Mental health, duration of unemployment, and coping strategy: a cross-sectional study of unemployed migrant workers in eastern China during the economic crisis

The Relationship Between eHealth Literacy and Mental Health of Adult Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

The current cross-sectional study aimed to investigate eHealth literacy among adult workers in China and explore the relationship between eHealth literacy and mental health in this population. Convenience sampling was used to conduct a survey among adult workers aged 18 to 60 years. Potential participants were chosen from those who completed physical examinations at the Health Management Center of one hospital in China. Participants' eHealth literacy and mental health were assessed using the eHealth Literacy Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Mean scores for eHealth literacy and perceived stress were 28.39 (SD = 5.78) and 5.49 (SD = 2.61), respectively. Depression and anxiety were found in 8.2% and 10.1% of participants, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a 1-point increase in eHealth literacy score was associated with a 7% decrease in depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.88, 0.99]) and a 6% decrease in anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.94, 95% CI [0.89, 0.99]). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that perceived stress decreased 0.08 points (B = -0.08, 95% CI [-0.13, -0.04]) with every 1-point increase in eHealth literacy score. Thus, eHealth literacy has the potential to reduce risk of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, and to promote the mental health of adult workers. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(9), 40-46.].

The migrant Hazara Shias of Pakistan and their social determinants for PTSD, mental disorders and life satisfaction

Background

Ensuring safety and wellbeing of all the minority populations of Pakistan is essential for collective national growth. The Pakistani Hazara Shias are a marginalized non-combative migrant population who face targeted violence in Pakistan, and suffer from great challenges which compromise their life satisfaction and mental health. In this study, we aim to identify the determinants of life satisfaction and mental health disorders in Hazara Shias and ascertain which socio-demographic characteristics are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

We used a cross-sectional quantitative survey, utilizing internationally standardized instruments; with an additional qualitative item. Seven constructs were measured, including household stability; job satisfaction; financial security; community support; life satisfaction; PTSD; and mental health. Factor analysis was performed showing satisfactory Cronbach alpha results. A total of 251 Hazara Shias from Quetta were sampled at community centers through convenience method based on their willingness to participate.

Results

Comparison of mean scores shows significantly higher PTSD in women and unemployed participants. Regression results reveal that people who have low community support, especially from national and ethnic community, religious community, and other community groups, had higher risk of mental health disorders. Structural equation modeling identified that four study variables contribute to greater life satisfaction, including: household satisfaction (β = 0.25, p < 0.001); community satisfaction (β = 0.26, p < 0.001); financial security (β = 0.11, p < 0.05); and job satisfaction (β = 0.13, p < 0.05). Qualitative findings revealed three broad areas which create barriers to life satisfaction, including: fears of assault and discrimination; employment and education problems; and financial and food security issues.

Conclusions

The Hazara Shias need immediate assistance from state and society to improve safety, life opportunities, and mental health. Interventions for poverty alleviation, mental health, and fair education and employment opportunities need to be planned in partnership with the primary security issue.

Social support and quality of life in migrant workers: Focusing on the mediating effect of healthy lifestyle

Objective

To investigate the relationship between social support and quality of life of Chinese migrant workers and to explore the mediating role of healthy lifestyles in social support and quality of life.

Methods

Using a stratified multi-stage sampling method, 1, 298 migrant workers and 983 urban workers across 110 neighborhood committees in five economic development zones in eastern China were surveyed. The social support level of participants was quantified using the Social Support Rating Scale, and quality of life was evaluated using the SF-8. Healthy lifestyle was evaluated based on a combination of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between quality of life and social support. Stepwise regression was used to analyze the mediating effect of healthy lifestyle, social support, and quality of life among migrant workers.

Results

Total SSRS and total SF-8 scores of migrant workers were significantly higher than those of urban workers (P < 0.001). After controlling for confounders, social support showed an independent positive association with quality of life for both migrant (β = 0.50, P < 0.05) and urban workers (β = 0.62, P < 0.05). Mediation effect analysis revealed that healthy lifestyle partially mediated the relation between social support and quality of life of migrant workers with a mediation effect of 0.07, accounting for 11.70% of the total effect.

Conclusions

This study showed a significant correlation between social support and quality of life of Chinese migrant workers, with healthy lifestyle playing a mediating role. Improving the social support and health literacy of migrant workers and developing a healthy lifestyle are key to improving their quality of life.

Depression and Perceived Social Support among Unemployed Youths in China: Investigating the Roles of Emotion-Regulation Difficulties and Self-Efficacy

In recent years, the issue of youth unemployment has begun to emerge in China. Unemployed young people are at high risk of depression and other mental health problems. The present study investigates influential factors related to depression and examines the possible mediating effects of difficulties in emotion regulation and self-efficacy between perceived social support and depressive symptoms among unemployed youths in China. Through community recruitment, 511 unemployed young people from Shanghai participated in this cross-sectional survey. The results demonstrate that the prevalence of probable depression in the sample was 49.3% (95% CI: 45.0-53.7%). Moreover, we found that both the perceived social support and self-efficacy were significant negative predictors of depression, whereas difficulties in emotion regulation were positive predictors of depression. In addition, the analysis results indicate that difficulties in emotion regulation and self-efficacy partially mediate the relationship between perceived social support and depression. Overall, this cross-sectional study reveals that depression and mental health problems among China's unemployed youths are concerning while identifying emotion-regulation difficulties as a risk factor for these and social support and self-efficacy as protective factors, all of which warrant our attention in preventing and intervening with cases of youth depression.

Migration-related emotional distress among Vietnamese psychiatric patients in Germany: An interdisciplinary, mixed methods study

Culture and socialization influence how individuals perceive and express emotional distress. Research therefore, must consider the context to capture individual experiences. However, the majority of studies on factors associated with emotional distress among migrants use quantitative approaches, limiting an in-depth understanding. This study investigates emic themes of emotional distress among Vietnamese migrants by integrating anthropological and psychiatric approaches. The mixed methods study first quantified differences in reported themes of distress between Vietnamese (n = 104) and German (n = 104) patients, who utilized two psychiatric outpatient clinics in Berlin, Germany. Based on these differences, ethnographic interviews were conducted with 20 Vietnamese patients. In the quantitative part, differences in frequency of reported distress between Vietnamese and German patients indicate cultural and migration-related issues among Vietnamese migrants, such as the upbringing of children in a transcultural context. In the qualitative part, interviews with Vietnamese patients elicited contextualizing information and additional themes of distress. Besides commonly expressed socioeconomic themes, such as work and finances, we identified affectively charged themes concerning roles toward partnership and children. A central emic theme is expressed as "moments of speechlessness," which go beyond a lack of language proficiency and challenge patients in different spheres of life. Migration entails complex affective dynamics, determined by a specific migratory and post-migratory context. Within this context, norms and values determine which themes of distress patients articulate openly. Therefore, an interdisciplinary, mixed-methods approach can yield a contextualized understanding of emotional distress and the complex nature of migration.

