations between childhood sexual abuse on the one hand and mental health and behavioural outcomes on the other were modest. Consequently, the current study is a precursor to further studies on the long-term outcomes of childhood sexual abuse in Botswana. Consequently, a history of childhood sexual abuse should be considered in planning interventions to mitigate depression and behavioural problems on university campuses.