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Wu J, Kuan G, Wang Y, Liu Z, Hu X, Kueh YC, Zhang X. Examining the relationship between physical literacy and resilience against COVID-19-induced negative mental states in Chinese adolescents. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1738. [PMID: 38951834 PMCID: PMC11218165 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18842-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that COVID-19 has had adverse effects on the mental health of adolescents, exacerbating their negative psychological states. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Physical Literacy (PL) on Negative Mental State caused by COVID-19 (NMSC) and identify potential factors related to NMSC and PL in Chinese adolescents. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 729 Chinese high school students with an average age of 16.2 ± 1.1 years. Participants' demographic data, PL data, and NMSC data were collected. PL and NMSC were measured using the self-reported Portuguese Physical Literacy Assessment Questionnaire (PPLA-Q), the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 (SAVE-6), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19). Adolescents in the current study demonstrated higher levels of NMSC and lower PL, with average scores of 3.45 and 2.26, respectively (on a scale of 5). Through multiple linear regression analysis, Motivation (MO), Confidence (CO), Emotional Regulation (ER), and Physical Regulation (PR) were identified as factors influencing NMSC in adolescents. The study findings contribute to providing guidance for actions aimed at alleviating NMSC among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarun Wu
- School of Physical Health, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Garry Kuan
- Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Yishuai Wang
- Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zhutang Liu
- Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Dafang County, No. 7 Middle School, Bijie, Guizhou, China
| | - Yee Cheng Kueh
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Xinding Zhang
- Hainan Normal University Sports Institute, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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Moss SJ, Sriskandarajah C, Brundin-Mather R, Cherak MS, Mizen SJ, Stelfox M, Halperin D, Halperin S, Ahmed SB, Lorenzetti DL, Smith S, Harley M, Tutelman PR, Birnie KA, Anglin MC, Stelfox HT, Fiest KM, Racine N, Parsons Leigh J. Well-being approaches targeted to improve child and youth health post-COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:758. [PMID: 38907284 PMCID: PMC11193255 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11140-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous work synthesized published studies on well-being interventions during COVID-19. As we move into a post-COVID-19 pandemic period there is a need to comprehensively review published strategies, approaches, and interventions to improve child and youth well-being beyond deleterious impacts experienced during COVID-19. METHODS Seven databases were searched from inception to January 2023. Studies were included if they: (1) presented original data on an approach (i.e., approach applied) or (2) provided recommendations to inform development of a future approach (i.e., approach suggested), (3) targeted to mitigate negative impacts of COVID-19 on child and youth (≤18 year) well-being, and (4) published on or after December 2019. RESULTS 39 studies (n = 4/39, 10.3% randomized controlled trials) from 2021 to 2023 were included. Twenty-two studies applied an approach (n = 22/39, 56.4%) whereas seventeen studies (n = 17/39, 43.6%) suggested an approach; youth aged 13-18 year (n = 27/39, 69.2%) were most frequently studied. Approach applied records most frequently adopted an experimental design (n = 11/22, 50.0%), whereas approach suggested records most frequently adopted a cross-sectional design (n = 13/22, 59.1%). The most frequently reported outcomes related to good health and optimum nutrition (n = 28/39, 71.8%), followed by connectedness (n = 22/39, 56.4%), learning, competence, education, skills, and employability (n = 18/39, 46.1%), and agency and resilience (n = 16/39, 41.0%). CONCLUSIONS The rapid onset and unpredictability of COVID-19 precluded meaningful engagement of children and youth in strategy development despite widespread recognition that early engagement can enhance usefulness and acceptability of interventions. Published or recommended strategies were most frequently targeted to improve connectedness, belonging, and socialization among children and youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephana Julia Moss
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cynthia Sriskandarajah
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Rebecca Brundin-Mather
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Michal S Cherak
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sara J Mizen
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Maia Stelfox
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Donna Halperin
- Rankin School of Nursing, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, Canada
| | - Scott Halperin
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sofia B Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Diane L Lorenzetti
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Stacie Smith
- Young Canadians Roundtable on Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Micaela Harley
- Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Perri R Tutelman
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kathryn A Birnie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Melanie C Anglin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Henry T Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kirsten M Fiest
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute of Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Racine
- Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jeanna Parsons Leigh
