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Ho M, Schermer JA. Childhood Neglect and Loneliness: The Unique Roles of Parental Figure and Child Sex. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:442. [PMID: 38920774 PMCID: PMC11200426 DOI: 10.3390/bs14060442] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a well-supported link between experiences of childhood neglect and levels of loneliness in adulthood, with emotional neglect from caregivers being predictive of loneliness. However, current research has yet to explore additional, sex-linked factors that influence this relationship. This study investigates the impact of different neglect types on loneliness, with a focus on the parental figure involved and the child's sex. It was hypothesized that men who experienced emotional neglect from their fathers would score higher in loneliness compared to other parent-child combinations. The findings showed no significant differences in father-son relationships within the context of emotional neglect. However, there was a significant difference in father-son relationships in the context of supervision neglect and loneliness outcomes, relative to all other parent combinations. Consistent with existing research, emotional neglect emerged as the strongest predictor of loneliness. Additionally, sex differences were observed, with women experiencing greater levels of loneliness stemming from neglect compared to men. These findings help address the knowledge gap present in childhood neglect research, with the goal of understanding the long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Ho
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada;
| | - Julie Aitken Schermer
- Department of Psychology and Management and Organizational Studies, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
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2
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Luciano M, Carmassi C, Sampogna G, Bertelloni CA, Abbate-Daga G, Albert U, Castellini G, Della Rocca B, Fantasia S, Menchetti M, Pedrinelli V, Pompili M, Signorelli MS, Tosato S, Fiorillo A. Longitudinal trajectories of psychosocial functioning in patients with pre-existing mental disorders after one year of COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 172:200-209. [PMID: 38401365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Aims of the present study were to prospectively assess psychosocial functioning trajectories during the COVID pandemic and the possible impact of sociodemographic variables, as well as of COVID-19 pandemic-related factors, on these trajectories, in a sample of patients with pre-existing severe mental disorders. Moreover, we aimed at identifying predictors of impairment in psychosocial functioning over a period of 9 months of COVID-19 pandemic. Patients were recruited during the 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (T0, March-April 2021) while strict containment measures were applied in Italy, and reassessed after 3 months (T1, June-July 2021), and after 6 months from T1 (T2- November-December 2021), during the 4th wave of COVID pandemic. A sample of 300 subject (out of the 527 subjects recruited at baseline) completed the T2 evaluation. Patients were assessed by: Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) for psychosocial functioning, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) for anxiety symptoms, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, for post-traumatic symptoms. Cluster analyses identified 4 trajectories of functioning: the High, Stable Functioning group (N = 77), the Improvement Functioning group (N = 62), the Progressive Impairment group (N = 83) and the Persistent Severe Impairment group (N = 78) respectively. We found that predictors of higher WSAS score at T2 were higher WSAS score at T0 (B = 0.43, p < .001), PHQ scores at baseline >10 (B = 2.89, p < .05), while not living alone was found to be a protective factor (B = -2.5, p < .05). Results of the present study provides insights into the vulnerability of individuals with psychiatric disorders during times of crisis. Study findings can contribute to a better understanding of the specific needs of this population and inform interventions and support strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy.
