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Iorfino F, Varidel M, Capon W, Richards M, Crouse JJ, LaMonica HM, Park SH, Piper S, Song YJC, Gorban C, Scott EM, Hickie IB. Quantifying the interrelationships between physical, social, and cognitive-emotional components of mental fitness using digital technology. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 3:36. [PMID: 38977903 PMCID: PMC11231280 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-024-00078-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Mental fitness is a construct that goes beyond a simple focus on subjective emotional wellbeing to encompass more broadly our ability to think, feel, and act to achieve what we want in our daily lives. The measurement and monitoring of multiple (often interacting) domains is crucial to gain a holistic and complete insight into an individual's mental fitness. We aimed to demonstrate the capability of a new mobile app to characterise the mental fitness of a general population of Australians and to quantify the interrelationships among different domains of mental fitness. Cross-sectional data were collected from 4901 adults from the general population of Australians engaged in work or education who used a mobile app (Innowell) between September 2021 and November 2022. Individuals completed a baseline questionnaire comprised of 26 questions across seven domains of mental fitness (i.e., physical activity, sleep and circadian rhythms, nutrition, substance use, daily activities, social connection, psychological distress). Network analysis was applied at both a domain-level (e.g., 7 nodes representing each cluster of items) and an individual item-level (i.e., 26 nodes representing all questionnaire items). Only 612 people (12%) were functioning well across all domains. One quarter (n = 1204, 25%) had only one problem domain and most (n = 3085, 63%) had multiple problem domains. The two most problematic domains were physical activity (n = 2631, 54%) and social connection (n = 2151, 44%), followed closely by daily activity (n = 1914, 39%). At the domain-level, the strongest association emerged between psychological distress and daily activity (r = 0.301). Psychological distress was the most central node in the network (as measured by strength and expected influence), followed closely by daily activity, sleep and circadian rhythms and then social connection. The item-level network revealed that the nodes with the highest centrality in the network were: hopelessness, depression, functional impairment, effortfulness, subjective energy, worthlessness, and social connectedness. Social connection, sleep and circadian rhythms, and daily activities may be critical targets for intervention due to their widespread associations in the overall network. While psychological distress was not among the most common problems, its centrality may indicate its importance for indicated prevention and early intervention. We showcase the capability of a new mobile app to monitor mental fitness and identify the interrelationships among multiple domains, which may help people develop more personalised insights and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Iorfino
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Mathew Varidel
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Capon
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Richards
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacob J Crouse
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Haley M LaMonica
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shin Ho Park
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Piper
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Carla Gorban
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Ian B Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Arya V, Burgess P, Diminic S, Harris MG, Slade T, Sunderland M, Tapp C, Vescovi J, Pirkis J. Suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts among Australian adults: Findings from the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024:48674241256753. [PMID: 38859550 DOI: 10.1177/00048674241256753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts, examine services received for suicide attempts, and explore the relationship between suicide attempts and self-harm without suicidal intent. METHODS We used survey data from the 2020-2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, which involved a nationally representative sample of Australian adults aged 16-85 (n = 15,893). Comparisons were made with the 2007 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (n = 8841). RESULTS In 2020-2022, the proportions of adults who had experienced suicidal ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts during their lifetime were 16.6%, 7.5% and 4.9%, respectively. The proportions who had experienced these in the past 12 months were 3.3%, 1.1% and 0.3%. The odds of experiencing suicidal ideation and making a suicide plan were significantly higher in 2020-2022 than in 2007. Groups at heightened risk of suicidal ideation, suicide plans and/or suicide attempts in the previous 12 months were males, young people, people who were gay, lesbian, or bisexual or used some other term to describe their sexual identity, people outside the labour force, people from disadvantaged areas and people with mental disorders. Two-fifths of those who attempted suicide during the previous 12 months did not use health services following their attempt, and two-thirds also self-harmed without suicidal intent. CONCLUSION The implications of these findings for the forthcoming National Suicide Prevention Strategy are discussed. Suicidal thoughts and behaviours confer risk for suicide and are significant problems in their own right. Their prevention requires a strong whole-of-government response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Arya
