1
|
Sarı E, Şencan Karakuş B, Demir E. Economic uncertainty and mental health: Global evidence, 1991 to 2019. SSM Popul Health 2024; 27:101691. [PMID: 38988726 PMCID: PMC11231563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mental health has deteriorated globally due to COVID-19, climate crisis, economic policies, and regional conflicts, requiring immediate attention. This study aims to comprehend the relationship between economic uncertainty and the prevalence of anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and eating disorders across various demographics and countries. Using robust fixed-effect models, we analyzed the relationship between economic uncertainty and mental disorders in 110 countries from 1991 to 2019. Our analysis also explored whether this association varies across genders and age groups. Our analysis indicates that economic uncertainty is associated with higher prevalence rates of anxiety and major depressive disorders, though no similar association is observed for eating disorders. In the subgroup analyses, while females have a significant association exclusively with anxiety disorders, males have associations with anxiety and major depressive disorders. The age-specific analyses show that economic uncertainty is associated with anxiety disorders for almost all age groups above 15 years, except for ages between 40 and 54. For major depressive disorders, this association becomes significant after the 40-44 age group. However, we see no significant association among age groups for eating disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Sarı
- School of Business and Economics, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Division for Health and Social Sciences, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Oslo, Norway
| | - Buse Şencan Karakuş
- Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Ender Demir
- Department of Business Administration, School of Social Sciences, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chu Y. Labor market discrimination and suicidal ideation: A longitudinal study of Korean women. Soc Sci Med 2024; 354:117080. [PMID: 38971044 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of gender discrimination in the labor market on suicidal ideation among Korean women, taking into consideration women's multiple social locations and their discriminatory experiences across various aspects of employment. Analysis using waves 4 to 8 data of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Family, with response rates ranging from 68.3% to 78.2%, indicates that gender discrimination in hiring, dismissal, promotion, job allocation, training, wage, and sexual harassment is strongly associated with suicidal thoughts among women. This relationship remains significant even after controlling for stress, depression, and other forms of discrimination. Subgroup analysis further highlights that women with lower income levels are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of gender discrimination. The findings underscore the importance of policy intervention to mitigate labor market discrimination against women as a crucial step in preventing suicides among Korean women.
Collapse
|
3
|
England C, Jarrom D, Washington J, Hasler E, Batten L, Edwards A, Lewis R. Methodological approaches to measuring mental health in a cost-of-living crisis: A rapid review. Health Policy 2024; 144:105062. [PMID: 38615626 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105062] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-of-living crises are damaging to population mental health and require a public health response. It is important to assess whether public health interventions are effective. We aimed to identify population-level methods and measures and the appropriateness of the measures for vulnerable populations. METHODS A rapid evidence review was undertaken. Nineteen databases, including grey literature, were searched for evidence published between 1970 and April 2023. RESULTS Seven reviews, nine primary studies and two reports from grey literature were identified. Methods consisted of analyses of existing data from national or regional cohort studies, household panel surveys, repeated cross-sectional surveys, routine medical data, or data on suicide death rates. Twelve brief validated mental health measurement tools, embedded in population-level surveys, were identified. Two quasi-experimental studies used data from a UK household panel survey to examine the impact of the introduction of specific welfare policies on mental health. Studies identified socio-economic vulnerabilities, but it was not possible to determine whether data were effectively captured from people from minority ethnic groups. CONCLUSION Population-level surveys can be used in quasi-experimental studies to measure the effects of a public health initiative with specific roll out dates to tackle cost-of-living impacts. It is unclear as to whether the identified methods and tools are suitable for use with people from minority ethnic groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Adrian Edwards
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Lewis
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Bangor University, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hosseinzadeh-Shanjani Z, Khodayari-Zarnaq R, Khosravi MF, Arab-Zozani M, Alizadeh G. Factors affecting major depression in Iran: a mixed-method study. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2024; 43:73. [PMID: 38802965 PMCID: PMC11131193 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a major cause of disability and, if left untreated, can increase the risk of suicide. Evidence on the determinants of depression is incomplete, making it challenging to interpret results across studies. This study aims to identify the social, economic, environmental, political, and technological factors influencing the great recession in Iran. The study was conducted in two parts. The first step involved a literature review to identify the factors, using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for the search. The reference lists of all identified articles were reviewed to find relevant studies, and the extracted information was summarized and reported descriptively. The second steps involved compiling and consulting 14 experts from different fields, using a framework analysis method. Twenty-four articles were used as primary sources of information, and a total of 28 factors were found to exist. After removing duplicates and related factors, 19 of these were subsequently declared as factors, resulting in a total of 36 determinants being identified. Most of these factors belong to the social category. The health policies implemented have a significant impact on disease risk factors and ultimately their occurrence. Political decisions and policy-making processes play a crucial role in all areas, particularly in addressing disease risk factors. Severe depression can disrupt all aspects of the healthcare system, underscoring the importance of access to care. Policies concerning physical education, transportation, nutrition, employment, green spaces, recreational facilities, and tobacco are vital in this context. The influence of health policies on disease risk factors and disease occurrence is profound. Severe depression can have far-reaching effects on the healthcare system, emphasizing the critical need for access to care. The formulation of policies to combat depression must be thoroughly evaluated in terms of economic, political, social, technological, and environmental factors. The findings suggest that addressing social inequalities and emphasizing the role of political action, as highlighted by the social determinants of health, should be top priorities in addressing depression. Efforts to prevent depression should incorporate ecological approaches that consider the impact of the socioeconomic environment on depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farough Khosravi
- Department of Health economics and management, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Arab-Zozani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Gisoo Alizadeh
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yan G, Zhang Y, Wang S, Yan Y, Liu M, Tian M, Tian W. Global, regional, and national temporal trend in burden of major depressive disorder from 1990 to 2019: An analysis of the global burden of disease study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115958. [PMID: 38772160 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115958] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Comprehensive description of the global burden of MDD and its attributable risk factors is essential for policymaking but currently lacking. In this study, we aim to estimate the burden of MDD in terms of incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability (YLDs), along with its attributable risk factors at global, regional, and rational level between 1990 and 2019, using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Data analysis was completed on July 1, 2023. In 2019, 274.80 million (95 % uncertainty interval [UI], 241.28 to 312.77) new cases of MDD were identified globally, with an increase of 59 % from 1990. A total of 37.20 million (25.65 to 51.22) YLDs were attributable to MDD, accounting for the largest proportion of mental disorder YLDs (29.7 %). Countries in the low sociodemographic index quantile exhibited the highest age-standardized incidence rate of MDD, with Uganda (7836.2, per 100,000 person-years, 6713.7 to 9181.1) and Palestine (7687.7, 6546.1 to 9023.9) reporting the highest rates among them. The United States had the highest increase in age-standardized rates, with an average annual percent change of 0.99. Females had 1.6 times higher age-standardised rates than males, ranging from 1.2 (Oceania) to 2.2 (tropical Latin America) times across 21 regions. Globally, the proportions of YLDs due to MDD attributable to bullying victimization, childhood sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence were 4.86 %, 5.46 %, and 8.43 % in 2019, respectively. The heavy burden of MDD serves as a stark reminder that a coordinated response from governments and health communities is urgently needed to scale up mental health services and implement effective interventions, particularly in low-income countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangcan Yan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yafeng Zhang
- Institute for Hospital Management of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shanjie Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yun Yan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Meina Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Maoyi Tian
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; Department of Cell Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; School of Public Health, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eicher SC, Wilhelm J, Mauz E, Junker S, Hölling H, Schmid L, Thom J. [A Continuous Literature Review for Mental Health Surveillance during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Germany - Method, Selected Results and Lessons Learned]. PSYCHIATRISCHE PRAXIS 2024; 51:178-188. [PMID: 38552640 DOI: 10.1055/a-2241-4148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
In order to provide an up-to-date overview on changes in population's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, a continuous literature review was conducted. Building on a rapid review, systematic and hand searches were conducted monthly until December 31, 2022. Studies were assessed for observation periods, risk of bias and outcomes. Trends in depressive symptoms in adults were summarized by vote counting. 102 publications were included from 62 studies in the adult population. Studies declined over the course of the pandemic. Overall, 37% of the studies and 56% of the publications can assess trends in the population reliably. Among evidence for changes in depressive symptoms deteriorations predominated at last. The heterogeneity of results published by the end of 2022 limits evidence syntheses. Evidence of deterioration requires further surveillance. A continuous review can indicate evidence gaps at an early stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Wilhelm
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch - Institut, Berlin
| | - Elvira Mauz
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch - Institut, Berlin
| | - Stephan Junker
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch - Institut, Berlin
| | - Heike Hölling
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch - Institut, Berlin
| | - Lorenz Schmid
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch - Institut, Berlin
| | - Julia Thom
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch - Institut, Berlin
