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Luo CY, Kowalczyk ME, Msall ME, Volerman A. Social Determinants in COVID-19 Experiences of Children With Disabilities Receiving School-Based Services in Chicago: Mixed-Methods Study of Parent/Guardian Perspectives. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024:00004703-990000000-00177. [PMID: 38905221 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the impact of social determinants on the experiences of children with disabilities and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of parents/guardians. METHODS A mixed-methods study engaged parents/guardians of children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in July to August 2021 at a developmental/behavioral pediatrics clinic in 1 urban academic medical center. All parents/guardians completed study-specific surveys on experiences and impact of COVID-19. A subset completed semi-structured interviews. Analysis included descriptive statistics and Fisher exact tests for survey questions and thematic analysis to code interviews and identify themes. Results were corroborated by experts in developmental/behavioral pediatrics and special education. RESULTS Participants included 24 parents/guardians representing 27 children (mean = 7.37 years). A majority attended public school (78%) and identified as non-White (78%). Most commonly, the children's disabilities were autism (52%), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (37%), and speech/language impairment (33%). The services received by children most commonly were speech/language (89%) and physical/occupational (70%) therapies. Five themes emerged about the impact of social determinants on experiences during COVID-19 related to: adapting to disruption of routines, attendance/engagement in learning, interruption of IEP services, support for children and families, and challenges with technology. CONCLUSION Social determinants, such as housing, income, insurance, and quality of education, affected the experiences of families and their ability to adapt to the needs of children with disabilities in the setting of COVID-19 pandemic-related changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Y Luo
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Michael E Msall
- Section of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Chicago Kennedy Research Center and Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Anna Volerman
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Patwary MM, Bardhan M, Disha AS, Dzhambov AM, Parkinson C, Browning MHEM, Labib SM, Larson LR, Haque MZ, Rahman MA, Alam MA, Tareq MF, Shuvo FK. Nature exposure and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Navigation Guide systematic review with meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124284. [PMID: 38821342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Prior reviews have highlighted that nature exposure was a valuable coping strategy enhancing mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no existing reviews have determined the quality of evidence and risk of bias of the empirical studies supporting this claim. To address this gap, we employed a Navigation Guide systematic review and meta-analysis approach to investigate associations between nature exposure and mental health during the pandemic. Searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycInfo retrieved relevant articles published between January 1, 2020, and March 4, 2024. We used the Navigation Guide methodology to assess the risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) assessments to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Our search retrieved 113 studies that met the inclusion criteria and reported diverse types of exposure, including nature availability, nature visit frequency, green space accessibility, and green space type, alongside associations with 12 mental health outcomes. Meta-analyses found access to gardens was associated with lower odds of depression [(Pooled odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95%CI = 0.61, 0.82), I2 = 0%, n = 3] and anxiety [(Pooled OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.63, 0.84), I2 = 0%, n = 3]. Increased time in green spaces was associated with lower level of stress [(Pooled Corr = -0.11, 95%CI = -0.17, -0.05), I2 = 0%, n = 2]. Higher frequency of visits to nature was associated with improved mental well-being [(Pooled standardized beta = 0.10, 95%CI = 0.07, 0.14), I2 = 0%, n = 2] and general mental health [(Pooled standardized beta = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.03-0.38), I2 = 82%, n = 2]. However, the number of pooled studies was small and the overall quality of evidence was "very low" for all outcomes, and high levels of bias were observed (26% of studies had high, 71% probably high). Nonetheless, given the trends in the results, nature-based solutions emphasizing exposure to gardens and green spaces near the home may have promoted psychological resilience during this public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh.