Incidence trends of major depressive disorder in China: an age-period-cohort modeling study

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common public health problem in China. However, few studies have focused on its incidence and separated age, period, and cohort effects. This study aimed to assess the age, period, and cohort effects on the incidence trends of MDD in China between 1993 and 2017.

METHODS

The incidence data of MDD were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2017. Age-period-cohort modeling method was used to separate the age, period, and cohort effects on MDD incidence rate.

RESULTS

The incidence number of MDD increased by 22.8% while the age-standardized incidence rate decreased by 15.6% over 25 years. Age-period-cohort analysis indicated that the net drift was -0.433% per year, with -0.486% for females and -0.385% for males. For both sexes, the local drifts were all <0 in 10 to 54 years age groups but >0 in 55 to 94 years age groups. The longitudinal age curves of MDD incidence basically showed an increasing trend, except for a subpeak at 20-24 years age group. The period rate ratio largely declined over time, except for an uptick after 2003-2007. The cohort rate ratio followed an inverted U-shaped pattern and was highest in 1951-1955 birth cohort.

LIMITATIONS

The MDD data were estimated and wide social factors were not included in the analyses.

CONCLUSION

The changes of MDD incidence rate in China are likely to be related to rapid social and economic development, and major historical events. However, the associations need to be interpreted with caution.

2021 EULAR recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in patients with inflammatory arthritis

Background

An important but often insufficient aspect of care in people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) is empowering patients to acquire a good understanding of their disease and building their ability to deal effectively with the practical, physical and psychological impacts of it. Self-management skills can be helpful in this regard.

Objectives

To develop recommendations for the implementation of self-management strategies in IA.

Methods

A multidisciplinary taskforce of 18 members from 11 European countries was convened. A systematic review and other supportive information (survey of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patient organisations) were used to formulate the recommendations.

Results

Three overarching principles and nine recommendations were formulated. These focused on empowering patients to become active partners of the team and to take a more proactive role. The importance of patient education and key self-management interventions such as problem solving, goal setting and cognitive behavioural therapy were highlighted. Role of patient organisations and HCPs in promoting and signposting patients to available resources has been highlighted through the promotion of physical activity, lifestyle advice, support with mental health aspects and ability to remain at work. Digital healthcare is essential in supporting and optimising self-management and the HCPs need to be aware of available resources to signpost patients.

Conclusion

These recommendations support the inclusion of self-management advice and resources in the routine management of people with IA and aim to empower and support patients and encourage a more holistic, patient-centred approach to care which could result in improved patient experience of care and outcomes.

Socioeconomic status, well-being and mortality: a comprehensive life course analysis of panel data, Germany, 1984-2016

BACKGROUND

This study seeks to explore potential causal mechanisms involved in the observed associations between several socioeconomic status (SES) indicators, well-being and mortality, by taking a life course perspective focusing on (i) the trajectory of income and domain-specific well-being indicators, (ii) the influence of different SES indicators on well-being and mortality, (iii) the interactions between those trajectories, and (iv) the associations of the income and domain-specific well-being trajectories with all-cause mortality.

METHODS

Socioeconomic status is operationalised by net household income, education, employment and marital status. Well-being is measured with two indicators: life satisfaction and satisfaction with health. Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, collected between 1984 and 2016 and comprising more than 55,000 individuals, are analysed by means of longitudinal k-means cluster analysis, simultaneous equation systems and parametric time-to-death regressions.

RESULTS

The analyses indicate the presence of large reciprocal effects of the trajectories of income and well-being on each other. However, the results suggest that well-being has a larger influence on income than the opposite, namely, income on well-being. The mortality analysis, on the other hand, revealed that the history of satisfaction with health is a much stronger predictor of longevity than the individual's income history. Mortality risk was found lower among married individuals and those with tertiary education. In contrast, unemployment was associated with lower income and well-being levels. The findings provide support to the notion that education is a superior SES indicator than income in the investigation of the social determinants of well-being and mortality.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides evidence of large reciprocal effects of income and well-being and emphasises the importance of taking a life course approach in the investigation of the social determinants of health. Several SES indicators and both well-being indicators were found to be highly predictive of all-cause mortality and indicate the presence of cumulative effects related to one's income and well-being trajectories.

Chronotype and psychological distress among Chinese rural population: A moderated mediation model of sleep quality and age

PURPOSES

Evidence suggests evening-type individuals have a higher risk of reporting psychological distress than morning-type individuals. However, less is known regarding the underlying processes that might mediate or moderate this association among Chinese rural population. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of psychological distress, investigate whether sleep quality would mediate the association between chronotype and psychological distress and explore whether age would moderate the direct or indirect effect of the mediation model.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study utilized a sample of 884 rural residents from rural regions in Anqing City, Anhui Province, China. Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to measure chronotype, sleep quality and psychological distress, respectively. MacKinnon's four-step procedure was employed to examine the mediation effect, while Hayes PROCESS macro (model 59) was used to perform the moderated mediation analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of psychological distress among Chinese rural population was 33.4%. The association between chronotype and psychological distress was partially mediated by sleep quality (indirect effect = - 0.05, 95% CI = [-0.08, -0.03]). In addition, age moderated the first stage (sleep quality-psychological distress) of the indirect effect, with the indirect effect being attenuated for older rural residents. As suggested by Johnson-Neyman technique, the association between sleep quality and psychological distress was only significant when the age of the participant was lower than 48.59.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of psychological distress among Chinese rural residents cannot be neglected. Interventions for the enhancement of sleep quality to prevent and reduce psychological distress should be prioritized to rural residents who are prone to eveningness, especially those who are younger.

Childhood Abuse and Suicidal Behaviors Among Chinese Migrant Workers: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia and Social Support

This study aims to investigate the lifetime prevalence of suicidal behaviors in a sample of Chinese migrant workers. It also examined the mediating role of alexithymia and social support in the link between childhood abuse and suicidal behaviors. A total of 1,563 migrant workers were surveyed by using cluster sampling. Results showed that the estimated lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation, plan, and attempt among Chinese migrant workers was 12.8%, 8.1%, and 4.6%, respectively. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed a significant positive association between childhood abuse and suicidal behaviors; this association was partially mediated by social support. A significant path from childhood abuse through alexithymia and social support to suicidal behaviors was also established. Findings of this study emphasize the importance of social support and alexithymia in understanding the possible mechanisms underlying the relationship between childhood abuse and suicidal behaviors and suggest possible avenues for suicide interventions.