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sharif-Nia H, Sánchez-Teruel D, Sivarajan Froelicher E, Hejazi S, Hosseini L, Khoshnavay Fomani F, Moshtagh M, Mollaei F, Goudarzian AH, Babaei A. Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale: a systematic review psychometrics properties using the COSMIN. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2976-2991. [PMID: 38694299 PMCID: PMC11060289 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psychometrical evaluation of persons of diverse contexts and different populations, including general or clinical. Objective This review study aimed to evaluate the psychometrics quality of resilience scales. Methods International and Iranian databases were searched with MESH terms, including "psychometric", "validity", "reliability", "Connor-Davidson resilience scale", "Resilience scale", for published articles up to 1 February 2023. For each of the selected studies, the risk of bias was evaluated using the COSMIN Risk of Bias Checklist. Then the COSMIN checklist was used to evaluate the entire text of the article for methodological quality. Results Considering the inclusion criteria, 80 documents were evaluated. According to the COSMIN's criteria for evaluating the risk of bias, the current study findings revealed the included studies' limitations in assessing the three versions of CD-RISC cross-cultural and content validity as well as their stability (e.g. conducting test re-test), whereas the majority of psychometric studies of CD-RISC-25, and CD-RISC-2 rated as very good or adequate in terms of structural validity. In terms of quality assessment of the included studies, the current study indicated that investigating the structural validity of the CD-RISC was mainly done based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis was absent. Conclusion The general result indicates the acceptability of the quality of the studies. However, concerns for measurement properties such as responsiveness and criterion validity as well as the standard error of measurement have been neglected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Sharif-Nia
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Addiction Institute Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Nursing, Amol Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - David Sánchez-Teruel
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Erika Sivarajan Froelicher
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine, University of California Sand Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sima Hejazi
- Bojnurd Faculty of Nursing, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Lida Hosseini
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mozhgan Moshtagh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand Iran
| | | | - Amir Hossein Goudarzian
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Amir Babaei
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
González-Rodríguez R, Gandoy-Crego M, Vilaça T. Editorial: Social determinants and psychosocial factors that impact on health status. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1405206. [PMID: 38737956 PMCID: PMC11082384 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1405206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén González-Rodríguez
- Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Estudos en Traballo Social: Investigación e Transferencia (GETS-IT), Ourense, Spain
- Social Work Studies Group: Research and Transfer (GETS-IT), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Manuel Gandoy-Crego
- Department of Psychiatry, Radiology, Public Health, Nursing and Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Teresa Vilaça
- Institute of Education at the University of Minho, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu XQ, Wang X. Adolescent suicide risk factors and the integration of social-emotional skills in school-based prevention programs. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:494-506. [PMID: 38659598 PMCID: PMC11036461 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i4.494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Adolescents are considered one of the most vulnerable groups affected by suicide. Rapid changes in adolescents' physical and mental states, as well as in their lives, significantly and undeniably increase the risk of suicide. Psychological, social, family, individual, and environmental factors are important risk factors for suicidal behavior among teenagers and may contribute to suicide risk through various direct, indirect, or combined pathways. Social-emotional learning is considered a powerful intervention measure for addressing the crisis of adolescent suicide. When deliberately cultivated, fostered, and enhanced, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, interpersonal skills, and responsible decision-making, as the five core competencies of social-emotional learning, can be used to effectively target various risk factors for adolescent suicide and provide necessary mental and interpersonal support. Among numerous suicide intervention methods, school-based interventions based on social-emotional competence have shown great potential in preventing and addressing suicide risk factors in adolescents. The characteristics of school-based interventions based on social-emotional competence, including their appropriateness, necessity, cost-effectiveness, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness, make these interventions an important means of addressing the crisis of adolescent suicide. To further determine the potential of school-based interventions based on social-emotional competence and better address the issue of adolescent suicide, additional financial support should be provided, the combination of social-emotional learning and other suicide prevention programs within schools should be fully leveraged, and cooperation between schools and families, society, and other environments should be maximized. These efforts should be considered future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Qiao Liu
- School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sánchez-Castro JC, Pilz González L, Arias-Murcia SE, Mahecha-Bermeo VA, Stock C, Heinrichs K. Mental health among adolescents exposed to social inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1342361. [PMID: 38660361 PMCID: PMC11041031 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1342361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Adolescents from Latin America and the Caribbean grow up in a context of social inequality, which diminishes their well-being and leads to impaired emotional-cognitive development. To understand the problem, it is important to synthesize the available research about it. This study aims to explore the knowledge about adolescents' mental health in Latin America and the Caribbean exposed to social inequality. Methods A systematic scoping review was conducted encompassing a search in five databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and LILACS) in June 2022. Articles of various typologies were included without time limit. After two rounds of screening, relevant data were manually extracted and synthesized into self-constructed themes using thematic analysis. Results Out of 8,825 retrieved records, 42 papers were included in the final review, with a predominance of quantitative approaches. The synthesis revealed two main analytical themes: (a) defining social inequality, wherein intersecting inequalities produce discrimination and determine conditions for social vulnerability; (b) social inequality and mental health, which highlights the association between socio-structural difficulties and emotional problems, amplifying vulnerability to mental ill health and poor mental health care. Conclusion The scientific evidence reveals that social inequality is related to impaired well-being and mental ill health on the one hand and a lack of access to mental health care on the other hand.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Carolina Sánchez-Castro
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Pilz González
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Christiane Stock
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katherina Heinrichs
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Panchamia J, Sinha A, Pandya A. From Campus to Crisis: Psychological Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indian Management Students. Cureus 2024; 16:e57330. [PMID: 38690473 PMCID: PMC11060391 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected students pursuing higher education, but limited studies highlight student's psychological experiences, especially from Western India. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to understand psychological experiences, coping behaviors, and the perceived role of tele-counseling services among final-year students of Masters of Business Administration from leading business schools (B-schools) in Western India. DESIGN A qualitative research design was adopted for the study. A semi-structured interview guide was utilized to conduct in-depth interviews with 35 students. Students were reached via personal networks and social media, and data was gathered after the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A thematic analysis technique was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS The findings showed that management students had upsetting psychological experiences. Key stressors that emerged in the study were job concerns, lifestyle changes, concerns about their own and parents' health and safety, uncertainty about the future, and social isolation. They expressed the need for mental health help; however, they were reluctant to utilize tele-counseling services. The authors present an integrated psychological well-being model for promoting positive mental health among students in higher education institutions. CONCLUSION The study explains the psychological toll on management students. Enhancing mental health literacy through awareness sessions and other innovative means would be critical to addressing myths around mental health and mental healthcare-seeking behavior in higher education institutions. An integrated approach to promoting positive mental health and well-being is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jallavi Panchamia
- Health Policy, Management and Behavioural Science, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, IND
| | | | - Apurvakumar Pandya
- Medicine, Parul Institute of Public Health, Parul University, Vadodara, IND
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thomson RM, Kopasker D, Bronka P, Richiardi M, Khodygo V, Baxter AJ, Igelström E, Pearce A, Leyland AH, Katikireddi SV. Short-term impacts of Universal Basic Income on population mental health inequalities in the UK: A microsimulation modelling study. PLoS Med 2024; 21:e1004358. [PMID: 38437214 PMCID: PMC10947674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population mental health in the United Kingdom (UK) has deteriorated, alongside worsening socioeconomic conditions, over the last decade. Policies such as Universal Basic Income (UBI) have been suggested as an alternative economic approach to improve population mental health and reduce health inequalities. UBI may improve mental health (MH), but to our knowledge, no studies have trialled or modelled UBI in whole populations. We aimed to estimate the short-term effects of introducing UBI on mental health in the UK working-age population. METHODS AND FINDINGS Adults aged 25 to 64 years were simulated across a 4-year period from 2022 to 2026 with the SimPaths microsimulation model, which models the effects of UK tax/benefit policies on mental health via income, poverty, and employment transitions. Data from the nationally representative UK Household Longitudinal Study were used to generate the simulated population (n = 25,000) and causal effect estimates. Three counterfactual UBI scenarios were modelled from 2023: "Partial" (value equivalent to existing benefits), "Full" (equivalent to the UK Minimum Income Standard), and "Full+" (retaining means-tested benefits for disability, housing, and childcare). Likely common mental disorder (CMD) was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12, score ≥4). Relative and slope indices of inequality were calculated, and outcomes stratified by gender, age, education, and household structure. Simulations were run 1,000 times to generate 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Sensitivity analyses relaxed SimPaths assumptions about reduced employment resulting from Full/Full+ UBI. Partial UBI had little impact on poverty, employment, or mental health. Full UBI scenarios practically eradicated poverty but decreased employment (for Full+ from 78.9% [95% UI 77.9, 79.9] to 74.1% [95% UI 72.6, 75.4]). Full+ UBI increased absolute CMD prevalence by 0.38% (percentage points; 95% UI 0.13, 0.69) in 2023, equivalent to 157,951 additional CMD cases (95% UI 54,036, 286,805); effects were largest for men (0.63% [95% UI 0.31, 1.01]) and those with children (0.64% [95% UI 0.18, 1.14]). In our sensitivity analysis assuming minimal UBI-related employment impacts, CMD prevalence instead fell by 0.27% (95% UI -0.49, -0.05), a reduction of 112,228 cases (95% UI 20,783, 203,673); effects were largest for women (-0.32% [95% UI -0.65, 0.00]), those without children (-0.40% [95% UI -0.68, -0.15]), and those with least education (-0.42% [95% UI -0.97, 0.15]). There was no effect on educational mental health inequalities in any scenario, and effects waned by 2026. The main limitations of our methods are the model's short time horizon and focus on pathways from UBI to mental health solely via income, poverty, and employment, as well as the inability to integrate macroeconomic consequences of UBI; future iterations of the model will address these limitations. CONCLUSIONS UBI has potential to improve short-term population mental health by reducing poverty, particularly for women, but impacts are highly dependent on whether individuals choose to remain in employment following its introduction. Future research modelling additional causal pathways between UBI and mental health would be beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Thomson
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Kopasker
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Patryk Bronka
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Essex, England, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Richiardi
- Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Essex, England, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir Khodygo