| | - Mondira Bardhan
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Asma Safia Disha
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Angel M Dzhambov
- Research Group "Health and Quality of Life in a Green and Sustainable Environment", Strategic Research and Innovation Program for the Development of MU - Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Environmental Health Division, Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Institute of Highway Engineering and Transport Planning, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Colby Parkinson
- Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Vening Meineszgebouw A, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Md Zahidul Haque
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Atiqur Rahman
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Environmental Science Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashraful Alam
- Department of Computational Diagnostic Radiology and Preventive Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Md Faysal Tareq
- Environment and Sustainability Research Initiative, Khulna, Bangladesh; Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Netherlands
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Zheng Y, Lin T, Hamm NAS, Liu J, Zhou T, Geng H, Zhang J, Ye H, Zhang G, Wang X, Chen T. Quantitative evaluation of urban green exposure and its impact on human health: A case study on the 3-30-300 green space rule. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171461. [PMID: 38461976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Urban green spaces offer various health benefits, yet the impact of comprehensive green exposure criteria on multidimensional health remains unclear. The 3-30-300 green space rule represents the green exposure indicators with specific thresholds. This study aims to quantitatively evaluate urban green exposure in cities and can support investigation of its relationship with human health. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study based on 902 investigated individuals in 261 residential locations aged 11-95 years from Xiamen City, China. 3-30-300 green exposure was calculated using field surveys, GIS, and Baidu Maps Application Programming Interface (API). Physical health data was based on Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI)-2. Mental health was from the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Social health was from a self-constructed evaluation questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using Geographically Weighted Regression and Geographically Weighted Logistic Regression for global and local effects on green exposure and multidimensional health. RESULT Among the investigated individuals, only 3.55 % (32/902) fully meet the 3-30-300 rule in Xiamen. Global results show that individuals achieved at least 30 % vegetation coverage (Yes) is associated with better physical (β: 0.76, p < 0.01) and social (β: 0.5, p < 0.01) health. GWLR global results indicate that individuals can "see at least 3 trees from home" meeting one (OR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.25-0.86, p < 0.05) or two (OR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.22,0.78, p < 0.01; OR = 0.24, 95%CI: 0.07-0.77, p < 0.05) 3-30-300 rule components are significantly associated with reduced medical visits and hospitalizations refer to not met these criterias. In the GWR local analysis, achieved 30 % vegetation cover is significantly related to improved social health at all locations. Meeting any two indicators also contribute to improved social health (n = 511, β: 0.46-0.51, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Green exposure indicators based on the 3-30-300 rule guiding healthy urban green space development. We observed multidimensional health benefits when 1/3 or 2/3 of the indicators were met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, Ningbo 315100, China.
| | - Tao Lin
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Technology for Territorial Space Analysis and Simulation, Fuzhou 350108, China; CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315800, China.
| | - Nicholas A S Hamm
- School of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, Ningbo 315100, China.
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, No. 38, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Tongyu Zhou
- Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo 315100, China.
| | - Hongkai Geng
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Junmao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Hong Ye
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Technology for Territorial Space Analysis and Simulation, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Guoqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Technology for Territorial Space Analysis and Simulation, Fuzhou 350108, China.
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham, Ningbo 315100, China.
| | - Tianyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Digital Technology for Territorial Space Analysis and Simulation, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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Ascone L, Mascherek A, Weber S, Fischer D, Augustin J, Cheng B, Thomalla G, Augustin M, Zyriax BC, Gallinat J, Kühn S. Subjective evaluation of home environment and levels of self-reported depression in middle to old age: Results from the HCHS study. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1115-1129. [PMID: 38329994 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23656] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The immediate living environment might, like other lifestyle factors, be significantly related to mental well-being. The current study addresses the question whether five relevant subjective home environment variables (i.e., protection from disturbing nightlight, daylight entering the home, safety at home, quality of window views, and noise disturbance) are associated with levels of self-reported depression over and above well-known sociodemographic and common lifestyle variables. METHODS Data from the Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) were analyzed. In N = 8757 with available PHQ-9 depression data, multiple linear regression models were computed, with demographic data, lifestyle variables, and variables describing the subjective evaluation of the home environment. RESULTS The model explained 15% of variance in depression levels, with ratings for the subjective evaluation of home environment accounting for 6%. Better protection from disturbing light at night, more daylight entering the home, feeling safer, and perceived quality of the window views, were all significantly associated with lower, while more annoyance by noise was associated with higher levels of self-reported depression. Results did not differ if examining a sample of the youngest (middle-aged participants: 46-50 years) versus oldest (70-78 years) participants within HCHS. CONCLUSION Beyond studying the role of lifestyle factors related to self-reported depression, people's homes may be important for subclinical levels of depression in middle and older age, albeit the direction of effects or causality cannot be inferred from the present study. The development of a consensus and tools for a standardized home environment assessment is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Ascone