Resilience, mental health and urban migrants: a narrative review

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the literature on mental health resilience and other positive mental health capacities of urban and internal migrants.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology for this narrative review included a search of articles published up to 2017. The abstracts were screened and relevant articles studied and discussed. Literature on the particular mental health challenges of urban migrants in India was also studied. References found in the literature relating to neurourbanism were also followed up to explore broader historical and conceptual contexts.

Findings

Several key sources and resources for mental health resilience were identified – including familial and community networks and individual hope or optimism. Nevertheless, much of the literature tends to focus at the level of the individual person, even though ecological systems theory would suggest that mental health resilience is better understood as multi-layered, i.e. relevant to, and impacted by, communities and broader societal and environmental contexts.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into an aspect of migrant mental health that has tended to be overlooked hitherto: the mental health resilience and positive mental health capacities of urban migrants. This is particularly relevant where professional “expert” mental health provision for internal migrant communities is absent or unaffordable. Previous work has tended to focus predominantly on mental health risk factors, despite growing awareness that focusing on risk factors along can lead to an over-reliance on top-down expert-led interventions and overlook positive capacities for mental health that are sometimes possessed by individuals and their communities.

Prevalence and correlates of depression in a rural adult population in Northwest India

BACKGROUND

Mental disorders are showing a discerning upward trend globally and it is projected that by 2030, depression would be the leading cause of disease burden globally. Depression has not only confined the developed world but is increasingly seen as a major public health problem in the developing world too.

METHODS

A stratified two-stage design was used to conduct a house-to-house survey in selected villages among consenting eligible members of the family. A three-part questionnaire, with the first part eliciting sociodemographic information was used. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the second part of the questionnaire was used to screen those positive for depression and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The third part was used for rating the depression. Data thus collected was analyzed and Chi-square test was used as test of significance.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression was found to be 8.94% (73/816). Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI- II) for rating the depression revealed that mild depression was present in nearly half of the cases (47.95%), while 39.7% and 9.5% of the cases had moderate and severe depression, respectively. Among the various variables, literacy level, marital status, alcohol intake, chronic illness, and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with the depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of depression to the tune of 8.94% in rural adults seems to be a cause of concern for the health planners. Prevention and treatment of depression must be taken on priority and as a challenge by the health professionals.

Migrant Workers and Psychological Health: A Systematic Review

Migrant workers show an increase in the incidence of serious, psychotic, anxiety, and post-traumatic disorders due to a series of socio-environmental variables, such as loss of social status, discrimination, and separations from the family. The purpose is to elaborate a systematic review and highlight the prevailing psychological pathologies of these workers and categories most at risk. Our research included articles published from 2009 to 2019 on the major databases (Pub Med, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) using a combination of some keywords. The online search indicated 1.228 references. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, we analyzed 127 articles, in particular 12 reviews and 115 original articles. Principal emerging disorders from the research are depressive syndrome (poor concentration at work, feeling down, or anger and somatization), anxiety, alcohol or substance abuse, and poor sleep quality. This causes low life conditions, which is also due to marginalization from the social context and strenuous work; in fact, migrant workers may suffer verbal or physical abuse, and they are often employed in dangerous, unhealthy jobs. It is therefore essential to increase the role of occupational medicine and promote wellbeing for this vulnerable job category.

Experiences of stigma and suicidal behaviors among rural-to-urban migrants: the mechanistic roles of depression and substance use

This study aims to examine the mechanisms of how experiences of stigma affect suicidal behaviors through depression and substance use among migrant workers in China. A sample of 641 young rural-to-urban migrants was recruited in Beijing, China. Participants were assessed on their sociodemographic characteristics, suicidal behaviors, experiences of stigma, depression, and substance use. Path analysis was used to examine the relationship between experiences of stigma and suicidal behaviors as well as the mechanistic roles of depression and substance use. The path model showed a good model fit. While the direct path from experiences of stigma to suicidal behaviors was not significant, the indirect paths between these two concepts were significant. Experiences of stigma were positively associated with both depression and substance use, which in turn were positively related to suicidal behaviors. The chain effect from experiences of stigma, depression, substance use to suicidal behaviors was also significant. To prevent and reduce suicidal behaviors among migrant workers, targeted interventions focusing on reducing experiences of stigma and improving mental and behavioral health are needed.

Chronic disease and malnutrition biomarkers among unemployed immigrants and Canadian born adults

Background

Immigration status and unemployment may intersect on the health outcomes of men and women. This study aimed to identify intersections between unemployment and immigration in inflammatory, metabolic and nutritional blood markers and assess gender differences.

Methods

We used Canadian Health Measures Survey data on 2493 participants aged 18 to 65. Outcomes were chronic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen), nutritional (albumin and hemoglobin), and metabolic blood markers (glycosylated hemoglobin, blood glucose, total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol). Multivariate linear regressions were used to assess the associations between each biomarker, unemployment and immigrant status, controlling for age, education, province, smoking, physical inactivity and body mass index and testing for multiplicative interactions between unemployment, immigrant status and gender.

Results

Unemployment was associated with higher inflammation (hsCRP and fibrinogen) in Canadian born men; Canadian born employed women showed higher hsCRP values compared with corresponding employed men. Unemployed immigrant women presented the highest values of hsCRP while employed immigrant women had the lowest hsCRP. Unemployment was associated with higher glucose; immigrant status was associated with higher glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Unemployed immigrants had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin and albumin than employed immigrants, and Canadian-born citizens regardless of their employment status. Some of these associations were attenuated after adjustment by body mass index, physical inactivity and smoking.

Conclusion

Blood biomarkers unveil intersections among unemployment, immigration and gender. This study provides evidence on biological pathways of unemployment on the likelihood of common chronic diseases, inflammation and potential malnutrition with some increased vulnerabilities in unemployed immigrants, and particularly in unemployed immigrant women.

