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Bergamaschi V, Baumann F, Warnke I, Corbisiero S, Ludwig F, Riedel A, Gabriel-Felleiter K, Schmidt SJ. Who Benefits from Acute Psychiatric Home Treatment? A Systematic Review. Community Ment Health J 2024; 60:1408-1421. [PMID: 38940978 PMCID: PMC11408559 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-024-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Home treatment (HT) treats patients in an acute crisis through an interdisciplinary team with daily appointments for a short treatment period. The effectiveness of HT has already been confirmed. However, only few studies addressed specific patient characteristics associated outcome of treatment. This study aimed to identify patient characteristics associated with successful outcomes of HT. A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 13 studies were included in the systematic review. Being employed, having a regular income, having an anxiety disorder and family involvement were associated with a successful treatment outcome in HT. High symptom severity and former hospital admissions were associated with unsuccessful treatment outcome in HT in the selected studies. HT seems to be especially beneficial for patients with paid employment or regular income, patients with anxiety disorders, and patients with familial or other social support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Bergamaschi
- Institue of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Luzerner Psychiatrie, Voltastrasse 42, 6005, Lucerne, Switzerland.
| | - Felix Baumann
- Institue of Psychology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Luzerner Psychiatrie, Voltastrasse 42, 6005, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Ingeborg Warnke
- Luzerner Psychiatrie, Voltastrasse 42, 6005, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabian Ludwig
- Luzerner Psychiatrie, Voltastrasse 42, 6005, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Riedel
- Luzerner Psychiatrie, Voltastrasse 42, 6005, Lucerne, Switzerland
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Jung D, Jarrín OF, Choi JHS, Knox S, Emerson KG, Chen Z. The Role of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status in Institutionalization of Home Health Care Patients With and Without Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105170. [PMID: 39067862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) moderates the association between Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and successful discharge to the community. In addition, to explore whether the role of neighborhood SES on successful discharge for patients with ADRD varies by the severity of ADRD. DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Medicare Fee-for-service beneficiaries, aged 65 or older, who received home health care in 2019. METHODS We used linear probability regression models with successful discharge to the community as the main outcome, and neighborhood SES and ADRD as independent variables. Also, we modified the Functional Assessment Staging Tool (FAST) to measure ADRD severity. RESULTS Our study results show ADRD and residing in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic conditions were independently associated with lower probabilities of successful discharge to the community. We also found that the differences in probabilities of remaining at home between patients with and without ADRD were larger among those in neighborhoods with lower SES (ADRD∗less disadvantaged neighborhood, coeff: -0.01, P < .001; ADRD∗more disadvantaged neighborhood, coeff: -0.02, P < .001; ADRD∗most disadvantaged neighborhood, coeff: 0.032, P < .001). Among patients with ADRD, patients with the most advanced ADRD were less likely to remain in their homes and community when living in neighborhoods with lower SES. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our study results show that when patients with ADRD receiving home health care live in neighborhoods with lower SES, they face further challenges to remaining in their homes and community. Public health officials and community planners should consider using area-level interventions to improve care and health outcomes for patients with ADRD. Also, further research aimed at identifying the specific factors and resources influencing lower care quality and poorer health outcomes in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods, particularly for patients with ADRD, can provide valuable insights for the development and implementation of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jung
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Olga F Jarrín
- School of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Jeong Ha Steph Choi
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sara Knox
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kerstin Gerst Emerson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Institute of Gerontology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Liu Q, Wang B, Huang Y, Bian Y, Li Y, Zhou W, Yu J, Chen H, Wang C. Joint trajectories of loneliness, social isolation and sarcopenia and associations with adverse outcomes: A prospective cohort study. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 57:132-139. [PMID: 38642489 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine joint trajectories of loneliness, social isolation and sarcopenia and their associations with adverse outcomes. A total of 4701 participants aged ≥60 years who had a baseline and at least one follow-up assessment of loneliness, social isolation and sarcopenia across 2011, 2013 and 2015 waves in China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Adverse outcomes were obtained in 2018 wave. Joint trajectories were fit using the parallel process latent class growth analysis, and their associations with adverse outcomes were evaluated using modified Poisson regression. Joint trajectory patterns for social relationship and sarcopenia did not vary by the assessment for sarcopenia, but did vary by the assessment for social relationship. Older adults exhibit distinct joint trajectories and those with persistent combination of loneliness or social isolation and sarcopenia experience greatest risk of adverse outcomes. These findings implicate integration of health care and social care for community-dwelling older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinqin Liu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Binlin Wang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuli Huang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yanhui Bian