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Mascherek
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Weber
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Djo Fischer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jobst Augustin
- Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Cheng
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Götz Thomalla
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Augustin
- Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit-Christiane Zyriax
- Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Hamburg, Germany
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Lotzin A, Stahlmann K, Acquarini E, Ajdukovic D, Ajdukovic M, Anastassiou-Hadjicharalambous X, Ardino V, Bondjers K, Bragesjö M, Böttche M, Dragan M, Figueiredo-Braga M, Gelezelyte O, Grajewski P, Javakhishvili JD, Kazlauskas E, Lenferink L, Lioupi C, Lueger-Schuster B, Mooren T, Sales L, Tsiskarishvili L, Novakovic IZ, Schäfer I. A longitudinal study of risk and protective factors for symptoms of adjustment disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2318944. [PMID: 38644753 PMCID: PMC11036902 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2318944] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused multiple stressors that may lead to symptoms of adjustment disorder.Objective: We longitudinally examined relationships between risk and protective factors, pandemic-related stressors and symptoms of adjustment disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as whether these relationships differed by the time of assessment.Method: The European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS) ADJUST Study included N = 15,169 participants aged 18 years and above. Participants from 11 European countries were recruited and screened three times at 6-month intervals from June 2020 to January 2022. Associations between risk and protective factors (e.g. gender), stressors (e.g. fear of infection), and symptoms of adjustment disorder (AjD, ADNM-8) and their interaction with time of assessment were examined using mixed linear regression.Results: The following predictors were significantly associated with higher AjD symptom levels: female or diverse gender; older age; pandemic-related news consumption >30 min a day; a current or previous mental health disorder; trauma exposure before or during the pandemic; a good, satisfactory or poor health status (vs. very good); burden related to governmental crisis management and communication; fear of infection; restricted social contact; work-related problems; restricted activity; and difficult housing conditions. The following predictors were associated with lower AjD levels: self-employment or retirement; working in healthcare; and face-to-face contact ≥ once a week with loved ones or friends. The effects of the following predictors on AjD symptoms differed by the time of assessment in the course of the pandemic: a current or previous mental disorder; burden related to governmental crisis management; income reduction; and a current trauma exposure.Conclusions: We identified risk factors and stressors predicting AjD symptom levels at different stages of the pandemic. For some predictors, the effects on mental health may change at different stages of a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annett Lotzin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Stahlmann
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Dean Ajdukovic
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Ajdukovic
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | | | - Kristina Bondjers
- National Centre for Disaster Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- National Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Bragesjö
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Böttche
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Margarida Figueiredo-Braga
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Trauma Observatory, Centre for Social Studies (CES), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Odeta Gelezelyte
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | | | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Lonneke Lenferink
- Department of Psychology, Health, & Technology, Faculty of Behavioural, Management, and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Chrysanthi Lioupi
- Psychology Program, School of Ηumanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Brigitte Lueger-Schuster
- Unit of Psychotraumatology, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Trudy Mooren
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Luisa Sales
- Trauma Observatory, Centre for Social Studies (CES), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Unit of Psychiatry, Hospital Militar, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Irina Zrnic Novakovic
- Unit of Psychotraumatology, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - ADJUST Study Consortium
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Mollaesmaeili M, Hakimian P, Lak A. Perceived urban green spaces and youth mental health in the post-COVID-19 era. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1265682. [PMID: 38384876 PMCID: PMC10879616 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1265682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The urban green space (UGS) is one of the most significant urban spaces with unique visual and social features, including pleasant air, low noise, and vitality, making it a recreational place for citizens, especially the youth. According to previous studies, perceived green space and the interaction with it is associated with mental health and lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although the presence of urban and blue-green spaces in Isfahan has a long history, the UGSs have been out of reach, causing a significant impact on youth mental health due to the spread of COVID-19 and the forcing of the Iranian government to severe and long-term lockdown. This study investigates the relationship between the long-term isolation of youth and being away from UGSs on their mental health in Isfahan city. Methods In September 2022, the youth (n = 273) in 12 neighborhoods with similar socio-economic status were asked to answer the online questionnaire. To investigate the correlation between perceived UGS and the mental health of the youth, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is done. Results The results show that the perceived UGSs negatively relate to the youth's fear of the reoccurrence of COVID-19 infection, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, the model shows that perceived UGS has an inverse correlation with anxiety (β = -0.24, p = 0.00), and no meaningful correlation exists with depression. Discussion These results point to a practical solution for designing UDGs in residential areas for youth according to their benefits for mental health during the epidemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pantea Hakimian