The Disparity in Mental Health Between Two Generations of Internal Migrants (IMs) in China: Evidence from A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Internal migrants (IMs) are a large, vulnerable population in China and are mostly driven by national economic reform. IMs who were born before and after 1980, when the general social and economic reform began to appear in China, are considered to be two separate generations. The generational differences in mental health across IMs remain undocumented. In this study, the intergenerational disparity in IMs’ mental health, using data from a national cross-sectional study, was assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the “National Internal Migrant Dynamic Monitoring Survey 2014” were used. IMs were divided into the “old” or “new” generation, based on their date of birth (before 1980 vs. from 1980 onwards). Mental health includes psychological distress, which was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6), and perceived stress, which was measured with the Perceived Stress Scales (PSS-4). Two-level Generalized Linear Mixed Models were performed so as to assess the generation gap and associated factors of each group’s mental health. IM demographics, migration characteristics, and social integration indicators were controlled for when assessing the intergenerational disparity in mental health. Results: A total of 15,999 IMs from eight different cities participated in the survey. New generation migrants accounted for 61.5% (9838/15,999) of the total sample. After controlling for participants’ characteristics, new generation migrants had higher psychological distress scores (β_ad = 0.084, 95% CI: (0.026,0.193) and higher perceived stress scores (β_ad = 0.118, 95% CI: 0.029, 0.207) than the older generation. For both generations, factors associated with good mental health included high levels of social integration, personal autonomy, and life satisfaction, as well as self-rated good physical health. For the new generation, the mental health of urban-to-urban IMs (β_ad = 0.201, 95%CI: 0.009, 0.410) for the K6, β_ad = 0.241, 95% CI: 0.073, 0.409 for the PSS-4), IMs with a longer migration duration (β_ad = 0.002, 95% CI: (0.000, 0.003) for the PSS-4) and IMs with a higher annual income (β_ad = 0.124, 95% CI: (0.029, 0.218) for the K6) was significantly poorer than their counterparts. Conclusions: New-generation migrants’ mental health is worse compared to older IMs. An array of services for addressing these generation-specific needs may facilitate the promotion of mental health among IMs in China.

Depressive Symptoms and Migrant Worker Wages: Estimation Based on a Nationally-Representative Panel Dataset

In recent years, migrant workers, defined as people who move from Chinese rural areas to cities in other parts of the country to find work, have experienced slowed wage growth. An important question that has emerged is whether depressive symptoms have a significant relationship with migrant worker wages. This paper uses a nationally representative panel dataset to examine the overall association of depressive symptoms and migrant worker wages in China and explores the indirect mechanisms through which these impacts occur. Using the Coarsened Exact Matching method, our results show that depressive symptoms have a significant direct negative relationship with migrant worker wages, and that this relationship is consistent. Furthermore, we also find that depressive symptoms can reduce migrant worker wages indirectly by increasing the frequency of job conversion or by shortening work duration.

The role of social support in suicidal ideation: a comparison of employed vs. unemployed people

Background: With the financial crisis, the number of unemployed has grown up, and so has suicidal ideation in these individuals. Although extensive research has been done about the factors associated with it, studies about protective factors are also necessary.Aims: To examine the relationship between unemployment and suicidal ideation, and the protective effect of social support.Methods: Participants were 149 people in full-time employment (age M = 41.63, SD = 10.37), 55 unemployed (M = 42.25, SD = 10.23 years), and 32.72 months average unemployment time (SD = 26.13). Instruments were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) and the Social Support Appraisal (SSA). Results: Suicidal ideation was significantly higher in the unemployed group, and positively associated with duration of unemployment. Social support, both from family and friends, was found to be a protective factor in suicidal ideation, particularly in long-term unemployment.Limitations: Cross-sectional study, convenience sample.Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is markedly present in unemployed individuals, particularly those unemployed for a year or more, and social support from family and friends may act as a significant protective factor.

Social Capital Associated with Quality of Life Mediated by Employment Experiences: Evidence from a Random Sample of Rural-to-Urban Migrants in China

Working-age migrants need to possess adequate social capital in order to secure a stable and satisfactory job so that they can pursue a better quality of life (QOL). The positive relationship between social capital and vocational experiences, including successful employment, has been well established. In this study we focused on testing a multi-step mediation model linking social capital with employment experiences, and further to QOL. Survey data from rural-to-urban migrants randomly selected from Wuhan, China were analyzed. Social capital, including bonding and bridging capital, was measured using the Personal Social Capital Scale; employment experiences were measured using five job-related items; and QOL was measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that job security and job satisfaction were positively and significantly associated with QOL, and social capital measures were significantly associated with higher QOL (primarily for males). Furthermore, job security and job satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between social capital and QOL after controlling for covariates. Findings of this study suggest the significance of social capital, job security and satisfaction in improving migrants' QOL, implying the importance of vocational experiences in mediating the effect from social capital to QOL. If the findings can be confirmed with longitudinal data, these factors should be considered in decision making to improve rural-to-urban migrants' QOL in China.

Urban Birth, Urban Living, and Work Migrancy: Differential Effects on Psychotic Experiences Among Young Chinese Men

BACKGROUND

Urban birth and urban living are associated with increased risk of schizophrenia but less is known about effects on more common psychotic experiences (PEs). China has undergone the most rapid urbanization of any country which may have affected the population-level expression of psychosis. We therefore investigated effects of urbanicity, work migrancy, and residential stability on prevalence and severity of PEs.

METHODS

Population-based, 2-wave household survey of psychiatric morbidity and health-related behavior among 4132 men, 18-34 years of age living in urban and rural Greater Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. PEs were measured using the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire.

RESULTS

1261 (31%) of young men experienced at least 1 PE. Lower levels of PEs were not associated with urbanicity, work migrancy or residential stability. Urban birth was associated with reporting 3 or more PEs (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.25-2.11), after multivariable adjustment, with further evidence (P = .01) this effect was restricted to those currently living in urban environments (OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.16-2.72). Men experiencing a maximum of 5 PEs were over 8 times more likely to have been born in an urban area (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 8.81; 95% CI 1.50-51.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Men in Chengdu, China, experience a high prevalence of PEs. This may be explained by rapid urbanization and residential instability. Urban birth was specifically associated with high, but not lower, severity levels of PEs, particularly amongst those currently living in urban environments. This suggests that early and sustained environmental exposures may be associated with more severe phenotypes.