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wendie Zhou
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hejing Chen
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cuili Wang
- School of Nursing, Peking University, No. 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
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Parmar M, Ma R, Attygalle S, Herath MD, Mueller C, Stubbs B, Stewart R, Perera G. Associations between recorded loneliness and adverse mental health outcomes among patients receiving mental healthcare in South London: a retrospective cohort study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02663-9. [PMID: 38622311 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Loneliness disproportionately affects people with mental disorders, but associations with mental health outcomes in groups affected remain less well understood. METHOD A cohort of patients receiving mental healthcare on 30th June 2012 was assembled from a large mental health records database covering a south London catchment area. Recorded loneliness within the preceding 2 years was extracted using natural language processing and outcomes were measured between 30th June 2012 until 30th December 2019, except for survival which applied a censoring point of 6th December 2020 according to data available at the time of extraction. The following mental healthcare outcomes: (i) time to first crisis episode; (ii) time to first emergency presentation; (iii) all-cause mortality; (iv) days active to service per year; and (v) face-to-face contacts per year. RESULTS Loneliness was recorded in 4,483 (16.7%) patients in the study population and fully adjusted models showed associations with subsequent crisis episode (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.29), emergency presentation (HR 1.30, 1.21-1.40), days active per year (IRR 1.04, 1.03-1.05), and face-to-face contacts per year (IRR 1.28, 1.27-1.30). Recorded loneliness in patients with substance misuse problems was particularly strongly associated with adverse outcomes, including risk of emergency presentation (HR 1.68, 1.29-2.18) and mortality (HR 1.29, 1.01-1.65). CONCLUSION Patients receiving mental healthcare who are recorded as lonely have a higher risk of several adverse outcomes which may require a need for higher service input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Parmar
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (King's College London), De Crespigny Park, Box 92, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Ruimin Ma
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (King's College London), De Crespigny Park, Box 92, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | | | - Maaheshi Deepika Herath
- Ministry of Health Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Ulster University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Christoph Mueller
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (King's College London), De Crespigny Park, Box 92, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (King's College London), De Crespigny Park, Box 92, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Robert Stewart
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (King's College London), De Crespigny Park, Box 92, London, SE5 8AF, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gayan Perera
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (King's College London), De Crespigny Park, Box 92, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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Ruud T, Hasselberg N, Siqveland J, Holgersen KH. Patient-reported outcome, clinician-reported outcome, and patient satisfaction with treatment by crisis resolution teams: a multicenter pre-post study of outcome and associated factors in Norway. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:82. [PMID: 38297302 PMCID: PMC10829386 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05543-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crisis resolution teams (CRTs) have become a part of mental health services in many high-income countries. Many studies have investigated the impact of CRTs on acute admissions to inpatient units, but very few studies have investigated patient-reported and clinician-reported outcomes for CRT service users. Our aims were to study patient-reported and clinician-reported outcomes of CRT treatment, how the outcomes were associated with characteristics of the service user and the treatment, and whether outcomes were different across CRTs. METHODS The study was a pre-post observational multicenter study of 475 patients receiving treatment from 25 CRTs in urban and rural areas in Norway. There was no control group. Outcomes were change in mental health status reported by service users using CORE-10 and by clinicians using HoNOS. Patient satisfaction was measured using CSQ-8 at the end of the treatment. Components of CRT accessibility and interventions were measured by clinicians reporting details on each session with the service user. CRT model fidelity was measured using the CORE CRT Fidelity Scale version 2. We used paired t-tests to analyze outcomes and linear mixed modeling to analyze associations of the outcomes with the characteristics of service users and the treatment provided. Using independent t-tests, we analyzed differences in outcomes and patient satisfaction between two clusters of CRTs with differences in accessibility. RESULTS The patient-reported outcomes and the clinician-reported outcomes were significantly positive and with a large effect size. Both were significantly positively associated with practical support and medication management and negatively associated with collaboration with mental health inpatient units. Patient satisfaction was high at the end of the treatment. CRTs with higher accessibility had a significantly better clinician-reported outcome, but no significant differences were reported for patient-reported outcomes or patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS CRT treatment led to improved symptom status as reported by patients and clinicians, as well as high patient satisfaction. Practical support and medication management were the interventions most strongly associated with positive outcomes. Some of the variations in outcomes were at the team level. Patient- and clinician-reported outcomes should be used more in studies on the effect of treatment provided by crisis resolution teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ruud
