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Ye Y, Tao Q, Wei H. Public health impacts of air pollution from the spatiotemporal heterogeneity perspective: 31 provinces and municipalities in China from 2013 to 2020. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1422505. [PMID: 39157526 PMCID: PMC11327077 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1422505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Air pollution has long been a significant environmental health issue. Previous studies have employed diverse methodologies to investigate the impacts of air pollution on public health, yet few have thoroughly examined its spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Based on this, this study investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the impacts of air pollution on public health in 31 provinces in China from 2013 to 2020 based on the theoretical framework of multifactorial health decision-making and combined with the spatial durbin model and the geographically and temporally weighted regression model. The findings indicate that: (1) Air pollution and public health as measured by the incidence of respiratory diseases (IRD) in China exhibit significant spatial positive correlation and local spatial aggregation. (2) Air pollution demonstrates noteworthy spatial spillover effects. After controlling for economic development and living environment factors, including disposable income, population density, and urbanization rate, the direct and indirect spatial impacts of air pollution on IRD are measured at 3.552 and 2.848, correspondingly. (3) China's IRD is primarily influenced by various factors such as air pollution, economic development, living conditions, and healthcare, and the degree of its influence demonstrates an uneven spatiotemporal distribution trend. The findings of this study hold considerable practical significance for mitigating air pollution and safeguarding public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhong Ye
- School of Hospital Economics and Management, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Data Science and Innovative Development of Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province Philosophy and Social, Hefei, China
| | - Qunshan Tao
- School of Hospital Economics and Management, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Data Science and Innovative Development of Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province Philosophy and Social, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wei
- School of Hospital Economics and Management, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Data Science and Innovative Development of Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province Philosophy and Social, Hefei, China
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Choi Y, Park EJ, Lee SY, Kim HY, Lee WY. Mental health effects associated with COVID-19 financial assistance in South Korea: a comparison of employment status. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:805. [PMID: 38486196 PMCID: PMC10938843 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has created tensions across different sectors of the society, but the impact has been unequal. Vulnerable people have been most affected, especially those with insecure employment and who have experienced economic hardships due to unemployment and lost wages. The combination of social change and economic hardships due to the pandemic increases the risk of poor mental health. Some countries have utilized financial assistance to alleviate economic hardships caused by COVID-19, and in South Korea, the central and local governments have implemented COVID-19 financial assistance. This study analysed the impact of financial assistance on mental health associated with working status during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. METHODS The participants of this study were randomly selected from residents of Gyeonggi-do after being proportionally allocated by resident registration population status. A total of 1,000 adult males and females aged 19 years or older in Gyeonggi-do who received financial assistance from the central and local governments were selected. A retrospective pre-post-study design was applied, and mental health surveys including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) were applied. RESULTS The results show that depression scores averaged 5.5 and anxiety scores averaged 4.4 before COVID-19 Financial Assistance. It is similar to the national average of 5.1 and 4.5 respectively at that time. After the assistance, depression scores dropped to 4.5, and anxiety scores dropped to 3.2. Before the assistance, depression and anxiety were higher among temporary day labourers with less job security, and they showed the most significant improvement in mental health. For full-time workers, there was no significant change in anxiety or depression after receiving the assistance. CONCLUSIONS Financial assistance can provide material resources and also positively affect mental health. In particular, it had a greater impact on the relatively vulnerable groups, such as those in unstable employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonjoo Choi
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Joo Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heuk-seok dong, Dong-jak gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, A-Jou University, 206, Worldcup-Ro, Young-tong gu, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Yeon Kim
- Department of Policy Research, Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation, Gyeong-su daero, Jang-an gu, 1150, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Weon-Young Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heuk-seok dong, Dong-jak gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Lim AC, Mosqueda L, Nguyen AL, Mason TB, Weissberger GH, Fenton L, Lichtenberg P, Han SD. Interpersonal dysfunction predicts subsequent financial exploitation vulnerability in a sample of adults over 50: a prospective observational study. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:983-991. [PMID: 35583043 PMCID: PMC9672139 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2076210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to test whether interpersonal dysfunction, characterized by loneliness and/or dissatisfaction with relationships, is an imminent predictor of financial exploitation vulnerability (FEV) among adults age 50+ within a 6-month observation period. This study also tests whether FEV prospectively predicts interpersonal dysfunction. METHODS Twenty-six adults aged 50 or older completed a study involving baseline data collection and 13 follow-ups over 6 months. Linear mixed models were used for primary analyses. RESULTS After adjustment for demographic, psychological and cognitive covariates, there were between-person effects of FEV and interpersonal dysfunction across follow-ups, suggesting that those with generally higher interpersonal dysfunction compared to other participants also reported greater FEV (B(SE) = 1.09(.33), p = .003). There was a within-person effect (B(SE) = .08(.03), p = .007) of elevated interpersonal dysfunction predicting greater FEV two weeks later across all follow-ups. Within-person effect of FEV was not predictive of interpersonal dysfunction (B(SE) = .25(.15), p = .10). There was also a significant effect of age (B(SE) = -.06(.02), p = .007), such that older individuals had lower FEV throughout follow-ups. CONCLUSION Among adults age 50+, individuals with higher interpersonal dysfunction relative to others in the study reported greater FEV throughout the 6-month observation period. Increased loneliness and social dissatisfaction, relative to one's average level, predicts subsequent increases in FEV, and may be an imminent risk factor for exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Lim
