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Salguero A, Pilatti A, Michelini Y, Rivarola Montejano G, Pautassi RM. Impulsivity, mental health state and emotion regulation modulate alcohol and marijuana use in a sample of Argentinean citizens. Alcohol 2024; 118:37-44. [PMID: 38006977 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2023.11.005] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Impulsivity and substance-related outcomes share a complex relationship, as various facets of impulsivity exhibit distinct associations with different drug-related outcomes. This study examines the associations between frequency and quantity of alcohol and marijuana use with impulsivity traits, psychological distress, and the utilization of emotion regulation strategies. A survey asked Argentinian citizens (n = 1507, 356 men) about frequency and quantity of alcohol or marijuana use on each day of a typical week, as well as anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms (DASS-21), impulsivity-like traits (UPPS-P), and emotion regulation strategies (ERQ). The 2-month prevalence of alcohol or marijuana use was 80.1%, and 27.2%, respectively. Premeditation was significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively associated with both frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed, whereas negative and positive urgency were positively and significantly (p < 0.05) associated with quantity of alcohol or marijuana use, respectively. Greater depression symptoms predicted greater quantity of alcohol use, whereas lower emotional suppression or lower cognitive reappraisal were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with a greater frequency of alcohol or marijuana use. Sensation seeking was significantly (p < 0.05) and positively associated with frequency of marijuana use. Individuals with higher levels of impulsivity-like traits, higher levels of depression, or lower use of emotional regulation abilities appeared to be at a higher risk of alcohol or marijuana use. In this sample, the use of alcohol (though not marijuana) seems to fit a negative reinforcement pathway. The study suggests that individuals with risk factors for drug misuse could benefit from interventions aimed at enhancing emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Salguero
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina
| | - Angelina Pilatti
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC. Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Yanina Michelini
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC. Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Rivarola Montejano
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC. Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina.
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Pilatti A, Correa P, Michelini Y, Bravo AJ, Pacini G, Pautassi RM. The Association Between Mindfulness Facets and Substance Use via Emotional Psychopathology and Coping Motives in Argentinian College Students. Subst Use Misuse 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38956825 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2370026] [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] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Background: Prior studies suggest that lower levels of mindfulness contribute to the motivation of using alcohol to cope with distress. Research examining this possibility is scarce or limited to alcohol, but not marijuana, related outcomes. Objectives: We examined separate models (for alcohol and for marijuana) to determine the associations between trait mindfulness (describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, non-reactivity) and alcohol and marijuana outcomes (use indicators and negative consequences) via emotional psychopathology (i.e., a latent variable assessing symptoms of depression and anxiety) and alcohol/marijuana coping motives. Results: The final analytic sample consisted of 456 participants (Mean age = 22.96 ± 3.12 years; 66.2% women) for the alcohol model; and 232 participants (Mean age = 22.96 ± 3.01 years; 66.2% women) for the marijuana model. Two path models were conducted, such that indirect paths were examined for each trait mindfulness facet on alcohol/marijuana outcomes (e.g., describing → emotional psychopathology → alcohol coping motives → binge drinking frequency). Within the comprehensive alcohol model, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging and non-reactivity were associated with less binge drinking frequency and lower number of alcohol-related negative consequences via lower severity of emotional psychopathology symptoms and lower endorsement of drinking to cope motives. For the marijuana model, describing, acting with awareness, and non-judging of inner experience were associated with less marijuana quantity (grams) consumed and lower number of marijuana-related negative consequences via lower severity of emotional psychopathology symptoms and lower endorsement of marijuana coping motives. Conclusions: Prevention and intervention programs of alcohol and marijuana in Argentina may benefit from improving mindfulness skills and targeting emotional psychopathology and motives to use drugs, to prevent or reduce negative drug-related consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Pilatti
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pablo Correa
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Yanina Michelini
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, IIPsi-CONICET-UNC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Adrian J Bravo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Gianpiero Pacini
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ricardo M Pautassi
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-UNC, Córdoba, Argentina
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Karadem FB, Demirdaş A, Işık Ü, Kılıç F. Investigation of the psychiatric factors that determine the fear of COVID-19 in healthcare workers and hospital staff in a university hospital in Turkey. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 52:617-629. [PMID: 34224594 PMCID: PMC8426827 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To examine the association of health and hospital workers' fears of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, depression, and sociodemographic variables during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 527 participants (237 men/289 women) were included, 222 of the participants were doctors, 99 nurses, 22 assistant health personnel, and 182 hospital personnel without health education. Participants filled in the sociodemographic data form, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, and Fear of COVID-19 Inventory. In linear regression analysis, independent predictors of the fear of COVID-19 were determined as Beck Anxiety Inventory (p < 0.001), Beck Depression Inventory (p = 0.001), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 Physical subscale (p = 0.001). The fear of COVID-19 is associated with the physical subscale of anxiety, depression, and anxiety sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ümit Işık
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of MedicineSüleyman Demirel UniversityIspartaTurkey
| | - Faruk Kılıç
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of MedicineSüleyman Demirel UniversityIspartaTurkey
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Kikas K, Werner-Seidler A, Upton E, Newby J. Illness Anxiety Disorder: A Review of the Current Research and Future Directions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:331-339. [PMID: 38748190 PMCID: PMC11211185 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent evidence on Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), including risk factors and precipitants, diagnostic classification, clinical characteristics of the disorder, and assessment and treatment in both children and adults. RECENT FINDINGS IAD places a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Despite its impact, understanding of the disorder is lacking and debates remain about whether IAD should be classified as an anxiety disorder and whether it is distinct from Somatic Symptom Disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for IAD and there are multiple validated measures of health anxiety available. However, research on health anxiety in children and youth is limited. IAD is chronic, and debilitating, but when identified, it can be effectively treated with CBT. Research using DSM-5 IAD criteria is lacking, and more research is needed to better understand the disorder, particularly in children and youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kikas
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aliza Werner-Seidler
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Upton
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jill Newby
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Hoeppner SS, Millstein RA, Siegel KR, Carlon HA, Harnedy LE, Chung WJ, Huffman JC, Hoeppner BB. A secondary analysis examining the performance of the State Optimism Measure (SOM) compared to the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) in measuring optimism over time. Psychol Health 2024; 39:989-1004. [PMID: 36154764 PMCID: PMC10039955 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2022.2126472] [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: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Optimism is an important factor impacting health and human functioning. Originally conceptualized as a trait, increasing evidence indicates that optimism can change over time and could be an intervention target. Measures are needed that can capture changes in optimism. Design: In this secondary analysis, we compared the performance of a newly developed state measure, the State Optimism Measure (SOM), to the widely used trait measure, the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), in detecting changes over time during a disruptive life event: the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Main Outcome Measures: Participants (n = 81) were nondaily smokers participating in a smoking cessation intervention, who completed the SOM and LOT-R before and after the initial COVID-19 outbreak. Results: Optimism declined from pre- to post-COVID-19 outbreak, as assessed by both scales (LOT-R: p=.0147,gav=0.23; SOM: p<.0001,gav=0.56). The change detected was greater when measured by the SOM (p<.0001). Changes in optimism were correlated with concurrent changes in perceived stress, positive affect, and negative affect. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the SOM has a greater sensitivity to detect within-person changes in optimism than the LOT-R and highlight the SOM's utility for longitudinal studies assessing changes in optimism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kaitlyn R. Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | | | - Lauren E. Harnedy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Wei-Jean Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Jeff C. Huffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Bettina B. Hoeppner
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
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Silverman ME, Nag S, Kalishman A, Cox PH, Mitroff SR. Increases in symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:1466-1472. [PMID: 35658099 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2080507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students' mental health remains unknown. The current study explored self-reported Obsessive-Compulsive symptomatology among college student cohorts from pre-, peak-, and later-pandemic time points. PARTICIPANTS Undergraduate college students (N = 524) who volunteered for course credit. METHODS Self-report responses on the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS), which includes subscales for contamination, unacceptable thoughts, harm responsibility, and symmetry, were collected from November 29, 2016 through April 27, 2021 and assessed for differences between the pre-, peak-, and later-pandemic cohorts. RESULTS Peak-pandemic responders reported higher symptomatology for contamination and unacceptable thoughts compared to pre-pandemic responders (and for pre- vs. later-pandemic for contamination), with no significant effects for symmetry or harm responsibility. CONCLUSIONS Although the longer-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on students remains unknown, a greater shift in college mental health services from prevention to assessing and addressing more immediate challenges may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samoni Nag
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Patrick H Cox
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Elder GJ, Santhi N, Robson AR, Alfonso-Miller P, Spiegelhalder K, Ellis JG. An online behavioral self-help intervention rapidly improves acute insomnia severity and subjective mood during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a stratified randomized controlled trial. Sleep 2024; 47:zsae059. [PMID: 38430544 PMCID: PMC11168762 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae059] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Stressful life events, such as the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, can cause acute insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy for acute insomnia is effective but is both time and resource-intensive. This study investigated if an online behavioral self-help intervention, which has been successfully used alongside sleep restriction for acute insomnia, reduced insomnia severity and improved mood in acute insomnia. This study also assessed good sleepers to explore if a "sleep vaccination" approach was feasible. METHODS In this online stratified randomized controlled trial, 344 participants (103 good sleepers and 241 participants with DSM-5 acute insomnia) were randomized to receive the intervention/no intervention (good sleepers) or intervention/intervention after 28 days (poor sleepers). Insomnia severity was assessed using the ISI (primary outcome), and anxiety and depression using the GAD-7/PHQ-9 (secondary outcomes) at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS In people with acute insomnia, relative to baseline, there were significant reductions in ISI (dz = 1.17), GAD-7 (dz = 0.70), and PHQ-9 (dz = 0.60) scores at 1-week follow-up. ISI, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scores were significantly lower at all follow-up time points, relative to baseline. Subjective diary-derived sleep continuity was unaffected. No beneficial effects on sleep or mood were observed in good sleepers. CONCLUSIONS An online behavioral self-help intervention rapidly reduces acute insomnia severity (within 1 week), and benefits mood in people with acute insomnia. These beneficial effects are maintained up to 3 months later. Although the use of the intervention is feasible in good sleepers, their subjective sleep was unaffected. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Testing an early online intervention for the treatment of disturbed sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic; prospectively registered at ISRCTN on 8 April 2020 (identifier: ISRCTN43900695).