The Impact of Industrial Odors on the Subjective Well-Being of Communities in Colorado

Odor pollution was identified as a top priority of the community of North Denver. Previous studies that investigated the impact of air pollution in North Denver focused on adverse health effects, rather than mental well-being. This study assessed the impact of odors from industrial sources on the subjective well-being (SWB) of North Denver residents, and of four similar communities in Colorado for comparison. An online survey was sent to participants from Greeley, Fort Collins, Fort Lupton, North Denver, and Pueblo, asking questions about SWB and odors in their areas (n = 351). The evaluation of SWB was performed using a novel approach that appraises three aspects of SWB. This approach of evaluating SWB has not been used in odor exposure studies. A proportional odds logistic regression model was used to estimate nine measures of SWB. The results showed that participants who reported that the air is very fresh or the odor is highly acceptable had higher levels of SWB. This association suggests that residents who live in areas exposed to strong industrial odors had lower levels of SWB. A subset of participants in this study took the survey four times in one year. Longitudinal analysis showed that evaluative satisfaction was slightly associated with seasonality. Both satisfaction with how life turned out and satisfaction with standards of living slightly increased during the fourth quarter of the year. The study also found that four of the nine measures can be used to represent SWB in future studies. Two of those measures were evaluative SWB, and the other two were positive hedonic SWB measures. A comparison between the five communities showed that well-being levels in North Denver and Greeley were not significantly different than those in Fort Collins or Fort Lupton. The comparison, however, showed that Pueblo had the lowest levels of well-being among all communities.

Inpatient Profile of Patients with Major Depression in Portuguese National Health System Hospitals, in 2008 and 2013: Variation in a Time of Economic Crisis

The economic crisis has placed Portugal in a situation of budgetary constraints with repercussions on mental health, since 2009. This study analyses the association between economic crisis and the inpatient profile of major depression in the working-age population in Portuguese National Health System hospitals. This was an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. An individual analysis of hospitalisation and an ecological analysis at district level, were performed before 2008 and during the crisis (2013). Data on the hospitalisation episodes, working-age population and psychiatric inpatient beds were analysed. An increase in hospitalisation rates for major depression were observed, and across country, high spatial variations were perceived: districts with lower rates of urbanisation and population density had higher hospitalisation rates for major depression. Hospitalisation rates were positively influenced by the available inpatient beds. The results for 2013 were more critical (higher hospitalisation rates, less beds). Further research is needed to understand all patterns, considering other individual and contextual information.

Employment Status and Mental Health: Mediating Roles of Social Support and Coping Strategies

Although it has been established that unemployment and underemployment increase distress and depression, the psychological mechanisms involved are not very clear. This study examines the roles of social support and coping strategies as mediators of the association between employment status and mental health, as well as gender and age differences as moderators. Residents from the epidemiological catchment area of south-west Montreal responded to a randomized household survey for adults in 2009. A follow-up was conducted based on participants' employment status 2 and 4 years later. ANOVAs tests were computed with SPSS to evaluate group differences, and structural equation modeling was performed with AMOS to test mediation effects. At baseline, among participants between 18 and 64 years old (n = 2325), 14.3 % were unemployed/not studying, 14.4 % worked part-time, and 56.5 % worked full-time. Employment status was found to significantly affect depression among those under 45 years old (chi-square = 23.4, p < 0.001). Results showed a negative association of full-time employment with depression, which was fully mediated by social support, less coping with drugs/medication, and less distress. A negative association with full-time employment was also noted with distress, which was partially mediated by increased social support, coping with alcohol, and less coping with drugs/medication. The total indirect effect suggests that full-time employees generally have more resources and do not tend to use avoidance strategies like coping with drugs/medication, resulting in less distress (β = -0.05; p < 0.01) and depression (β = -0.028; p < 0.01). Results suggest that optimal impact on mental health could be attained when increasing employment, namely full-time employment, in communities.

Minor depression in older, long-term unemployed people seeking vocational support

BACKGROUND

Prevalence rates of minor and major depression vary from 0.7 to 6.8 (minor) and 3.8 to 10.9 (major) for the general population. Twenty-two percent of older, long-term unemployed people suffer from major depression. However, the prevalence rate of minor depression (depression on a subthreshold level with less than 5, but more than 1 depression symptom) in this population is unknown. The first aim of this study is to identify that prevalence rate, because we already know that minor depression increases the risk of developing a major depression and this in turn reduces the chances of reemployment what increases social and individual costs at the same time. The second aim is to find out whether there are symptoms that distinguish the different groups "no depression", "minor depression" and "major depression" in this population. In contrast to the general population, the most frequent symptoms within major and minor depression in older, long-term unemployed people are unknown so far.

METHODS

A total of 234 long-term unemployed people (response rate 59%) were included in a study within a project of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Leipzig and an unemployment agency. Based on the results of the Patient Health Questionnaire, the participants were classified as non depressive, minor depressive or major depressive. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed to identify whether there are symptoms stated by the participants that are more frequent than others, and if the classified groups differ in this regard.

RESULTS

Fifty percent had no depression, 15.6% had a minor depression and 34.4% were suffering from major depression. Difficulty with concentration is the symptom that differentiated the last two groups the most. Fatigue, depressed mood and anhedonia were the symptoms that distinguished participants with minor depression the most from participants with no depression. Main limitations are: The sample was determined by programme conditions, e.g. not all potentially available people participated. The sample may therefore not be representative for the general long-term unemployed. Due to limited resources the PHQ 9 was used instead of a clinical interview to assess minor and major depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that minor depression in older, long-term unemployed persons is significant, as, almost 16% of the participants were affected in the study. Especially when fatigue is present for a period of more than 2 weeks, people should be informed about the option to consult a primary care physician or professionals from the unemployment agency in order to prevent the possible onset of major depression.

Self-reported unemployment status and recession: An analysis on the Italian population with and without mental health problems

Purpose

During economic recession people with mental health problems have higher risk of losing their job. This paper analyses the issue by considering the Italian rates of unemployment amongst individuals with and without mental health problems in 2005 and 2013, that is prior and during the economic crisis.

Methods

We used data from the National surveys on “Health conditions and use of health services” carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) for the years 2005 and 2013. The surveys collected information on the health status and socioeconomic conditions of the Italian population. Self-reported unemployment status was analysed amongst individuals with and without reported mental health problems. In addition, descriptive statistics were performed in order to detect possible differences in the risk of unemployment within different regional contexts characterised by different socio-economic conditions.

Results

The recession determined increased disparities in unemployment rates between people with and without mental health problems. Regardless to the presence of mental health problems, young people were more likely to be unemployed. Among people who reported mental health problems, males were more likely to be unemployed than females. People with low education level were more likely to be unemployed, particularly during the recession and in presence of mental health problems. Changes in unemployment rates due to the crisis showed different patterns across different regions of the Country.

Conclusions

These analyses confirm that in periods of economic crisis people with mental health problems are at risk of experiencing exclusion from labour market. In addition, the impact is even worse within the group with low education and younger age. These findings emphasise the importance of specific interventions aimed at promoting labour market participation and reintegration for people with mental health problems.