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Alhambra, CA, USA
| | - Laura Mosqueda
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Alhambra, CA, USA
| | - Annie L Nguyen
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Alhambra, CA, USA
| | - Tyler B Mason
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gali H Weissberger
- The Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Raman Gat, Israel
| | - Laura Fenton
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - S Duke Han
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Alhambra, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Cogan N, Kennedy C, Beck Z, McInnes L, MacIntyre G, Morton L, Tanner G, Kolacz J. ENACT study: What has helped health and social care workers maintain their mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic? HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e6656-e6673. [PMID: 36068667 PMCID: PMC9539329 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of research has highlighted the adverse impact of COVID-19 stressors on health and social care workers' (HSCWs) mental health. Complementing this work, we report on the psychosocial factors that have had both a positive and negative impact on the mental well-being of HSCWs during the third lockdown period in Scotland. Using a cross-sectional design, participants (n = 1364) completed an online survey providing quantitative data and free open-text responses. A multi-method approach to analysis was used. The majority of HSCWs were found to have low well-being scores, high levels of COVID-19 stress, worry, burnout and risk perception scores and almost half of HSCWs met the clinical cut-off for acute stress (indicative of PTSD). HSCWs with higher scores on adaptive coping strategies and team resilience reported higher scores on mental well-being. HSCWs were significantly more likely to seek informal support for dealing with personal or emotional problems compared to formal supports. Barriers to formal help-seeking were identified including stigma and fear of the consequences of disclosure. HSCWs mostly valued peer support, workplace supports, visible leadership and teamwork in maintaining their mental well-being. Our findings illuminate the complexity of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HSCWs' well-being and will inform future intervention development seeking to increase positive adaptation and improve staff well-being. Addressing barriers to mental health help-seeking among HSCWs is essential. The implications emphasise the importance of lessons learned across health and social care contexts, planning and preparedness for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cogan
- School of Psychological Sciences & HealthUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Chloe Kennedy
- School of Psychological Sciences & HealthUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Zoe Beck
- School of Psychological Sciences & HealthUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Lisa McInnes
- School of Psychological Sciences & HealthUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Gillian MacIntyre
- School of Social Work & Social PolicyUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Liza Morton
- School of Psychological Sciences & HealthUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Gary Tanner
- School of Psychological Sciences & HealthUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Jacek Kolacz
- Traumatic Stress Research Consortium (TSRC)Kinsey Institute, Indiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
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Depressive Symptoms in Mothers With Infants: The Quantitative Evidence of the Association of COVID-19 Crisis-Related Factors in Japan. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e223. [PMID: 35929356 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explores the depressive symptoms in postpartum women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in Japan. METHODS An online survey conducted from May 31 to June 6, 2020 resulted in 3073 responses obtained from mothers with infants < 12 mo. RESULTS The point prevalence of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score of ≥ 9 was 28.66% for primipara and 25.83% for multipara. Logistic regression analysis indicated a negative association between the COVID-19 crisis and EPDS ≥ 9; specifically, decreased social support and financial concern were identified as risk factors. The COVID-19-related experiences significantly increased the score of each factor of EPDS, ie, anxiety, anhedonia, and depression. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 crisis, the number of mothers who faced depreciation in social support and income had increased. Moreover, spending their perinatal period during the crisis increased the propensity of facing unexpected changes, such as changes of hospitals for delivery, or cancellation of parenting classes. These multiple factors were associated with an elevated risk of depression in postpartum women. In a prolonged crisis, postpartum mental health should be treated carefully with the prevention of infection.
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Cogan N, Archbold H, Deakin K, Griffith B, Sáez Berruga I, Smith S, Tanner G, Flowers P. What have we learned about what works in sustaining mental health care and support services during a pandemic? Transferable insights from the COVID-19 response within the NHS Scottish context. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2022.2056386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cogan
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heather Archbold
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen Deakin
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bethany Griffith
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Isabel Sáez Berruga
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Samantha Smith
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gary Tanner
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Flowers
- School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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