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg J Elder
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Nayantara Santhi
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amelia R Robson
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Kai Spiegelhalder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jason G Ellis
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Chan JK, Marzuki AA, Vafa S, Thanaraju A, Yap J, Chan XW, Harris HA, Todi K, Schaefer A. A systematic review on the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and emotional disorder symptoms during Covid-19: unearthing the potential role of economic concerns and financial strain. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:237. [PMID: 38671542 PMCID: PMC11046828 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01715-8] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covid-19 has disrupted the lives of many and resulted in high prevalence rates of mental disorders. Despite a vast amount of research into the social determinants of mental health during Covid-19, little is known about whether the results are consistent with the social gradient in mental health. Here we report a systematic review of studies that investigated how socioeconomic condition (SEC)-a multifaceted construct that measures a person's socioeconomic standing in society, using indicators such as education and income, predicts emotional health (depression and anxiety) risk during the pandemic. Furthermore, we examined which classes of SEC indicators would best predict symptoms of emotional disorders. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted search over six databases, including Scopus, PubMed, etc., between November 4, 2021 and November 11, 2021 for studies that investigated how SEC indicators predict emotional health risks during Covid-19, after obtaining approval from PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021288508). Using Covidence as the platform, 362 articles (324 cross-sectional/repeated cross-sectional and 38 longitudinal) were included in this review according to the eligibility criteria. We categorized SEC indicators into 'actual versus perceived' and 'static versus fluid' classes to explore their differential effects on emotional health. RESULTS Out of the 1479 SEC indicators used in these 362 studies, our results showed that 43.68% of the SEC indicators showed 'expected' results (i.e., higher SEC predicting better emotional health outcomes); 51.86% reported non-significant results and 4.46% reported the reverse. Economic concerns (67.16% expected results) and financial strains (64.16%) emerged as the best predictors while education (26.85%) and living conditions (30.14%) were the worst. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes how different SEC indicators influenced emotional health risks across 98 countries, with a total of 5,677,007 participants, ranging from high to low-income countries. Our findings showed that not all SEC indicators were strongly predictive of emotional health risks. In fact, over half of the SEC indicators studied showed a null effect. We found that perceived and fluid SEC indicators, particularly economic concerns and financial strain could best predict depressive and anxiety symptoms. These findings have implications for policymakers to further understand how different SEC classes affect mental health during a pandemic in order to tackle associated social issues effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Kei Chan
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Sunway University Malaysia, Room: 4-4-11, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Aleya A Marzuki
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Samira Vafa
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Arjun Thanaraju
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Jie Yap
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Xiou Wen Chan
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Hanis Atasha Harris
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Khushi Todi
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Alexandre Schaefer
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Joyce A, Tran T, Stocker R, Fisher J. Mental and social wellbeing trajectory during the pandemic for vulnerable populations. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1337401. [PMID: 38651125 PMCID: PMC11034518 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1337401] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives We investigated changes over time in mental and social wellbeing indicators for vulnerable population subgroups during the pandemic. These groups were younger people, people with disabilities, low-income groups, unemployed, culturally, and linguistically diverse communities (CaLD), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods A series of four repeated population representative surveys were conducted in June 2020, September 2020, January 2022, and June 2022. Questions included items on psychological distress, financial hardship, social connection, and life satisfaction. Results For most groups, social connection and life satisfaction improved in 2022 relative to 2020. Psychological distress and financial hardship showed the opposite pattern, with some groups having worse results in 2022 relative to 2020. People without any vulnerability had better mental health and social wellbeing outcomes at each time point relative to the vulnerable population subgroups. Conclusion Pandemic-related policies had differential effects over time and for different population groups. Future policies and research need to closely monitor how they impact population subgroups, and the overall results clearly demonstrate the inequity in mental health and social wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable population cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Joyce
- Centre for Social Impact Swinburne, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Research & Impact, VicHealth, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thach Tran
- Global and Women’s Health, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruby Stocker
- Global and Women’s Health, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane Fisher
- Global and Women’s Health, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Trachtenberg E, Ruzal K, Forkosh O, Ben-Ami Bartal I. The effect of a prosocial environment on health and well-being during the first COVID-19 lockdown and a year later. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6565. [PMID: 38503824 PMCID: PMC10951249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The outset of the COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by prolonged periods of chronic stress and social isolation. While studies have investigated the changes to well-being (WB) during this period, the impact of the social environment on long-term physical and mental health requires further study. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing WB and health outcomes, with the hypothesis that a positive social environment would play a significant immediate and long-term role in improving WB and preventing the effects of anxiety associated with the pandemic. At time point 1 (April 2020), an Israeli sample of 206 participants (84% female, mean age 31.5) responded to traditional questionnaires assessing mental health and social support. Factors affecting WB were assessed within subjects during the first COVID-19 lockdown for 6 weeks using a daily survey (Beiwe phone application). A year later, in May 2021, at time point 2, the initial questionnaires were readministered to a subset of the same participants (N = 94). We found that anxiety during the first lockdown adversely affected WB and predicted health and WB deterioration a year later. In contrast, a high quality of social relationships was associated with better short- and long-term WB, and mitigated the adverse effects of anxiety. Daily activities, including physical activity, meditation, and romantic relations, were also positively associated with WB during the first lockdown but did not have long-term effects. In summary, our study underscores the enduring health advantages of a positive social environment, particularly during stressful periods. These results have implications for health policymakers: programs which support individuals with high anxiety and low support, by integrating them into community-based interventions, promise to enhance well-being (WB) and health, as well as to fortify the community as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estherina Trachtenberg
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Ruzal
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oren Forkosh
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbal Ben-Ami Bartal
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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11
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Jelinek L, Göritz AS, Miegel F, Schuurmans L, Moritz S, Yassari AH, Müller JC. Too much of a good thing? Hand hygiene and the long-term course of contamination-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1279639. [PMID: 38524298 PMCID: PMC10959097 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1279639] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased hygiene behavior may be a factor in the development of contamination-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms (C-OCS). We aimed at investigating (1) the course of C-OCS over 1 year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) the effects of changes in hand hygiene (i.e., duration and frequency of handwashing) and related distress regulation on the long-term course of C-OCS. In a longitudinal study, we assessed 1,220 individuals from the German general population at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (t1), 3 months later (t2), and 12 months later (t3). Pre-pandemic data were available in a subsample from 2014 (n = 430). A decrease in C-OCS over the first year of the pandemic emerged with a small effect size. Thirty-six percent of the participants scored above the clinical cut-off score at t1, 31% at t2, and 27% at t3. In 2014, only 11% scored above the clinical cut-off score. Hierarchical regression showed that C-OCS at t1 was the strongest predictor of a long-term increase in C-OCS. With small effect sizes, change in the duration (not frequency) of handwashing from t1 to t2, as well as the distress-reducing effect of handwashing served as additional predictors. Implications for information on hand hygiene guidelines are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Jelinek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja S. Göritz
- Behavioral Health Technology, University Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Miegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lea Schuurmans
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Amir H. Yassari
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana Christina Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Mangot-Sala L, Smidt N, Liefbroer AC. Work- and mental health-related events and body mass index trajectories during the Covid-19 lockdown. Evidence from the lifelines cohort study in the Netherlands. Int J Obes (Lond) 2024; 48:346-352. [PMID: 38042931 PMCID: PMC10896728 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-023-01421-2] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to identify heterogeneity in trajectories of body mass index (BMI) during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Moreover, we aimed to investigate whether work- and mental health-related disruptive events experienced during the pandemic, such as job insecurity or depression, were associated with such BMI trajectories. METHODS Longitudinal data from the Lifelines Covid Questionnaire was used (21 waves between April 2020 and July 2021; n = 64,630). Different trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory models. Multinomial regression models were fitted to analyse the main determinants of experiencing changes in BMI during the pandemic. RESULTS Trajectories of increased BMI, and, to a lesser extent also trajectories of decreased BMI, were more common among those who experienced disruptive work-related events (e.g., being laid-off or having a temporary contract) and mental health-related events (e.g., anxiety or depression) during the pandemic. Those experiencing multiple events were particularly likely to show trajectories of increased or decreased BMI. CONCLUSIONS During the Covid-19 pandemic, strong heterogeneity was observed in BMI trajectories. This was partially related to work- and mental health-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Mangot-Sala
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI)-Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), The Hague, the Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Nynke Smidt
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aart C Liefbroer
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI)-Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), The Hague, the Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Peterson AD, Kibbey MM, Farris SG. Linguistic analysis of health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299462. [PMID: 38408056 PMCID: PMC10896548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299462] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Health anxiety, which is defined as fear of having or contracting serious physical illness, is particularly salient in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a mixed methods study in which 578 narrative samples were analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software to determine linguistic markers from six LIWC categories relevant to cognitive-behavioral features of health anxiety. Broad linguistic predictors were analyzed through three backward elimination regression models in order to inform subcategory predictors of each area of health anxiety. Thus, both broad and specific linguistic predictors of general health anxiety, virus-relevant body vigilance, and fears of viral contamination were examined. Greater use of affective category words in written narratives predicted general health anxiety, as well as body vigilance and viral contamination fears. These findings represent the first direct demonstration of linguistic analysis of health anxiety and provide nuanced information about the nature and etiology of health anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Peterson
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mindy M Kibbey
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Samantha G Farris
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
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14