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Rizzi D, Monaci M, Gambini G, Benzi IMA, Perlini S, De Silvestri A, Klersy C, Barone L. A Longitudinal RCT on the Effectiveness of a Psychological Intervention for Hospital Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What We Learned to Date. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2024:10.1007/s10880-023-09988-8. [PMID: 38296896 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-023-09988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant psychological distress among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs), with a particular increase in trauma-related symptoms. This study investigated the longitudinal course of trauma-associated symptoms and behaviors in HCWs and the effectiveness of a brief dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed intervention in mitigating these symptoms over 12 months. The trial included 225 HCWs randomly assigned to one of three groups: no intervention (control), in-person DBT-informed intervention, or online DBT-informed intervention. Over time, a natural decrease in PTSD symptoms was observed in all groups. Contrary to expectations, no difference was found between the control and intervention groups. However, for participants with severe PTSD symptoms, the intervention significantly mitigated their distress. No differences emerged between in-person and online interventions, suggesting equal effectiveness. Females reported higher trauma-related symptoms, while no differences emerged among different professional roles. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions for HCWs experiencing severe symptoms and highlight the potential of online modalities. Further research is needed to optimize the deployment of mental health resources within the healthcare setting, particularly during crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Rizzi
- Fondazione Soleterre Strategie di Pace ONLUS, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michela Monaci
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta Adorno Antoniotto, 11, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Gambini
- IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Maria Antonietta Benzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta Adorno Antoniotto, 11, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Perlini
- IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Catherine Klersy
- IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lavinia Barone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta Adorno Antoniotto, 11, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Arifwidodo SD, Chandrasiri O. Urban green space visitation and mental health wellbeing during COVID-19 in Bangkok, Thailand. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1292154. [PMID: 38292382 PMCID: PMC10824833 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1292154] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Urban green spaces offer numerous benefits, and their role in supporting mental health, particularly during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is of growing interest to researchers and policymakers. This study explored the relationship between urban green space visitation and mental health well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand. This cross-sectional study, conducted in Bangkok during the COVID-19 lockdown, used a telephone survey of 579 respondents. A logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between urban green space visitation and the WHO-5 mental health well-being score, considering various factors such as socioeconomic variables, healthy behaviors, and COVID-19-related experiences. The findings revealed a significant association between urban green space visitation during the lockdown and higher mental health well-being. Socioeconomic variables and healthy behaviors of respondents were also notably linked to higher WHO-5 mental health well-being scores. These findings collectively indicate that urban greenspace visitation serves as a crucial determinant of mental health and well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigit D. Arifwidodo
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
| | - Orana Chandrasiri
- Activethai.org Research Center, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Thailand
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Wang S, Liang C, Gao Y, Ye Y, Qiu J, Tao C, Wang H. Social media insights into spatio-temporal emotional responses to COVID-19 crisis. Health Place 2024; 85:103174. [PMID: 38241850 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103174] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The Coronavirus pandemic has presented multifaceted challenges in urban emotional well-being and mental health management. Our study presents a spatio-temporal sentiment mining (STSM) framework to address these challenges, focusing on the space-time geography and environmental psychology. This framework analyzes the distribution and trends of 6 categories of public sentiments in Shanghai during the COVID-19 crisis, considering the potential urban spatial influencing factors. The research specifically draws on social media data temporally coinciding with the spread of COVID-19 and the pre-trained language model RoBERTa-wwm-ext to classify public sentiment, in order to characterize the distribution and trends of dominant urban sentiment under the influence of epidemic at different phases. The interactions between urban geospatial features and sentiments are further modelled and explained using LightGBM algorithm and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) technique. The experimental findings reveal the subtle yet dynamic impact of the urban environment on the long-term spatial variation and trends of public sentiment under the epidemic, with green spaces and socio-economic status emerging as significant factors. Regions with higher permanent population consumption demonstrated more positive sentiments, underscoring the significance of socio-economic factors in urban planning and public health policy. This research offers the most extensive analysis to date on the influence of urban characteristics on public sentiment during Shanghai's epidemic life cycle also lays the groundwork for applying the STSM framework in future crises beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wang
- College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Guangdong Guodi Institute of Resources and Environment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfan Gao
- Shanghai Research Institute for Intelligent Autonomous Systems, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Ye
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Ecology and Energy-saving Study of Dense Habitat (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyu Qiu
- Wayz AI Technology Company Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuang Tao
- Wayz AI Technology Company Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Haofen Wang
