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Kenntemich L, von Hülsen L, Eggert L, Kriston L, Gallinat J, Schäfer I, Lotzin A. Trajectories of depressive and anxiety symptoms and associated risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: A longitudinal cohort study. J Affect Disord 2024; 355:136-146. [PMID: 38552918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.131] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most COVID-19-related mental health research focused on average levels of mental health parameters in the general population. However, considering heterogeneous groups and their long-term responses could deepen our understanding of mental health during community crises. This four-wave study aimed to (1) identify subgroups with different trajectories of depressive and anxiety symptoms in the German general population, and (2) investigate associated risk factors. METHODS We analyzed self-report data from N = 1257 German adults participating in a European cohort study, assessed in summer 2020 (T1), and at 6 (T2), 12 (T3), and 30 months (T4). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the PHQ-4. Sociodemographic, health-related, and pandemic-related variables were assessed at baseline. We applied growth mixture modeling to identify subgroups of symptom trajectories and conducted multinomial logistic regression to examine factors associated with class membership. RESULTS We identified six symptom trajectories: Low-stable (n = 971, 77.2 %), Continuous deterioration (n = 30, 2.4 %), Transient deterioration (n = 75, 6.0 %), Continuous improvement (n = 97, 7.7 %), Transient improvement (n = 38, 3.0 %) and Chronicity (n = 46, 3.7 %). Age, education, work status, mental health diagnoses, self-reported health, and pandemic-related news consumption were significantly associated with subgroup membership. LIMITATIONS The generalizability of the study is constrained by an unrepresentative sampling method, a notable dropout rate, and limited consideration of risk factors. CONCLUSION Most people experienced low symptoms or improvement during the pandemic, while others experienced chronic or transient symptoms. Specific risk factors were associated with these trajectories, revealing nuanced mental health dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kenntemich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Leonie von Hülsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Eggert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Levente Kriston
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annett Lotzin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Anthony MG, Hoddinott G, Van Niekerk M, Dewandel I, McKenzie C, Bekker C, Rabie H, Redfern A, van der Zalm MM. The socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on families affected by childhood respiratory illnesses in Cape Town, South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003020. [PMID: 38547177 PMCID: PMC10977803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted families globally, directly and indirectly. Children presenting with respiratory illnesses are affected by emerging health systems and socioeconomic changes in the COVID-19 era. We explored the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on families with a respiratory illness diagnosed in their child in Cape Town, South Africa. This study was nested in a prospective observational cohort of children presenting with respiratory symptoms presumptive of COVID-19. We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews to explore the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families with a child affected by respiratory illnesses. We used case descriptive analysis and thematically organised common and divergent experiences. We found that socioeconomic challenges in low-income communities were exacerbated: 1) loss of pre-COVID sources of income (loss of income, employment and working hours), 2) shrinking employment opportunities due to business closures and strict preventative measures, 3) family network dependence to cope with financial pressures, 4) impact on education, implicating additional pressures due to lack of resources for adequate home schooling and 5) caregivers' mental health and wellbeing being impacted, causing stress and anxiety due to loss of income. This study shows that the COVID-19 lockdown impacted the socioeconomic aspects of families caring for a child with a respiratory illness. Care became more complicated and adversely impacted the family's emotional well-being and health-seeking behaviour. These impacts should be more carefully considered in order to strengthen health services and global health messaging in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaile G. Anthony
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Graeme Hoddinott
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margaret Van Niekerk
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Isabelle Dewandel
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carla McKenzie
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carien Bekker
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Helena Rabie
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Redfern
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marieke M. van der Zalm
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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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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Warran K, Wright LHV. Online 'chats': fostering communitas and psychosocial support for people working across arts and play for health and wellbeing. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1198635. [PMID: 37554138 PMCID: PMC10405829 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1198635] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of work, furlough, and increased social isolation were prevalent for many working in the broad context of cultural and community engagement for health and wellbeing. This study set out to explore if and how regular online group interactions may foster social cohesion and provide support for these individuals during the critical time of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It was conducted in the context of the 'social cohesion chat' series led by a network called the Arts Play Health Community which was initiated in response to the pandemic as a way to bring those working in or connected to arts, play and health together during times of social isolation. Two qualitative focus groups with creative, participatory components were conducted with artists, researchers, evaluators, and arts/play managers (n = 11), and then analyzed using thematic analysis. Researcher ethnographic reflections and fieldnotes were also collected and analyzed. The authors engaged in reflexive online discussions to integrate and synthesize findings across different data. Four themes were constructed through the analysis procedure: (1) 'Building an online community as processes of communitas', spotlighting the importance of the non-hierarchical structure of the 'chats' particularly in relation to there being 'no end goal' to the online dialogues; (2) 'Individual and shared emotional experiences' that underpinned feelings of connection to others and the online space; (3) 'Psychosocial benefits' such as improving confidence and providing an opportunity to 'have a voice' in the community; and (4) 'The importance of facilitation', highlighting the opportunities the chats provided for participants to feel validated and valued as an active member of the community. The article concludes that constructing an inclusive and welcoming online community, where active participation is at the heart of regular social interactions can provide support for those working across arts and play for health and wellbeing. This was particularly important during the societal turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. It further concludes by noting the unique structure of these online dialogues as not being connected to institutions, with this playing a key role in allowing those in the community to 'be themselves' within it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katey Warran
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health, Social Biobehavioural Research Group, Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Centre for Research on the Experience of Dementia, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura H. V. Wright
- Children and Young People Thematic Hub, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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McKinlay AR, Fancourt D, Burton A. Factors affecting the mental health of pregnant women using UK maternity services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:313. [PMID: 35413807 PMCID: PMC9005019 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People using maternity services in the United Kingdom (UK) have faced significant changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing regulations. We focused on the experiences of pregnant women using UK maternity services during the pandemic and the impact of social distancing rules on their mental health and wellbeing. Methods We conducted 23 qualitative semi-structured interviews from June 2020 to August 2021, with women from across the UK who experienced a pregnancy during the pandemic. Nineteen participants in the study carried their pregnancy to term and four had experienced a miscarriage during the pandemic. Interviews took place remotely over video or telephone call, discussing topics such as mental health during pregnancy and use of UK maternity services. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyse interview transcripts. Results We generated six higher order themes: [1] Some pregnancy discomforts alleviated by social distancing measures, [2] The importance of relationships that support coping and adjustment, [3] Missed pregnancy and parenthood experiences, [4] The mental health consequences of birth partner and visitor restrictions, [5] Maternity services under pressure, and [6] Lack of connection with staff. Many participants felt a sense of loss over a pregnancy experience that differed so remarkably to what they had expected because of the pandemic. Supportive relationships were important to help cope with pregnancy and pandemic-related changes; but feelings of isolation were compounded for some participants because opportunities to build social connections through face-to-face parent groups were unavailable. Participants also described feeling alone due to restrictions on their partners being present when accessing UK maternity services. Conclusions Our findings highlight some of the changes that may have affected pregnant women’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reduced social support and being unable to have a partner or support person present during maternity service use were the greatest concerns reported by participants in this study. Absence of birth partners removed a protective buffer in times of uncertainty and distress. This suggests that the availability of a birth partner or support person must be prioritised wherever possible in times of pandemics to protect the mental health of people experiencing pregnancy and miscarriage. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04602-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R McKinlay
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - D Fancourt
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - A Burton
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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Adoni Valmiki EK, Yadlapalli R, Oroszi T. Global Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Health (London) 2022. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2022.147057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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