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Lu ML, Zhu JW, Wu JL, Lv LY, Liu L, Kong GQ, Ding CL, Yu Y, Pan L. Insomnia among coronavirus disease 2019 survivors: A single-center cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37311. [PMID: 38363887 PMCID: PMC10869043 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037311] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, insomnia has become one of the longer COVID-19 symptoms. This study aimed to investigate insomnia among COVID-19 survivors and explore the occurrence and influencing factors of insomnia. A cross-sectional study was performed from December 2022 to February 2023 through an online questionnaire star survey with 8 questions. The insomnia severity index scale (ISI) was used to assess the severity of insomnia. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the factors related to COVID-19 infection. A total of 564 participants (183 males and 381 females) were surveyed in the present study. The prevalence of insomnia was 63.12%. Among these insomnia patients, there were 202 (35.82%) with sub-threshold symptoms, 116 (20.57%) with moderate symptoms, and 38 (6.74%) with severe symptoms. Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the prevalence of insomnia among COVID-19 survivors of different ages, occupations, and educational levels (P < .05). Of the 356 insomnia patients, 185 (51.97%) did not take any measures against insomnia, while those who took drugs only, physical exercise only, drugs and physical exercise, and other measures were 90 (25.28%), 42 (11.80%), 17 (4.78%), and 22 (6.18%), respectively. Additionally, of the 107 insomnia patients with drug therapy, 17 (15.89%) took estazolam, 16 (14.95%) took alprazolam, 39 (36.45%) took zopiclone, and 35 (32.71%) took other drugs to improve insomnia symptoms. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms remains high among COVID-19 survivors in China. Education level and occupation may be the influencing factors. Unfortunately, most patients with insomnia do not take corresponding treatment measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Lu Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Ji-Wei Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Jing-Lin Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Liang-Yan Lv
- Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Gui-Qing Kong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Chang-Ling Ding
- Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Lei Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
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15
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Rothe J, Brückner G, Ring M, Roessner V, Wolff N, Vetter NC. Emotions and worries during 1.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic - how adults with and without mental health conditions coped with the crisis. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:114. [PMID: 38336631 PMCID: PMC10858480 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID 19 pandemic, there were social restrictions with severe mental stress for a long time. Most studies on mental health consequences of the pandemic focused primarily on the beginning of the pandemic. The present study on families of patients or study participants of a child and adolescent psychiatry aimed to examine long-term profiles of emotions and worries in adults with and without mental health condition (mhc) during the first 1.5 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We surveyed emotions and worries of 128 adults with (n = 32) and without (n = 96) pre-pandemic mhc over a 1.5-year study period from spring 2020 until summer/autumn 2021. Emotions and worries were captured at four time points: [i] pre-pandemic, [ii] spring 2020 (first lockdown was implemented), [iii] December 2020 (hard lockdown at Christmas time) and [iv] summer/autumn 2021 (considerable ease of regulations); [i] pre-pandemic and [iii] December 2020 were measured retrospectively). First, we run non-parametric tests to compare emotions and worries between adults with and without pre-pandemic mhc at the four time points. Next, we conducted latent profile analysis to identify subgroups from the total sample who share similar trajectories of emotions and worries. Finally, a logistic regression analysis was run to examine whether socio-demographic and psycho-social factors were related to identified trajectories of emotions and worries. RESULTS Adults without pre-pandemic mhc reported a strong worsening of emotions and worries at the beginning of the pandemic and a lower worsening during the course, while adults with pre-pandemic mhc reported a constant worsening of emotions and worries. The latent profile analysis revealed three profiles of adults who show either i) an adaption, ii) no adaption or iii) a continuous high condition. With increasing age, higher perceived stress and pre-pandemic mhc, the likelihood of an adaption was increased. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggested that adults (both with and without pre-pandemic mhc) coped the crisis with different strategies and that most of them returned to their initial, pre-pandemic levels of emotions and worries when social restrictions were considerably eased or stopped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Rothe
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Greta Brückner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Melanie Ring
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Wolff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nora C Vetter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Psychology, Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Kivelä L, Mouthaan J, van der Does W, Antypa N. Student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Are international students more affected? JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:414-422. [PMID: 35157564 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2037616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: The psychological well-being of students may be especially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; international students can lack local support systems and represent a higher risk subgroup. Methods: Self-reported depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, alcohol use, academic stress, and loneliness were examined in two cohorts of university students (March 2020 n = 207, March 2021 n = 142). We investigated differences i) between 2020 and 2021, ii) between domestic and international students, and ii) whether differences between the two cohorts were moderated by student status. Results: More depressive symptoms, academic stress, and loneliness were reported in 2021. International students reported more depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, anxiety, PTSD, academic stress, and loneliness. The main effect of cohort was not moderated by student status. Conclusions: International students had worse mental health outcomes overall, but were not affected more by the COVID-19 pandemic than domestic students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liia Kivelä
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Mouthaan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willem van der Does
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Niki Antypa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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17
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AshaRani PV, Tan YWB, Samari E, Wang P, Cetty L, Satghare P, Verma SK, Tang C, Subramaniam M. The relationship between therapeutic alliance, frequency of consultation and uptake of telemedicine among patients seeking treatment for early psychosis: A moderated mediation model. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241247194. [PMID: 38698830 PMCID: PMC11064748 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241247194] [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] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Telehealth services ensure the delivery of healthcare services to a wider range of consumers through online platforms. Nonetheless, the acceptance and uptake of telehealth remain elusive. This study aims to understand the (a) uptake and (b) acceptability of telemedicine, (c) if therapeutic alliance mediates the relationship between the frequency of consultations with clinicians and the uptake of telemedicine in patients with early psychosis, and (d) role of education in moderating the relationship between therapeutic alliance and the uptake of telemedicine for their mental healthcare. Methods A convenience sample of outpatients (n = 109) seeking treatment for early psychosis and their care providers (n = 106) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric care centre. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, therapeutic alliance (Working Alliance Inventory), and telemedicine use were captured through self-administered surveys. The moderated mediation analysis was performed using PROCESS macro 3.4.1 with therapeutic alliance and level of education as the mediating and moderating factors, respectively. Results The acceptance of telemedicine was high (possibly will use: 47.7%; definitely will use: 26.6%) whilst the uptake was low (11%). Therapeutic alliance mediated the relationship between the frequency of consultation and the uptake of telemedicine (β: 0.326; CI: 0.042, 0.637). This effect was moderated by the level of education (β: -0.058; p < 0.05). Conclusion Therapeutic alliance mediates the relationship between the frequency of consultations and the uptake of telemedicine services with the level of education moderating this mediation. Focusing on the patients with lower education to improve their telemedicine knowledge and therapeutic alliance might increase the uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- PV AshaRani
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ellaisha Samari
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Laxman Cetty
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pratika Satghare
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Swapna K Verma
- Department of Psychosis, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Charmaine Tang
- Early Psychosis Intervention Programme, Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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18
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Novotný JS, Gonzalez-Rivas JP, Kunzová Š, Skladaná M, Pospíšilová A, Polcrová A, Vassilaki M, Medina-Inojosa JR, Lopez-Jimenez F, Geda YE, Stokin GB. The long-term effects of consecutive COVID-19 waves on mental health. BJPsych Open 2023; 10:e15. [PMID: 38111960 PMCID: PMC10755548 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies have documented the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, the long-term effects remain unclear. AIMS To examine longitudinal changes in mental health before and during the consecutive COVID-19 waves in a well-established probability sample. METHOD An online survey was completed by the participants of the COVID-19 add-on study at four time points: pre-COVID-19 period (2014-2015, n = 1823), first COVID-19 wave (April to May 2020, n = 788), second COVID-19 wave (August to October 2020, n = 532) and third COVID-19 wave (March to April 2021, n = 383). Data were collected via a set of validated instruments, and analysed with latent growth models. RESULTS During the pandemic, we observed a significant increase in stress levels (standardised β = 0.473, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (standardised β = 1.284, P < 0.001). The rate of increase in depressive symptoms (std. covariance = 0.784, P = 0.014), but not in stress levels (std. covariance = 0.057, P = 0.743), was associated with the pre-pandemic mental health status of the participants. Further analysis showed that secondary stressors played a predominant role in the increase in mental health difficulties. The main secondary stressors were loneliness, negative emotionality associated with the perception of COVID-19 disease, lack of resilience, female gender and younger age. CONCLUSIONS The surge in stress levels and depressive symptoms persisted across all three consecutive COVID-19 waves. This persistence is attributable to the effects of secondary stressors, and particularly to the status of mental health before the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings reveal mechanisms underlying the surge in mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 waves, with direct implications for strategies promoting mental health during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sebastian Novotný
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juan Pablo Gonzalez-Rivas
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic; and Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA
| | - Šárka Kunzová
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Skladaná
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic; and Second Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Pospíšilová
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Polcrová
- International Clinical Research Centre, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic; and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Vassilaki
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jose Ramon Medina-Inojosa
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; and Marriot Heart Disease Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Francisco Lopez-Jimenez
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yonas Endale Geda
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA; and Franke Global Neuroscience Education Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Gorazd Bernard Stokin
- Institute for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic; and Department of Neurology, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
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19
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Ubillos-Landa S, Puente-Martínez A, González-Castro JL. Psychological withdrawal and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study. Psychol Health 2023; 38:1361-1377. [PMID: 34955057 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.2019254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The first objective was to track temporal changes in participants' mental health during the 2020 lockdown in Spain. Second, we tested whether age moderated the association between the use of psychological withdrawal and mental health over time. Design: Participants (N = 396, 74% women) completed three waves of a web-based survey during the lockdown. Age mean was 40.11 (sd = 12.66). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants answered a set of sociodemographic data, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the Measures of Affect Regulation Scale (MARS). RESULTS Disruptions and withdrawal were associated with more mental health symptoms (between 39% and 41% mental distress). Growth models showed that social dysfunction increased over time while dysphoric symptoms decreased. The use of withdrawal aggravated social dysfunction symptoms. Young people who use more withdrawal experienced more social dysfunction and dysphoria over time than those who used less withdrawal strategies. CONCLUSION The differential trends in social dysfunction versus dysphoria symptoms suggest an adaptation process after the initial stress of the lockdown. Older age was correlated with less mental health problems and reflects age related improvements in emotional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ubillos-Landa
- Department of Social Psychology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Burgos (UBU), Burgos, Spain
| | - Alicia Puente-Martínez
- Department of Social Psychology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Salamanca (USAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Educational Science, Faculty of Education, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