- College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Oreskovic NM, Donelan K, Bartels SJ, Chau C, Irwin KE, Krane D, Levison JH, Michael C, Trieu H, Skotko BG. The house is a machine for everything: the role of the built environment in group homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Health 2023; 224:20-25. [PMID: 37696198 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.08.012] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals living in group homes during the COVID-19 pandemic faced unique challenges and health risks related to living in shared spaces. This study aimed to assess the experiences of living and working in a group home during the pandemic and to explore the role of the built environment. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted longitudinal working groups with group home residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illness, group home staff, and families/caregivers of residents from December 2020 through December 2022. Common themes highlighting ways in which group home residents, staff, and caregivers perceived the built environment to impact living in a group home during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified. RESULTS Resonant themes centered around increased risk of COVID-19 infection, ad hoc spatial adaptations for infection control, space-related challenges due to isolation and quarantine requirements, and limited access to public spaces. CONCLUSION Group home residents and staff experienced multiple health and wellness challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic related to their surrounding built environment. Mechanisms to engage group home residents in modifications of their built environment may improve the effectiveness of infection control policies while acknowledging individual autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Oreskovic
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - K Donelan
- The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - S J Bartels
- The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Chau
- The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K E Irwin
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Krane
- The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J H Levison
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Michael
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - H Trieu
- The Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - B G Skotko
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Down Syndrome Program, Division of Medical Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Mangot-Sala L, Smidt N, Liefbroer AC. Changes in anxiety and depression symptoms during the Covid-19 lockdown in the Netherlands. The moderating role of pre-existing mental health, employment situation and alcohol consumption. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1561-1571. [PMID: 37024616 PMCID: PMC10079151 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence suggests an increase of depression and anxiety symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic but most studies relied on cross-sectional designs and/or small samples, and they often overlooked subgroup effects in the impact of the lockdown. We investigated the effect of the pandemic on depression and anxiety symptoms, and whether it differed by employment situation and alcohol consumption. METHODS This longitudinal study used 23 waves of the Covid-Questionnaire (April 2020-July 2021), within the Lifelines cohort from the Netherlands (n = 76,254). Depression and anxiety symptoms were combined in a "mental health score". Linear fixed-effects models were fitted to analyse trends in mental health throughout the observation period. The moderating role of pre-existing mental health, employment situation, and alcohol consumption was tested. RESULTS Depression and anxiety symptoms fluctuated considerably during the observation period, with clear peaks in winter 2021, during the strictest lockdown period. Moreover, temporal patterns differed by employment situation and alcohol consumption patterns, suggesting that various subgroups reacted to the pandemic and the lockdown in different ways. CONCLUSION Lockdowns increased depression and anxiety symptoms in the Netherlands. The effect was particularly strong for unemployed individuals, those with risky alcohol consumption patterns and those with pre-existing mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Mangot-Sala
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI)-Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), Lange Houtstraat 19, 2511 CV, The Hague, The Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Nynke Smidt
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aart C Liefbroer
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI)-Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences (KNAW), Lange Houtstraat 19, 2511 CV, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Giustini M, Luzi I, Spinelli A, Andreozzi S, Bucciarelli M, Buoncristiano M, Nardone P, Ciardullo S. Exploring changes in children's well-being due to COVID-19 restrictions: the Italian EpaS-ISS study. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:118. [PMID: 37705014 PMCID: PMC10498567 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While existing research has explored changes in health behaviours among adults and adolescents due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the impact of quarantine on young children's well-being is still less clear. Moreover, most of the published studies were carried out on small and non-representative samples. The aim of the EpaS-ISS study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the habits and behaviours of a representative sample of school children aged mainly 8-9 years and their families living in Italy, exploring the changes in children's well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the immediately preceding time period. METHODS Data were collected using a web questionnaire. The target population was parents of children attending third-grade primary schools and living in Italy. A cluster sample design was adopted. A Well-Being Score (WBS) was calculated by summing the scores from 10 items concerning the children's well-being. Associations between WBS and socio-demographic variables and other variables were analysed. RESULTS A total of 4863 families participated. The children's WBS decreased during COVID-19 (median value from 31 to 25; p = 0.000). The most statistically significant variables related to a worsening children's WBS were: time of school closure, female gender, living in a house with only a small and unliveable outdoor area, high parents' educational level and worsening financial situation. CONCLUSIONS According to parents ' perception, changes in daily routine during COVID-19 negatively affected children's well-being. This study has identified some personal and contextual variables associated with the worsening of children's WBS, which should be considered in case of similar events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giustini
- Environment and Health Department, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Luzi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Spinelli
- Formerly National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Andreozzi