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip Burgess
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Diminic
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Meredith G Harris
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Tim Slade
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caley Tapp
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Vescovi
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Blake JA, Farugia TL, Andrew B, Malacova E, Lawrence D, Thomas HJ, Scott JG. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale in Australian adolescents: Analysis of the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2024; 58:345-354. [PMID: 38095118 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231216601] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is used to screen adolescents for mental disorders in Australian clinical practice; however, there are no Australian adolescent normative data. METHODS Data were drawn from a nationally representative sample (N = 2964) of Australian adolescents (11-17 years). This study had three aims: (1) to examine concurrent validity between the K10 and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) emotional symptoms subscale, (2) to establish normative Australian adolescent K10 data and (3) to determine optimal K10 cut-off scores for screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) via receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and stratum-specific likelihood ratios. RESULTS The K10 and SDQ emotional symptoms scales were moderately correlated (rs = 0.63, p < 0.001). Older female adolescents reported higher total K10 scores compared with younger female adolescents (15-17 years: M = 20.2, standard error [SE] = 0.3; 11-14 years: M = 16.8, SE = 0.3) and male adolescents (11-14 years: M = 16.6, SE = 0.2; 15-17 years: M = 16.0, SE=0.2). K10 scores to optimally discriminate those with and without MDD varied by age and sex and had low specificities. Stratum-specific likelihood ratios indicated adolescents with a K10 score of ≥30 will have a 12.9 (95% confidence interval = [10.2, 16.2]) increased likelihood of MDD. CONCLUSION The K10 has utility for assessing psychological distress in health care and epidemiological research in Australian adolescents. Adolescents with K10 scores in the 'very high' range are at increased risk of MDD. Further assessment of these young people is indicated to identify those with or at risk of developing MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Blake
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Taya L Farugia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Brooke Andrew
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Eva Malacova
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Lawrence
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James G Scott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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van Duinkerken A, Bosmans M, Baliatsas C, Tak N, Meerdink A, Jansen N, de Vetten-Mc Mahon M, Marra E, Dückers M. The Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19: A Protocol for a Comprehensive Assessment of the Short- and Long-Term Health Impact of the Pandemic in the Netherlands. Methods Protoc 2023; 6:117. [PMID: 38133137 PMCID: PMC10745633 DOI: 10.3390/mps6060117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected public health. Directly, the pandemic resulted in over 6.6 million deaths, numerous hospitalizations, and widespread illness. The pandemic has also affected health indirectly through government-imposed protective measures, causing decline in mental well-being and increasing social isolation. Unlike previous disasters or crises, the pandemic's worldwide and enduring impact necessitates a unique research approach. The Network for Health Research in Disasters in the Netherlands responded by initiating a longitudinal, extensive research project called the Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19. The Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19 explores both the direct and indirect health effects of the pandemic at the population level. METHODS The Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19 employs a dual-pronged monitoring strategy alongside an annual literature review. This strategy comprises short-cycle monitoring (conducted quarterly) and long-cycle monitoring (conducted once every one or two years). This comprehensive approach enables the evaluation of health trends during the pandemic, facilitating comparisons with pre-pandemic levels and identification of risk and protective factors. Both monitoring methods incorporate data from surveys and general practice registries. The integration of annual literature reviews with these measurements enables iterative research, while dialogues on policy and practice improvements enhance the knowledge-to-action process. DISCUSSION Much of the existing knowledge about the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is derived from research on sudden-onset disasters limited to specific geographical areas. This study is anticipated to provide valuable fresh insights into the evolving dynamics of population health and specific vulnerabilities within the ongoing pandemic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk van Duinkerken
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), 3513CR Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.D.)