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Bartholmae MM, Karpov MV, Dod RD, Dodani S. SilverCloud mental health feasibility study: who will it benefit the most? Arch Med Sci 2023; 19:1576-1580. [PMID: 37732062 PMCID: PMC10507755 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/170248] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examines the feasibility of SilverCloud therapy for anxiety and/or depression. Findings may help determine SilverCloud effectiveness based on patients' profiles. Methods Participants were randomly assigned to the immediate or later therapy groups. GAD-7, PHQ-9, and WHO-5 scores were measured at baseline and pre/post therapy. A mixed-methods approach was used. Results GAD-7, PHQ-9, and WHO-5 scores improved significantly from pre- to post-therapy (p<0.05) for social, behavioral, and economic reasons for anxiety and/or depression. Conclusions This SilverCloud study shows feasibility for participants who had moderate to severe anxiety and/or depression due to social, behavioral, or economic reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn M Bartholmae
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)-Sentara Healthcare Analytics and Delivery Science Institute (HADSI), United States
| | - Matvey V Karpov
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)-Sentara Healthcare Analytics and Delivery Science Institute (HADSI), United States
| | - Rohan D Dod
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)-Sentara Healthcare Analytics and Delivery Science Institute (HADSI), United States
| | - Sunita Dodani
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)-Sentara Healthcare Analytics and Delivery Science Institute (HADSI), United States
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21
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Van Der Zant T. Worry About COVID-19 and Other Extreme Events Amongst Educators in Australia. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION 2023; 67:143-162. [PMID: 38602924 PMCID: PMC10133864 DOI: 10.1177/00049441231168447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The significant disruption of COVID-19 on schooling has heightened concerns about its impact on educators' wellbeing. The current study examined how educators' worry regarding the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their worry about other extreme events, such as natural disasters and critical incidents (a death or suicide of a child, young person, or colleague). Educators report that they were most worried about COVID-19. Educators working in preschools were more worried about COVID-19 and natural disasters than those in primary and secondary schools. However, worry regarding critical incidents increased with the age of students taught. Worry was influenced by socio-economic advantage (SEIFA), whereby educators working in higher SEIFA communities were less worried about natural disasters and critical incidents but shared similar levels of worry about COVID-19 as educators in lower SEIFA communities. With a better understanding about how different types of worry and levels of worry vary across different educator groups and different contexts, more effective supports can be developed and offered.
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Gilbert A, Eyler A, Cesarone G, Harris J, Hayibor L, Evanoff B. Exploring University and Healthcare Workers' Physical Activity, Diet, and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Workplace Health Saf 2023; 71:384-394. [PMID: 36708021 PMCID: PMC9895304 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221147814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic affected well-being and health behaviors, especially among healthcare workers and employees in other fields. This is of public health concern because health behaviors and well-being influence long-term negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore health behaviors and well-being among university and medical center staff during COVID-19. METHODS EMPOWER (Employee Well-being during Epidemic Response) was a three-wave observational study (wave 1: 1,994; wave 2: 1,426; wave 3: 1,363) measuring health behaviors and well-being of university and medical center staff. Surveys were disseminated online to all employees between April and September 2020. Descriptive statistics explored trends across waves for health behaviors (physical activity [PA], diet), and well-being (mental well-being [MWB], depression, anxiety, and stress). Logistic regressions explored associations between health behaviors and well-being factors adjusting for demographics and clinical role. Interactions explored moderation by clinical role. RESULTS Most participants reported same/healthier changes in PA (54-65%) and diet (57-73%) and decreased MWB across waves (62%-69%). Nonclinical workers were less likely than clinical workers to experience worse MWB and moderate/severe anxiety and stress (odds ratios [ORs] ranged from 0.38 to 0.58 across waves and well-being outcomes). Participants who maintained/increased PA and diet were less likely to experience worse well-being (ORs ranged from 0.44 to 0.69 across waves and well-being outcomes). Interactions by clinical role were not significant. CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE Maintaining/increasing health behaviors during COVID-19 may be protective of mental health/well-being in some healthcare workers. These findings support health promotion efforts focused on maintaining or improving diet and PA.
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23
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John JR, Khan JR, Lin PI, Jonnagaddala J, Hu N, Belcher J, Liaw ST, Lingam R, Eapen V. A nationwide study of COVID-19 impact on mental health-related presentations among children and adolescents to primary care practices in Australia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115332. [PMID: 37453310 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health (MH)-related visits to general practices (GPs) among children and young people (CYP) up to 18 years of age in Australia. This study analysed national-level data captured by the NPS MedicineWise program on monthly CYP MH-related visits per 10,000 visits to GPs from January 2014 to September 2021. We considered the pre-COVID-19 period (January 2014-February 2020) and the COVID-19 period (March 2020-September 2021). We used a Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) model to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on MH-related GP visits per 10,000 visits. A total of 103,813 out of 7,690,874 visits to GP (i.e., about 135 per 10,000 visits) were related to MH during study period. The BSTS model showed a significant increase in the overall MH-related visits during COVID-19 period (33%, 95% Credible Interval (Crl) 8.5%-56%), particularly, visits related to depressive disorders (61%, 95% Crl 29%-91%). The greatest increase was observed among females (39%, 95% Crl 12%-64%) and those living in socioeconomically least disadvantaged areas (36%, 95% Crl 1.2-71%). Our findings highlight the need for resources to be directed towards at-risk CYP to improve MH outcomes and reduce health system burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Rufus John
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Jahidur Rahman Khan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ping-I Lin
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Nan Hu
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Siaw-Teng Liaw
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Raghu Lingam
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
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Rees SJ, Mohsin M, Kuowei Tay A, Moussa B, Klein L, Nadar N, Hussain F, Krishna Y, Khalil B, Yousif M, Silove D, Fisher J. COVID-19 stressors and mental health problems amongst women who arrived as refugees and those born in Australia. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002073. [PMID: 37399172 PMCID: PMC10317230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Women from refugee background residing in high income countries are at greater mental health risk during the COVID-19 pandemic given their higher baseline prevalence of mental disorders, trauma exposures and social adversities. During the COVID-19 pandemic we drew on data from wave-4 of the WATCH cohort study, collected between October 2019 and June 2021. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to compare the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs) from the sample of 650 consecutively recruited women, 339 (52.2%) from the refugee-background who were resettled in Australia and 311 (48.8%) randomly and contemporaneously selected Australian born women. We assessed COVID-19 psychosocial stressors: 1. COVID-related material hardship and 2. COVID-related fear and stress. We examined for associations between scores on these two items and CMDs in each group respectively. Compared to Australian-born woman, women from refugee background recorded a significantly higher prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (19.8% vs 13.5%), PTSD (9.7% vs 5.1%), Separation Anxiety Disorder (SEPAD) (19.8% vs 13.5%) and Persistent Complicated Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) (6.5% vs 2.9%). In refugee women, associations were found between COVID-related material hardship and CMDs [MDD, Relative Risk (RR) = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02-1.89, p = 0.02] as well as between COVID-related fear and stress and CMDs (MDD, RR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.04-2.90, p = 0.02 p = 0.02). For Australian-born women, associations were more commonly found between CMDs and material hardship. Our study demonstrates that both women from refugee background and those born in Australia are experiencing significant rates of CMD during the pandemic and that material hardship is an associated factor. We found that women from refugee background are at greater risk for mental health problems and are more likely to report an association of those problems with fear and stress related to COVID_19. All women, and particularly those from refugee background, require urgent and specialised attention to their mental health and psychosocial problems during this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Rees
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mohammed Mohsin
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Mental Health Research Unit, Liverpool Hospital, SWSLHD, New South Wales Health, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Alvin Kuowei Tay
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Batool Moussa
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louis Klein
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nawal Nadar
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fatima Hussain
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yalini Krishna
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Batoul Khalil
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mariam Yousif
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Derrick Silove
- Faculty of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane Fisher
- Division of Social Sciences in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Global and Women’s Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lengua LJ, Stavish CM, Green LM, Shimomaeda L, Thompson SF, Calhoun R, Moini N, Smith MR. Pre-COVID-19 predictors of low-income women's COVID-19 appraisal, coping, and changes in mental health during the pandemic. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:2098-2116. [PMID: 36776019 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.23012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Study examined predictors and mental health consequences of appraisal (threat, support satisfaction) and coping (active, avoidant) in a sample of low-income women during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pre-COVID-19 contextual risk and individual resources and COVID-19-specific risk factors were examined as predictors of COVID-19 appraisal and coping, which, in turn, were tested as predictors of changes in depression and anxiety across the pandemic. Pre-COVID-19 resilience predicted more active coping, whereas pre-COVID-19 anxiety and depression predicted more avoidant coping and lower support satisfaction, respectively. Increases in anxiety were predicted by lower pre-COVID-19 self-compassion and higher concurrent threat appraisal and avoidant coping. Increases in depression were related to lower pre-COVID-19 self-compassion, active coping and support satisfaction, and higher COVID-19 hardships and health risk. Findings highlight contextual and individual factors and processes that contribute to mental health problems in a vulnerable population during community-level stressors, with implications for prevention and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana J Lengua
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Caitlin M Stavish
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsey M Green
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lisa Shimomaeda
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Calhoun
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natasha Moini
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michele R Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Guarnera J, Yuen E, Macpherson H. The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Aging: A Narrative Review. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:699-714. [PMID: 37483321 PMCID: PMC10357115 DOI: 10.3233/adr-230011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Social concepts such as loneliness and social isolation are fairly new factors that have been recently gaining attention as to their involvement in changes in cognitive function and association with dementia. The primary aim of this narrative review was to describe the current understanding of how loneliness and social isolation influence cognitive aging and how they are linked to dementia. Studies have shown that there is an association between loneliness, social isolation, and reduced cognitive function, in older adults, across multiple cognitive domains, as well as a heightened risk of dementia. Numerous changes to underlying neural biomechanisms including cortisol secretion and brain volume alterations (e.g., white/grey matter, hippocampus) may contribute to these relationships. However, due to poor quality research, mixed and inconclusive findings, and issues accurately defining and measuring loneliness and social isolation, more consistent high-quality interventions are needed to determine whether studies addressing loneliness and social isolation can impact longer term risk of dementia. This is especially important given the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation in older people is yet to be fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Guarnera
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Eva Yuen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety-Monash Health Partnership, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen Macpherson