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Baxter
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Igelström
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Pearce
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair H. Leyland
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - S. Vittal Katikireddi
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guillaume M, Haghighi S, Goudard P, Ruelle Y. Experiences of a Circus Performance Among Patients with Depressive Symptoms: A Phenomenological Study. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 38411688 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Support can be provided by the arts. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with depressive symptoms after a circus performance. Methods: A qualitative research study using a phenomenological approach was carried out. The design was approved by an ethics committee. Volunteers were referred by general practitioners to an ambulatory cultural program and were invited to express their experience throughout interviews that were analyzed with the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. Results: Twelve patients participated in the interviews. The effect on the patient was linked to interactions with the performance. It was an effective way of socializing for patients. The show offered patients distance from their daily difficulties. The circus provided specific elements as a resource for patient empowerment. The experience lived by patients during a circus performance is a cognitive phenomenon inducing an influence on the spectator with depressive symptoms. A beneficial effect depended on the artistic content selected, the support offered by the organization operator, and the medical orientation. Conclusions: The observations characterized the emotional reception of a circus show among people. This study invites further exploration of the impact of circus art on the quality of life of patients with depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maddly Guillaume
- Département Universitaire de Médecine Générale (DUMG), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Sophie Haghighi
- Département Universitaire de Médecine Générale (DUMG), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
- Centres Municipaux de Santé Universitaires, Ville de Pantin, Pantin, France
| | - Philippe Goudard
- Département Arts du Spectacle (Section 18), Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire RIRRA21 (EA 4209), Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Ruelle
- Département Universitaire de Médecine Générale (DUMG), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
- Centres Municipaux de Santé Universitaires, Ville de Pantin, Pantin, France
- Laboratoire Éducations et Promotion de la Santé (LEPS), UR 3412, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Laker B, Weisz N, Vassolo R. Countercyclical approach to enhancing health and well-being in healthcare systems: strategies for economic resilience and sustainable care. BMJ LEADER 2024:leader-2023-000873. [PMID: 38408842 DOI: 10.1136/leader-2023-000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia Weisz
- IAE Business School, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Vassolo
- IAE Business School, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jeremic JV, Mihaljevic JM, Radosavljevic ILJ, Jurisic MM, Suđecki BJ, Stojicic MT, Jovanović MD, Pavlovic Z, Radenovic KG, Milic NV, Pavlovic V, Milic NM, Jovic MS. Trend of suicide by self-immolation in a 13-year timeline: was the COVID-19 pandemic a potentially important stressor? Front Public Health 2024; 12:1234584. [PMID: 38450141 PMCID: PMC10914977 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1234584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Self-immolation is an uncommon way of attempting and committing a suicide, with a fatality rate of 80%. The risk factors in self-immolation victims vary depending on demographic characteristics, socio-economic and cultural factors as well as religious beliefs. Whether the COVID-19 pandemic was a potentially important stressor for self-immolation is still unknown, with insufficient studies examining this issue. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the trend of self-immolation in a 13-year timeline, and the potential association of COVID-19 pandemic with the increase in the incidence and severity of self-immolation injuries in Serbia in 2021. Materials and methods The study included hospitalized patients due to intentional burns caused by self-immolation in the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2021. Joinpoint regression analysis was used for the analysis of continuous linear trends of self-immolation cases with change points. Results While a rising trend was observed in the 2008-2013 time segment, followed by a decline in the upcoming 2013-2016 time segment, a significant increase reached its maximum during COVID-19 pandemic (2021), with annual percent change of 37.1% (p = 0.001). A significant increase in the median number of cases per year was observed during 2021 compared to the previous periods (7.5 vs. 2). Frequency of patients with a psychiatric diagnosis vs. those without a psychiatric diagnosis was significantly higher during than before the COVID-19 period (66.7 vs. 36.1%, p = 0.046). Conclusion In our study, a significant increase in the frequency of suicide attempts by self-immolation during COVID-19 pandemic was noticed. There was also an increased frequency of pre-existing psychiatric illness among patients during the pandemic period. With limited high-quality data available, the study adds to a rising body of evidence for assessment of outcomes of the pandemic on mental health and recognition of stressors for self-immolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena V. Jeremic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan M. Mihaljevic
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivan L. J. Radosavljevic
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milana M. Jurisic
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branko J. Suđecki
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan T. Stojicic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan D. Jovanović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorana Pavlovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Psychiatry, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Kristina G. Radenovic
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola V. Milic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vedrana Pavlovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa M. Milic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko S. Jovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yeboah Asiamah-Asare BK, Peprah P, Adu C, Ahinkorah BO, Addo IY. Associations of nuptiality perceptions, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors with mental health status in Australian adults: Analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296941. [PMID: 38354107 PMCID: PMC10866460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the association of nuptial/relationship factors, financial difficulties, and socio-demographic factors with the mental health status of Australian adults. DESIGN Cross-sectional quantitative study design. SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey wave 19, 6846 adults were included in the analysis. Mental health was measured using the mental component summary (MCS) subscale of the Short-Form Health Survey SF-36. Hierarchical multiple linear regressions were used to examine the predictors of mental health status. RESULTS Overall, 7.1% of the participants reported poor mental health status. Individual financial difficulty factors explained 3.2% (p<0.001) of the variance in mental health scores. In addition, financial difficulties were negatively associated with mental health status. Nuptiality and relationship factors accounted for 9.8% (p<0.001) of the variance in mental health status. CONCLUSION The study suggests negative marital or relationship perceptions and financial difficulties are significant factors accounting for poor mental health. This finding suggests the need for more policy attention toward the social determinants of poor mental health especially nuptiality or relationship perceptions which have received less policy and research attention in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Kwadwo Yeboah Asiamah-Asare
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Prince Peprah
- Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Collins Adu
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Disability Studies, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Centre for Social Research in Health; UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isaac Yeboah Addo
- Centre for Social Research in Health; UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lepori GM, Morgan S, Assarian BA, Mishra T. Economic activity and suicides: Causal evidence from macroeconomic shocks in England and Wales. Soc Sci Med 2024; 342:116538. [PMID: 38181719 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116538] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The relationship between economic activity and suicides has been the subject of much scrutiny, but the focus in the extant literature has been almost exclusively on estimating associations rather than causal effects. In this paper, using data from England and Wales between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2017, we propose a plausible set of assumptions to estimate the causal impacts of well-known macroeconomic variables on the daily suicide rate. Our identification strategy relies on scheduled macroeconomic announcements and professional economic forecasts. An important advantage of using these variables to model suicide rates is that they can efficiently capture the elements of 'surprise or shock' via the observed difference between how the economy actually performed and how it was expected to perform. Provided that professional forecasts are unbiased and efficient, the estimated 'surprises or shocks' are 'as good as random', and therefore are exogenous. We employ time series regressions and present robust evidence that these exogenous macroeconomic shocks affect the suicide rate. Overall, our results are consistent with economic theory that shocks that reduce estimated permanent income, and therefore expected lifetime utility, can propel suicide rates. Specifically, at the population level, negative shocks to consumer confidence and house prices accelerate the suicide rate. However, there is evidence of behavioural heterogeneity between sexes, states of the economy, and levels of public trust in government. Negative shocks to the retail price index (RPI) raise the suicide rate for males. Negative shocks to the growth rate in gross domestic product (GDP) raise the population suicide rate when the economy is doing poorly. When public trust in government is low, increases in the unemployment rate increase the suicide rate for females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Borna A Assarian
- University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; University Hospital of Southampton, NHS, Southampton, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Binbay T, Erel B, Set RT, Kırlı U, Ergül C, Elbi H, Alptekin K. The association of social inequality with the onset, persistence, and progression of psychotic experiences along the extended psychosis phenotype: a 6-year follow-up study in a community-based sample. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:51-64. [PMID: 36682026 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02422-2] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper aims to investigate associations between early childhood and current indicators of socioeconomic inequality and the onset (incident), persistence and progression (increase in severity) of psychotic experiences (PEs) in a longitudinal follow-up of a community-based population. METHODS Households in the metropolitan area of Izmir, Turkey were contacted in a multistage clustered probability sampling frame, at baseline (T1, n = 4011) and at 6-year follow-up (T2, n = 2185). Both at baseline and follow-up, PEs were assessed using Composite International Diagnostic Interview 2.1. The associations between baseline socioeconomic features and follow-up PEs were analysed using logistic regression models. Indicators of social inequality included income, educational level, current socioeconomic status (SES), social insurance, the area resided, ethnicity, parental educational level, and SES at birth. RESULTS The risk of onset of PEs was significantly higher in lower education, lower SES, and slum-semi-urban areas. The persistence of PEs was significantly associated with the lowest levels of education and current SES, and rural residency. Persistent PEs were significantly and negatively associated with paternal SES at birth. Progression of PEs was significantly higher among respondents with educational achievements lower than university level and lower levels of SES, who have no social insurance and who reside in slum-semi-urban areas. Parental education and paternal SES at birth were not associated with the persistence of PEs. CONCLUSION Indicators of social inequality (low education, low SES, low income, and poverty in the neighbourhood) were associated with the onset and persistence of PEs and progression along the extended psychosis phenotype. The early indicators seem to have a modest life-long impact on the psychosis phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Binbay
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.