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Babinčáková M, Bernard P. Evolution after the Revolution: How Classical and Online School Chemistry Teaching Has Changed during the COVID-19 Pandemic? JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION 2024; 101:963-972. [PMID: 38495612 PMCID: PMC10939126 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic had a tremendous impact on education. In the beginning, teachers were shocked by compulsory online teaching; later, they had to cope with changing restrictions, distance, and blended and hybrid environments. Such a situation was particularly difficult for chemistry teachers, who not only were forced to find a way to organize classes focused on theoretical knowledge but also had to present various phenomena, reactions, and preferably, practice laboratory skills. This paper is focused on changes in chemistry teaching at the secondary school level after two years of the pandemic compared to the first lockouts. The study involved 28 chemistry teachers and their 110 students, all from Slovakian secondary schools, and was based on online questionnaires. Results revealed how online school chemistry teaching changed, what were the teachers' challenges and attitudes toward online teaching, and how the students perceived online chemistry lessons. It was found that various groups of teachers mastered elements of online teaching at different levels. There are still teachers who struggle with the basics of online teaching but also skilled teachers who can handle many online teaching features. However, all of them still require assistance in their development, covering methodological, technical, and equipment areas. Therefore, results of this study suggest which aspects of online education instructors should pay attention to during pre- and in-service teachers' training, so skills gained by teachers during the pandemic will not be lost, and which areas of online teaching are beneficial or difficult for students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Babinčáková
- Jagiellonian
University, Faculty of Chemistry,
Department of Chemical Education, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Pavol
Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Lifelong Learning Centre and Project Support, Šrobárova 2, Košice 041 80, Slovakia
| | - Paweł Bernard
- Jagiellonian
University, Faculty of Chemistry,
Department of Chemical Education, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Oberle E, Ji XR, Alkawaja M, Molyneux TM, Kerai S, Thomson KC, Guhn M, Schonert-Reichl KA, Gadermann AM. Connections matter: Adolescent social connectedness profiles and mental well-being over time. J Adolesc 2024; 96:31-48. [PMID: 37740505 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study examined profiles of social connectedness among early adolescents in grade 7 before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared (Winter 2020), and in grade 8 during the second Wave of the pandemic (Winter 2021). METHOD Linked data from 1753 early adolescents (49% female) from British Columbia, Canada who completed the Middle Years Development Instrument survey in grades 7 and 8 were used. Participants reported on life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and connectedness with peers and adults at home, school and in the community. We used Latent Profile Analysis to identify connectedness profiles at both time points, and Latent Transition Analysis to examine transitions in connectedness profiles over time. Multiple regression analyses examined the associations between profile membership in grade 7 and mental well-being in grade 8, and the associations between transitions in profile membership (i.e., increase vs. decrease in connectedness over time) and mental well-being. RESULTS Connectedness in multiple domains in grade 7 was related to significantly higher levels of mental well-being in grade 8, controlling for demographics, well-being in grade 7, and COVID-related mental health worries. Well-being was highest when students felt highly connected in all domains and lowest when they felt lower levels of connection. Increases in connectedness were associated with improvements in mental well-being and decreases with a decline in well-being over time. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing connectedness with peers and adults is critical for the mental well-being in early adolescence. Providing opportunities to connect is important in the context of major societal challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Oberle
- School of Population and Public Health, The Human Early Learning Partnership, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xuejun Ryan Ji
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maram Alkawaja
- School of Population and Public Health, The Human Early Learning Partnership, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tonje M Molyneux
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Salima Kerai
- School of Population and Public Health, The Human Early Learning Partnership, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kimberly C Thomson
- Faculty of Health Science, Children's Health Policy Centre, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Martin Guhn
- School of Population and Public Health, The Human Early Learning Partnership, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Anne M Gadermann
- School of Population and Public Health, The Human Early Learning Partnership, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Blanta M, Karathanasi A, Tzonichaki I. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's occupations. Hong Kong J Occup Ther 2023; 36:69-83. [PMID: 38027048 PMCID: PMC10680856 DOI: 10.1177/15691861231204905] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic changed the daily lives and limited everyday activities of children worldwide. Objectives To document the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's occupations, the associated factors, and the impact on children's health, wellbeing, and development. Methods A narrative review was conducted by searching four databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews). Results A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. Out of the 34 articles, 23 were relevant to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on occupations related to leisure (n = 17), productivity (n = 11), and self-care (n = 9). Ten articles highlighted specific factors that had been linked to changes in occupational engagement and child behavior. Ten articles focused on the impact of occupational disruption during COVID-19 on health, wellbeing, and general development. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have had a negative impact on children's occupations, while the restrictions were still in effect. Further research is needed to establish reliable conclusions.