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - N Hasselberg
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - J Siqveland
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- National Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - K H Holgersen
- Nidelv Community Mental Health Centre, Tiller, Department of Mental Health, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Yu X, Cho TC, Westrick AC, Chen C, Langa KM, Kobayashi LC. Association of cumulative loneliness with all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older adults in the United States, 1996 to 2019. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306819120. [PMID: 38079549 PMCID: PMC10743490 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306819120] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is a growing public health concern worldwide. We characterized the association between cumulative loneliness and subsequent all-cause mortality, using data from 9,032 participants aged 50+ in the population-based US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 1996 to 2019. Loneliness status (yes; no) was measured biennially from 1996 to 2004, and we categorized the experience of cumulative loneliness over the 8-y period as never, one time point, two time points, and ≥three time points. A multivariable-adjusted age-stratified Cox proportional hazards regression model was fitted to examine the association between cumulative loneliness from 1996 to 2004 and all-cause mortality from 2004 to 2019. Excess deaths due to each category of cumulative loneliness were calculated. Compared to those who never reported loneliness from 1996 to 2004, participants experiencing loneliness at one time point, two time points, and ≥three time points respectively had 1.05 (95% CI: 0.96 to 1.15), 1.06 (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.19), and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.33) times higher hazards of mortality from 2004 to 2019 (P trend = 0.01). These results correspond to 106 (95% CI: 68 to 144), 202 (95% CI: 146 to 259), and 288 (95% CI: 233 to 343) excess deaths per 10,000 person-years, for those experiencing loneliness at each of one, two, or ≥three time points from 1996 to 2004. Cumulative loneliness in mid-to-later life may thus be a mortality risk factor with a notable impact on excess mortality. Loneliness may be an important target for interventions to improve life expectancy in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexin Yu
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of MichiganSchool of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Tsai-Chin Cho
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of MichiganSchool of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Ashly C. Westrick
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of MichiganSchool of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Chen Chen
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of MichiganSchool of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Kenneth M. Langa
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of MichiganSchool of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg2050, South Africa
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Caple V, Maude P, Walter R, Ross A. An exploration of loneliness experienced by people living with mental illness and the impact on their recovery journey: An integrative review. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2023; 30:1170-1191. [PMID: 37382063 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: There is evidence that social isolation and loneliness is more prevalent in people living with mental illness than in the general population. People living with mental illness frequently experience stigma, discrimination, rejection, repeated psychiatric admissions, low self-esteem, low self-efficacy, and increased symptoms of paranoia, depression, and anxiety. There is evidence of common interventions that can be used to improve loneliness and social isolation such as psychosocial skills training and cognitive group therapy. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper offers a comprehensive assessment of the evidence between mental illness, loneliness, and recovery. The results suggest that people living with mental illness experience elevated levels of social isolation and loneliness leading to poor recovery and quality of life. Social deprivation, social integration and romantic loneliness are related to loneliness, poor recovery, and reduced quality of life. A sense of belonging, ability to trust and hope are important aspects of improved loneliness, quality of life and recovery. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The existing culture in mental health nursing practice needs to be examined to address loneliness in people living with mental illness and its impact on recovery. Existing tools to research loneliness do not consider dimensions in loneliness experience as reflected in the literature. Practice needs to demonstrate an integrated approach to recovery, optimal service delivery and augmentation of evidence-based clinical practice to improve individual's loneliness, social circumstances, and relationships. Practice needs to demonstrate nursing knowledge in caring for people living with mental illness experiencing loneliness. Further longitudinal research is required to clearly understand the relationship between loneliness, mental illness, and recovery. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: To our knowledge, there are no previous reviews on the impact of loneliness experienced by people aged 18-65, who are living with mental illness and their recovery experience. AIM/QUESTION To explore the experience and impact of loneliness in people living with mental illness during recovery. METHOD An integrative review. RESULTS A total of 17 papers met the inclusion criteria. The search was conducted using four electronic databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO. Across these 17 papers, participants were most commonly, diagnosed with schizophrenia or psychotic disorders and recruited from community mental health services. DISCUSSION The review revealed loneliness to be substantial in people living with mental illness and that loneliness affected their recovery, and their quality of life. The review identified many factors that contribute to loneliness including unemployment, financial strain, social deprivation, group housing, internalized stigma and mental illness symptoms. Individual factors such as social/community integration and social network size as well as an inability to trust, a sense of not belonging, hopelessness and lack of romance were also evident. Interventions targeting social functioning skills and social connectedness were found to improve social isolation and loneliness. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE It is vital for mental health nursing practice to employ an approach integrating physical health as well as social recovery needs, optimal service delivery and augmentation of evidence-based clinical practice to improve loneliness, recovery, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Caple
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe. University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phil Maude
- Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, La Trobe Rural Health School, Latrobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ruby Walter
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Nursing, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alistair Ross
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Latrobe University, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
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Birken M, Chipp B, Shah P, Olive RR, Nyikavaranda P, Hardy J, Chhapia A, Barber N, Lee S, Pearce E, Lloyd-Evans B, Perkins R, McDaid D, Stefanidou T, Shafran R, Pitman A, Johnson S. Exploring the experiences of loneliness in adults with mental health problems: A participatory qualitative interview study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280946. [PMID: 36881570 PMCID: PMC9990944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is associated with many mental health conditions, as both a potential causal and an exacerbating factor. Richer evidence about how people with mental health problems experience loneliness, and about what makes it more or less severe, is needed to underpin research on strategies to help address loneliness. METHODS Our aim was to explore experiences of loneliness, as well as what helps address it, among a diverse sample of adults living with mental health problems in the UK. We recruited purposively via online networks and community organisations, with most interviews conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 59 consenting participants face-to-face, by video call or telephone. Researchers with relevant lived experience were involved at all stages, including design, data collection, analysis and writing up of results. FINDINGS Analysis led to identification of four overarching themes: 1. What the word "lonely" meant to participants, 2. Connections between loneliness and mental health, 3. Contributory factors to continuing loneliness, 4. Ways of reducing loneliness. Central aspects of loneliness were lack of meaningful connections with others and lack of a sense of belonging to valued groups and communities. Some drivers of loneliness, such as losses and transitions, were universal, but specific links were also made between living with mental health problems and being lonely. These included direct effects of mental health symptoms, the need to withdraw to cope with mental health problems, and impacts of stigma and poverty. CONCLUSIONS The multiplicity of contributors to loneliness that we identified, and of potential strategies for reducing it, suggest that a variety of approaches are relevant to reducing loneliness among people with mental health problems, including peer support and supported self-help, psychological and social interventions, and strategies to facilitate change at community and societal levels. The views and experiences of adults living with mental health problems are a rich source for understanding why loneliness is frequent in this context and what may address it. Co-produced approaches to developing and testing approaches to loneliness interventions can draw on this experiential knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Birken
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Beverley Chipp
- The Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Research Network Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Prisha Shah
- The Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Research Network Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Rowan Olive
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit COVID-19 Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Nyikavaranda
- NIHR Mental Health Policy Research Unit COVID-19 Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jackie Hardy
- The Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Research Network Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anjie Chhapia
- The Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Research Network Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Barber
- The Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Research Network Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Lee
- The Loneliness and Social Isolation in Mental Health Research Network Co-Production Group, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eiluned Pearce
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rosie Perkins
- Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Roz Shafran
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Pitman
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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You H, Wang Y, Xiao LD, Liu L. Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Negative Psychological Symptoms among Elderly Widows Living Alone in a Chinese Remote Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010264. [PMID: 36612585 PMCID: PMC9819587 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Research indicates that most elderly widows are at a high risk of experiencing negative psychological symptoms. It is common for elderly women in rural and remote areas to live alone without family support to cope with stress due to the mass rural-to-urban migration of China’s youth labor force. Such a situation further worsens their psychological health and well-being. However, the prevalence of and risk factors associated with negative psychological symptoms (loneliness, depression, and anxiety) among remote elderly widows living alone in China are currently unclear; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hunan Province, China. The loneliness was assessed through the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (ULS-8). The depression and anxiety were assessed with the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively. The Chi-square test and correlation analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with negative psychological symptoms. Logistic regression was performed to predict risk and protective factors contributing to loneliness, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The significance level was set as p < 0.05; (3) Results: A total of 271 remote elderly widows living alone were enrolled in the present study. Additionally, 234 valid questionnaires were returned (valid response rate = 86.3%). The prevalence of loneliness, depression and anxiety was 8.1%, 44.0%, and 16.7%, respectively. Acute or chronic medical conditions, marital happiness, being the primary caregiver before widowhood and anticipating the death of the spouse differed significantly in the distribution of negative psychological symptoms. Logistic regression analysis predicted that participants who were satisfied with their marriage had a lower likelihood to experience loneliness, depression, and anxiety (p < 0.05). Being the spouse’s primary caregiver before widowhood was more likely to have symptoms of loneliness (p < 0.01). Those with various acute or chronic medical conditions were more likely to suffer from depression (p < 0.01); (4) Conclusions: Remote elderly widows living alone in China are prone to loneliness, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Being the primary caregiver before widowhood and having many acute or chronic medical conditions are risk factors for loneliness and depression, respectively. Marital happiness is the protective factor against negative psychological symptoms. To accomplish the goal of equitable access to mental health care in China, evidence-based policy and resource development to support psycho-social interventions that prevent and manage negative psychological symptoms for remote elderly widows living alone are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui You
- Department of Midwifery, Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Midwifery, Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Lily Dongxia Xiao
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Community Nursing, Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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Novic AJ, Seib C, Burton NW. Longitudinal Association of Physical Activity, Mastery and Psychological Distress in Mid-Aged Adults over 9-Years. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14052. [PMID: 36360945 PMCID: PMC9657595 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Psychological distress is highly prevalent and associated with significant adverse health outcomes and economic burden. Mastery and physical activity are potential resources to reduce distress and promote wellbeing; however, previous research has not examined their potential interactive relationship over time. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between mastery, physical activity, and distress in mid-aged adults over nine years. Data from a longitudinal mail survey study including the Kessler 6, Pearlin Mastery Scale, and items assessing time spent in physical activity were examined in a sample of 4404 adults aged 40 to 54 years at baseline. Group-Based Trajectory Models identified two distinct trajectories of psychological distress (elevated and low). Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess mastery and physical activity, adjusting for sociodemographic and health variables, as predictors for the probability of distress group membership. The odds of elevated distress over time were significantly reduced in people with higher mastery (OR = 0.13; 95% 0.11-0.15) and doing at least 150 min/week of physical activity (OR = 0.81; 95% 0.68-0.96). There was no significant interaction between mastery and physical activity. Mastery and physical activity may be important resources to mitigate distress and further research is needed to evaluate interventions promoting these resources and the impact on mid-aged adults experiencing psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Novic
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane 4222, Australia
| | - Charrlotte Seib
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane 4222, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4215, Australia
| | - Nicola W. Burton
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane 4222, Australia
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Giacco D. Tackling social isolation in people with psychosis: promising developments but need for conceptual clarity. J Ment Health 2022; 31:297-301. [PMID: 35599584 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2022.2069725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Giacco
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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