| | | | - Rana Tibet Set
- Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg|Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Umut Kırlı
- Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ceylan Ergül
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hayriye Elbi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Köksal Alptekin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, 35340, Izmir, Turkey
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Raihan MMH, Chowdhury N, Chowdhury MZI, Turin TC. Involuntary delayed retirement and mental health of older adults. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:169-177. [PMID: 37403767 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2230927] [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: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the association of multiple mental health measures with involuntary delayed retirement (IDR) in working older adults (≥ 65 years) in the USA. METHODS Data were derived from the Health and Retirement Study, focusing on two combined waves of working older adults in 2010 and 2012. IDR was measured as the desire to stop working but the inability to do so due to financial constraints. In addition, mental health outcomes included depression, anxiety, anger-in, and anger-out. Using Stata 16.0, primary analyses were conducted for descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. The odds ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Older adults who reported IDR were more likely to have depression (OR = 3.20, CI = 1.03-9.88), anxiety (OR = 2.12, CI = 1.00-5.18), and anger-in (OR = 1.71, CI = 1.12-2.60) compared to those who did not report IDR. However, IDR was not significantly associated with anger-out in older adults who worked past the traditional retirement age. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that IDR is likely to act as a stressor and affects the mental health of older adults aged 65 and more. Policymakers should pay more attention to helping older adults maintain positive mental health even if they are required to work past retirement age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M H Raihan
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Sociology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- The O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nashit Chowdhury
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- The O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mohammad Z I Chowdhury
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- The O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Tanvir C Turin
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- The O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Casal B, Iglesias E, Rivera B, Currais L, Storti CC. Identifying the impact of the business cycle on drug-related harms in European countries. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 122:104240. [PMID: 37890393 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104240] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence resulting from the analysis of the association between economic fluctuations and their impact on the substance use is mixed and inconclusive. Effects can be pro-cyclical (drug-related harms are predicted to rise when economic conditions improve), counter-cyclical (drug-related harms are predicted to rise in bad economic times) or unrelated to business cycle conditions as different transmission mechanisms could operate simultaneously. METHODS The main aim of this study is to assess, from a macroeconomic perspective, the impact of economic cycles on illegal drug-related harms in European countries over the 2000-2020 period. To this end, the regime-dependent relationship between drug-related harm, proxied by unemployment, and the business cycle, proxied by overdose deaths will be identified. Applying a time dynamic linear analysis, within the framework of threshold panel data models, structural-breaks will also be tested. RESULTS The relationship between economic cycles (proxied by unemployment) and drug-related harms (proxied by overdose deaths) is negative, and therefore found to be pro-cyclical. One percentage point in the country unemployment rate is predicted to reduce the overdose death rate by a statistically significant percentage of 2.42. A counter-cyclical component was identified during the 2008 economic recession. The threshold model captures two effects: when unemployment rates are lower than the estimated thresholds, ranging from 3.92% to 4.12%, drug-related harms and unemployment have a pro-cyclical relationship. However, when unemployment rates are higher than this threshold, this relationship becomes counter-cyclical. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between economic cycles and drug-related harms is pro-cyclical. However, in situations of economic downturns, a counter-cyclical effect is detected, as identified during the 2008 economic recession.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casal
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Economy. University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Emma Iglesias
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Economy. University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Berta Rivera
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Economy. University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - Luis Currais
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Economy. University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Claudia Costa Storti
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Blázquez M, Sánchez-Mangas R. General and COVID19-specific emotional stress: Religious practice as a potential coping strategy. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2023; 51:101284. [PMID: 37531911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Using Spanish microdata from the Survey on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic conducted in February 2021 by the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), this paper aims at identifying individual factors associated with an increased risk of mental or emotional distress arising from two different sources: a general pattern of depression or anxiety and distress specifically associated with the pandemic as measured by fears and worries about one's own or others' lives and job and income insecurity due to the COVID-19 health crisis. We explore gender differences in both types of mental distress as well as the role of individual religiosity, measured as religious beliefs and behaviours, as a potential coping strategy. In both general and COVID-specific mental distress, our results provide evidence of gender differences in the risk of suffering these conditions, with a higher incidence among women. We also find that religious beliefs and practice seem to have served as a coping strategy that has allowed females to narrow the gender gap, particularly for practising Catholics. The evidence is stronger for mental distress associated with anxiety or depression. However, it is still present, albeit to a lesser extent, for suffering caused by pandemic-related mental stressors. Our results suggest that religious practices and beliefs might play a key role in alleviating additional distress symptoms caused by emergency situations such as those suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maite Blázquez
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Teoría Económica e Historia Económica, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Campus de Cantoblanco, Ctra. de Colmenar, km.15, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rocío Sánchez-Mangas
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Economía Cuantitativa, Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Campus de Cantoblanco, Ctra. de Colmenar, km.15, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu G, Liu W, Zheng X, Li J. The higher the household income, the lower the possibility of depression and anxiety disorder: evidence from a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1264174. [PMID: 38053539 PMCID: PMC10694246 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1264174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Observational studies have demonstrated that household income is associated with morbidity of mental disorders. However, a causal relationship between the two factors remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the causal relationship between household income status and genetic liability of mental disorders using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Methods This MR study included a large cohort of the European population from publicly available genome-wide association study datasets. A random-effects inverse-variance weighting model was used as the main standard, with MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and maximum likelihood estimations performed concurrently as supplements. Sensitivity analysis, consisting of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy tests, was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO tests to ensure the reliability of the conclusions. Results A higher household income tended to be associated with a lower risk of genetic liability for depression (odds ratio [OR]: 0.655, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.522-0.822, p < 0.001) and anxiety disorder (OR: 0.666, 95% CI = 0.526-0.843, p < 0.001). No associations were observed for schizophrenia (OR: 0.678, 95% CI = 0.460-1.000, p = 0.05), panic disorder (OR: 0.837, 95% CI = 0.445-1.577, p = 0.583), insomnia (OR: 1.051, 95% CI = 0.556-1.986, p = 0.877), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR: 1.421, 95% CI = 0.778-2.596, p = 0.252), and bipolar disorder (OR: 1.126, 95% CI = 0.757-1.677, p = 0.556). A reverse MR study showed no reverse causal relationship between psychiatric disorders and household income. Sensitivity analysis verified the reliability of the results. Conclusion Our results revealed that the population with a higher household income tended to have a minor risk of genetic liability in depression and anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangyan Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Wenlin Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xifeng Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Junyan Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Talamonti D, Schneider J, Gibson B, Forshaw M. The impact of national and international financial crises on mental health and well-being: a systematic review. J Ment Health 2023:1-38. [PMID: 37934869 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2023.2278104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that financial crises and poor mental health are reciprocally related, but no systematic review has been conducted to synthesise the existing literature on the impact of national and international financial crises on population-level mental health and well-being. AIMS The aim of this study was to systematically review the available literature on the global impact of financial crises on mental health and well-being outcomes. METHODS After registration on PROSPERO, a systematic search was conducted in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Wiley, and Web of Science for papers published until 21 November 2022. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, 98 papers were identified as meeting eligibility criteria. Included studies were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and results were presented in a formal narrative synthesis. RESULTS Our findings show that financial crises are significantly associated with well-being and occurrence of psychological conditions. Several socio-demographic, cultural, and country-specific characteristics played a crucial role in the prevention of population mental health decline in periods of financial crises. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings of this review, evidence-based recommendations were developed to guide the design of policy actions that protect population mental health during and after financial crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Talamonti
- AXDEV Group Inc, Québec, Canada
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jekaterina Schneider
- Centre for Appearance Research, School of Social Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Benjamin Gibson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Mark Forshaw
- Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang L, Gagné T, McMunn A. Changes in economic activity and mental distress among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences between the first and second infection waves in the UK. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292540. [PMID: 37851662 PMCID: PMC10584092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292540] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While infection rates, lockdown policies, and labor market conditions substantially varied across COVID-19 waves, the majority of evidence on young adults' mental health remains focused on initial responses in early 2020. The variability of the relationship between economic activity and mental health over time therefore remains poorly understood in this age group. METHODS Using linear mixed models, we investigated the relationship between current activity and changes in activity and mental distress (GHQ-12) among 1,390 young adults aged 16-34 via the UK Household Longitudinal Study COVID-19 survey. The association was explored in the first (from April to July 2020) and second (from September 2020 to March 2021) infection waves. Current activity was defined as "not working", "working <17.5 hours/week", "17.5-35 hours/week", and "> = 35 hours/week". Changes in activity were derived from current and pre-pandemic working hours and divided into four categories: "working with no reduced hours", "working fewer hours", "no longer working", and "did not work before the pandemic". RESULTS During the first wave, no association reached statistical significance. During the second wave: 1) compared to "currently not working", working 35 or more hours was associated with decreased distress (b = -1.54; 95%CI -2.39, -0.69) and working less than 17.5 hours was not (b = -0.62; 95%CI -1.66, 0.41); 2) compared to "working with no reduced hours compared with before the outbreak", no longer working was associated with increased distress (b = 1.58, 95%CI 0.61, 2.55) and working with reduced hours was not (b = 0.47, 95%CI -0.24, 1.17). CONCLUSION Above the mental health inequalities experienced at the start of the pandemic, full-time work-even with variation in work hours-continued to be a protective factor against mental distress among young adults during the second wave in the UK. Stable, full-time work can better support this age group's mental well-being over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linruo Zhang
- ESRC International Centre for Life Course Studies in Society & Health, Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thierry Gagné
- ESRC International Centre for Life Course Studies in Society & Health, Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne McMunn
- ESRC International Centre for Life Course Studies in Society & Health, Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jetha A, Bakhtari H, Rosella LC, Gignac MAM, Biswas A, Shahidi FV, Smith BT, Smith MJ, Mustard C, Khan N, Arrandale VH, Loewen PJ, Zuberi D, Dennerlein JT, Bonaccio S, Wu N, Irvin E, Smith PM. Artificial intelligence and the work-health interface: A research agenda for a technologically transforming world of work. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:815-830. [PMID: 37525007 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23517] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The labor market is undergoing a rapid artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. There is currently limited empirical scholarship that focuses on how AI adoption affects employment opportunities and work environments in ways that shape worker health, safety, well-being and equity. In this article, we present an agenda to guide research examining the implications of AI on the intersection between work and health. To build the agenda, a full day meeting was organized and attended by 50 participants including researchers from diverse disciplines and applied stakeholders. Facilitated meeting discussions aimed to set research priorities related to workplace AI applications and its impact on the health of workers, including critical research questions, methodological approaches, data needs, and resource requirements. Discussions also aimed to identify groups of workers and working contexts that may benefit from AI adoption as well as those that may be disadvantaged by AI. Discussions were synthesized into four research agenda areas: (1) examining the impact of stronger AI on human workers; (2) advancing responsible and healthy AI; (3) informing AI policy for worker health, safety, well-being, and equitable employment; and (4) understanding and addressing worker and employer knowledge needs regarding AI applications. The agenda provides a roadmap for researchers to build a critical evidence base on the impact of AI on workers and workplaces, and will ensure that worker health, safety, well-being, and equity are at the forefront of workplace AI system design and adoption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arif Jetha