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Levante A, Martis C, Bianco F, Castelli I, Petrocchi S, Lecciso F. Internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic mixed studies review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1182309. [PMID: 37397311 PMCID: PMC10313408 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1182309] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Given the vulnerability of children during the COVID-19 pandemic, paying close attention to their wellbeing at the time is warranted. The present protocol-based systematic mixed-studies review examines papers published during 2020-2022, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms and the determinants thereof. Method PROSPERO: CRD42022385284. Five databases were searched and the PRISMA diagram was applied. The inclusion criteria were: papers published in English in peer-reviewed journals; papers published between January 2020 and October 2022 involving children aged 5-13 years; qualitative, quantitative, and mixed studies. The standardized Mixed Method Appraisal Tool protocol was used to appraise the quality of the studies. Results Thirty-four studies involving 40,976 participants in total were analyzed. Their principal characteristics were tabulated. The results showed that children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms increased during the pandemic, largely as a result of disengagement from play activities and excessive use of the internet. Girls showed more internalizing symptoms and boys more externalizing symptoms. Distress was the strongest parental factor mediating children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms. The quality of the studies was appraised as low (n = 12), medium (n = 12), and high (n = 10). Conclusion Gender-based interventions should be designed for children and parents. The studies reviewed were cross-sectional, so long-term patterns and outcomes could not be predicted. Future researchers might consider a longitudinal approach to determine the long-term effects of the pandemic on children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022385284, identifier: CRD42022385284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Levante
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Chiara Martis
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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28
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Çol BK, Başaran AG, Pekmezci H. COVID-19 pandemic: Evaluating its psychological impact and individuals' depression, anxiety, and stress levels. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:507-523. [PMID: 37842269 PMCID: PMC10567971 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023036] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health problem affecting mental health, and basic data are required for evidence-based mental health interventions. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of psychological impacts, anxiety, depression, stress, and any associated risk factors in individuals living in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods The population of this descriptive study consisted of individuals over the age of 18 living in Turkey. The data were collected between July-September 2020 using the snowball sampling method. The study was completed with 1733 participants. The data were collected using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Statistical analyses included percentage, mean, standard deviation, a Chi-square test, a Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis and Tamhane's T2 post hoc, and Spearman's correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 45.1% had moderate or severe psychological effects; 42.7% had a moderate or severe depression, 31.7% had moderate or severe anxiety, and 28.5% had moderate or severe stress levels. Being a woman, being single, unemployment, smoking, the presence of chronic diseases, being young (<35), being a university graduate, having a household size of 5 or more, a low income, having poor health, and being underweight were significantly correlated with some psychological impact, depression, anxiety, and stress levels of people. Conclusion During the pandemic period, almost half of the respondents were found to experience some psychological impact of the pandemic and have negative moderate to severe mental health levels. Risk groups for mental health were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Kefeli Çol
- Guneysu Vocational School of Physical Theraphy and Rehabilitation, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversity, Rize, Turkey
| | | | - Hilal Pekmezci
- Vocational School of Health Services, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversity, Rize, Turkey
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29
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Arya V, Banerjee R, Lowies B, Viljoen C, Lushington K. The effect of psychological factors on financial behaviour among older Australians: Evidence from the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286733. [PMID: 37289775 PMCID: PMC10249876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286733] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the association between psychological factors and financial behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in older people. Older people were chosen compared to other age groups because of the relatively greater impact in this age group of suboptimal financial decisions on future financial wellbeing. We hypothesised that the psychological factors facilitating general wellbeing during the COVID-I9 pandemic, i.e., positive mental wellbeing, hope, and positive coping, will have positive effects on financial behaviour. Based on telephone interviews, 1501 older Australians (Men = 750 and Women = 751; 55-64y = 630; > 65y = 871) completed an omnibus questionnaire examining coping, hope, mental wellbeing, and financial behaviour. Data was analysed using logistic regression and an ordinary and two-stage least square frameworks. Analyses revealed that the psychological factors identified as facilitating general wellbeing during the COVID-I9 pandemic also facilitated positive financial behaviour with hope and mental wellbeing emerging as significant determinants. Based on weightings from principal component analysis, one item each from the hope and mental wellbeing scale with eigenvalues > 1 were found to be robust predictors of positive financial behaviours. In conclusion, the findings support the assumption that the psychological factors associated with general wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic are also associated with positive financial behaviour. They further raise the possibility that single hope and positive mental well-being items can also be used to monitor psychological health and predict financial behaviour in older people and, in particular, at times of crisis. The latter may be useful measures for government to monitor psychological and financial wellbeing and inform policy for supporting older people at times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Arya
- UniSA Business, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rajabrata Banerjee
- UniSA Business, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Braam Lowies
- UniSA Business, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Department of Financial Management, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Christa Viljoen
- UniSA Business, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kurt Lushington
- UniSA Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Gizdic A, Baxter T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Park S. Social connectedness and resilience post COVID-19 pandemic: Buffering against trauma, stress, and psychosis. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:100126. [PMID: 37168290 PMCID: PMC10156379 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated psychosocial predictors of psychosis-risk, depression, anxiety, and stress in Croatia two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the existing transgenerational war trauma and associated psychiatric consequences in Croatian population, a significant pandemic-related deterioration of mental health was expected. Recent studies suggest that after an initial increase in psychiatric disorders during the pandemic in Croatia, depression, stress, and anxiety rapidly declined. These findings highlight the role of social connectedness and resilience in the face of the global pandemic. We examined resilience and psychiatric disorder risk in 377 Croatian adults using an anonymous online mental health survey. Results indicate that there was an exacerbation of all mental ill health variables, including depression, anxiety, stress, and a doubled risk for psychosis outcome post-COVID pandemic. Stress decreased levels of resilience, however, those exposed to previous traumatic experience and greater social connectedness had higher resilience levels. These findings suggest that individual differences in underlying stress sensitization of Croatian population due to past trauma may continue to influence mental health consequences two years after COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to promote the importance of social connectedness and resilience in preventing the development of variety of mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Gizdic
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tatiana Baxter
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Sant Pere Claver - Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Norbye AD, Farbu EH, Terjesen CL, Fleten N, Höper AC. The level of health anxiety before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285799. [PMID: 37224119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about disease and an increase in health anxiety levels are expected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there have been few longitudinal studies of health anxiety in the general population during this time period. The aim of this study was to examine health anxiety levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in an adult, working population in Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 1012 participants aged 18-70 years with one or more measurements of health anxiety (1402 measurements total) from the pre-pandemic period (2015 to March 11, 2020) and/or during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 12, 2020 to March 31, 2022). Health anxiety was measured with the revised version of the Whiteley Index-6 scale (WI-6-R). We estimated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health anxiety scores with a general estimation equation analysis, and age, gender, education, and friendship were included in subgroup analyses. RESULTS We found no significant change in health anxiety scores during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period in our adult, working population. A sensitivity analysis restricted to participants with two or more measurements showed similar results. Moreover, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health anxiety scores was not significant in any subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION Health anxiety remained stable, with no significant change observed between the pre-pandemic period and the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in an adult, working population in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Davis Norbye
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erlend Hoftun Farbu
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christoffer Lilja Terjesen
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nils Fleten
- Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration Troms and Finnmark, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anje Christina Höper
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Andrews JL, Li M, Minihan S, Songco A, Fox E, Ladouceur CD, Mewton L, Moulds M, Pfeifer JH, Van Harmelen AL, Schweizer S. The effect of intolerance of uncertainty on anxiety and depression, and their symptom networks, during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:261. [PMID: 37069541 PMCID: PMC10109227 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04734-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals vary in their ability to tolerate uncertainty. High intolerance of uncertainty (the tendency to react negatively to uncertain situations) is a known risk factor for mental health problems. In the current study we examined the degree to which intolerance of uncertainty predicted depression and anxiety symptoms and their interrelations across the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined these associations across three time points (May 2020 - April 2021) in an international sample of adults (N = 2087, Mean age = 41.13) from three countries (UK, USA, Australia) with varying degrees of COVID-19 risk. We found that individuals with high and moderate levels of intolerance of uncertainty reported reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms over time. However, symptom levels remained significantly elevated compared to individuals with low intolerance of uncertainty. Individuals with low intolerance of uncertainty had low and stable levels of depression and anxiety across the course of the study. Network analyses further revealed that the relationships between depression and anxiety symptoms became stronger over time among individuals with high intolerance of uncertainty and identified that feeling afraid showed the strongest association with intolerance of uncertainty. Our findings are consistent with previous work identifying intolerance of uncertainty as an important risk factor for mental health problems, especially in times marked by actual health, economic and social uncertainty. The results highlight the need to explore ways to foster resilience among individuals who struggle to tolerate uncertainty, as ongoing and future geopolitical, climate and health threats will likely lead to continued exposure to significant uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meiwei Li
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Elaine Fox
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Susanne Schweizer
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Lyvers M, Thorberg FA. Alexithymia and Alcohol Use: Evaluating the Role of Interoceptive Sensibility with the Revised Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37361346 PMCID: PMC10072022 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-023-10034-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Alexithymia has been linked to risky or problematic alcohol use, with a common interpretation invoking deficient emotion regulation and use of alcohol to cope with distress. An alternative explanation positing a general deficit of interoception in alexithymia suggested that poor awareness of internal cues of overconsumption may promote excessive drinking. The present study assessed predictions based on these hypotheses in 337 young adult alcohol users recruited online. Participants completed validated questionnaire indices of alcohol use, alexithymia, emotion regulation, interoceptive sensibility, and sensitivity to reward and punishment. Alcohol use was positively correlated with alexithymia and reward sensitivity, and negatively correlated with emotion regulation as expected, but was uncorrelated with interoceptive sensibility. Alexithymia was not significantly correlated with most dimensions of interoceptive sensibility but was highly negatively correlated with emotion regulation. Hierarchical regression controlling for demographic variables indicated that alexithymia, emotion regulation, sex, and sensitivity to reward and punishment were significant predictors of alcohol use levels. Bootstrapped mediation test controlling for all other variables indicated mediation of the association between alexithymia and alcohol use by deficient emotion regulation but not interoceptive sensibility. Results supported the emotion regulation deficit interpretation of the association of alexithymia with alcohol use. Limitations concerning interoception measurement, online samples, self-report measures, cross-sectional designs, and collection of data during the COVID-19 pandemic are discussed. Future research could follow up on these findings by testing interoceptive accuracy in addition to interoceptive sensibility in relation to alexithymia and alcohol use.