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - C A Bertelloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Abbate-Daga
- Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - U Albert
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina - ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Castellini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - B Della Rocca
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
| | - S Fantasia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Menchetti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - M S Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - S Tosato
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - A Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli,", Naples, Italy
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3
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Kundu A, Sultana N, Felsky D, Moraes TJ, Selby P, Chaiton M. An overview of systematic reviews on predictors of smoking cessation among young people. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299728. [PMID: 38466736 PMCID: PMC10927074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299728] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors that influence smoking cessation among young people is crucial for planning targeted cessation approaches. The objective of this review was to comprehensively summarize evidence for predictors of different smoking cessation related behaviors among young people from currently available systematic reviews. We searched six databases and reference lists of the included articles for studies published up to October 20, 2023. All systematic reviews summarizing predictors of intention to quit smoking, quit attempts, or smoking abstinence among people aged 10-35 years were included. We excluded reviews on effectiveness of smoking cessation intervention; smoking prevention and other smoking behaviors; cessation of other tobacco products use, dual use, and polysubstance use. We categorized the identified predictors into 5 different categories for 3 overlapping age groups. JBI critical appraisal tool and GRADE-CERqual approach were used for quality and certainty assessment respectively. A total of 11 systematic reviews were included in this study; all summarized predictors of smoking abstinence/quit attempts and two also identified predictors of intention to quit smoking. Seven reviews had satisfactory critical appraisal score and there was minimal overlapping between the reviews. We found 4 'possible' predictors of intention to quit smoking and 119 predictors of smoking abstinence/quit attempts. Most of these 119 predictors were applicable for ~10-29 years age group. We had moderate confidence on the 'probable', 'possible', 'insufficient evidence', and 'inconsistent direction' predictors and low confidence on the 'probably unrelated' factors. The 'probable' predictors include a wide variety of socio-demographic factors, nicotine dependence, mental health, attitudes, behavioral and psychological factors, peer and family related factors, and jurisdictional policies. These predictors can guide improvement of existing smoking cessation interventions or planning of new targeted intervention programs. Other predictors as well as predictors of intention to quit smoking need to be further investigated among adolescents and young adults separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anasua Kundu
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nahid Sultana
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Felsky
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Theo J. Moraes
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter Selby
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Chaiton
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Makey LM, Lewis R, Ashmore R, Wigfield A. Loneliness and the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for practice. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2024; 33:110-114. [PMID: 38335099 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2024.33.3.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Loneliness is a complex universal human experience. A variety of evidence indicates that prolonged loneliness can have a negative effect on an individual's long-term physical and psychological outcomes. Empirical evidence and systematic reviews show strong links between loneliness and ill health, particularly cardiovascular disease and mental health. Loneliness is increasing in frequency and severity. The issue of loneliness has been part of UK Government mandates since 2018; however, evidence suggests that, due to the pandemic, the need to focus on the issue may be even more significant. Assessing for loneliness can be challenging and many people do not want to report their feelings of loneliness. Interventions should aim to be preventive and help people create meaningful interactions. Useful interventions include person-centred interventions, cognitive therapy and group intervention therapy. There is a need for more evidence-based loneliness interventions. A knowledge of local and voluntary sectors is vital so health professionals can effectively support their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Michelle Makey
- Senior Lecturer, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
| | - Robin Lewis
- Senior Lecturer, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
| | - Russell Ashmore
- Senior Lecturer, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
| | - Andrea Wigfield
- Professor of Applied Social and Policy Research and Director, Centre for Loneliness, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University