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hela Bakhtari
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura C Rosella
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Temerty Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Education in Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Vector Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monique A M Gignac
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aviroop Biswas
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faraz V Shahidi
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brendan T Smith
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Health Promotion, Chronic Disease, and Injury Prevention, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maxwell J Smith
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cameron Mustard
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naimul Khan
- Depratment of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria H Arrandale
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter J Loewen
- Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniyal Zuberi
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jack T Dennerlein
- Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Work, Health, and Wellbeing, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Silvia Bonaccio
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Wu
- Department of Political Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Irvin
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter M Smith
- Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Köhler-Dauner F, Dalhof Gulde M, Hart L, Ziegenhain U, Fegert JM. The negative association of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with the health of mother and child considering maternal childhood maltreatment. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:292. [PMID: 37759267 PMCID: PMC10523770 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01327-8] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social distancing strategies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have left families facing a variety of different constraints. Especially in this stressful time, children need a stable parental home to prevent developmental consequences. Additional risk factors such as maternal childhood maltreatment (CM) may affect mother's psychosomatic health and children's physical well-being in this period. OBJECTIVE It was aimed to analyze the associations between maternal CM, mother's mental health, and children's physical complaints during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic. METHOD Mothers of a well-documented birth cohort from a longitudinal study were included in this study. Psychosomatic health was assessed with the PHQ-D and children's physical health with the GBB-KJ during the pandemic. N = 159 mothers completed the online survey. To describe the maternal CM, data from a longitudinal survey were used. RESULTS The calculation of three mediation analyses demonstrate that maternal depression symptoms (c-path: β = 0.10, p = .02; c'-path: β = 0.07, p = .13), somatic symptoms (c-path: β = 0.10, p = .02; c'-path: β = 0.07, p = .13) and psychosomatic symptoms (c-path: β = 0.10, p = .02; c'-path: β = 0.06, p = .19) fully mediate the relationship between CM and children's physical health complaints. CONCLUSIONS Maternal CM experiences seem to be one relevant risk factor during the pandemic and seem to influence the way in which parents deal with stressful situations and increase the risk for depressive symptoms. The present results highlight the importance to provide individually adjusted assistance to help the families to get through the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Köhler-Dauner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Ulm, Steinhövelstraße 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Manuela Dalhof Gulde
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Ulm, Steinhövelstraße 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lara Hart
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Ulm, Steinhövelstraße 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegenhain
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Ulm, Steinhövelstraße 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jörg M Fegert
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Ulm, Steinhövelstraße 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Demirer I, Pförtner TK. The Covid-19 pandemic as an accelerator of economic worries and labor-related mental health polarization in Germany? A longitudinal interacted mediation analysis with a difference-in-difference comparison. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101469. [PMID: 37538051 PMCID: PMC10393830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Labor-related mental health polarization refers to exposure to low-paid employment and unemployment decreasing mental health. Previous research identified economic worries as a key mediator. Against this background, the Covid-19 pandemic is often assumed to have accelerated already existing processes and affected vulnerable populations the most. Our study sought to investigate whether the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the mediation by economic worries between employment type and mental health. Method Using the German Socioeconomic Panel (GSOEP) from 2016 onwards, we created a pre-Covid-19 sample (N = 8266) and a per-Covid-19 sample (N = 7294), with each having a t0 wave (2016/2018) and a t1 wave (2018/2020). We applied the mediational g-formula for longitudinal mediation with exposure-mediator (XM) interaction between employment type (X) and economic worries (M). We decomposed the total effect into a direct, indirect, and interacted effect of employment on mental health and provided a difference-in-difference comparison of the effects. Results During the Covid-19 pandemic, economic worries increased, and mental health decreased. However, the mediation by economic worries reduced by approx. 18.0% (e.g., from 35.0% to 28.9%). A decreased indirect effect caused the reduction in mediation, while the direct and interacted effect remained rather stable. We also found stark gender differences towards males having a higher total effect but a lower mediated effect during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusion Our results highlight that mediators competing to economic worries must have emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. Such mediators could be the risk of infection at the workplace, the possibility of remote work, and gender-specific mediators. Our study is also the first to extend the mediational g-formula with the difference-in-difference approach. It can be used as a blueprint for researchers interested in evaluating the impact of events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, on preexisting processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Demirer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science (IMVR), Chair of Medical Sociology, Germany
| | - Timo-Kolja Pförtner
- Department of Research Methods, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Piiroinen I, Tuomainen TP, Tolmunen T, Kraav SL, Jarroch R, Voutilainen A. Change in sense of coherence mediates the association between economic recession and mortality among middle-aged men: A population-based cohort study from Eastern Finland. Soc Sci Med 2023; 332:116127. [PMID: 37531907 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116127] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
A financial recession has been associated with a decrease in all-cause mortality, but little is known about how psychosocial fluctuations in stress tolerance or orientation to life affect this association. Sense of Coherence (SOC) is a core construct in the Salutogenic Model of Health and is determined by generalized resistance resources and measures one's orientation to life by comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. We followed the mortality of a cohort of middle-aged Finnish men (n = 854) from the 1980s to the end of 2019. The cohort baseline was stratified into four age groups at baseline: 42, 48, 54, and 60. SOC was measured twice, at the baseline and at the 11-year follow-up visit. Between these SOC measurements, Finland confronted a deep financial recession, the effects of which were examined at the follow-up visit by questionnaires related to economic hardship (sum of nine items) and experience of the recession (one item). Using age group, marital status, employment status, and education as covariates, the change in SOC mediated both the economic hardship and the experience of recession relations to mortality: the indirect effects -19.57 (95% CI -43.23 to -0.92), and -26.82 (95% CI -59.52 to -0.61), respectively. Every one-point increase in economic hardship predicted about 2 and a half weeks shorter life expectancy, and those who experienced very strong disadvantages of economic recession had about 3 and a half months lower life expectancy by the end of 2019 than those who fully avoided the disadvantages. Furthermore, the younger age groups, 42 and 48, experienced the recession more severely than the older groups, 54 and 60. We conclude that following how orientation to life changes among middle-aged might be an informative approach after a recession.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilkka Piiroinen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Finland; School of Social Services and Health Care, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
| | - Tomi-Pekka Tuomainen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Tommi Tolmunen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Finland; Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine / Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Siiri-Liisi Kraav
- Institute of Clinical Medicine/Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Finland; Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Rand Jarroch
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Ari Voutilainen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Choi J, Kim M, Lee SW, Rhee SY, Yang H, Kim HJ, Kwon R, Koyanagi A, Smith L, Kim MS, Fond G, Boyer L, López Sánchez GF, Elena D, Cortese S, Shin JI, Lee H, Lee J, Rahmati M, Cho W, Yon DK. National trends in prevalence of sadness, counseling for sadness, and sleep time among Koreans amid pandemic, 2009-2021: A nationwide representative study of over 2.8 million individuals. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 87:103695. [PMID: 37480782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jungwoo Choi
- Department of Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minji Kim
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea.
| | - Sang Youl Rhee
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hwi Yang
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Jin Kim
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Rosie Kwon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Regulatory Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Min Seo Kim
- Medical and Population Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease Initiative, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guillaume Fond
- Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Research Centre on Health Services and Quality of Life, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Guillermo F López Sánchez
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Dragioti Elena
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York City, NY, USA; Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hayeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Jinseok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Wonyoung Cho
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
van Sprang ED, Maciejewski DF, Milaneschi Y, Kullberg MLJ, Elzinga BM, van Hemert AM, Hartman CA, Penninx BWJH. Weighing psychosocial factors in relatives for the risk of psychopathology: a study of patients with depressive and anxiety disorders and their siblings. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1213-1226. [PMID: 36790574 PMCID: PMC10366289 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02432-0] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Siblings of probands with depressive and anxiety disorders are at increased risk for psychopathology, but little is known about how risk factors operate within families to increase psychopathology for siblings. We examined the additional impact of psychosocial risk factors in probands-on top of or in combination with those in siblings-on depressive/anxious psychopathology in siblings. METHODS The sample included 636 participants (Mage = 49.7; 62.4% female) from 256 families, each including a proband with lifetime depressive and/or anxiety disorders and their sibling(s) (N = 380 proband-sibling pairs). Sixteen psychosocial risk factors were tested. In siblings, depressive and anxiety disorders were determined with standardized psychiatric interviews; symptom severity was measured using self-report questionnaires. Analyses were performed with mixed-effects models accounting for familial structure. RESULTS In siblings, various psychosocial risk factors (female gender, low income, childhood trauma, poor parental bonding, being single, smoking, hazardous alcohol use) were associated with higher symptomatology and likelihood of disorder. The presence of the same risk factor in probands was independently associated (low income, being single) with higher symptomatology in siblings or moderated (low education, childhood trauma, hazardous alcohol use)-by reducing its strength-the association between the risk factor and symptomatology in siblings. There was no additional impact of risk factors in probands on likelihood of disorder in siblings. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the importance of weighing psychosocial risk factors within a family context, as it may provide relevant information on the risk of affective psychopathology for individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonore D van Sprang
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Dominique F Maciejewski
- Department of Developmental Psychopathology, Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yuri Milaneschi
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bernet M Elzinga
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Albert M van Hemert
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Fahy K, Alexiou A, Daras K, Mason K, Bennett D, Taylor-Robinson D, Barr B. Mental health impact of cuts to local government spending on cultural, environmental and planning services in England: a longitudinal ecological study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1441. [PMID: 37501117 PMCID: PMC10375661 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16340-0] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade, there have been significant and unequal cuts to local authority (LA) budgets, across England. Cultural, environmental and planning (CEP) budgets have been cut by 17% between 2011 and 2019. This funding supports services such as parks, leisure centres, community development and libraries, all of which have potential to influence population mental health. We therefore investigated whether cuts to CEP services have affected mental health outcomes and the extent to which they have contributed to mental health inequalities between areas. METHODS Using fixed effects regression applied to longitudinal LA-level panel data in England, we assessed whether trends in CEP spend were associated with trends in mental health outcomes, between 2011 and 2019. The exposure was CEP spend and the primary outcome was the LA-average Small Area Mental Health Index (SAMHI). Additionally, we considered subcategories of CEP spend as secondary exposures, and antidepressant prescription rate and self-reported anxiety levels as secondary outcomes, both aggregated to LA-level. We adjusted all models for confounders and conducted subgroup analysis to examine differential mental health effects of spending cuts based on the level of area deprivation. RESULTS The average decrease in CEP spend of 15% over the period was associated with a 0.036 (95% CI: 0.005, 0.067) increase in SAMHI score, indicating worsening mental health. Amongst subcategories of CEP spending, cuts to planning and development services impacted mental health trends the most, with a 15% reduction in spend associated with a 0.018 (95% CI: 0.005, 0.031) increase in the SAMHI score. The association between cuts in CEP and deteriorating mental health was greater in more affluent areas. CONCLUSION Cuts to spending on cultural, environmental, planning and development services were associated with worsening population mental health in England. Impacts were driven by cuts to planning and development services in particular. Reinvesting in these services may contribute to improved public mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fahy
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK.