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Zhu C, Zhang T, Li Q, Chen X, Wang K. Depression and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Epidemiology, Mechanism, and Treatment. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:675-684. [PMID: 36411394 PMCID: PMC9685018 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00970-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an adverse impact on the physical and mental health of the public worldwide. In addition to illness in patients with COVID-19, isolated people and the general population have experienced mental health problems due to social distancing policies, mandatory lockdown, and other psychosocial factors, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety significantly increased during the pandemic. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the epidemiology, contributing factors, and pathogenesis of depression and anxiety. during the pandemic. These findings indicate that physicians and psychiatrists should pay more attention to and identify those with a high risk for mental problems, such as females, younger people, unmarried people, and those with a low educational level. In addition, researchers should focus on identifying the neural and neuroimmune mechanisms involved in depression and anxiety, and assess the intestinal microbiome to identify effective biomarkers. We also provide an overview of various intervention methods, including pharmacological treatment, psychological therapy, and physiotherapy, to provide a reference for different populations to guide the development of optimized intervention methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Zhu
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, 230032, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xingui Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Liminality and insecurity: A qualitative study of young adults’ vulnerabilities during the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100260. [PMID: 37013150 PMCID: PMC10050194 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has disrupted the normative social order, particularly for young adults. Their deteriorating mental health over 2020 has been associated with the economic and social conditions during the COVID-19 lockdowns. We conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with young adults aged 8 and 29 most of whom lived in Victoria, Australia. The interviews explored participants' experiences and responses to COVID-19, covering areas such disrupted everyday practices and future plans, impacts on their physical and mental health, and interactions community and services. Young adults were concerned about loss of social connectedness, their mental health and the complex interplay of issues such as employment, income, education and housing. They developed routines to protect their physical and mental health while in lockdown and some made the most of opportunities. However, the pandemic may have had a profound effect by disrupting some young adults’ plans for the future, thus contributing to a sense of ontological insecurity.
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Kim MY, Han K. Why do we vent our emotions and blame others during the coronavirus pandemic? The role of emotional clarity in the United States and South Korea ( ¿Por qué ventilamos nuestras emociones y culpabilizamos a otras personas durante la pandemia del coronavirus? El rol de la claridad emocional en los Estados Unidos y Corea del Sur). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/02134748.2023.2178120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Bennetts SK, Howell T, Crawford S, Burgemeister F, Burke K, Nicholson JM. Family Bonds with Pets and Mental Health during COVID-19 in Australia: A Complex Picture. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5245. [PMID: 37047861 PMCID: PMC10094414 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075245] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the health-promoting features of human-animal relationships, particularly for families with children. Despite this, the World Health Organization's (1986) Ottawa Charter remains human-centric. Given the reciprocal health impacts of human-animal relationships, this paper aims to (i) describe perceived pet-related benefits, worries, and family activities; and to (ii) examine differences in perceived benefits, worries, and activities for parents and children with and without clinical mental health symptoms. We recruited 1034 Australian parents with a child < 18 years and a cat or dog via a national online survey between July and October 2020. Most parents reported their pet was helpful for their own (78%) and their child's mental health (80%). Adjusted logistic regression revealed parents with clinical psychological distress were 2.5 times more likely to be worried about their pet's care, well-being, and behaviour (OR = 2.56, p < 0.001). Clinically anxious children were almost twice as likely to live in a family who engages frequently in pet-related activities (e.g., cooked treats, taught tricks, OR = 1.82, p < 0.01). Mental health and perceived benefits of having a pet were not strongly associated. Data support re-framing the Ottawa Charter to encompass human-animal relationships, which is an often-neglected aspect of a socioecological approach to health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon K. Bennetts
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Intergenerational Health Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Tiffani Howell
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Sharinne Crawford
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Fiona Burgemeister
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Kylie Burke
- Metro North Mental Health, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Jan M. Nicholson
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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Leach L, Butterworth P, Hokke S, Love J, Bennetts SK, Crawford S, Cooklin A. How the mental health of working parents in Australia changed during COVID-19: A pre- to during pandemic longitudinal comparison. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:564-571. [PMID: 36623561 PMCID: PMC9822551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cross-sectional studies indicate that mental health has deteriorated in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including for parents. However, robust longitudinal studies interrogating change from before to during the pandemic remain rare. The current study analysed data from Australian parents surveyed in 2016 and August 2020. We investigate whether distress was higher in the COVID-19 period compared to pre-pandemic levels, and whether any increases in distress were greatest for parents living in Victoria (who had entered their second prolonged lockdown). METHODS A community cohort of Australian working parents (n = 5197) was recruited online in 2016. In August 2020, 25.9 % (n = 1348) completed a follow-up survey. Analyses were restricted to those employed at both time-points (n = 1311). Random effects longitudinal models examined the association between time (i.e. pre vs. during-pandemic) and distress (K6 scale). Fixed effects models specifically tested change between time periods in association with change in distress. LIMITATIONS The initial sample were recruited online with highly educate parents over-represented. Attrition between survey time-points may also limit generalisability. RESULTS All models consistently showed that the pandemic period was associated with greater distress. Overall, serious mental illness (i.e. K6 score ≥ 18) increased by 5.3 percentage points (from 8.0 to 13.3). This increase was greater (by 4.7 percentage points) for those parents in Victoria. CONCLUSIONS This study is one of few to longitudinally assess mental health pre- to during the pandemic. Psychological distress and serious mental illness increased for Australian working parents, and this effect was greatest for those experiencing a prolonged lockdown in Victoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Leach
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Australia.
