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Mohamud H, Toulany A, Grandi SM, Altaf A, Fu L, Strauss R, Saunders NR. Language ability and virtual mental healthcare utilisation among immigrant and refugee youth: a population-based cohort study. Arch Dis Child 2024:archdischild-2023-326507. [PMID: 39304205 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326507] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The widespread adoption of virtual care during the pandemic may not have been uniform across populations, including among paediatric immigrants and refugees. We sought to examine the association between virtual mental healthcare utilisation and immigration factors. METHODS This population-based cohort study of immigrants and refugees (3-17 years) used linked health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada (March 2020 to December 2021). Exposures included self-reported Canadian language ability (CLA) at arrival and immigration category (economic class, family class and refugee). The primary outcome was the visit modality (inperson/virtual) measured as a rate of physician-based mental healthcare visits. Modified Poisson regression model estimated adjusted rate ratios (aRRs) with 95% CIs. RESULTS Among 22 420 immigrants, 12 135 (54%) did not have CLA (economic class: 6310, family class: 2207, refugees: 3618) and 10 285 did (economic class; 6293, family class: 1469, refugees: 2529). The cohort's mean age (SD) was 12.0 (4.0) years and half (50.3%) were female. Of 71 375 mental health visits, 47 989 (67.2%) were delivered virtually. Compared with economic class immigrants with CLA (referent), refugees with and without CLA had a lower risk of virtual care utilisation (CLA: aRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.93; non-CLA: aRR 0.80, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.83), as did family class immigrants with CLA (aRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99). No differences in virtual care utilisation were observed among economic class immigrants with CLA and other immigrant groups. CONCLUSIONS Language ability at arrival and immigration category are associated with virtual mental healthcare utilisation. Whether findings reflect user preference or inequities in accessibility, particularly for refugees and those without CLA at arrival, warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alene Toulany
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonia M Grandi
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Natasha Ruth Saunders
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital For Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Whitley MD, Perez LG, Castro G, Larson A, Derose KP. Modifying Text Messages from a Faith-Based Physical Activity Intervention with Latino Adults in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH & POLICY 2024; 44:399-407. [PMID: 36651265 PMCID: PMC9852972 DOI: 10.1177/2752535x221150009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Text messages are useful for health promotion and can be modified during public health emergencies. PURPOSE Describe how we developed and implemented a physical activity (PA) text messaging component within a faith-based intervention, modified the text message content in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated participants' perceptions of the modified text messages. RESEARCH DESIGN AND STUDY SAMPLE PA promotion text messages were delivered to predominately Spanish-speaking, churchgoing Latino adults (n = 284) in Los Angeles, California. In 2020, we modified the messages to disseminate COVID-19-related information and support and share virtual PA resources. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We analyzed quantitative and qualitative survey data to gauge participants' experiences with the text messages. RESULTS COVID-19 related text messages were a feasible, acceptable addition to a PA intervention for a sample of Latinos. CONCLUSIONS Throughout the pandemic, the messages enabled continued communication and support for PA and protection from COVID-19 in a population at high-risk of health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret D Whitley
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Lilian G Perez
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Anne Larson
- California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn P Derose
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- Department of Health Promotion & Policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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Lyzwinski L, Mcdonald S, Zwicker J, Tough S. Digital and Hybrid Pediatric and Youth Mental Health Program Implementation Challenges During the Pandemic: Literature Review With a Knowledge Translation and Theoretical Lens Analysis. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2024; 7:e55100. [PMID: 38916946 PMCID: PMC11234057 DOI: 10.2196/55100] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for child and youth mental health. There was a rise in depression, anxiety, and symptoms of suicidal ideation. OBJECTIVE The aims of this knowledge synthesis were to gain a deeper understanding of what types of mental health knowledge translation (KT) programs, mental health first aid training, and positive psychology interventions were developed and evaluated for youth mental health. METHODS We undertook a literature review of PubMed and MEDLINE for relevant studies on youth mental health including digital and hybrid programs undertaken during the pandemic (2020-2022). RESULTS A total of 60 studies were included in this review. A few KT programs were identified that engaged with a wide range of stakeholders during the pandemic, and a few were informed by KT theories. Key challenges during the implementation of mental health programs for youth included lack of access to technology and privacy concerns. Hybrid web-based and face-to-face KT and mental health care were recommended. Providers required adequate training in using telehealth and space. CONCLUSIONS There is an opportunity to reduce the barriers to implementing tele-mental health in youth by providing adequate technological access, Wi-Fi and stationary internet connectivity, and privacy protection. Staff gained new knowledge and training from the pandemic experience of using telehealth, which will serve as a useful foundation for the future. Future research should aim to maximize the benefits of hybrid models of tele-mental health and face-to-face sessions while working on minimizing the potential barriers that were identified. In addition, future programs could consider combining mental health first aid training with hybrid digital and face-to-face mental health program delivery along with mindfulness and resilience building in a unified model of care, knowledge dissemination, and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette Lyzwinski
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sheila Mcdonald
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer Zwicker