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Chmelík F, Frömel K, Groffik D, Mitáš J. Physical activity and life satisfaction among adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 241:104081. [PMID: 37976920 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104081] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and distance education has significantly affected adolescents' lives. The restrictive policies negatively affected their physical and mental health and life satisfaction. It is therefore desirable to look for ways to eliminate similar negative impacts on adolescents in the future. This study aimed to identify the differences in the association between physical activity and life satisfaction in Polish adolescents before and during the pandemic. The study included 1541 participants (891 before the pandemic and 650 during the pandemic) aged 15-19 years. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form questionnaire was used to assess physical activity, and the Bern Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire was used to evaluate life satisfaction. The objectivity of data collection and analysis before and during the pandemic was ensured by the web application the International Database for Research and Educational Support. During the pandemic, we found lower physical activity and life satisfaction in both boys and girls compared to before the pandemic. Girls with low and high physical activity levels showed significantly lower life satisfaction during the pandemic than they did before. Low life satisfaction was associated with lower physical activity, and high life satisfaction was associated with greater total physical activity. Both boys and girls with low and high life satisfaction achieved significantly fewer physical activity recommendations during the pandemic. High life satisfaction increased the likelihood of meeting the recommendations for physical activity before and during the pandemic. This study provides new insights into the differences and associations between life satisfaction and physical activity in adolescent boys and girls before and during the pandemic. It provides suggestions for the prevention of possible future restrictions in the school settings. Support for post-pandemic life satisfaction in adolescents should focus mainly on increasing vigorous physical activity and improving adolescent participation in organized physical activity settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- František Chmelík
- Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Tř. Míru 117, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Karel Frömel
- Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Tř. Míru 117, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72a, 40-065 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Dorota Groffik
- Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72a, 40-065 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Josef Mitáš
- Institute of Active Lifestyle, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Tř. Míru 117, 771 11 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Song HJ, Mu YF, Wang C, Cai J, Deng ZY, Deng AP, Huang XH, Meng XD, Zhang L, Huang Y, Zhang W, Shen WW, Chen J, Liu B, Gao R, Zhao JS, Ran MS. Academic performance and mental health among Chinese middle and high school students after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1248541. [PMID: 37645634 PMCID: PMC10461048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1248541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way students studied, it is still unknown about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students' academic performance and mental health. Objective To explore the academic performance and mental health status of middle and high school students after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China. Methods An online survey was conducted in Sichuan province, China from Dec 14, 2022 to Feb 28, 2023. All participants were students in middle and high schools, recruited via their teachers. The general information, COVID-19-related information, and academic performance were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were used to assess the mental health problems. Results Of 60,268 participants, 36,247 (60.2%) middle and high school students reported that their studies were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and 24,864 (41.2%) reported that their academic performance had worsened. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was 38.4 and 32.7%, respectively. There was a significant association between academic performance change and mental health problems. The logistic regression analysis showed that improved academic performance was a protective factor for depression, and declined academic performance was a risk factor for depression and anxiety. Being COVID-19 infected, family members being infected, with quarantine experience, and with COVID-19-related stigma were risk factors for depression and anxiety. Conclusion Academic studies and mental health status of middle and high school students in Sichuan, China have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, even after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Students' academic performance, academic concerns, and mental health status should be considered for educational policymakers and institutions to improve students' academic studies and mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jun Song
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun-Fei Mu
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Cai
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhong-Yue Deng
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ai-Ping Deng
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue-Hua Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xian-Dong Meng
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen-Wu Shen
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Jingzhou Mental Health Center, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Ru Gao