Unemployment, perceived health status and coping: A study in Southern Italy

BACKGROUND

Unemployment is a very stressful experience that significantly impairs an individual's perception of their overall wellbeing. Interaction between unemployment and physical health is complex.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze how specific coping strategies and socio-demographic variables may influence the level of physical and mental health perceived by those searching for work at an employment centre in Catanzaro, Italy.

METHODS

Participants completed a set of self-administrated questionnaires including a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and the SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12). A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to ascertain those coping strategies significantly associated with participants' perceived health status.

RESULTS

Complete documentation was received from 113 registered unemployed participants, (61 men and 52 women) giving a response rate of 45% .Physical health status was significantly and positively associated with age and task-oriented coping, while the perception of mental health was associated not only with age, but also by lower emotion-oriented coping and a low number of previous job losses.

CONCLUSION

The perception of health status is reduced among unemployed. Age is the only socio demographic variable that influences the perception of health status. Adaptive Task-oriented coping strategies are related to better physical health perception, whereas Emotion-oriented coping makes people prone to poorer mental health perception.

Measuring the effects of socioeconomic factors on mental health among migrants in urban China: a multiple indicators multiple causes model

Objectives

Since 1978, rural–urban migrants mainly contribute Chinese urbanization. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of socioeconomic factors on mental health of them. Their mental health was measured by 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12).

Methods

The study sample comprised 5925 migrants obtained from the 2009 rural-to-urban migrants survey (RUMiC). The relationships among the instruments were assessed by the correlation analysis. The one-factor (overall items), two-factor (positive vs. negative items), and model conducted by principal component analysis were tested in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). On the basis of three CFA models, the three multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) models with age, gender, marriage, ethnicity, and employment were constructed to investigate the concurrent associations between socioeconomic factors and GHQ-12.

Results

Of the sample, only 1.94% were of ethnic origin and mean age was 31.63 (SD = ±10.43) years. The one-factor, two-factor, and three-factor structure (i.e. semi-positive/negative/independent usefulness) had good model fits in the CFA analysis and gave order (i.e. 2 factor>3 factor>1 factor), which suggests that the three models can be used to assess psychological symptoms of migrants in urban China. All MIMIC models had acceptable fit and gave order (i.e. one-dimensional model>two-dimensional model>three-dimensional model).

Conclusions

There were weak associations of socioeconomic factors with mental health among migrants in urban China. Policy discussion suggested that improvement of socioeconomic status of rural–urban migrants and mental health systems in urban China should be highlighted and strengthened.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13033-016-0118-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The effect of migration on social capital and depression among older adults in China

PURPOSE

An estimated 9 million elderly people accompanied their adult children to urban areas in China, raising concerns about their social capital and mental health following re-location. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of migration on social capital and depression among this population.

METHODS

Multistage stratified cluster sampling was applied to recruit the migrant and urban elderly in Hangzhou from May to August, 2013. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews by trained college students using a standardized questionnaire. Social capital measurements included cognitive (generalized trust and reciprocity) and structure (support from individual and social contact) aspects. Depression was measured by Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS-30). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1248 migrant elderly and 1322 urban elderly were eligible for analysis. After adjusting for a range of confounder factors, binary logistic regression models revealed that migrant elderly reported significantly lower levels of generalized trust [OR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.10-1.64)], reciprocity [OR = 1.55, 95% CI (1.29-1.87)], support from individual [OR = 1.96, 95% CI (1.61-2.38)] and social contact [OR = 3.27, 95% CI (2.70-3.97)]. In the full adjusted model, migrant elderly were more likely to be mentally unhealthy [OR = 1.85, 95% CI (1.44-2.36)] compared with urban elderly.

CONCLUSIONS

Migrant elderly suffered from a lower mental health status and social capital than their urban counterparts in the emigrating city. Attention should focus on improving the social capital and mental health of this growing population.

Migration and Mental Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Rural-to-urban migration within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and migration from one LMIC to another, are prevalent forms of international migration. Migration may be associated with adverse mental health outcomes. The aim of the current study is to systematically review the literature on migration and mental health between and within LMICs.

METHODS

This systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and PILOTS, identified 2,818 total records published between 1991 and 2016, with 139 of these assessed for eligibility. Two authors reviewed full text to assess if they met inclusion criteria, extracted data, and applied a quality assessment to all included studies.

RESULTS

The search identified 37 articles that met the inclusion criteria, based on 28 separate studies. All studies apart from one were cross-sectional studies, and studies utilized a range of sampling methods. In all, 19 of these studies were conducted in China. Studies addressed a range of mental health outcomes, and variation in prevalence was reported. Research questions addressed determinants of mental health outcomes, including analysis of risk and protective factors, such as social, cultural, and economic determinants; migration-related risk factors; and substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

Limitations in study design and methodological rigor of studies indicate a limited evidence base concerning migration and mental health in LMICs. Expansion of research to different regions, utilization of adapted and validated measurement instruments, and longitudinal research could significantly strengthen the evidence base.

Intimate partner violence against married rural-to-urban migrant workers in eastern China: prevalence, patterns, and associated factors

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue among married rural-to-urban migrant workers, the largest group of internal migrants in China. This study aims to explore the prevalence, patterns and associated factors of intimate partner violence against married rural-to-urban migrant workers in eastern China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhejiang province in China between July 2015 and April 2016, and a total of 1,744 married rural-to-urban migrant workers ultimately took part in the study. Conflict Tactics Scales and several short demographic questions were applied. Data were principally analyzed with logistic regression.

RESULTS

The majority of married rural-to-urban migrant workers were middle-aged couples with a low education level and a relatively long-term duration of migration in fixed migrant cities. Nearly 45% of married rural-to-urban migrant workers were experienced at least one incident of intimate partner violence during the past 12 months. The joint occurrence of multiple forms of violence is the most commonly reported features of intimate partner violence, especially three overlapping patterns of intimate partner violence. Some individual (education and age), relationship (marital satisfaction, premarital sex and extramarital affairs) and social (duration of migration and number of migratory cities) factors of the respondents, were negatively or positively associated with intimate partner violence against married rural-to-urban migrant workers.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that one out of two married rural-to-urban migrant workers experienced at least one incident of intimate partner violence during the past 12 months in China. Accordingly, there is an obvious demand of intervention and treatment activities to prevent and reduce the occurrence of intimate partner violence among the millions of migrant workers in China.

Risk factors for failure to enter vocational rehabilitation services among individuals with disabilities

PURPOSE

To investigate the risk factors for failure of individuals with disabilities to enter the vocational rehabilitation (VR) programme, including the cases where they had been formally accepted but were yet to receive any service.