| | - Peter Butterworth
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Australia
| | - Stacey Hokke
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jasmine Love
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Shannon K. Bennetts
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia,Intergenerational Health Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Amanda Cooklin
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Lin BB, Chang CC, Astell-Burt T, Feng X, Gardner J, Andersson E. Nature experience from yards provide an important space for mental health during Covid-19. NPJ URBAN SUSTAINABILITY 2023; 3:14. [PMID: 36919093 PMCID: PMC9999340 DOI: 10.1038/s42949-023-00094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Urban dwellers' use of public and private green spaces may have changed during the early years of the Covid-19 pandemic due to movement restriction. A survey was deployed in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia 1 year after the start of Covid-19 restrictions (April 2021) to explore relationships of mental health and wellbeing to different patterns of private yard versus public green space visitation. More frequent yard use during the initial year of Covid-19 was correlated with lower stress, depression, and anxiety and higher wellbeing. However, greater duration of yard visits (week prior to survey) was associated with higher stress, anxiety, and depression scores, potentially because individuals may seek to use nature spaces immediately available for emotional regulation during difficult times. The results highlight the importance of yards for mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic and that relationships between nature interaction and mental health may be context and timeframe dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda B. Lin
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Chia-chen Chang
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA USA
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW Australia
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Sydney, NSW Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - John Gardner
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Erik Andersson
- Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Blasbalg U, Sinai D, Arnon S, Hermon Y, Toren P. Mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a large-scale population-based study in Israel. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 123:152383. [PMID: 36933388 PMCID: PMC9997062 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Contemporary evidence notes the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the utilization of physical and mental health services worldwide. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the changes in the utilization of mental health services during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years as well as to estimate the moderating role age had on these changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Psychiatric data was collected from n = 928,044 individuals living in Israel. Rates of receipt of psychiatric diagnoses and purchases of psychotropic medication were extracted for the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and for two comparison years. The odds of receiving a diagnosis or of purchasing a psychotropic medication during the pandemic were compared to control years using uncontrolled logistic regression models and controlled and logistic regression that accounted for differences between ages. RESULTS There was a general reduction of about 3-17% in the odds of receiving a psychiatric diagnosis or purchasing psychotropic medications during the pandemic year compared to control years. The bulk of tests conducted showed that reduction in the rates of receiving diagnoses and purchasing medications during the pandemic were evident or more profound in the older age groups. An analysis of a combined measure conclusive of all other measures revealed decreased rates of utilizing any service examined during 2020, with rates decreasing as age increases up to a decrease of 25% in the oldest age group (80-96). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Changes in utilization of mental health services reveal the interplay between psychological distress that has been documented to increase during the pandemic and people's reluctance to seek professional assistance. This appears to be especially prominent among the vulnerable elderly, who may have received even less professional help for their emerging distress. The results obtained in Israel are likely to be replicated in other countries as well, given the global impact of the pandemic on adults' mental health and individuals' readiness to utilize mental healthcare services. Future research on the long-term impact of the pandemic on utilization of mental healthcare services is warranted, with an emphasis on the response of different populations to emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Blasbalg
- Ramat-Chen Brüll Mental Health Center, Tel-Aviv District, Clalit Health Services Community Division. 9 Hatzvi St., Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Dana Sinai
- Ramat-Chen Brüll Mental Health Center, Tel-Aviv District, Clalit Health Services Community Division. 9 Hatzvi St., Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shay Arnon
- Ramat-Chen Brüll Mental Health Center, Tel-Aviv District, Clalit Health Services Community Division. 9 Hatzvi St., Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehonathan Hermon
- Ramat-Chen Brüll Mental Health Center, Tel-Aviv District, Clalit Health Services Community Division. 9 Hatzvi St., Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Paz Toren
- Ramat-Chen Brüll Mental Health Center, Tel-Aviv District, Clalit Health Services Community Division. 9 Hatzvi St., Tel-Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Dolli I, Slade T, Teesson M, Chapman C. Longitudinal and self-attributed change in alcohol use among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:625-632. [PMID: 36682030 PMCID: PMC10947013 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13602] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a unique concern regarding the potential for pandemic-related increases in alcohol use. However, most studies which have measured pandemic-related changes to date utilise self-attribution measures of changes in alcohol use using cross-sectional designs, which rely on accurate self-attributions for validity. There has been minimal investigation of correspondence of self-attributed and longitudinally measured changes in alcohol use during the pandemic. The current study seeks to examine this correspondence. METHODS A total of 856 participants originally recruited from Australian secondary schools completed follow-up surveys of an ongoing study at two timepoints (2018-2019, mean age 18.6 and 2020-2021, mean age 19.9; 65.3% female). Alcohol use was measured as any drinking (1+ drinks) and binge drinking (5+ drinks) frequency in the past 6 months. The correspondence and relationship between 'longitudinal change' measured from the first to the second timepoint and 'self-attributed change' measured at the second timepoint were examined. RESULTS For both any drinking and binge drinking frequency, moderate correspondence was observed between self-attributed and longitudinal change in drinking (37.1% and 39.3%). Most participants with longitudinal increases in any drinking or binge drinking frequency failed to correctly self-attribute this increase. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that self-attributed increases do not correspond well with longitudinally measured increases in pandemic-related drinking and may underestimate increases measured longitudinally. Method of measurement needs to be taken into account if data are to be used to identify sub-groups at risk of alcohol use increases and facilitate appropriate direction of public health efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishaan Dolli
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Tim Slade
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Maree Teesson
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Cath Chapman
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance UseThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
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Holt M, MacGibbon J, Smith AKJ, Broady TR, Davis MDM, Newman CE. Knowledge of Australia's My Health Record and factors associated with opting out: Results from a national survey of the Australian general population and communities affected by HIV and sexually transmissible infections. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000200. [PMID: 36857326 PMCID: PMC9977020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
My Health Record is Australia's national, digital, personal health record system. All Australians have a record in the system unless they choose to opt out of it. Concerns about privacy, security and unwanted sharing of data, particularly in marginalised populations, may impede its use. We conducted a national, online survey of Australians' attitudes to digital health in April-June 2020. The sample (N = 2,240) was recruited from the general population and four priority populations affected by HIV and other sexually transmissible infections: gay and bisexual men, people living with HIV, sex workers, and trans and gender diverse people. This analysis assesses factors associated with greater knowledge of My Health Record and the likelihood of opting out of the system. Due to increased concerns about data privacy and misuse, we hypothesised that priority population members would know more about and be more likely to opt out of the system. We found that most of the sample (71.2%) knew little about My Health Record and 29.4% had opted out of the system. Greater knowledge of My Health Record was associated with younger age, having a university degree, having one or more health conditions, and being trans or gender diverse. Being a student, unemployed, receiving government benefits, or having poor self-reported health, were associated with less knowledge. Opting out of My Health Record was associated with having a university degree, one or more health conditions, and being a priority population member. The likelihood of opting out was lower among people born overseas, residents of Queensland, and people who were students, unemployed, or receiving government benefits. We recommend additional investment in community-based education to address people's concerns about My Health Record and support people to use the system without compromising their health care, privacy, or security. Opting out may be a legitimate choice for people who perceive more risks than benefits from the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - James MacGibbon
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Timothy R. Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark D. M. Davis
- School of Social Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christy E. Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Khatun K, Farhana N. Assessment of Level of Depression and Associated Factors among COVID-19-Recovered Patients: a Cross-Sectional Study. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0465122. [PMID: 36752623 PMCID: PMC10100670 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04651-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has psychological consequences such as increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress problems, exacerbating human health disparities. This study aimed to analyze depression and its causes in COVID-19-recovered patients in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19-recovered patients who attended follow-up visits after 14 days to 3 months at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and Dhaka North City Corporation Hospital (DNCCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 1 January to 31 December 2021. Respondents were face-to-face interviewed with a semistructured questionnaire after written agreement. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess respondents' depression, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with a P value of <0.05 indicating statistical significance. A total of 325 COVID-19-recovered patients aged from 15 to 65 years (mean, 44.34 ± 13.87 years) were included in this study, the highest proportion (23.1%) of them were aged 46 to 55 years, and the majority (61.5%) of them were male. There were 69.5% of respondents who had no signs of depression while 31% of them did have signs, with 26.7% being mildly depressed, 2.5% being extremely depressed, and 1.2% being severely depressed. Diabetes mellitus, hospitalization duration, social distancing, social media posts on COVID-19, loss of employment, family damage, and fear of reinfection were significantly associated with depression level of respondents. This study gives us a glimpse into the psychological health of COVID-19-recovered patients, and its findings highlight the imperative of alleviating their psychological anguish in Bangladesh. IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant psychological impact on healthy populations, with increased depression, perceived stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and insomnia reported. The COVID-19 pandemic affects people's mental health by instilling fear of infection and depression. In the post-COVID-19 syndrome, depressive symptoms and clinically significant depression may have serious consequences for quality-of-life outcomes. To combat the spread of COVID-19, the Bangladesh government has implemented a number of measures, including lockdown, social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine. Given the negative consequences, it is critical to investigate potential factors and mechanisms that may shed light on mental health improvement. The purpose of the study is to determine the level of depression in patients 3 months after recovering from acute COVID-19. The study's findings highlight the need for COVID-19-infected people in Bangladesh to receive health education and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadeza Khatun
- Department of Hospital Management, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nasreen Farhana
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Elder GJ, Altena E, Palagini L, Ellis JG. Stress and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis: How can the COVID-19 pandemic inform our understanding and treatment of acute insomnia? J Sleep Res 2023:e13842. [PMID: 36748346 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13842] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Stress and sleep are very closely linked, and stressful life events can trigger acute insomnia. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is highly likely to represent one such stressful life event. Indeed, a wide range of cross-sectional studies demonstrate that the pandemic is associated with poor sleep and sleep disturbances. Given the high economic and health burden of insomnia disorder, strategies that can prevent and treat acute insomnia, and also prevent the transition from acute insomnia to insomnia disorder, are necessary. This narrative review outlines why the COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful life event, and why activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as a biological marker of psychological stress, is likely to result in acute insomnia. Further, this review outlines how sleep disturbances might arise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and why simultaneous hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis measurement can inform the pathogenesis of acute insomnia. In particular, we focus on the cortisol awakening response as a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, as cortisol is the end-product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. From a research perspective, future opportunities include identifying individuals, or particular occupational or societal groups (e.g. frontline health staff), who are at high risk of developing acute insomnia, and intervening. From an acute insomnia treatment perspective, priorities include testing large-scale online behavioural interventions; examining if reducing the impact of stress is effective and, finally, assessing whether "sleep vaccination" can maintain good sleep health by preventing the occurrence of acute insomnia, by preventing the transition from acute insomnia to insomnia disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg J Elder
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ellemarije Altena
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine-UMR 5287 CNRS, Team Neuroimaging and Human Cognition, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Psychiatric Section University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatric Section, University of Pisa, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana (AOUP), Pisa, Italy
| | - Jason G Ellis