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Carmassi C, Sampogna G, Di Vincenzo M, Cipolla S, Toni C, Albert U, Carrà G, Cirulli F, Dell'Osso B, Fantasia S, Nanni MG, Pedrinelli V, Pompili M, Sani G, Tortorella A, Volpe U, Fiorillo A. Acute stress symptoms in general population during the first wave of COVID lockdown in Italy: Results from the COMET trial. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3314. [PMID: 37990771 PMCID: PMC10726770 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented traumatic event that has severely impacted social, economic, and health well-being worldwide. The COvid Mental hEalth Trial was specifically designed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its containment measures on the mental health of the Italian general population in terms of COVID-19-related acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms. METHODS The present cross-sectional study is based on an online survey carried out in the period March-May 2020. Italian general adult population was invited to compile an anonymous survey, which included the severity of acute stress symptoms scale/National Stressful Events Survey Short Scale to investigate the occurrence and severity of ASD symptoms. RESULTS The final sample consisted of 20,720 participants. During the lockdown, subjects with pre-existing mental health problems reported a statistically significant higher risk of acute post-traumatic symptoms compared to the general population (B: 2.57; 95% CI:2.04-3.09; p < .0001) and health care professionals (B: .37; 95% CI: .02-0.72; p < .05). According to multivariate regression models, the levels of acute post-traumatic symptoms (p < .0001) were higher in younger and female respondents. Social isolation and sleep disorder/insomnia represented positive predictors of acute stress (B = 3.32, 95% CI = 3.08-3.57). CONCLUSIONS Concerns about the risk of infection as well as social isolation caused a higher incidence of acute post-traumatic stress symptoms that may predict the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Gaia Sampogna
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
| | - Matteo Di Vincenzo
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
| | - Salvatore Cipolla
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
| | - Claudia Toni
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
| | - Umberto Albert
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health SciencesUniversity of Trieste and Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina–ASUGITriesteItaly
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan BicoccaMilanoItaly
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental HealthNational Institute of HealthRomeItaly
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain TherapeuticUniversity of MilanMilanoItaly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sara Fantasia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of PisaPisaItaly
| | - Maria Giulia Nanni
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences and RehabilitationUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | | | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and PsychologySapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of PsychiatryUniversity Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Department of Neuroscience, Sensory organs and Thorax, Department of PsychiatryFondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCSRomeItaly
| | | | - Umberto Volpe
- Clinical Psychiatry UnitDepartment of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversità Politecnica delle MarcheAnconaItaly
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
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Borgi M, Collacchi B, Cirulli F, Medda E. Reduction in the use of green spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on mental health. Health Place 2023; 83:103093. [PMID: 37527570 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103093] [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: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Our study examined the use of green spaces before and during the pandemic in a large cohort of Italian twins and evaluated its impact on measures of mental health (depressive, anxiety, stress symptoms). Twins were analysed as individuals and as pairs. A twin design approach was applied to minimize confounding by genetic and shared environmental factors. Questionnaires from 2,473 twins enrolled in the Italian Twin Registry were screened. Reduced green space use was associated with significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety and distress. Being a woman, residing in urban areas, and having a high perceived risk of the outbreak resulted in a higher likelihood to modify green space use, with a negative impact on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Borgi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Collacchi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Medda
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-00161, Rome, Italy
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Barbalat G, Tanguy Melac A, Zante E, Haesebaert F, Franck N. Predictors of mental well-being over the first lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic in France. A repeated cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1234023. [PMID: 37701911 PMCID: PMC10493269 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1234023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Numerous studies have investigated the positive and negative effects of potential predictors of well-being during lockdowns due to COVID-19. Yet, little is known on whether these effects significantly changed with time spent in lockdown. In the current study, we described the association of mental well-being with a large number of background characteristics (e.g., socio-demographic or health-related factors), COVID-related factors, and coping strategies, over the duration of the first lockdown due to COVID-19 in France. Methods A nationwide online survey was conducted over 7 of the 8 weeks of the 1st lockdown in France, i.e., from 25 March 2020 to 10 May 2020. The level of mental well-being was reported using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). We also measured various background characteristics (e.g., age, sex, education, health issues), COVID-related factors (e.g., health and economic risks, agreement with lockdown), and coping strategies. Our analytical strategy enabled us to disentangle effects aggregated over the study period from those that linearly vary with time spent in lockdown. Results Our final dataset included 18,957 participants. The level of mental well-being dropped gradually from the third to the eighth week of lockdown [49.7 (sd 7.9) to 45.5 (sd 10.6)]. Time in lockdown was associated with a decrease in well-being (for each additional 10 days of lockdown: B = -0.30, 95%CI: -0.62, -0.15). Factors that showed significantly negative and positive effects on well-being as time in lockdown progressed were (for each additional 10 days of lockdown): having current psychiatric problems (B = -0.37; 95%CI: -0.63, -0.04), worries about having access to personal protective equipment (B = -0.09; 95%CI: -0.18, -0.01), coping by having positive beliefs about the future of the pandemics (B = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.62), being supported by neighbors (B = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.44), and being involved in collective actions (B = 0.23; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.46). Discussion Participants from our sample saw a drop in their mental well-being throughout the first period of COVID-19 lockdown. Policymakers should be mindful of factors contributing to greater deterioration of mental well-being over time, such as having current psychiatric issues. Promoting collective actions and local support from neighbors may alleviate the deterioration of mental well-being over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Barbalat