METHODS

We used prospective cohort data from a Midwestern US state, and analysed 126,251 and 94,517 individuals, respectively, for acceptance and admission into VR services. Statistical analysis was conducted using Poisson regression models with robust variance estimator.

RESULTS

Individuals with blind/visual disability, had prior history of employment, and who received public support tended to have lower risks of non-acceptance and non-admission. Being non-White, at higher education, ever/currently married, and with physical/orthopaedic disability appeared to increase the risks of both outcomes. The adjusted relative risk of non-acceptance was 0.58 (95% confidence interval: 0.52, 0.64) if the individuals had 4 or more functional limitations as compared with those with fewer limitations. This factor was not significant for VR admission.

CONCLUSION

Disability factors, demographic determinants, and certain miscellaneous characteristics were associated with the risks of non-acceptance and non-admission into VR. Implications for Rehabilitation Individuals with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed than the population without disabilities, and they are thus more prone to adverse health effects of unemployment. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is a proven intervention to improve employment outcomes among individuals with disabilities. Our study indicates that the complexity of the selection process for entering VR and various factors beyond disability may prevent individuals to benefit from the VR programme. Rehabilitation programme authorities need to monitor and simplify the selection process into VR services and, together with rehabilitation practitioners, promote a selection process that pays careful attention on the factors that are related to individual risk of failure for entering VR.

Quality of Life and Its Related Factors in Chinese Unemployed People: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

With the global economic crisis and industrial restructuring, the unemployed are suffering from job loss-related stress and loss of income, which is believed to impair their mental and physical health, while coping and self-efficacy could combat the adverse effects of unemployment on health. Thus, this study aims to describe quality of life (QOL) among unemployed Chinese people and explore the associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted by convenience sampling, composed of 1825 unemployed people, from January 2011 to September 2011. Questionnaires pertaining to demographic characteristics, the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the abbreviated version of the Cope Inventory (Brief COPE) and self-efficacy scales were used to collect information from unemployed people in the eastern, central, and western regions of China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the related factors of QOL. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the relations among coping, self-efficacy, and QOL. Mental QOL was significantly lower than physical QOL in Chinese unemployed people. Coping had significant effects on both physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), while self-efficacy played the mediating role in the association between Coping and QOL. Unemployed Chinese people’s mental QOL was disrupted more seriously than their physical QOL. An increase in coping could improve QOL by promoting better management of issues brought about by unemployment. In addition, self-efficacy has the ability to reduce the impact of unemployment on QOL, through the mediating path of coping on QOL. This study highlights the need of coping skills training and self-efficacy enhancement for better management of unemployment in order to improve QOL and well-being.

Factors associated with psychological distress or common mental disorders in migrant populations across the world

We systematically review factors associated with the presence of psychological distress or common mental disorders in migrant populations. Articles published between January 2000 and December 2014 were reviewed and 85 applying multivariate statistical analysis were selected. Common mental disorders were significantly associated with socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, as observed in large epidemiological studies on general populations. The probability of common mental disorders occurrence differs significantly among migrant groups according to their region of origin. Moreover, traumatic events prior to migration, forced, unplanned, poorly planned or illegal migration, low level of acculturation, living alone or separated from family in the host country, lack of social support, perceived discrimination, and the length of migrants' residence in the host country all increase the likelihood of CMD. In contrast, language proficiency, family reunification, and perceived social support reduce such probability. Factors related with the risk of psychiatric morbidity among migrants should be taken into account to design preventive strategies.

Workplace and security stressors and mental health among migrant workers on the Thailand-Myanmar border

BACKGROUND

Migrant workers in low-resource settings may experience multiple types of workplace and security-related stressors. This study explores the relationship between these stressors and adverse mental health outcomes, through a study of migrant workers from Myanmar, working in agriculture, factory, and sex industries in and around Mae Sot, Thailand.

METHODS

Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit a total sample of 589 male and female migrants. Trained data collectors administered a survey, which included measures of workplace and security-related stressors, and depression and anxiety symptoms. Multivariate regression models were conducted separately for depression and anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS

For male agricultural workers, security stressors (β = 1.9, p = .001) are associated with an increase in depression symptoms and coercive working conditions are associated with an increase in anxiety symptoms (β = .8, p = .000). For female agricultural workers, daily hassles and stressors were associated with both depression (β = 1.5, p = .000) and anxiety (β = .5, p = .027), and barriers to exit (β = 3.0, p = .005) and security stressors (β = .9, p = .010) were significantly associated with increased depression symptoms. In the factory subsample, sexual assault and abuse (depression: β = 2.7, p = .009; anxiety: β = 2.8, p = .002) and daily hassles and stressors (depression: β = .7, p = .007; anxiety: β = .7, p = .001) were both significantly associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms for males. Other categories of stressors similarly showed different associations with mental health outcomes between occupational groups, and between male and female migrant workers.

CONCLUSION

The differing influences of stressors on mental health between the three occupational groups, and between males and females, indicate the need for targeted and tailored approaches to reduce specific stressors and improve services to address mental health needs. Prevention and response need to recognize the differences in working conditions, vulnerabilities, and needs between occupational groups, and between male and female migrant workers.

The Meaning of Work during Short-term Unemployment

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of an investigation of the meanings unemployed people attribute to their work. The sample comprised 358 short-term (from one to six months) unemployed workers. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire based on a five-dimensional meaning of work model that was previously adapted to the Brazilian context. The data were submitted to a confirmatory factor analysis. The results suggest that there might not be specificities in the meanings unemployed workers attribute to their work, considering that the five-factor structure of the meaning of work model was empirically supported. The results indicate that the variables length of unemployment, number of formal jobs, age, and schooling were significantly correlated with the number of dimensions of the meaning of work model.

Estratégias Utilizadas pelos Trabalhadores para Enfrentar o Desemprego

<p>Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar as estratégias utilizadas pelos trabalhadores para enfrentar a situação de desemprego. Investigaram-se estratégias objetivas de sobrevivência e de reinserção profissional, e subjetivas, relacionadas com o enfrentamento da situação (coping). Participaram 400 trabalhadores desempregados que iam ao Sistema Nacional de Emprego (sine) de uma cidade do nordeste do Brasil. Aplicou-se um questionário estruturado com perguntas sobre estratégias objetivas e uma escala de enfrentamento. Os dados foram analisados por meio de uma análise fatorial confirmatória. As estratégias de sobrevivência e de reinserção profissional estão baseadas na ativação das redes de amigos e de familiares. Os fatores de enfrentamento predominantes foram a religiosidade e o planejamento. Níveis educativos menores foram preditores de uma maior utilização de estratégias religiosas. Os resultados contribuem para melhorar a compreensão do fenômeno do desemprego no nordeste do Brasil.</p>

Hispano-Americans in Europe: what do we know about their health status and determinants? A scoping review

Background

Policy makers and health practitioners are in need of guidance to respond to the growing geographic mobility of Hispano-American migrants in Europe. Drawing from contributions from epidemiology, social sciences, demography, psychology, psychiatry and economy, this scoping review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive synthesis of studies addressing the health status and determinants of this population. We describe major research gaps and suggest specific avenues of further inquiry.