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Bucciarelli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Nardone
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ciardullo
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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Jameel F, Agiel A. Exploring Students' Emotional Well-Being in the Ideal University Hostel Using the Qualitative Repertory Grid Technique. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6724. [PMID: 37754584 PMCID: PMC10530330 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
One of the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has lent urgency to ongoing discussions on mental well-being, particularly among university students. While standard techniques are available to diagnose mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress, ambiguity persists regarding the emotional aspect of well-being. Emotional well-being (EWB) is a recently developed concept that seeks to understand the contribution of emotions to one's well-being. Interactive approaches for such investigations are recommended to understand people's contextual experiences in the built environment. This study utilizes a qualitative approach, underpinned by personal construct theory (PCT) and the qualitative repertory grid technique (RGT), to understand how university hostel designs can contribute to students' emotional well-being. We interviewed fifteen students from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and obtained their perceptions of three built environments they experienced and an ideal place they imagined. The results unveiled design-related factors associated with students' emotional constructs and elucidated characteristics of an 'ideal' hostel in response to these emotional constructs. These findings enrich our knowledge of EWB within university hostels offering insights for the future design that consider the emotional aspect of well-being for residents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Agiel
- Department of Architectural Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
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14
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Kleeman A, Foster S. 'It feels smaller now': The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on apartment residents and their living environment - A longitudinal study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 89:102056. [PMID: 37325393 PMCID: PMC10250286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown restrictions prolonged residents' exposure to their home environment. The impact of lockdowns could be heightened for apartment residents as they typically have smaller, less versatile homes, and share communal and circulation spaces. This study examined changes in apartment residents' perceptions and experiences of their dwelling before and after the Australian COVID-19 national lockdown. Methods Participants consisted of 214 Australian adults who completed a survey on apartment living between 2017 and 2019 and a follow-up survey in 2020. Questions focused on residents' perceptions of their dwelling design, apartment living experiences, and personal life events/changes due to the pandemic. Differences between pre- and post-lockdown periods were assessed via paired sample t-tests. The lived experience of a subset of residents (n = 91) following lockdown was also assessed using qualitative content analysis of free-text responses to an open-ended survey item. Results Compared to the pre-pandemic period, after the lockdown residents reported less satisfaction with the amount/layout of their apartment space and private open space (e.g., balconies or courtyards). Increased noise annoyance from indoor and outdoor noise sources was also reported, however disputes with neighbours decreased. The qualitative content analysis highlighted a complex interplay of personal, social and environmental impacts of the pandemic on residents. Conclusions Findings suggest an increased 'dose' of the apartment facilitated by stay-at-home orders negatively influenced residents' apartment perceptions. Design strategies that maximise spacious, flexible dwelling layouts with health-promoting elements (e.g., enhanced natural light/ventilation and private open space) are recommended to promote healthy and restorative living environments for apartment residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Kleeman
- Centre for Urban Research, School of Global Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, 411 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Sarah Foster
- Centre for Urban Research, School of Global Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, 411 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- School of Agriculture & Environment, The University of Western Australia (M707), 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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Towards domestic space design in the post-COVID-19 era: A review of relevant literature. ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL 2023; 73:487-503. [PMCID: PMC10165016 DOI: 10.1016/j.aej.2023.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It cannot be denied that the global COVID-19 pandemic was the driving force for the rapid changes that are reflected in various aspects of life, especially daily human life, because of the imposition of the stay-home policy. This study is a review of the latest published studies in peer-reviewed scientific journals on the period of mandatory stay-at-home associated with COVID-19. It is expected that this change will have several effects. Therefore, the main objective of the review is to reveal the dual-effect relationship between housing design and the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the study monitored the potential impacts of housing design on the spread of COVID-19 and on meeting the diverse needs of its residents to extract lessons learned from the stay experience. It also included a set of practical visions for designing a post-COVID home that can withstand any sudden or expected change. The review findings indicate that despite the benefits of staying home in reducing COVID-19 at the general level, it is at the architectural level, it turned out that most of the existing home design parameters are not at all prepared for facing epidemics, resulting in their inability to meet many of the main and emerging needs of their residents. It also showed that the epidemic promoted architects to reconsider the design requirements of a home that turned out to have to meet more needs than it had. In this context, a set of practical visions and recommendations for post-COVID home design were envisioned, targeting the change in space design, space preparations, and design complements. These visions are integrated to contain the various requirements of residents imposed by epidemics or other circumstances, while giving high priority to impeding the transmission of infection and supporting the physical and mental health of the residents. The visualizations adopt and entrench the necessary principles and basis for a post-COVID home, represented in a healthy, smart, green, larger house to face sudden crises.