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712TS Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Bosmans
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), 3513CR Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.D.)
| | - Christos Baliatsas
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), 3513CR Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.D.)
| | - Nannah Tak
- GGD GHOR Nederland (Overarching Organization of the Municipal Health Services), 3524JS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Meerdink
- GGD GHOR Nederland (Overarching Organization of the Municipal Health Services), 3524JS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Noortje Jansen
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, 1110AE Diemen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elske Marra
- RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), 3720BA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Dückers
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), 3513CR Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.D.)
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712TS Groningen, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, 1110AE Diemen, The Netherlands
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Pathirana MM, Andraweera PH, Leemaqz S, Aldridge E, Arstall MA, Dekker GA, Roberts CT. Anxiety and Depression in Early Gestation and the Association with Subsequent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Disadvantaged Population. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:2185-2193. [PMID: 37823988 PMCID: PMC10618298 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate the association between poor mental health and risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a cohort of women from a socioeconomically disadvantaged community. METHODS A total of 1363 nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies recruited to the Screening Tests to Predict Poor Outcomes of Pregnancy study in Adelaide, Australia. Women were assessed for mental health in the first trimester, including likelihood of depression, high functioning anxiety, perceived stress and risk of developing a mental health disorder. GDM was diagnosed based on the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria. Socioeconomic status was measured using the New Zealand Socioeconomic Index (NZSEI). RESULTS Complete mental health data was available for 1281 participants. There was no statistically significant difference in SEI, depression, risk of mental health issues, high functioning anxiety and perceived stress between women who developed GDM and those who did not. There was no difference in history of depression nor risk of developing a high mental health disorder in first trimester after adjusting for SEI, BMI in first trimester, smoking status in first trimester and maternal age between women with a GDM pregnancy and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE There was no difference in markers of poor mental health in early pregnancy between women who subsequently did or did not develop GDM. Cohort participants were socioeconomically disadvantaged, potentially contributing to the lack of apparent differences in depression observed between groups. Socioeconomically disadvantaged women should be targeted in pre-conception planning to reduce risk of GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maleesa M Pathirana
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
- Department of Cardiology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia.
| | - Prabha H Andraweera
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia
| | - Shalem Leemaqz
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Emily Aldridge
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia
| | - Margaret A Arstall
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A Dekker
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Division of Women's Health, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, Australia
| | - Claire T Roberts
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
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Tian J, Blizzard L, Campbell JA, Gall S, Dwyer T, Venn A. Association of body mass index from childhood to mid-adulthood with health-related quality of life in mid-adulthood. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:3349-3358. [PMID: 37668925 PMCID: PMC10624736 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03497-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Most studies regarding the association of obesity with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have assessed obesity at only one or two time points. We aimed to examine the associations of life course body mass index (BMI) from childhood with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in mid-adulthood. METHODS Data were from a cohort study of Australian children (n = 2254, mean baseline age 12.0 (2.0) years in 1985, 46.8% male). Weight and height were measured at baseline and measured or self-reported on average 20, 25, and 30 years later. Age and sex-standardised BMI-z score was calculated at each time point. Physical and mental HRQoL and health state utilities (HSUs) were measured by SF-12 and SF-6D at the last adult follow-up. Linear regression was used to examine the associations adjusting for age, sex, and childhood health status. RESULTS Higher BMI-z score in childhood (βadjusted - 1.39, 95% CI - 1.73 to - 1.05) and increasing BMI-z score from childhood to young adulthood (βadjusted - 1.82, 95% CI - 2.17 to - 1.46) and from young to mid-adulthood (βadjusted - 1.77, 95% CI - 2.28 to - 1.26) were associated with lower physical HRQoL in mid-adulthood. Similar results were found for mid-adulthood HSUs (βadjusted ranged - 0.006 to - 0.014, all P < 0.05). Only increasing BMI-z score from young to mid-adulthood significantly related to poorer mental HRQoL (βadjusted - 0.74, 95% CI - 1.29 to - 0.19) in mid-adulthood. CONCLUSION High BMI from childhood to mid-adulthood had only modest associations with HRQoL and HSUs, with effects on physical HRQoL most apparent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tian
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia.