- The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Wright K, Levine DK, Salcido M, Garringer M, Almendra T, Bazell A, Kaufman MR. From crisis to capacity: Lessons learned from youth e-mentoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR REPORTS 2024; 14:None. [PMID: 38803625 PMCID: PMC11127795 DOI: 10.1016/j.chbr.2024.100400] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated need for social isolation left in-person youth mentoring programs scrambling to keep mentees and mentors connected, and many programs turned to e-mentoring. To better understand the transition period and to inform e-mentoring practice in a post-COVID world, this study explored the experience of mentoring programs shifting to e-mentoring during the first year of the pandemic. Seven remote focus group discussions were conducted with twenty-three staff members from twenty U.S. youth mentoring organizations that used the iCouldBe e-mentoring platform during Spring/summer 2020 or Fall/Winter 2020-2021. Thematic content analysis was used to uncover insights from the data. E-mentoring was successful overall for keeping mentees and mentors in touch, especially for matches with a strong connection before the pandemic. Zoom and text messaging were the most used virtual communication methods. Programs faced many challenges but also experienced unexpected positives, including a strong interest in future e-mentoring implementation. Participants recommended that programs interested in e-mentoring start small and with intention; they also requested a central website with e-mentoring support and ways to connect with other programs and mentors. Although the literature on e-mentoring remains limited, this study contributes a picture of e-mentoring success even during a global crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Wright
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Deborah K. Levine
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 447 43rd Street, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Maritza Salcido
- University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schloßplatz 4, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Tselza Almendra
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 3743 S. Ferntower Ave, West Covina, CA, 91792, USA
| | - Alicia Bazell
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Michelle R. Kaufman
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Farmer N, Tuason RT, Kazmi N, Flynn S, Mitchell V, Middleton K, Cox R, Franklin K, Gordon T, Baginski A, Wallen GR. Going virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic: adaptation of a mixed-methods dietary behavior study within a community-based participatory research study of African-American adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:330. [PMID: 36550396 PMCID: PMC9773576 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01806-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying mechanisms to maintain CBPR studies during an infectious disease pandemic is vital. The current paper describes the changes in methods and processes conducted within a CBPR mixed-methods study to a virtual setting during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. METHOD The DC Community Organizing for Optimal Culinary Knowledge study with Heart (DC COOKS with Heart) was designed to assess the feasibility of a dietary behavior intervention among African-American adults that are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study is under the umbrella of an ongoing CBPR study and community advisory board that facilitates community involvement in study design and promotes ongoing engagement with community members and leaders. The study population for D.C. COOKS with Heart consists of adult African-American individuals who live in two low-resource neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., which were impacted disproportionately by COVID. Eligible study participants who previously participated in the DC CHOC community-based studies were contacted to participate in Phase 1. The quantitative part of the mixed-methods included survey data collection. RESULTS Due to the pandemic, the mode of data collection for surveys changed from self-administered face-to-face to internet-based. All virtual study procedures were conducted between March and April, 2021. Anticipated benefits of the virtual setting included participant safety during the pandemic, ease of logistics for participants. Anticipated challenges included administration of electronic devices to participants, research team training, and potential threats to established trust related to the privacy and confidentiality of participants. CONCLUSION The transition to a virtual setting for study procedures in a mixed-methods study was conducted successfully in terms of recruitment, retention of participants, and training of research team members. The virtual transition required established and ongoing engagement through the community advisory board and CBPR practices, institutional support through virtual research policies, collaborations with information technology-based teams, and equipment administration for the study. TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04305431 . Registered on March 12, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Farmer
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Ralph Thadeus Tuason
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Narjis Kazmi
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Sharon Flynn
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Valerie Mitchell
- grid.279885.90000 0001 2293 4638Social Determinants of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Laboratory, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kimberly Middleton
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Robert Cox
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kristina Franklin
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Talya Gordon
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Alyssa Baginski
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Gwenyth R. Wallen
- grid.410305.30000 0001 2194 5650Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD USA
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Di Nicola V, Leslie M, Haynes C, Nesbeth K. Clinical Considerations for Immigrant, Refugee, and Asylee Youth Populations. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2022; 31:679-692. [PMID: 36182218 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.06.010] [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] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This article will explore the psychological sequelae of forced family separation in immigration policy, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the youth migrant population, how youth migrants form an identity in their new country, and finally how politics affect the mental health of youth migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Nicola
- Canadian Association of Social Psychiatry (CASP); World Association of Social Psychiatry (WASP); Department. of Psychiatry & Addictions, University of Montreal; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The George Washington University.
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