| | - Alexandros Alexiou
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
| | - Konstantinos Daras
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
| | - Kate Mason
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Health Policy, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Davara Bennett
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
| | - David Taylor-Robinson
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
| | - Ben Barr
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang A, Gagné T, Walsh D, Ciancio A, Proto E, McCartney G. Trends in psychological distress in Great Britain, 1991-2019: evidence from three representative surveys. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 77:468-473. [PMID: 37188500 PMCID: PMC10313989 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-219660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously improving UK mortality trends stalled around 2012, with evidence implicating economic policy as the cause. This paper examines whether trends in psychological distress across three population surveys show similar trends. METHODS We report the percentages reporting psychological distress (4+ in the 12-item General Health Questionnaire) from Understanding Society (Great Britain, 1991-2019), Scottish Health Survey (SHeS, 1995-2019) and Health Survey for England (HSE, 2003-2018) for the population overall, and stratified by sex, age and area deprivation. Summary inequality indices were calculated and segmented regressions fitted to identify breakpoints after 2010. RESULTS Psychological distress was higher in Understanding Society than in SHeS or HSE. There was slight improvement between 1992 and 2015 in Understanding Society (with prevalence declining from 20.6% to 18.6%) with some fluctuations. After 2015 there is some evidence of a worsening in psychological distress across surveys. Prevalence worsened notably among those aged 16-34 years after 2010 (all three surveys), and aged 35-64 years in Understanding Society and SHeS after 2015. In contrast, the prevalence declined in those aged 65+ years in Understanding Society after around 2008, with less clear trends in the other surveys. The prevalence was around twice as high in the most deprived compared with the least deprived areas, and higher in women, with trends by deprivation and sex similar to the populations overall. CONCLUSION Psychological distress worsened among working-age adults after around 2015 across British population surveys, mirroring the mortality trends. This indicates a widespread mental health crisis that predates the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anwen Zhang
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thierry Gagné
- International Centre for Lifecourse Studies in Society and Health, London, UK
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Walsh
- Glasgow Centre for Population Health, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alberto Ciancio
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eugenio Proto
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gerry McCartney
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wiedermann CJ, Barbieri V, Plagg B, Marino P, Piccoliori G, Engl A. Fortifying the Foundations: A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Mental Health Support in Educational Policies Amidst Crises. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101423. [PMID: 37239709 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent times, global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts have significantly impacted pupils' mental health. This opinion article presents evidence-based recommendations to bolster mental health support within educational systems, aiming to alleviate the psychological burden faced by students during these challenging times. This article argues that a proactive, holistic approach to mental health is essential for building a resilient educational infrastructure. More than ever, we support the call for the integration of mental health education into the core curriculum, equipping students with vital coping skills and fostering emotional intelligence. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of training educators and staff to identify and address mental health issues. Furthermore, this article highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration involving general practitioners, mental health professionals, community organizations, and policymakers in crafting and implementing support strategies. Educational institutions can effectively leverage the expertise of diverse stakeholders to create targeted interventions by cultivating partnerships. Finally, the significance of continuously evaluating and refining mental health support policies to ensure their efficacy and adaptability in the face of evolving crises is emphasized. Through these comprehensive recommendations, this opinion article seeks to catalyze a transformation in educational policies, prioritize mental health support, and empower pupils to thrive during tumultuous times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Wiedermann
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana-College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, 6060 Hall, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Verena Barbieri
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana-College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Plagg
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana-College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bolzano, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Pasqualina Marino
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana-College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giuliano Piccoliori
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana-College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Adolf Engl
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana-College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rodrigues M, Silva R, Franco M. COVID-19: Financial Stress and Well-Being in Families. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2023; 44:1254-1275. [PMID: 37064997 PMCID: PMC10090962 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x211057009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In all areas of knowledge, research has shown the devastating effects of COVID-19, and the impact on families' financial stress and well-being is one of them. Crises are predictors of families' financial stress as they produce changes in their income and negative feelings, such as fear and demotivation, which affect well-being. This study analyses the financial and social impact of COVID-19 on families, supported by the ABCE-WB model, with data collection being the result of snowball sampling. The results obtained allow the conclusion that the current pandemic crisis has caused financial stress in families, to a greater or lesser degree, and caused feelings of fear and demotivation as consequences of the general lockdown. The empirical evidence also shows that these effects are positively associated with the perception of their level of well-being. The contribution of the study lies in corroborating the model used. Final considerations are presented together with the limitations and suggestions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Rodrigues
- Department of Management, Instituto de
Estudos Superiores de Fafe, CEFAGE-UBI Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Rui Silva
- CETRAD, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Mário Franco
- Department of Management and Economics,
CEFAGE-UBI Research Center, University of Beira Interior, Estrada do Sineiro, Covilhã, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cuadros DF, Branscum AJ, Moreno CM, MacKinnon NJ. Narrative minireview of the spatial epidemiology of substance use disorder in the United States: Who is at risk and where? World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2374-2385. [PMID: 37123313 PMCID: PMC10131000 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i11.2374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug overdose is the leading cause of death by injury in the United States. The incidence of substance use disorder (SUD) in the United States has increased steadily over the past two decades, becoming a major public health problem for the country. The drivers of the SUD epidemic in the United States have changed over time, characterized by an initial heroin outbreak between 1970 and 1999, followed by a painkiller outbreak, and finally by an ongoing synthetic opioid outbreak. The nature and sources of these abused substances reveal striking differences in the socioeconomic and behavioral factors that shape the drug epidemic. Moreover, the geospatial distribution of the SUD epidemic is not homogeneous. The United States has specific locations where vulnerable communities at high risk of SUD are concentrated, reaffirming the multifactorial socioeconomic nature of this epidemic. A better understanding of the SUD epidemic under a spatial epidemiology framework is necessary to determine the factors that have shaped its spread and how these patterns can be used to predict new outbreaks and create effective mitigation policies. This narrative minireview summarizes the current records of the spatial distribution of the SUD epidemic in the United States across different periods, revealing some spatiotemporal patterns that have preceded the occurrence of outbreaks. By analyzing the epidemic of SUD-related deaths, we also describe the epidemic behavior in areas with high incidence of cases. Finally, we describe public health interventions that can be effective for demographic groups, and we discuss future challenges in the study and control of the SUD epidemic in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Cuadros
- Digital Futures, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45206, United States
| | - Adam J Branscum
- Department of Biostatistics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Claudia M Moreno
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Neil J MacKinnon
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Breslau J, Roth EA, Baird MD, Carman KG, Collins RL. A longitudinal study of predictors of serious psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2418-2426. [PMID: 34629132 PMCID: PMC8523967 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of serious psychological distress (SPD) was elevated during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA, but the relationships of SPD during the pandemic with pre-pandemic SPD, pre-pandemic socioeconomic status, and pandemic-related social stressors remain unexamined. METHODS A probability-based sample (N = 1751) of the US population age 20 and over was followed prospectively from February 2019 (T1), with subsequent interviews in May 2020 (T2) and August 2020 (T3). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess prospective relationships between T1 SPD with experiences of disruption of employment, health care, and childcare at T2. Binary logistic regression was then used to assess relationships of T1 SPD, and socioeconomic status and T2 pandemic-related stressors with T3 SPD. RESULTS At T1, SPD was associated with age, race/ethnicity, and household income. SPD at T1 predicted disruption of employment (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4-3.8) and health care (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.1) at T2. SPD at T1 (OR 10.2, 95% CI 4.5-23.3), low household income at T1 (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.4), disruption of employment at T2 (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.6), and disruption of healthcare at T2 (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.2) were all significantly associated with elevated risk for SPD at T3. CONCLUSIONS Elevated risk for SPD during the COVID-19 pandemic is related to multiple psychological and social pathways that are likely to interact over the life course. Policies and interventions that target individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions as well as those experiencing persistent unemployment should be high priorities in the mental health response to the pandemic.
Collapse
|
37
|
Lindgren KP, Tristao T, Neighbors C. The association between student loan debt and perceived socioeconomic status and problematic drinking and mental health symptoms: A preliminary investigation. Addict Behav 2023; 139:107576. [PMID: 36527821 PMCID: PMC9848461 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107576] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
U.S. young adults face the largest student loan burden in history, rising income inequality, and economic uncertainty. Personal debt and other financial stressors have been associated with problematic drinking and mental health symptoms. In this paper, we investigated whether student loan debt was more strongly linked to problem drinking and mental health symptoms among those in lower positions of socioeconomic status (SES) and those who perceived greater [in]stability in their SES (SES-instability). Using data from a larger study of college graduates, we investigated SES, SES-instability, student debt, and their 2-way interactions on problematic drinking and mental health symptoms. College graduates (N = 331), who were two years post-graduation, completed measures assessing student debt, perceived SES, SES-instability, problematic drinking, and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress). The hypotheses and data analysis plan were registered prior to conducting analyses. The expected unique, positive associations of SES-instability with problematic drinking and mental health symptoms were supported. SES was uniquely linked with problematic drinking only and in the opposite direction as predicted. Student debt was uniquely and positively linked to stress only. The expected interactions were largely supported for SES-instability and student debt-i.e., the associations of student debt with problematic drinking, anxiety, and stress were stronger (more positive) for those with greater SES-instability. The expected interactions for SES and student debt were null. Though data are cross-sectional and come from an educationally-privileged group, study findings provide preliminary evidence of links between young adult student loan debt, greater SES-instability, and their drinking/mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen P Lindgren
- Trauma Recovery & Resilience Innovations, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Box 356560, Seattle, WA 98195-6560, USA.
| | - Ty Tristao
- Trauma Recovery & Resilience Innovations, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Box 356560, Seattle, WA 98195-6560, USA.