| | - Leigh Blizzard
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Julie A Campbell
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Seana Gall
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Terence Dwyer
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of Oxford, Wellington Square, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison Venn
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
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Gill PR, Arena M, Rainbow C, Hosking W, Shearson KM, Ivey G, Sharples J. Social connectedness and suicidal ideation: the roles of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness in the distress to suicidal ideation pathway. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:312. [PMID: 37803474 PMCID: PMC10557190 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01338-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide is a serious public health issue. Distress has been identified as a common risk factor, with research also suggesting that a lack of social connectedness is involved. METHODS This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigated the role of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness in the psychological distress/suicidal ideation pathway in a community sample of 480 Australian adults. RESULTS As expected, distress was found to be a strong predictor of suicidal ideation. Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness both moderated and mediated the relationship between distress and suicidal ideation. Specifically, distress was more strongly linked to suicide ideation when burdensomeness or thwarted belongingness were also high. This moderating effect was stronger for thwarted belongingness than it was for burdensomeness. These variables also mediated the pathway, in that higher distress related to higher burdensomeness and thwarted belonging, which in turn related to higher suicide ideation. This mediating effect was stronger for burdensomeness than for thwarted belonging. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings confirm the importance of our social relatedness in suicide. Increasing belongingness and reducing the perception of being a burden on others may be an important intervention strategy for weakening the link between distress and suicide ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Richard Gill
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Michael Arena
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher Rainbow
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development (SEED), School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Warwick Hosking
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim M Shearson
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gavin Ivey
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jenny Sharples
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray Park, Ballarat Rd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Rainbow C, Baldwin PA, Hosking W, Blashki G. Help-seeking preferences in Australian mental health website visitors: A latent profile analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2023; 57:1271-1280. [PMID: 37042244 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231166595] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychological distress and suicide rates are climbing in Australia despite substantial mental health programme investment in recent decades. Understanding where individuals prefer to seek support in the event of a personal or emotional crisis may help target mental health resources to where they are most needed. This study aimed to explore individual differences in help-seeking preferences that may be leveraged for early intervention and mental health service design. METHOD Latent profile analysis was used to explore the help-seeking preferences of 1561 Australian online help-seekers who elected to complete a psychological distress screening on a popular mental health website, Beyond Blue. RESULTS Four latent profiles of help-seeker emerged that illustrate distinct preference channels for support: help-negaters, professional help-seekers, family help-seekers and help-affirmatives. Help-negaters were the least likely to consider seeking help from any source, recorded the highest levels of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and were more likely to be younger. Help-affirmatives were the most likely to seek help from any source, particularly from religious leaders, and were more likely to speak a language other than English at home. CONCLUSION Many individuals experiencing mental health concerns will prefer to seek support from family or community contacts rather than professionals, and some will not seek help at all. Diversity in help-seeking preferences should be considered when designing mental health services, outreach and psychoeducation materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Warwick Hosking
- College of Health & Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Grant Blashki
- Beyond Blue, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Dashputre A, Agho KE, Piya MK, Glenister K, Bourke L, Hannah S, Bhat R, Osuagwu UL, Simmons D. Prevalence and factors associated with mental health problems of psychological distress and depression among rural Victorians - analysis of cross-sectional data (Crossroads II). BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:450. [PMID: 37340331 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research suggests that rates of mental illness are similar in rural and urban Australia, although there are significant workforce shortages in rural regions along with higher rates of chronic disease and obesity and lower levels of socioeconomic status. However, there are variations across rural Australia and limited local data on mental health prevalence, risk, service use and protective factors. This study describes the prevalence of self-reported mental health problems of psychological distress and depression, in a rural region in Australia and aims to identify the factors associated with these problems. METHODS The Crossroads II study was a large-scale cross-sectional study undertaken in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria, Australia in 2016-18. Data were collected from randomly selected households across four rural and regional towns and then screening clinics from individuals from these households. The main outcome measures were self-reported mental health problems of psychological distress assessed by the Kessler 10 and