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- UMR 5229, CNRS and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Pôle Centre rive gauche, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | | | - Elodie Zante
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Frédéric Haesebaert
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- PSYR2, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR 5292, CRNL, Université de Lyon, UCBL, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Franck
- Centre Ressource de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- UMR 5229, CNRS and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Pôle Centre rive gauche, Centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
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Conti C, Lanzara R, Rosa I, Müller MM, Porcelli P. Psychological correlates of perceived loneliness in college students before and during the COVID-19 stay-at-home period: a longitudinal study. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:60. [PMID: 36879326 PMCID: PMC9987403 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01099-1] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is increasingly acknowledged as a serious public health issue. This longitudinal study aimed to assess the extent to which psychological distress and alexithymia can predict loneliness among Italian college students before and one year after the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS A convenience sample of 177 psychology college students were recruited. Loneliness (UCLA), alexithymia (TAS-20), anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and somatic symptoms (PHQ-15) were assessed before the COVID-19 outbreak and one year after the spread of COVID-19 worldwide. RESULTS After controlling for baseline loneliness, students with high levels of loneliness during lockdown showed worsening psychological distress and alexithymic traits over time. Suffering from depressive symptoms before COVID-19 and the aggravation of alexithymic traits independently predicted 41% of perceived loneliness during the COVID-19 outbreak. CONCLUSIONS College students with higher levels of depression and alexithymic traits both before and one year after the lockdown were more at risk of suffering from perceived loneliness and may constitute the target sample for psychological support and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Conti
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzara
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli, 1, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Rosa
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli, 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Markus M Müller
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg General Hospital, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Piero Porcelli
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Riboldi I, Capogrosso CA, Piacenti S, Calabrese A, Lucini Paioni S, Bartoli F, Crocamo C, Carrà G, Armes J, Taylor C. Mental Health and COVID-19 in University Students: Findings from a Qualitative, Comparative Study in Italy and the UK. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4071. [PMID: 36901083 PMCID: PMC10001873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 restrictions introduced several changes in university academic and social experience. Self-isolation and online teaching have amplified students' mental health vulnerability. Thus, we aimed to explore feelings and perspectives about the impact of the pandemic on mental health, comparing students from Italy and the UK. METHODS Data were collected from the qualitative portion of "the CAMPUS study", longitudinally assessing mental health of students at the University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy) and the University of Surrey (UK). We conducted in-depth interviews and thematically analysed the transcripts. RESULTS The explanatory model was developed from four themes identified across 33 interviews: anxiety exacerbated by COVID-19; putative mechanisms leading to poor mental health; the most vulnerable subgroups; and coping strategies. Generalised and social anxiety resulted from COVID-19 restrictions by being associated with loneliness, excessive time online, unhealthy management of time and space and poor communication with the university. Freshers, international students, and people on the extremes of the introversion/extroversion spectrum, were identified as vulnerable, while effective coping strategies included taking advantage of free time, connection with family and mental health support. The impact of COVID-19 was mostly related to academic issues by students from Italy, whereas to the drastic loss of social connectedness by the UK sample. CONCLUSIONS Mental health support for students has an essential role, and measures that encourage communication and social connectedness are likely to be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Riboldi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Piacenti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Angela Calabrese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Susanna Lucini Paioni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Bartoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Crocamo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House 149, London W1T 7BN, UK
| | - Jo Armes
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Health and Sciences, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Cath Taylor
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Health and Sciences, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
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10