- Wenjiang People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun-Shu Zhao
- Ya’an Fourth People’s Hospital, Ya’an, Sichuan, China
| | - Mao-Sheng Ran
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Auger N, Low N, Chadi N, Israël M, Steiger H, Lewin A, Ayoub A, Healy-Profitós J, Luu TM. Suicide Attempts in Children Aged 10-14 Years During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Adolesc Health 2023; 72:899-905. [PMID: 36870902 PMCID: PMC9980433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if suicide attempts increased during the first year of the pandemic among young adolescents in Quebec, Canada. METHODS We analyzed children aged 10-14 years who were hospitalized for a suicide attempt between January 2000 and March 2021. We calculated age-specific and sex-specific suicide attempt rates and the proportion of hospitalizations for suicide attempts before and during the pandemic and compared rates with patients aged 15-19 years. We used interrupted time series regression to measure changes in rates during the first (March 2020 to August 2020) and second (September 2020 to March 2021) waves and difference-in-difference analysis to determine if the pandemic had a greater impact on girls than boys. RESULTS Suicide attempt rates decreased for children aged 10-14 years during the first wave. However, rates increased sharply during the second wave for girls, without changing for boys. Girls aged 10-14 years had an excess of 5.1 suicide attempts per 10,000 at the start of wave 2, with rates continuing to increase by 0.6 per 10,000 every month thereafter. Compared with the prepandemic period, the increase in the proportion of girls aged 10-14 years hospitalized for a suicide attempt was 2.2% greater than that of boys during wave 2. The pattern seen in girls aged 10-14 years was not present in girls aged 15-19 years. DISCUSSION Hospitalizations for suicide attempts among girls aged 10-14 years increased considerably during the second wave of the pandemic, compared with boys and older girls. Young adolescent girls may benefit from screening and targeted interventions to address suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Auger
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Bureau d'information et d'études en santé des populations, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Nancy Low
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicholas Chadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mimi Israël
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Howard Steiger
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Antoine Lewin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada; Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aimina Ayoub
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Bureau d'information et d'études en santé des populations, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Healy-Profitós
- Health Innovation and Evaluation Hub, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Bureau d'information et d'études en santé des populations, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thuy Mai Luu
- Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Lappalainen P, Lappalainen R, Keinonen K, Kaipainen K, Puolakanaho A, Muotka J, Kiuru N. In the shadow of COVID-19: A randomized controlled online ACT trial promoting adolescent psychological flexibility and self-compassion. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023; 27:34-44. [PMID: 36514308 PMCID: PMC9731646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Although some adolescents managed to cope well with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the well-being of many was adversely affected due to school closures, distance education, restrictions on gathering with friends, and limited access to mental health services. Many adolescents reported increased anxiety and depression as well as decreased psychological wellbeing due to the pandemic. Consequently, there is a need for psychological support that exceeds the strained resources available to schools to support young people during times of crisis and societal pressure. Objective The present study aimed to explore the effects of an online-delivered ACT intervention to promote adolescent psychological flexibility and self-compassion and decrease psychological distress during the second wave of COVID-19 in the fall of 2020. Methods A total of 348 adolescents aged 15-16 were randomly divided into three equal groups: 1) the iACT student coach + virtual coach group, n = 116; 2) the iACT virtual coach group, n = 116; and 3) the control group with no intervention, n = 116). Among these adolescents, 234 participated in a pre-measurement (iACT, n = 154; control, n = 80; intent-to-treat) and completed measures of psychological flexibility, self-compassion, anxiety, and depression. Results An investigation of all the adolescents who participated in the pre-measurement (intent-to-treat analysis, n = 234) revealed no significant differences between the three groups with regard to psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, upon combining the two intervention groups and examining the adolescents who completed at least 30% of the Youth Compass program (per-protocol analysis, n = 137), small but significant differences between the iACT intervention and control groups were found regarding the psychological flexibility subscale valued action, self-compassion, and anxiety in favor of the intervention group. Conclusions Active use of an ACT-based online intervention under adverse circumstances may decrease symptoms of anxiety and increase psychological flexibility skills in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Päivi Lappalainen
- Department of Education, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | | | | | - Kirsikka Kaipainen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Tampere University, Unit of Computing Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Joona Muotka
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Noona Kiuru
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
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