- Northumbria Sleep Research, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Liang Y, Zhao Y, Ji W, Bian X, Xi J. Latent profiles of psychological status among populations cumulatively exposed to a flood and the recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2023; 85:103520. [PMID: 36619140 PMCID: PMC9805375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Henan Province in Central China was hit by unprecedented, rain-triggered floods in July 2021 and experienced a recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aims to identify the latent profiles of psychological status and acceptance of change among Henan residents who have been cumulatively exposed to these floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 977 participants were recruited. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore underlying patterns of psychological status (i.e., perceived risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety and rumination) and acceptance of change. The predictors were evaluated with multinomial logistic regression. LPA identified four patterns of psychological status and acceptance of change: high distress/high acceptance (5.1%), moderate distress/moderate acceptance (20.1%), mild distress/mild acceptance (45.5%), and resilience (29.3%). The additive impact of the floods and COVID-19 pandemic and negative emotion during the floods were the risk factors, while flood coping efficacy, trust, and a closer psychological distance change were the protective factors. The present study therefore provides novel evidence on psychological status after both a natural disaster and a major public health event. The cumulative effects of the floods and the COVID-19 pandemic may have heightened the risk of post-disaster maladaptation. A complex relationship between psychological outcomes and acceptance of change was also found. The findings of this study thus provide a foundation for both disaster management and psychological assistance for particular groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Ji
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Bian
- School of Educational Science, International Joint Laboratory of Behavior and Cognitive Science, Zhengzhou Normal University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Juzhe Xi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Brickley B, Burzacott J, Naren T. Enhancing person-centred care and access to primary care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. AUST HEALTH REV 2023; 47:13-15. [PMID: 36423653 DOI: 10.1071/ah22190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic has amplified the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and influenced the way primary care services are delivered. The purpose of this critical perspective is to explore the research on person-centred care (PCC) that has been conducted during the pandemic, with a contextual focus on care delivered by general practitioners (GPs) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The pandemic has shown that primary care needs to be flexible, adaptive and innovative to maintain PCC. During the pandemic, general practice teams maintained their focus on the delivery of PCC and adapted routine services. National health care policy and modifications to the Medicare Benefits Schedule supported the delivery of PCC. Evaluation research has shown that funding extensions made during the pandemic increased patient engagement and the delivery of routine services, which supported primary care clinic sustainability. However, the delivery of PCC by GPs in the clinical setting requires time. Adequately funded, longer primary care consultations are needed to enhance PCC and access to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Brickley
- Healthy Primary Care, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, G40 Griffith Health Centre, Level 8.86, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Jaydene Burzacott
- Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative, 119 Prouses Road, North Bendigo, Vic. 3550, Australia
| | - Thileepan Naren
- Drug Health Services, Western Health, 3¿7 Eleanor Street, Footscray, Vic. 3011, Australia
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Wang S, Huang X, Hu T, She B, Zhang M, Wang R, Gruebner O, Imran M, Corcoran J, Liu Y, Bao S. A global portrait of expressed mental health signals towards COVID-19 in social media space. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION : ITC JOURNAL 2023; 116:103160. [PMID: 36570490 PMCID: PMC9759272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jag.2022.103160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has induced a mental health crisis. Social media data offer a unique opportunity to track the mental health signals of a given population and quantify their negativity towards COVID-19. To date, however, we know little about how negative sentiments differ across countries and how these relate to the shifting policy landscape experienced through the pandemic. Using 2.1 billion individual-level geotagged tweets posted between 1 February 2020 and 31 March 2021, we track, monitor and map the shifts in negativity across 217 countries and unpack its relationship with COVID-19 policies. Findings reveal that there are important geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic disparities of negativity across continents, different levels of a nation's income, population density, and the level of COVID-19 infection. Countries with more stringent policies were associated with lower levels of negativity, a relationship that weakened in later phases of the pandemic. This study provides the first global and multilingual evaluation of the public's real-time mental health signals to COVID-19 at a large spatial and temporal scale. We offer an empirical framework to monitor mental health signals globally, helping international authorizations, including the United Nations and World Health Organization, to design smart country-specific mental health initiatives in response to the ongoing pandemic and future public emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqin Wang
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Spatial Data Lab, Centre for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department of Geosciences, University of Arkansas, AR, USA
- Spatial Data Lab, Centre for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Geography, Oklahoma State University, OK, USA
- Spatial Data Lab, Centre for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Bing She
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Mengxi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Health Science, Ball State University, IN, USA
- Spatial Data Lab, Centre for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, MA, USA
| | - Ruomei Wang
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oliver Gruebner
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, Switzerland
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar
| | - Jonathan Corcoran
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yan Liu
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shuming Bao
- China Data Institute and Future Data Lab, MI, USA
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48
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Upton E, Clare PJ, Aiken A, Boland VC, Torres CD, Bruno R, Hutchinson D, Kypri K, Mattick R, McBride N, Peacock A. Changes in mental health and help-seeking among young Australian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective cohort study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:687-695. [PMID: 33966686 PMCID: PMC8144825 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721001963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people may have elevated risk for poorer mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, yet longitudinal studies documenting this impact are lacking. This study assessed changes in mental health and help-seeking since COVID-19 restrictions in young Australians, including gender differences. METHODS Data were drawn from a recent subsample (n = 443; 60% female; Mage = 22.0) of a prospective cohort originally recruited in secondary school to complete annual surveys. The subsample completed an additional COVID-19 survey during COVID-19 restrictions (May-June 2020), which was compared to responses from their latest annual survey (August 2019-March 2020). Mixed effect models with time and gender as the primary predictors were conducted for: (i) scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression 9-item (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) modules assessed before and during COVID-19 restrictions, and (ii) self-reported help-seeking from a health professional in February 2020, and the month preceding May-June 2020. RESULTS Mean symptom scores increased from before to during COVID-19 restrictions on the PHQ-9 (coefficient: 1.29; 95% CI 0.72-1.86) and GAD-7 (0.78; 95% CI 0.26-1.31), but there was no increase in help-seeking over time (odds ratio 0.50; 95% CI 0.19-1.32). There was no evidence of differential changes by gender. CONCLUSIONS This study found increases in depression and anxiety symptoms but not greater help-seeking among young Australian adults during the first wave of the pandemic. Increasing availability and awareness of accessible treatment options and psychoeducation is critical, as well as further research into risk and protective factors to help target treatment to this vulnerable age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Upton
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip J. Clare
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alexandra Aiken
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Veronica C. Boland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Clara De Torres
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Delyse Hutchinson
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kypros Kypri
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Richard Mattick
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nyanda McBride
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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49
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Westrupp EM, Bennett C, Berkowitz T, Youssef GJ, Toumbourou JW, Tucker R, Andrews FJ, Evans S, Teague SJ, Karantzas GC, Melvin GM, Olsson C, Macdonald JA, Greenwood CJ, Mikocka-Walus A, Hutchinson D, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Stokes MA, Olive L, Wood AG, McGillivray JA, Sciberras E. Child, parent, and family mental health and functioning in Australia during COVID-19: comparison to pre-pandemic data. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:317-330. [PMID: 34417875 PMCID: PMC8379590 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant risks to population mental health. Despite evidence of detrimental effects for adults, there has been limited examination of the impact of COVID-19 on parents and children specifically. We aim to examine patterns of parent and child (0-18 years) mental health, parent substance use, couple conflict, parenting practices, and family functioning during COVID-19, compared to pre-pandemic data, and to identify families most at risk of poor outcomes according to pre-existing demographic and individual factors, and COVID-19 stressors. Participants were Australian mothers (81%) and fathers aged 18 years and over who were parents of a child 0-18 years (N = 2365). Parents completed an online self-report survey during 'stage three' COVID-19 restrictions in April 2020. Data were compared to pre-pandemic data from four Australian population-based cohorts. Compared to pre-pandemic estimates, during the pandemic period parents reported higher rates of parent depression, anxiety, and stress (Cohen's d = 0.26-0.81, all p < 0.001), higher parenting irritability (d = 0.17-0.46, all p < 0.001), lower family positive expressiveness (d = - 0.18, p < 0.001), and higher alcohol consumption (22% vs 12% drinking four or more days per week, p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, we consistently found that younger parent age, increased financial deprivation, pre-existing parent and child physical and mental health conditions, COVID-19 psychological and environmental stressors, and housing dissatisfaction were associated with worse parent and child functioning and more strained family relationships. Our data suggest wide-ranging, detrimental family impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; and support policy actions to assist families with financial supports, leave entitlements, and social housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Westrupp
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - C Bennett
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - T Berkowitz
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - G J Youssef
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - J W Toumbourou
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - R Tucker
- Deakin HOME Research Hub, Victoria, Australia
| | - F J Andrews
- Deakin HOME Research Hub, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Evans
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - S J Teague
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - G C Karantzas
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - G M Melvin
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Centre for Educational Development Research and Appraisal, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - C Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - J A Macdonald
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - C J Greenwood
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - A Mikocka-Walus
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - D Hutchinson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - M A Stokes
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - L Olive
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- IMPACT Institute, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - A G Wood
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - J A McGillivray
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - E Sciberras
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
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50
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Mavragani A, Meheli S, Kadaba M. Understanding Digital Mental Health Needs and Usage With an Artificial Intelligence-Led Mental Health App (Wysa) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Analysis. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e41913. [PMID: 36540052 PMCID: PMC9885755 DOI: 10.2196/41913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a surge in mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted the increased use of digital platforms. However, there is little known about the mental health needs and behaviors of the global population during the pandemic. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap through the analysis of real-world data collected from users of a digital mental health app (Wysa) regarding their engagement patterns and behaviors, as shown by their usage of the service. OBJECTIVE This study aims to (1) examine the relationship between mental health distress, digital health uptake, and COVID-19 case numbers; (2) evaluate engagement patterns with the app during the study period; and (3) examine the efficacy of the app in improving mental health outcomes for its users during the pandemic. METHODS This study used a retrospective observational design. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the app's installations and emotional utterances were measured from March 2020 to October 2021 for the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and India and were mapped against COVID-19 case numbers and their peaks. The engagement of the users from this period (N=4541) with the Wysa app was compared to that of equivalent samples of users from a pre-COVID-19 period (1000 iterations). The efficacy was assessed for users who completed pre-post assessments for symptoms of depression (n=2061) and anxiety (n=1995) on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) test measures, respectively. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate a significant positive correlation between the increase in the number of installs of the Wysa mental health app and the peaks of COVID-19 case numbers in the United Kingdom (P=.02) and India (P<.001). Findings indicate that users (N=4541) during the COVID period had a significantly higher engagement than the samples from the pre-COVID period, with a medium to large effect size for 80% of these 1000 iterative samples, as observed on the Mann-Whitney test. The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 pre-post assessments indicated statistically significant improvement with a medium effect size (PHQ-9: P=.57; GAD-7: P=.56). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that emotional distress increased substantially during the pandemic, prompting the increased uptake of an artificial intelligence-led mental health app (Wysa), and also offers evidence that the Wysa app could support its users and its usage could result in a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. This study also highlights the importance of contextualizing interventions and suggests that digital health interventions can provide large populations with scalable and evidence-based support for mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saha Meheli
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
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