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Giles-Corti B, Foster S, Lynch B, Lowe M. What are the lessons from COVID-19 for creating healthy, sustainable, resilient future cities? NPJ URBAN SUSTAINABILITY 2023; 3:29. [PMID: 37305613 PMCID: PMC10236403 DOI: 10.1038/s42949-023-00107-y] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and the economy, reminding the global community of the devastating health and economic impacts of uncontrolled infectious disease. It has affected how and where people live, work, shop, and play, and exposed our cities' vulnerabilities, leading to calls for a health lens to be applied in designing, approving, and evaluating city plans. Socioeconomic, spatial and health inequities have been amplified, particularly for those living in inadequate or poorly designed housing, neighbourhoods, and cities. Hence, city mayors have committed to 'build back better' with all daily living amenities within a 15-min walking or cycling trip. Designed well, these cities have the potential to be healthier, more sustainable, equitable, and resilient. Yet their delivery requires a rethink of city planning. Drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, we argue that to reduce the risk of future pandemics, we must mitigate climate change, limit urban expansion, and use nature-based solutions to protect natural habitats and biodiversity. We then explore how healthy, sustainable, and resilient 15-minute cities could be planned to reduce emissions and ensure our cities are more resilient in the event of future crises. Given that higher density housing underpins the success of 15-minute cities, we also examine how to create more resilient housing stock, through well-implemented health-supportive apartment design standards. Finally, we argue that to achieve all this, cross-sector leadership and investment will be vital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billie Giles-Corti
- Healthy Liveable Cities Lab, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Sarah Foster
- Healthy Liveable Cities Lab, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Bella Lynch
- Healthy Liveable Cities Lab, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Melanie Lowe
- Healthy Liveable Cities Lab, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
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Henríquez M, Ramirez-Campillo R, Cristi-Montero C, Reina R, Alvarez C, Ferrari G, Aguilar-Farias N, Sadarangani KP. Alarming low physical activity levels in Chilean adults with disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic: a representative national survey analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1090050. [PMID: 37333554 PMCID: PMC10272572 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1090050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People with disabilities usually face barriers to regularly engaging in physical activities. Estimating physical activity patterns are necessary to elaborate policies and strategies to facilitate active lifestyles, considering the particular access difficulties experienced by this population. Purpose This study aimed (i) to describe the prevalence of physical activity levels and (ii) to examine the associations of physical activity levels with socio-demographic variables and type of disability in the 2020 Chilean National Physical Activity and Sports Habits in Populations with Disabilities (CNPASHPwD) survey during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional data from 3,150 adults (18-99 years old), 59.8% female, were analyzed from November to December 2020. Self-reported age, gender, type of disability (i.e., physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, or mixed), socio-economic status, area and zone of residence, and physical activity levels (0 min/week, < 150 min/week, ≥ 150 min/week) were obtained. Results 11.9% of the participants were classified as active (≥ 150 min/week), and 62.6% declared no involvement in physical activity. A larger proportion of females (61.7%) did not meet the current guidelines (≥ 150 min/week of physical activity) in comparison with males (p < 0.001). Participants with visual and hearing disabilities were more likely to be active than those with other types of disabilities. Those living in the central and southern regions of Chile were more likely to be physically active than those from the northern region. Also, older participants, women, and those from lower socio-economic statuses were less likely to meet the physical activity guidelines. Conclusion Alarmingly, nine out of ten participants were categorized as physically inactive, particularly women, older adults, and those with a low socioeconomic status. If the pandemic context moderated, the considerable prevalence of reduced physical activity levels deserves future exploration. Health promotion initiatives should consider these aspects, emphasizing inclusive environments and increasing opportunities to favor healthy behaviors, countering the COVID-19 effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Henríquez
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Providencia, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Therapy, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Cristi-Montero
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Raul Reina
- Sports Research Centre, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Cristián Alvarez
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Physical Therapy, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolas Aguilar-Farias
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Kabir P. Sadarangani
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Health and Dentistry, School of Kinesiology, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