depression assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Unadjusted odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals of factors associated with the two mental health problems were calculated using simple logistic regression with multiple logistic regression using hierarchical modelling to adjust for the potential confounders. RESULTS Of the 741 adult participants (55.6% females), 67.4% were aged ≥ 55 years. Based on the questionnaires, 16.2% and 13.6% had threshold-level psychological distress and depression, respectively. Of those with threshold-level K-10 scores, 19.0% and 10.5% had seen a psychologist or a psychiatrist respectively while 24.2% and 9.5% of those experiencing depression had seen a psychologist or a psychiatrist, respectively in the past year. Factors such as being unmarried, current smoker, obesity, were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of mental health problems whereas physical activity, and community participation reduced the risk of mental health problems. Compared to rural towns, the regional town had higher risk of depression which was non-significant after adjusting for community participation and health conditions. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of psychological distress and depression in this rural population was consistent with other rural studies. Personal and lifestyle factors were more relevant to mental health problems than degree of rurality in Victoria. Targeted lifestyle interventions could assist in reducing mental illness risk and preventing further distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushka Dashputre
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Kingsley E Agho
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Milan K Piya
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
- Macarthur Diabetes Endocrinology Metabolism Services, Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Kristen Glenister
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Wangaratta, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Bourke
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Hannah
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Ravi Bhat
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia
| | - Uchechukwu L Osuagwu
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
- Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia
| | - David Simmons
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.
- Macarthur Diabetes Endocrinology Metabolism Services, Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.
- Department of Rural Health, University of Melbourne, Shepparton, VIC, Australia.
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Horwood G, Augoustinos M, Due C. “It’s important to manage our stress”: Mental health advice in the Australian print news media during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 3:100204. [PMID: 36974336 PMCID: PMC10029348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2023.100204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened existing concerns about mental health and illness in Australia. The news media is an important source of health information, but there has been little research into how advice about mental health is communicated to the public via the news media. In this study, we examined how advice about building and maintaining mental health was discursively constructed in the news media during the COVID-19 pandemic. A discourse analytic approach informed by critical discursive psychology was employed to analyse 436 articles published in daily newspapers in Australia between 1 January and 31 December 2020, which contained references to mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Three main interpretative repertoires were identified – negative emotions are a risk to mental health and must be managed; risky emotions should be managed by being controlled (based around a ‘border control’ metaphor); and risky emotions should be managed by being released (based around a ‘pressure cooker’ metaphor). This study demonstrates that, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, advice constructed negative emotions as risky and problematic; and normalized the habitual management of emotions by individuals through strategies of control and release. Potential implications of such discourses for goals of improving population mental health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Horwood
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Martha Augoustinos
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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Appraising Evidence-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Guidelines—PART II: A Content Analysis with Implications for Disaster Risk Reduction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137798. [PMID: 35805457 PMCID: PMC9265945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
High quality mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) guidelines are indispensable for policy and practice to address the mental health consequences of disasters. This contribution complements a review that assessed the methodological quality of 13 MHPSS guidelines. We analyzed the content of the four highest-ranking guidelines and explored implications for disaster risk reduction (DRR). A qualitative explorative thematic analysis was conducted. The four guidelines proved largely similar, overlapping or at least complementary in their MHPSS definitions, stated purpose of the guidelines, user and target groups, terminology, and models used. Many recommended MHPSS measures and interventions were found in all of the guidelines and could be assigned to five categories: basic relief, information provision, emotional and social support, practical support, and health care. The guidelines stress the importance of monitoring needs and problems, evaluating the effect of service delivery, deliberate implementation and preparation, and investments in proper conditions and effective coordination across professions, agencies, and sectors. The MHPSS knowledge base embedded in the guidelines is comprehensive, coherent, and sufficiently universal to serve as the “overarching framework” considered missing yet vital for the integration of MHPSS approaches in DRR. Although application contexts differ geographically, this common ground should allow policymakers and practitioners globally to plan, implement, and evaluate MHPSS actions contributing to DRR, ideally together with target groups.
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