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Cheong Q, Kazanjian A, Puyat JH. Easing anxiety symptoms through leisure activities during social isolation: Findings from nationally representative samples. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303585. [PMID: 38857216 PMCID: PMC11164396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Public health interventions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate anxiety symptoms for many. We conducted this study to better understand the role of leisure activity in promoting mental wellness during times of social isolation and reduced access to recreation facilities and mental health support services. We analyzed nationally representative survey data collected by Statistics Canada as part of the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series (CPSS) during May 4-10 (CPSS 2) and July 20 to 26, 2020 (CPSS 4). Data related to leisure activity and anxiety symptoms as measured by a score of more than 10 on the General Anxiety Disorder scale were examined using descriptive and log-binomial regression analyses. Survey sampling weights were applied in all analyses, and regression results were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Exercise and communication with friends and loved ones were the most frequently reported leisure activity. Prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms reported by participants was lower in CPSS 4 compared to CPSS 2. Results of adjusted log-binomial regression analyses revealed lower prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms in those who engaged in exercise and communication, while those who meditated exhibited higher prevalence. In conclusion, leisure activities, such as exercise and communication with loved ones, can promote mental wellness. Future research should clarify the role of meditation for mental wellness promotion during periods of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queena Cheong
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arminee Kazanjian
- School of Population & Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Joseph H. Puyat
- School of Population & Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Providence Health Care, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Stefanidou T, Ambler G, Bartl G, Barber N, Billings J, Bogatsu T, Carroll R, Chipp B, Conneely M, Downey AM, Evlat G, Hunter R, Le Novere M, Lewis G, Mackay T, Marwaha S, Matin Z, Naughton G, Nekitsing C, O'Sullivan M, Pinfold V, Pan S, Sobers A, Thompson KJ, Vasikaran J, Webber M, Johnson S, Lloyd-Evans B. Randomised controlled trial of the Community Navigator programme to reduce loneliness and depression for adults with treatment-resistant depression in secondary community mental health services: trial protocol. Trials 2023; 24:652. [PMID: 37803385 PMCID: PMC10559405 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07684-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New treatments are needed for people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), who do not benefit from anti-depressants and many of whom do not recover fully with psychological treatments. The Community Navigator programme was co-produced with service users and practitioners. It is a novel social intervention which aims to reduce loneliness and thus improve health outcomes for people with TRD. Participants receive up to 10 individual meetings with a Community Navigator, who helps them to map their social world and set and enact goals to enhance their social connections and reduce loneliness. Participants may also access group meet-ups with others in the programme every 2 months, and may be offered modest financial support to enable activities to support social connections. METHODS A researcher-blind, multi-site, 1:1 randomised controlled trial with N = 306 participants will test the effectiveness of the Community Navigator programme for people with TRD in secondary community mental health teams (CMHTs). Our primary hypothesis is that people who are offered the Community Navigator programme as an addition to usual CMHT care will be less depressed, assessed using the PHQ-9 self-report measure, at 8-month, end-of-treatment follow-up, compared to a control group receiving usual CMHT care and a booklet with information about local social groups and activities. We will follow participants up at end-of-treatment and at 14 months, 6 months after end-of-treatment follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the following: loneliness, anxiety, personal recovery, self-efficacy, social network, social identities. We will collect data about health-related quality of life and service use to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the Community Navigator programme. DISCUSSION This trial will provide definitive evidence about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Community Navigator programme and whether it can be recommended for use in practice. The trial is due to finish in August 2025. TRIAL REGISTRATION Prospectively registered on 8th July 2022 at: ISRCTN13205972.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Stefanidou
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Gareth Ambler
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gergely Bartl
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Nick Barber
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- The McPin Foundation, London, UK
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Tumelo Bogatsu
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Beverley Chipp
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- The McPin Foundation, London, UK
| | - Maev Conneely
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | | | - Gamze Evlat
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rachael Hunter
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marie Le Novere
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Glyn Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Steven Marwaha
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zubair Matin
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | | | | | - Millie O'Sullivan
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Shengning Pan
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Priment Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Angela Sobers
- Barnet, Enfield and Haringey, NHS Mental Health Trust, London, UK
| | - Keith J Thompson
- The McPin Foundation, London, UK
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valley, NHS Foundation Trust, Durham, UK
| | - Jerusaa Vasikaran
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Martin Webber
- School for Business and Society, University of York, York, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