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McGillivray L, Keng-Meng Hui N, Wong QJJ, Han J, Qian J, Torok M. Does loneliness affect how young adults engage with and benefit from a smartphone intervention targeting suicidal ideation?: Randomised Controlled Trial (Preprint). JMIR Ment Health 2022; 10:e44862. [PMID: 36995752 PMCID: PMC10131597 DOI: 10.2196/44862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is commonly reported by young people and has been shown to contribute to the rapid onset and escalation of depression and suicidal ideation during adolescence. Lonely people may also be particularly susceptible to disengaging from treatment early given the likelihood of their more complex clinical profiles leading to cognitive fatigue. While a smartphone intervention (LifeBuoy) has been shown to effectively reduce suicidal ideation in young adults, poor engagement is a well-documented issue for this therapeutic modality and has been shown to result in poorer treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine whether loneliness affects how young people experiencing suicidal ideation engage with and benefit from a therapeutic smartphone intervention (LifeBuoy). METHODS A total of 455 community-based Australian young adults (aged 18-25 years) experiencing recent suicidal ideation were randomized to use a dialectical behavioral therapy-based smartphone intervention (LifeBuoy) or an attention-matched control app (LifeBuoy-C) for 6 weeks. Participants completed measures of suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and loneliness at baseline (T0), post intervention (T1), and 3 months post intervention (T2). Piecewise linear mixed models were used to examine whether loneliness levels moderated the effect of LifeBuoy and LifeBuoy-C on suicidal ideation and depression across time (T0 to T1; T1 to T2). This statistical method was then used to examine whether app engagement (number of modules completed) influenced the relationship between baseline loneliness and suicidal ideation and depression across time. RESULTS Loneliness was positively associated with higher levels of overall suicidal ideation (B=0.75, 95% CI 0.08-1.42; P=.03) and depression (B=0.88, 95% CI 0.45-1.32; P<.001), regardless of time point or allocated condition. However, loneliness did not affect suicidal ideation scores across time (time 1: B=1.10, 95% CI -0.25 to 2.46; P=.11; time 2: B=0.43, 95% CI -1.25 to 2.12; P=.61) and depression scores across time (time 1: B=0.00, 95% CI -0.67 to 0.66; P=.99; time 2: B=0.41, 95% CI -0.37 to 1.18; P=.30) in either condition. Similarly, engagement with the LifeBuoy app was not found to moderate the impact of loneliness on suicidal ideation (B=0.00, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.18; P=.98) or depression (B=-0.08, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.03; P=.14). CONCLUSIONS Loneliness was not found to affect young adults' engagement with a smartphone intervention (LifeBuoy) nor any clinical benefits derived from the intervention. LifeBuoy, in its current form, can effectively engage and treat individuals regardless of how lonely they may be. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001671156; https://tinyurl.com/yvpvn5n8. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/23655.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Quincy J J Wong
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jin Han
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jiahui Qian
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Torok
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Sampogna G, Pompili M, Fiorillo A. The Short-Term Consequences of COVID-19 on Mental Health: State of the Art from Available Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15860. [PMID: 36497935 PMCID: PMC9738499 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consequences on mental health have been found to be considerable, with potential effects on the general population and in high-risk groups, with a variety of physiopathological mechanisms [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy
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12
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Hughes TF, Ran X, Fang F, Jacobsen E, Snitz BE, Chang CCH, Ganguli M. Psychosocial implications of early COVID-19 restrictions on older adults in a small-town region in Southwestern, Pennsylvania (USA). Int Psychogeriatr 2022:1-10. [PMID: 36352761 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610222000977] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The restrictions put in place in 2020 to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 limited or eliminated social connections that are vital for psychosocial well-being. The objectives of this research were to examine the impact of early pandemic-related restrictions on feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety as well as social activity disruption and their concomitant associations in a sample of community-dwelling older adults residing in a small-town region in the USA. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional data collected from an ongoing population-based cohort study in Southwestern, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS Analyses included 360 adults aged 65 years and older whose annual study assessment occurred during the first 120 days of pandemic-related restrictions. MEASUREMENTS Self-reported feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety due to the pandemic-related restrictions were each measured using a single question. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were also assessed with the modified Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item tools. Disruption in a variety of common social activities was also assessed. RESULTS Feeling lonely affected 36% of participants who were more likely to be female, not currently married, and living alone. Giving up in-person visits with family was associated with significantly higher odds of feeling lonely, and feeling lonely was associated with significantly higher odds of feelings of anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Loneliness is a serious outcome of pandemic-related restrictions among older adults, potentially linked to loss of connection with family, and may be associated with increased feelings of depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany F Hughes
- Department of Graduate Studies in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH44555, USA
| | - Xinhui Ran
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA15261, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- EVMS-Sentar Health Analytics and Delivery Science Institute, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 W. Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA23510, USA