Methods

We identified systematically papers that addressed the concepts “health” and “Hispano Americans” indexed in five data bases from Jan 1990 to May 2014 with no language restrictions. We screened the 4,464 citations retrieved against exclusion criteria and classified 193 selected references in 12 thematic folders with the aid of the reference management software ENDNOTE X6. After reviewing the full text of all papers we extracted relevant data systematically into a table template to facilitate the synthesising process.

Results

Most studies focused on a particular disease, leaving unexplored the interlinkages between different health conditions and how these relate to legislative, health services, environmental, occupational, and other health determinants. We elucidated some consistent results but there were many heterogeneous findings and several popular beliefs were not fully supported by empirical evidence. Few studies adopted a trans-national perspective and many consisted of cross-sectional descriptions that considered “Hispano-Americans” as a homogeneous category, limiting our analysis. Our results are also constrained by the availability and varying quality of studies reviewed.

Conclusions

Burgeoning research has produced some consistent findings but there are huge gaps in knowledge. To prevent unhelpful generalisations we need a more holistic and nuanced understanding of how mobility, ethnicity, income, gender, legislative status, employment status, working conditions, neighbourhood characteristics and social status intersect with demographic variables and policy contexts to influence the health of the diverse Hispano-American populations present in Europe.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1799-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Internal migration, mental health, and suicidal behaviors in young rural Chinese

PURPOSE

There is a dearth of data on the association of internal migration with mental health in young rural Chinese. This study aims to explore the associations between migrant status, mental health, and suicidal behaviors in young rural Chinese.

METHODS

We recruited 1,646 rural subjects aged 16-34 years, of whom 756 were migrant workers and 890 non-migrants, from ten representative villages in rural Sichuan Province, the southwestern part of China. To assess subject's depressive symptoms and general psychological quality of life (psycho-QOL), the study protocol included the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and psycho-QOL subscale of the World Health Organization's QOL Questionnaire-Brief Version, in addition to structured questions regarding one-year suicidal thoughts and behaviors (serious ideation, plan, and attempt), socio-demographic, social support, and physical health information.

RESULTS

After adjustment for confounders, migrant workers had relative to non-migrant rural residents a decreased risk for depression (OR = 0.69, P = 0.026), but comparable risk for poor psycho-QOL (OR = 0.91, P = 0.557) and one-year suicidal behaviors (OR = 0.59-1.10, P = 0.19-0.90). Migrant status only accounted for 0.5, 2.8, 4.7, 9.8, and 12.6% of the total explainable variance for suicide attempt, poor psycho-QOL, suicide plan, depression and serious suicide ideation, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that among young rural Chinese there were no significant associations involving migrant status and poor psycho-QOL or one-year suicidal behaviors, while migrant status significantly correlated with a decreased risk of depression. The unique contribution of migrant status to mental health among young rural Chinese participants in this study was very small.

Neuroanatomical differences between men and women in help-seeking coping strategy

Help seeking (HS) is a core coping strategy that is directed towards obtaining support, advice, or assistance as means of managing stress. Women have been found to use more HS than men. Neural correlates of sex differences have also been reported in prefrontal-limbic system (PLS) regions that are linked to stress and coping, yet structural differences between men and women relating to HS in the PLS are still unknown. Thus, the association between gray matter volume (GMV) and HS was investigated using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in a large healthy sample (126 men and 156 women). Results indicated women reported more HS than men did. VBM results showed that the relation between HS scores and GMV differed between men and women in regions of the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex extending to the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex(OFC/sgACC). Among women, higher HS scores were associated with smaller GMV in these areas while a positive correlation between GMV and HS scores was observed among men. These results remained significant after controlling for general intelligence, stress, anxiety and depression. Thus, this study suggested that structural differences between men and women are correlated to characteristic brain regions known to be involved in the PLS which is considered critical in stress regulation.

Emotionsregulation bei Depression

Die Anzahl der Studien, die sich mit dem Zusammenhang zwischen Emotionsregulation (ER) und depressiven Störungen befassen, steigt. In diesem Review werden Studien zusammengefasst und metaanalytisch ausgewertet, die den Zusammenhang zwischen ER und Depression mittels Fragebögen bzw. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) erfassen. Dabei zeigt sich ein ER-Profil welches durch die vermehrte Nutzung von Rumination, Suppression und Vermeidung bei gleichzeitig seltenerem Einsatz von Neubewertung und Problemlösen gekennzeichnet ist. Mit mittleren bis großen Effekten, ist der Zusammenhang zwischen Depression und maladaptiven Strategien besser belegt als bei den adaptiven Formen, wo die Effekte eher moderat ausfielen. EMA-Messungen bestätigen dieses Profil. Da EMA-Studien neben der Häufigkeit des Strategieeinsatzes auch die Erfassung anderer ER-Parameter wie Effektivität und Flexibilität ermöglichen, sollten solche Designs in der ER-Forschung zukünftig vermehrt Einsatz finden.

Health of China's rural-urban migrants and their families: a review of literature from 2000 to 2012

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic transformation in China at the beginning of the twenty-first century has led to rapid urbanization and accelerated rural-urban migration. As a result, the concerns about public health problems triggered by increasing internal population mobility have been more widely studied in recent years.

SOURCES OF DATA

Published data in Chinese and English on health of migrants and their families in mainland China from 2000 to 2012.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

The shifting patterns of disease distribution due to rural-urban migration, health equity and health reform strategies that cater for this specific yet substantial subpopulation are outstanding concerns. Infectious diseases, mental health, occupational health and women's health are emerging public health priorities related to migration.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

The high mobility and large numbers of Chinese rural-urban migrants pose challenges to research methods and the reliability of evidence gained.

GROWING POINTS

While the theme of working migrants is common in the literature, there have also been some studies of health of those left behind but who often remain unregistered. Migration within China is not a single entity and understanding the dynamics of new and emerging societies will need further study.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Social, economic, emotional, environmental and behavioural risk factors that impact on health of migrants and their families call for more attention from health policy-makers and researchers in contemporary China.