| | - Clayton Neighbors
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204-5022, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Yoo N, Jang SH. Perceived household financial decline and physical/mental health among adolescents during the COVID-19 crisis: Focusing on gender differences. Prev Med Rep 2023; 32:102119. [PMID: 36718194 PMCID: PMC9872569 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has worsened adolescents' mental and physical health. Several studies have reported that the effect may be greater in girls; however, relevant socio-ecological factors have not been examined. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with physical and mental health status among adolescents and the moderating role of gender on the relationship between physical and mental health status and perceived household financial decline. We analyzed the cross-sectional 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) collected between August and November 2020 in South Korea. It included 54,809 adolescents (28,269 males and 26,540 females), on average aged 15.1. We conducted ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions to examine the factors associated with physical and mental health outcomes. Gender differences were observed in associated factors. Then, we tested the moderating effect of gender by including an interaction term between gender and perceived household financial decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived household financial decline due to COVID-19 negatively affected both groups. Perceiving moderate and severe financial decline due to COVID-19 is negatively associated with self-rated health among female adolescents than male counterparts. Female adolescents were also more vulnerable to mental health outcomes (i.e., distress, anxiety, and loneliness) when they perceived severe or moderate household financial decline due to COVID-19 compared to their male peers. Our findings suggest that female adolescents are more vulnerable to household financial shocks due to COVID-19, especially in households that have experienced a severe decline. We suggest the need for gender-sensitive policy interventions for adolescent mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nari Yoo
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, 1 Washington Square N, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sou Hyun Jang
- Department of Sociology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Oliveira G, Miguez FGG, Enríquez-Martinez OG, Pereira TSS, Lopez KV, Huancahuire-Vega S, Martins MCT, Pacheco SOS, Pacheco FJ, López MPM, Molina MDCB. Prevalence and factors associated with self-reported anxiety in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Spain: A cross-sectional Ibero-American study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280528. [PMID: 36862638 PMCID: PMC9980767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the factors associated with the perception of anxiety during the first wave of covid-19 in Ibero-American countries. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 5.845 participants of both sexes, over 18 years of age, and residents of four Latin American countries-Argentina (16.7%), Brazil (34.5%), Mexico (11.1%), and Peru (17.5%), and one European country-Spain (20.1%). Data were collected in 2020, between April 1st and June 30th in Spain and between July 13th and September 26th in the Latin American countries. We used an online questionnaire with sociodemographic, lifestyle, self-reported anxiety, and covid-19 related questions. The chi-square statistical test and Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze the factors associated with self-reported anxiety. The presence of self-reported anxiety was found in 63.8% of the participants during the isolation period. The association occurred mainly in women (OR:1.52; CI: 1.3-1.7), those aged 18 to 29 years (OR: 1.51; CI: 1.2-1.9) and 30 to 49 years (OR: 1.56; CI: 1.3-1.9), residents of Argentina (OR: 1.55 CI: 1.2-1.9), Brazil (OR: 2.38; CI: 2.0-2.8) and Mexico (OR: 1.52; CI: 1.2-1.9), those who gained weight (OR:1.71 CI: 1.5-1.9) or lost weight (OR: 1.40; CI: 1.2-1.6), and those who reported having slept more (OR: 1.56; CI: 1.3-1.8) or less (OR: 2.89; CI: 2.5-3.4). We conclude that the prevalence of self-reported anxiety in Ibero-American countries was high during the period studied, highlighting a higher likelihood of its occurrence in Brazil, in those who began to sleep less and gained weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Oliveira
- Public Health Program, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Garcia Gabira Miguez
- Public Health Program, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Oscar G. Enríquez-Martinez
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Taisa S. S. Pereira
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Karen Villaseñor Lopez
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Salomon Huancahuire-Vega
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Medicine, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Marcia C. T. Martins
- Interdisciplinary Center for Research in Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina
- Master in Human Motricity Sciences, Universidad Adventista de Chile, Chillán, Chile
| | - Sandaly O. S. Pacheco
- Interdisciplinary Center for Research in Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Fabio J. Pacheco
- Interdisciplinary Center for Research in Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | | | - Maria del Carmen Bisi Molina
- Public Health Program, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Health Science Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
- Health and Nutrition Program, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mauz E, Walther L, Junker S, Kersjes C, Damerow S, Eicher S, Hölling H, Müters S, Peitz D, Schnitzer S, Thom J. Time trends in mental health indicators in Germany's adult population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1065938. [PMID: 36908429 PMCID: PMC9995751 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1065938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to compromise mental health. Despite a large number of studies, evidence on the development of mental health in general populations during the pandemic is inconclusive. One reason may be that representative data spanning the whole pandemic and allowing for comparisons to pre-pandemic data are scarce. Methods We analyzed representative data from telephone surveys of Germany's adults. Three mental health indicators were observed in ~1,000 and later up to 3,000 randomly sampled participants monthly until June 2022: symptoms of depression (observed since April 2019, PHQ-2), symptoms of anxiety (GAD-2), and self-rated mental health (latter two observed since March 2021). We produced time series graphs including estimated three-month moving means and proportions of positive screens (PHQ/GAD-2 score ≥ 3) and reports of very good/excellent mental health, as well as smoothing curves. We also compared time periods between years. Analyses were stratified by sex, age, and level of education. Results While mean depressive symptom scores declined from the first wave of the pandemic to summer 2020, they increased from October 2020 and remained consistently elevated throughout 2021 with another increase between 2021 and 2022. Correspondingly, the proportion of positive screens first decreased from 11.1% in spring/summer 2019 to 9.3% in the same period in 2020 and then rose to 13.1% in 2021 and to 16.9% in 2022. While depressive symptoms increased in all subgroups at different times, developments among women (earlier increase), the youngest (notable increase in 2021) and eldest adults, as well as the high level of education group (both latter groups: early, continuous increases) stand out. However, the social gradient in symptom levels between education groups remained unchanged. Symptoms of anxiety also increased while self-rated mental health decreased between 2021 and 2022. Conclusion Elevated symptom levels and reduced self-rated mental health at the end of our observation period in June 2022 call for further continuous mental health surveillance. Mental healthcare needs of the population should be monitored closely. Findings should serve to inform policymakers and clinicians of ongoing dynamics to guide health promotion, prevention, and care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Mauz
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lena Walther
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Junker
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Kersjes
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Damerow
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie Eicher
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Hölling
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Müters
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Diana Peitz
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Schnitzer
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Thom
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Doetsch JN, Almendra R, Severo M, Leão T, Pilot E, Krafft T, Barros H. 2008 economic crisis impact on perinatal and infant mortality in Southern European countries. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 77:305-314. [PMID: 36813545 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-219639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study of crisis events provides important lessons to prepare for upcoming events. The Great Recession's impact on perinatal health in Europe can provide relevant insights into the healthcare and social protection systems' response to the protection of the health of the most vulnerable groups. OBJECTIVE To assess time trends and international disparities in perinatal mortality rates (PMR) and infant mortality rates (IMR), following the Great Recession, and their association with socioeconomic indicators in Portugal, Greece, Italy and Spain. METHODS Associations were assessed through generalised linear models for all four countries. A Poisson joinpoint regression model was applied to explore PMR and IMR trend changes between 2000 and 2018. Country disparities were analysed using mixed-effects multilevel models. RESULTS IMR and PMR have decreased overall in the four selected countries between 2000 and 2018. Still, whereas in Spain, Italy and Portugal the decreasing pace was attenuated after 2009, in Greece a positive trend was found after the 2008 crisis. IMR and PMR were significantly associated with socioeconomic indicators in all four countries. National disparities in the evolution of IMR and PMR were significantly associated with most socioeconomic indicators between 2000 and 2018. CONCLUSION Our results confirm the impact of the Great Recession on PMR and IMR trends in all four countries, taking recurring associations between macroeconomic cycles, variations in mortality trends, macroeconomic volatility and stagnation of IMR and PMR into account. The association with socioeconomic indicators stresses the need to strengthen social protection and healthcare systems to better protect the population's health from the earliest days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Nadine Doetsch
- Unidade de Investigação em Epidemiologia (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal .,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Almendra
- CEGOT-Centre of Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning, Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Milton Severo
- Unidade de Investigação em Epidemiologia (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Leão
- Unidade de Investigação em Epidemiologia (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Predictive Medicine and Public Health Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva Pilot
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Krafft
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Henrique Barros
- Unidade de Investigação em Epidemiologia (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal.,Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Predictive Medicine and Public Health Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hwang S, Shin H. Gender Gap in Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea: A Decomposition Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2250. [PMID: 36767616 PMCID: PMC9915860 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032250] [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: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been widespread but unevenly distributed among genders. The pandemic may have also affected men's and women's mental health differently. This study examined whether the pandemic had stronger adverse effects on women's mental health than on that of men given that the decline of the labor market was greater for women than for men. Using data from South Korea (June/September/December 2020, N = 3000), we investigated the gender gap in mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with gender differences in labor market experiences. We employ the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method for this analysis. Although depression and anxiety increased among employed women and men during COVID-19, women showed lower levels of mental health than men. A significant portion of this gender gap is explained by women experiencing greater job loss, income reduction, and prohibition of remote work than men. We also find that women in their 30s experienced greater mental health problems than men of the same age even after controlling for other conditions. Overall, our findings show that a greater proportion of employed women than men experienced poor labor market conditions and increased family burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to women reporting worse mental health than men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunoong Hwang
- Department of Economics, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea;
| | - Heeju Shin
- Department of Sociology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 16442, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Recurrent COVID-19 Waves and Lockdown: Impact on Daily Life and Mental Health of People in Nepal. Ment Illn 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/1930093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Lockdown is recognized as an effective measure in limiting the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the world. However, recurrent COVID-19 infection and the extension of lockdown have threatened the livelihoods of people, mainly socioeconomic and mental health dimensions. Objective. The present study is aimed at identifying the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the daily life and mental health of the general population of Nepal. Furthermore, the study identified the predictors of the mental health status of the people during COVID-19 lockdown. Methods. The study was conducted among 354 Nepalese people specifically the breadwinner of the family. Respondents completed the questionnaires related to the sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19, and its impact on various aspects of life, including mental health via Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21). Data was collected through the web-based method, Google Forms questionnaire. Respondents were contacted through email and social networks (Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber) following a snowball approach. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify significant demographic, COVID-related, and socioeconomic factors associated with mental health outcomes. Results. Based on DASS-21 scores, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 46.6% (mild: 22.3%, moderate: 16.7%, severe: 6.5%, and extremely severe: 1.1), 42.1% (mild: 10.2%, moderate: 18.6%, severe: 11.6%, and extremely severe: 1.7%), and 39% (mild: 16.7%, moderate: 12.7%, and severe: 9.6%), respectively. Various factors associated with COVID-19, its lockdown measures, and sociodemographic characteristics of the people were identified as the significant predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress among the general population of Nepal. Conclusion. The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on individuals’ work, income, education, living standard, lifestyle, and consequently mental health is significant. The study findings warrant the importance of understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ all aspects of life and timely monitoring and appropriate intervention on risk groups to reduce the severity and chronicity of mental health problems.