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Nicholls H, Lamb D, Johnson S, Higgs P, Pinfold V, Billings J. "Fix the system … the people who are in it are not the ones that are broken" A qualitative study exploring UK academic researchers' views on support at work. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20454. [PMID: 37860508 PMCID: PMC10582291 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that it remains difficult for academic researchers to preserve global well-being when working in the UK higher education sector. Our study aimed to explore academic researchers' perspectives on how they feel their mental health and well-being could be better supported within the UK higher education system. Using a combination of semi-structured and narrative interviewing techniques, we gathered the perspectives of 26 researchers. Narrative and reflexive thematic analysis were then used on the data collected. Our findings highlight the need to tackle systemic issues such job insecurity and unrealistically high workloads, given the risk they can pose to researchers' mental health and well-being. Our findings also highlight the key influence of managers and supervisors in creating a supportive environment, and the importance of going beyond what support is offered. That is, it is vital to effectively promote any existing or emerging support systems, and to be proactive in offering this support. Given the diversity identified in researchers' individual situations, it is important that support is flexible and takes into consideration individual requirements and preferences. Higher education authorities and institutions need to determine how they can foster a healthy, caring environment for researchers working in this sector going forwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Nicholls
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle Lamb
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Higgs
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Tekin S, Burrows K, Billings J, Waters M, Lowe SR. Psychosocial resources underlying disaster survivors' posttraumatic stress symptom trajectories: insight from in-depth interviews with mothers who survived Hurricane Katrina. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2211355. [PMID: 37334999 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2211355] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Weather-related disasters, including hurricanes, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Vulnerable populations, such as people with low income and racial and ethnic minorities, are particularly prone to increased levels of physical harm and psychiatric adversity from weather-related events.Objectives: We aimed to explore psychosocial resources and coping of survivors with three different posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) trajectories (High-Decreasing, Moderate-Decreasing, and High-Stable), after Hurricane Katrina across two different time points: F1 (1-year post-disaster) and F3 (12 years post-disaster).Method: Participants in this multi-method study were part of a larger cohort of the Resilience in Survivors of Katrina (RISK) project. Transcripts of interviews completed at the two time points were analysed using two qualitative methods, combining thematic analysis and narrative analysis, and providing both breadth of perspectives with the depth of specific case studies.Results: Sixteen survivors completed interviews at both F1 and F3. From our in-depth analysis of the data, we derived five inductive themes: 'Hope,' 'Adaptive vs maladaptive avoidance,' 'Emotional delay,' 'Acceptance, Finding Meaning and Being in the Moment,' and 'Coping strategies.' Survivors with High-Decreasing and Moderate-Decreasing PTSS trajectories experienced hope for future, accepted the hurricane and its results, and found efficient ways to cope with their situation. Survivors with High-Stable PTSS trajectories tended to express a lack of hope for future and struggled to be mindful and accept the hurricane and its harm. Unlike survivors with High-Decreasing and Moderate-Decreasing PTSS trajectories, survivors with High-Stable PTSS trajectories also reported less social and family support and faced more discrimination and racism.Conclusion: There are factors beyond individual-level psychosocial resources that may shape post-disaster resilience. When supporting survivors after a weather-related disaster, it is essential to provide ongoing psychological, financial, and physical assistance to bolster these resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahra Tekin
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Burrows
- Institute at Brown University for Environment and Society, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jo Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mary Waters
- Department of Sociology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah R Lowe
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Liebmann M, Pitman A, Hsueh YC, Bertotti M, Pearce E. Do people perceive benefits in the use of social prescribing to address loneliness and/or social isolation? A qualitative meta-synthesis of the literature. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1264. [PMID: 36261835 PMCID: PMC9580419 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08656-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Social prescribing is a means by which clinical services can link individuals who have psychological, social and/or practical needs with non-clinical services within their local community. There is a lack of empirical evidence investigating whether social prescribing helps such individuals and which interventions are the most effective and accepted by them to address their loneliness. This meta-synthesis aimed to synthesise findings from qualitative studies exploring experiences of people (of any age) who participated in any social prescribing intervention aimed at loneliness and/or social isolation to ascertain whether they felt it helped address loneliness/isolation and the potential mechanisms by which this might occur. We conducted a systematic search of 5 electronic databases and 4 other databases that would yield grey literature in April 2021 to identify qualitative articles on this topic written in English or French. We assessed the quality of the included studies using recognised tools, and synthesised findings using the approach of thematic analysis. We identified 19 records analysed (e.g. journal articles) from 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Our analysis identified three themes: (1) increased sense of wellbeing (with six subthemes), (2) factors that engendered an ongoing desire to connect with others, and (3) perceived drawbacks of social prescribing. These themes illustrate the benefits and difficulties people perceive in social prescribing programmes addressing loneliness and social isolation, with an overall balance of more benefits than drawbacks in social prescribing participation. However, given the unhelpful aspects of social prescribing identified by some participants, greater thought should be given to potential harms. Moreover, further qualitative and quantitative research is needed to better understand mechanisms and effectiveness, and how different components of social prescribing might be best matched to individual participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Liebmann
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7BN, UK
| | - A Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7BN, UK.
| | - Yung-Chia Hsueh
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7BN, UK
| | - M Bertotti
- Institute for Connected Communities, University of East London, Water Lane, London, E15 4LZ, UK
| | - E Pearce
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7BN, UK
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