| | - Erin Jacobsen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA15261, USA
| | - Beth E Snitz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA15261, USA
| | - Chung-Chou H Chang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, and Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA15261, USA
| | - Mary Ganguli
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, School of Medicine, and Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA15261, USA
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13
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Carmassi C, Tosato S, Bertelloni CA, Pedrinelli V, Cappelli A, Abbate-Daga G, Albert U, Castellini G, Luciano M, Menchetti M, Pompili M, Sampogna G, Signorelli MS, Massimetti G, Fiorillo A. PTSD trajectories across different mental disorders in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: a naturalistic, longitudinal, multicenter study. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:797-808. [PMID: 36546718 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2145184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The potentially traumatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in subjects with pre-existing mental disorders is still unclear, especially regarding its long-term consequences. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in patients with mental disorders, during the 3rd wave of the infection (T0, March-April 2021) while strict containment measures were applied in Italy, and after 3 months (T1, June-July 2021), with reduced restrictive measures. A total sample of 527 subjects, with different DSM-5 diagnoses, was consecutively enrolled at nine Italian psychiatric outpatient services. Assessments at T0 included: the Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report (TALS-SR), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). These two latter were repeated at T1. Results showed that at T0, 43.6% of the sample reported symptoms of PTSD, with females (p = .004), younger subjects (p = .011), unemployed/students (p = .011), and living with their parental families (p = .017), resulting more affected. Differences in PTSD rates emerged across diagnostic groups ranging from 10% in patients with psychoses up to 59% in those with feeding and eating disorders. An improvement at T1 emerged in all diagnostic groups for the IES-R scores, while WSAS scores improved only in subjects with mood disorders. In conclusions, subjects with mental disorders presented relevant rates of PTSD and PTSS at 1-year into the pandemic. Further long-term studies are needed to follow-up the course of pandemic traumatic burden especially in patients with severe mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sarah Tosato
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Department of Neurosciences "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Albert
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina - ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Mario Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Menchetti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
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14
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Sampogna G, Di Vincenzo M, Giallonardo V, Perris F, Volpicelli A, Del Vecchio V, Luciano M, Fiorillo A. The Psychiatric Consequences of Long-COVID: A Scoping Review. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111767. [PMID: 36579511 PMCID: PMC9697474 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a new form of traumatic event, affecting the general population worldwide and causing severe disruption of daily routine. A new urgent concern is related to the burden associated with COVID-19 symptoms that persist beyond the onset of infection, the so-called long-COVID syndrome. The present paper aims to: (1) describe the most frequent psychiatric symptoms reported by patients affected by long-COVID syndrome; (2) evaluate methodological discrepancies among the available studies; (3) inform clinicians and policy-makers on the possible strategies to be promoted in order to manage the psychiatric consequences of long-COVID syndrome. Twenty-one papers have been included in the present review, mostly with a cross-sectional or cohort design. Significant heterogeneity of long-COVID syndrome definitions was found. The presence of psychiatric symptoms was evaluated with very different assessment tools. The most common psychiatric symptoms of the long-COVID syndrome included fatigue, cognitive disturbances/impairment, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The rate of fatigue varied from 93.2-82.3% to 11.5%, cognitive impairment/cognitive dysfunction from 61.4% to 23.5% and depressive-anxiety symptoms from 23.5%to 9.5%.
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15
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COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress and Loneliness in Chinese Residents in North America: The Role of Contraction Worry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137639. [PMID: 35805295 PMCID: PMC9265493 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined the association of COVID-19 contraction worry for self and for family members with COVID-19 peritraumatic distress and loneliness in Chinese residents in North America. A sample of 943 Chinese residents (immigrants, citizens, visitors, and international students) in North America completed a cross-sectional online survey during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (between January and February 2021). Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) models identified possible sociodemographic variables that were included in the subsequent hierarchical regression models. According to the hierarchical regression models, self-contraction worry was significantly associated with both COVID-19 peritraumatic distress (B = −4.340, p < 0.001) and loneliness (B = −0.771, p = 0.006) after controlling for related sociodemographic covariates; however, family-contraction worry was not significantly associated with the outcome variables. Additionally, poorer health status and experienced discrimination significantly predicted higher COVID-19 peritraumatic distress, whereas poorer health status and perceived discrimination significantly predicted increased loneliness. The results highlighted the detrimental impacts of self-contraction worry on peritraumatic distress and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chinese residents in North America.