Collapse
|
44
|
Stylianou T, Ntelas K. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Socioeconomic Aspects in Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1843. [PMID: 36767206 PMCID: PMC9914756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031843] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has spread worldwide, affecting almost all countries and territories. COVID-19 continues to impact various spheres of our life, such as the economy, industries, global market, agriculture, human health, health care, and many others. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-lockdowns on people's mental health in Greece. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in several urban, semi-urban and rural areas. The survey of 252 Greek people was conducted in spring 2022, and 46.8% of them were female and the other 53.2% were male. Ages were between 19 and 60 years old. Some of the main findings were that most of the participants feel their mental health got worse than before (about 80%), participants with kids were more affected than those who did not have any kids because they had bigger responsibilities and the pandemic might have caused them a lot of problems to deal with. The higher the income, the less they are affected, and people whose jobs did not change dramatically were also less likely to not be much mentally affected. Moreover, the percentage of smokers whose mental health became worse was greater than that among those who did not smoke. The same happened with those who consumed alcohol. Finally, we used the GBM algorithm to find three important predictors and we applied k-means to have a clear picture of the different clusters and how a number of participants are connected according to their answers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tasos Stylianou
- Business Administration, School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patra, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Ntelas
- Big Data Analytics, School of Computing, Mediterranean College of Thessaloniki, 54625 Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Rajapakse T, Silva T, Hettiarachchi NM, Gunnell D, Metcalfe C, Spittal MJ, Knipe D. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdowns on Self-Poisoning and Suicide in Sri Lanka: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1833. [PMID: 36767200 PMCID: PMC9914278 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from high-income countries suggests that the impact of COVID-19 on suicide and self-harm has been limited, but evidence from low- and middle-income countries is lacking. Using data from a hospital-based self-poisoning register (January 2019-December 2021) and data from national records (2016-2021) of suicide in Sri Lanka, we aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on both self-poisoning and suicide. We examined changes in admissions for self-poisoning and suicide using interrupted time series (ITS) analysis. For the self-poisoning hospital admission ITS models, we defined the lockdown periods as follows: (i) pre-lockdown: 01/01/2019-19/03/2020; (ii) first lockdown: 20/03/2020-27/06/2020; (iii) post-first lockdown: 28/06/2020-11/05/2021; (iv) second lockdown: 12/05/2021-21/06/2021; and (v) post-second lockdown: 22/06/2021-31/12/2021. For suicide, we defined the intervention according to the pandemic period. We found that during lockdown periods, there was a reduction in hospital admissions for self-poisoning, with evidence that admission following self-poisoning remained lower during the pandemic than would be expected based on pre-pandemic trends. In contrast, there was no evidence that the rate of suicide in the pandemic period differed from that which would be expected. As the long-term socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic are realised, it will be important to track rates of self-harm and suicide in LMICs to inform prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thilini Rajapakse
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Tharuka Silva
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
| | | | - David Gunnell
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Matthew J. Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Duleeka Knipe
- South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Robinson E. Obesity and the cost of living crisis. Int J Obes (Lond) 2023; 47:93-94. [PMID: 36456646 PMCID: PMC9715406 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-022-01242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Robinson
- Department of Psychology, Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Al Dweik R, Rahman MA, Ahamed FM, Ramada H, Al Sheble Y, ElTaher S, Cross W, Elsori D. COVID-19: Psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across the United Arab Emirates. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282479. [PMID: 36989272 PMCID: PMC10057807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the psychosocial well-being of the United Arab Emirates [UAE] population like other communities internationally. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping amongst community members across the UAE. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey across the UAE during November 2020. Adults aged ≥18 years, living in the UAE who were able to respond to an online questionnaire in English or Arabic were considered eligible to participate in the study. We used standard validated tools to measure psychological distress, fear and coping. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K10] was used to assess psychological distress, Fear of COVID-19 Scale [FCV-19S] was used to assess the level of fear, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale [BRCS] was used to assess the coping strategies. RESULTS A total of 417 individuals participated in this study with a mean age of 29 [± 10.7] years. More than half of the participants experienced high to very high levels of psychological distress [55%] and a quarter experienced high levels of fear of COVID-19 [23.3%] with almost a third of them [36.2%] having low resilient coping. About 37.4% of the participants had work-related mental health impacts and 32.4% were perceived to have moderate to a great deal of distress due to a change of employment status during the pandemic. One in ten participants [9.4%] reported increased smoking. Increased smoking [AOR 8.66, 95% CIs 1.08-69.1,], increased alcohol drinking [AOR 2.39, 95% CIs 1.05-5.47] and higher levels of fear of COVID-19 [AOR 2.93, 95% CIs 1.83-4.67] were associated with moderate to very high levels of psychological distress. Being female [AOR 1.82, p = 0.030], having a pre-existing mental health condition [AOR 9.88, 95% p = 0.027], engaging in high-risk behaviors such as increased smoking [AOR 21.14, p = 0.003], increased alcohol drinking [AOR 1.48, p = 0.359] in the previous four weeks, and higher levels of fear of COVID-19 [AOR 4.18, p <0.001] were associated with moderate to very high levels of psychological distress. Also, being a smoker [AOR, 0.840, p = 0.011], and having a high level of fear [AOR 0.372, p = 0.001] were found to be associated with low resilient coping. CONCLUSION Community members in the UAE are at a higher risk of psychosocial distress and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, healthcare providers and policymakers would need to be more alert to provide specific mental health support strategies for their wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania Al Dweik
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Aziz Rahman
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Heba Ramada
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yousef Al Sheble
- School of Dentistry, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Sondos ElTaher
- Epidemiology Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wendy Cross
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VIC, Australia
| | - Deena Elsori
- Faculty of Resilience, Rabdan Academy, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Moulin F, Jean F, Melchior M, Patanè M, Pinucci I, Sijbrandij M, van der Waerden J, Galéra C. Longitudinal impact of the COVID19 pandemic on mental health in a general population sample in France: Evidence from the COMET Study. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:275-283. [PMID: 36191642 PMCID: PMC9525187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study the longitudinal impact of co-occurring mental health problems, and to identify vulnerable groups in need of mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Analyses were based on data from 681 French participants in the international COVID-19 Mental Health Study, collected at four times (05/2020-04/2021). Symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the PTSD Check List for DSM-5. We performed k-means for longitudinal data to build trajectories of adults' depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms and identify subgroups psychologically vulnerable. We then assessed whether mental health trajectories were predicted by lockdown regulations. RESULTS A high and a low cluster of mental health scores were identified. In both groups, mental health scores varied significantly across time. Levels of all mental health scores were lowest when COVID-19-related restrictions were lifted and highest when restrictions were in place, except for PTSD. No scores returned to the previous level or the initial level of mental health (p < 0.05). Participants with high levels of symptoms were characterized by younger age (OR: 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.97-0.99), prior history of mental disorders (OR: 3.46, 95 % CI: 2.07-5.82), experience of domestic violence (OR: 10.54, 95 % CI: 1.54-20.68) and medical issues (OR: 2.16, 95 % CI: 1.14-4.03). LIMITATIONS Pre-pandemic data were not available and the sample was recruited mainly by snowball sampling. CONCLUSION This study revealed subtle differences in the evolution of symptom trajectories during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, and highlighted several characteristics associated with the two clusters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flore Moulin
- University of Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM U 1219, Bordeaux, France.
| | - François Jean
- University of Bordeaux, France; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Calais Hospital, Calais, France; Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM U 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Melchior
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale (ERES), Paris, France
| | - Martina Patanè
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, and Amsterdam Public Health Institute, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Irene Pinucci
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, and Amsterdam Public Health Institute, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- VU University Amsterdam, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, and Amsterdam Public Health Institute, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith van der Waerden
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Equipe de Recherche en Epidémiologie Sociale (ERES), Paris, France
| | - Cédric Galéra
- University of Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, INSERM U 1219, Bordeaux, France; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Bordeaux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Financial and Work Burden, Psychosocial Functioning, and Family Interactions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: Effects on Child Outcomes. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:340-351. [PMID: 34542778 PMCID: PMC8450696 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected all aspects of family life worldwide. This study aimed to examine the effects of several family factors on child outcomes during the pandemic in Indonesia, a country with approximately 260 million people. A range of child maladjustment and child competency variables were examined, along with a set of associated variables, including family income, psychosocial functioning, and family interactions, which were modelled via Structural Equation Modelling to understand the interrelationships between variables associated with child adjustment. Using an online survey, a total of 354 parents with at least one typically developing child between the age of 2 and 10 years participated in this study. Results showed that psychosocial functioning and family interactions appeared as successive mediators between family income, financial and work burden, and child adjustment. This study highlights some key concerns to support children's and families' wellbeing during the pandemic in Indonesia.
Collapse
|
50
|
Arena AF, Harris M, Mobbs S, Nicolopoulos A, Harvey SB, Deady M. Exploring the lived experience of mental health and coping during unemployment. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2451. [PMID: 36578009 PMCID: PMC9797253 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unemployment is known to involve various psychosocial challenges that can negatively impact mental health. However, the intricacies of how individuals experience these challenges and strive to cope within the context of varied sociocultural and individuating factors, remain comparatively understudied. The present qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of mental health and coping during unemployment. METHODS Fifteen Australian adults who had recently experienced unemployment (for ≥3 months in the last 2 years), despite being available for and able to work, participated in semi-structured interviews from August to September 2021. Maximum variation sampling ensured participants represented diverse sociodemographic backgrounds. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis within NVivo12 software. RESULTS Four major themes were identified: 1) disrupted identity and direction in life; 2) navigating conflicting views of contribution and progress; 3) knowing how to cope is not enough; and 4) unemployment as a catalyst for new understandings. Unemployment disrupted participants' sense of purpose, identity and visions for the future. It signified a perceived failure to meet societal standards of value based upon the economic functions of work, which participants struggled to reconcile with their own priorities for work that satisfied psychosocial needs. Participants were aware of effective coping strategies, although these had mixed positive and negative effects on mental health, or were difficult to mobilise during unemployment. The COVID-19 pandemic, while normalising unemployment to some degree, exacerbated future uncertainty and prevented engagement with known coping strategies (e.g., social interaction). However, unemployment could also instigate growth through re-defining markers of achievement, re-aligning goals with one's core values, and developing greater compassion. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of mental health and coping during unemployment share complex relationships both with each other and with broader personal and sociocultural contexts. Service providers may better meet the mental health needs of those experiencing unemployment by balancing the economic and psychosocial functions of work, understanding that coping is a wholistic issue that goes beyond knowledge of effective strategies, and being aware of the opportunities for self-development that unemployment can create.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F. Arena
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia
| | - Marnie Harris
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia
| | - Sophia Mobbs
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia
| | - Alexandra Nicolopoulos
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia
| | - Samuel B. Harvey
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Deady
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Black Dog Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031 Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|