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16
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Digital mental health interventions for anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. REVISTA DE PSIQUIATRIA Y SALUD MENTAL 2022; 16:47-58. [PMID: 35755491 PMCID: PMC9212872 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
University students are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, with anxiety and depression identified as the most common conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, self-isolation, and difficulties linked to online teaching and learning have increased their burden of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Thus, the urgent need to intervene in favour of these vulnerable subjects, together with the difficulties in delivering in-person interventions because of lockdowns and restrictions, has led to prioritize digital mental health strategies. This study aimed at systematically reviewing the existing literature on digital mental health interventions targeting anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students during the COVID-19 emergency. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo databases identified eight randomized controlled trials. Regarding anxiety symptoms, digitally delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and mind-body practice techniques emerged as valid strategies, while digital positive psychology and mindfulness-based interventions showed mixed results. On the other hand, digitally delivered dialectical behaviour therapy and positive psychology interventions have shown some efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms. Overall, the available literature, albeit of low quality, seems to support the role of digital interventions in promoting the mental health of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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17
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Baliyan S, Cimadevilla JM, Pulopulos MM, Castillejo L, Sandi C, Venero C. Pre-pandemic Psychobiological Features Predict Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Loneliness. Front Psychol 2022; 13:874232. [PMID: 35572252 PMCID: PMC9096268 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.874232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to various government-imposed limitations on social interaction and strict home confinement. Such involuntary social-distancing policies can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and alter emotional well-being. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis is a potential mechanism for loneliness' deleterious health effects. In this study, we explored whether pre-pandemic diurnal cortisol output (AUC G ), a measure of HPA axis function, may predict the propensity to changes in loneliness during long-term COVID-19 home confinement and if extraversion would moderate this relationship. This association has been explored by analysing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and strict home confinement on social and emotional loneliness in 45 Spanish young adults. Diurnal cortisol levels were measured from five saliva samples obtained across a day just before the pandemic, and data about participants' perceived loneliness, empathic state, extraversion, and prospective volunteering were obtained both before and during the confinement. Participants' social and family loneliness increased during long-term strict home confinement, while prospective volunteering tendencies and extraversion decreased. Importantly, after adjusting for relevant confounders, moderation analyses revealed that in young adults with high pre-pandemic extraversion, a higher AUC G predicted a larger increase in social loneliness during confinement, while in individuals with low extraversion, AUC G was negatively related to change in loneliness. Our findings highlight the utility of pre-pandemic diurnal cortisol output in predicting the social impact of COVID-19 home confinement, presenting this hormone as a potential biomarker for a priori identification of at-risk groups during public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishir Baliyan
- COGNI-UNED, Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Matias M. Pulopulos
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leyre Castillejo
- COGNI-UNED, Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - César Venero
- COGNI-UNED, Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, UNED, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación-Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Kupcewicz E, Mikla M, Kadučáková H, Grochans E. Loneliness and Satisfaction with Life among Nursing Students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052929. [PMID: 35270618 PMCID: PMC8910397 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
(1) The COVID-19 pandemic poses threats to human life and health around the world. This study attempts to determine the correlation between loneliness and satisfaction with life among nursing students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia and to seek predictors of social and emotional loneliness among the students. (2) A total of 756 nursing students from Poland, Spain and Slovakia took part in the study. A diagnostic survey was applied as the research method, and the data were collected with the sense of loneliness measurement scale (de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale–DJGLS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). (3) The mean age of the participants was 21.20 years (SD = 1.97). A correlation analysis revealed statistically significant, negative correlations, with an average and high strength, between the general sense of loneliness and its components (social loneliness and emotional loneliness) and satisfaction with life among students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia. A regression analysis showed one’s satisfaction with life to be a predictor of a sense of loneliness among nursing students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. (4) Students with a stronger sense of loneliness also feel lower life satisfaction. It is important to take preventive and prophylactic actions concerning loneliness among students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kupcewicz
- Department of Nursing, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 11-041 Olsztyn, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Marzena Mikla
- Department of Nursing, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Helena Kadučáková
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Catholic University in Ruzomberok, 034-01 Ruzomberok, Slovakia;
| | - Elżbieta Grochans
- Department of Nursing, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
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Philippot A, Moulin P, Charon MH, Balestra C, Dubois V, de Timary P, De Volder A, Bleyenheuft Y, Lambrechts K. Feasibility of Online High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Psychological Symptoms in Students in Lockdown During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:904283. [PMID: 35800026 PMCID: PMC9253394 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.904283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an online High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program on clinical psychological symptoms in higher education students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS During the lockdown, 30 students aged 18-25 years, who had been screened previously with a cut-off score ≥5 in the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, were randomly assigned to either the 4-week HIIT program with three sessions per week conducted through online videos, or a no-intervention control group. The primary outcome was the feasibility assessment. The secondary outcome was a psychological self-report with the 21-items Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Assessment and intervention were performed in compliance with social distancing rules. RESULTS Two participants in the HIIT were lost to follow-up, leaving 13 participants vs. 15 in the control group. We observed high adherence (87%) and complete safety for mental and physical status with the HIIT intervention delivered by online videos. The Mann-Whitney test demonstrated a significant (group × time, P-Value = 0.046) reduction of clinical stress symptoms and a trend (group × time, P-Value = 0.08) toward reduction of clinical depression symptoms, both favoring the HIIT group. No significant (group × time, P-Value = 0.118) interaction was found for anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION The online HIIT program was found to be feasible and safe in a clinical sample of young adults, who were experiencing social and physical restrictions due to COVID-19. HIIT reduced stress and depressive symptoms and thus these preliminary results show promise for broader application among higher education students during the present lockdown necessitated by the global COVID-19 health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Philippot
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Psychiatric Hospital Area+/Epsylon ASBL, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Moulin
- Environmental, Aging (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Hélène Charon
- Environmental, Aging (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Costantino Balestra
- Environmental, Aging (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Dubois
- Psychiatric Hospital Area+/Epsylon ASBL, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe de Timary
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Adult Psychiatry, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne De Volder
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick Bleyenheuft
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kate Lambrechts
- Environmental, Aging (Integrative) Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium
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Menculini G, Pomili G, Brufani F, Minuti A, Mancini N, D'Angelo M, Biscontini S, Mancini E, Savini A, Orsolini L, Volpe U, Tortorella A, Steardo L. COVID-19 and Youth Psychopathological Distress in Umbria, Central Italy: A 2-Year Observational Study in a Real-World Setting. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:869326. [PMID: 35664479 PMCID: PMC9160367 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.869326] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescents and young adults represent a vulnerable population in the context of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present retrospective study aims to investigate the pandemic's psychological impact on adolescents and young adults by analyzing data from an outpatient mental health service dedicated to youths in Umbria, central Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The clinical charts of subjects aged 14-24 who first accessed the service in the timeframe between March 1st, 2019, and February 28th, 2021, were reviewed. Subjects were divided into two subgroups according to the period of time when they accessed the service (pre-COVID-19 vs. during- COVID-19 outbreak). Bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi-square test and the Welch's t-test. A secondary analysis was performed considering only subjects suffering from psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, data concerning individuals who were already followed by the service before the pandemic were analyzed by the McNemar's test and the t-paired test to assess changes in treatment features. RESULTS The number of new accesses during the pandemic period remained stable. After the emergency onset, youths accessing the service showed a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders (p = 0.022). During the COVID-19 period, services were more frequently delivered by using a digital mental health approach (p = 0.001). Psychopharmacological treatment was more frequently prescribed among subjects that were referred to the service after the pandemic onset (p = 0.033). As for substance use, a highly significant reduction in opioid use was observed (p = 0.003). Family therapy was delivered less frequently in the during-COVID-19 subgroup, especially in the subpopulation of subjects suffering from psychiatric disorders (p = 0.013). When considering subjects referred to the service in the pre-COVID-19 period, the number of interventions provided to this population increased after the pandemic outbreak (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION In the context of the COVID-19-related public health crisis, youths represent an at-risk population for which pathways to care should be reinforced, and targeted interventions, including psychosocial treatments, should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Menculini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Pomili
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Brufani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Agnese Minuti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Niccolò Mancini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina D'Angelo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sonia Biscontini
- Mental Heath Department, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale (AUSL) Umbria 2, Terni, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Savini
- Comunità "La Tenda" Cooperativa Sociale, Foligno, Italy
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Steardo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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