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Nigg C, Petersen E, MacIntyre T. Natural environments, psychosocial health, and health behaviors in a crisis - A scoping review of the literature in the COVID-19 context. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 88:102009. [PMID: 37065613 PMCID: PMC10082968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak led to major restrictions globally, affecting people's psychosocial health and their health behaviors. Thus, the purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the available research regarding nature and health in the COVID-19 context. Keywords relating to natural environments and COVID-19 were combined to conduct a systematic online search in six major databases. Eligibility criteria were a) published since 2020 with data collected in the COVID-19 context b) peer-reviewed, c) original empirical data collected on human participants, d) investigated the association between natural environments and psychosocial health or health behaviors, and e) English, German, or Scandinavian languages. Out of 9126 articles being screened, we identified 188 relevant articles, representing 187 distinct studies. Most research focused on adults in the general population and was predominantly conducted in the USA, Europe, and China. Overall, the findings indicate that nature may mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on psychological health and physical activity. Through a systematic thematic analysis of the extracted data, three primary themes were identified: 1) type of nature assessed, 2) psychosocial health and health behaviors investigated, and 3) heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship. Research gaps in the COVID-19 context were identified regarding I) nature characteristics that promote psychosocial health and health behaviors, II) investigations of digital and virtual nature, III) psychological constructs relating to mental health promotion, IV) health-promoting behaviors other than physical activity, V) underlying mechanisms regarding heterogeneity in the nature-health relationship based on human, nature, and geographic characteristics, and VI) research focusing on vulnerable groups. Overall, natural environments demonstrate considerable potential in buffering the impact of stressful events on a population level on mental health. However, future research is warranted to fill the mentioned research gaps and to examine the long-term effects of nature exposure during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nigg
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 145, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engler-Bunte-Ring 15, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Evi Petersen
- Department of Sports, Physical Education and Outdoor Life, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800, Bø i, Telemark, Norway
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Oslo Metropolitan University, Pilestredet 42, 0167, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tadhg MacIntyre
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2K8, Maynooth, Ireland
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Maynooth University, North Campus, W23 F2k8, Maynooth, Ireland
- TechPA Research Group, Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Salas Quijada C, López-Contreras N, López-Jiménez T, Medina-Perucha L, León-Gómez BB, Peralta A, Arteaga-Contreras KM, Berenguera A, Queiroga Gonçalves A, Horna-Campos OJ, Mazzei M, Anigstein MS, Ribeiro Barbosa J, Bardales-Mendoza O, Benach J, Borges Machado D, Torres Castillo AL, Jacques-Aviñó C. Social Inequalities in Mental Health and Self-Perceived Health in the First Wave of COVID-19 Lockdown in Latin America and Spain: Results of an Online Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095722. [PMID: 37174240 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdowns greatly affected the mental health of populations and collectives. This study compares the mental health and self-perceived health in five countries of Latin America and Spain, during the first wave of COVID 19 lockdown, according to social axes of inequality. This was a cross-sectional study using an online, self-managed survey in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain. Self-perceived health (SPH), anxiety (measured through GAD-7) and depression (measured through PHQ-9) were measured along with lockdown, COVID-19, and social variables. The prevalence of poor SPH, anxiety, and depression was calculated. The analyses were stratified by gender (men = M; women = W) and country. The data from 39,006 people were analyzed (W = 71.9%). There was a higher prevalence of poor SPH and bad mental health in women in all countries studied. Peru had the worst SPH results, while Chile and Ecuador had the worst mental health indicators. Spain had the lowest prevalence of poor SPH and mental health. The prevalence of anxiety and depression decreased as age increased. Unemployment, poor working conditions, inadequate housing, and the highest unpaid workload were associated with worse mental health and poor SPH, especially in women. In future policies, worldwide public measures should consider the great social inequalities in health present between and within countries in order to tackle health emergencies while reducing the health breach between populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia López-Contreras
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Tomás López-Jiménez
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - Laura Medina-Perucha
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
| | - Brenda Biaani León-Gómez
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Metropolitana Nord, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08303 Mataró, Spain
| | - Andrés Peralta
- Public Health Institute, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito 170525, Ecuador
| | - Karen M Arteaga-Contreras
- Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica, Anillo Periférico #2767, Ed.5 P.B., Alcaldía La Magdalena Contreras, Cuidad de México 10200, Mexico
| | - Anna Berenguera
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
- Departament d'Infermeria, Universitat de Girona, Emili Grahit, 77, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Queiroga Gonçalves
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l'Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
- Unitat Docent de Medicina de Família i Comunitària Tortosa-Terres de L'Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Olivia Janett Horna-Campos
- Escuela de Salud Pública "Salvador Allende", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Marinella Mazzei
- Escuela de Salud Pública "Salvador Allende", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Maria Sol Anigstein
- Escuela de Salud Pública "Salvador Allende", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
- Departamento de Antropología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 6850331, Chile
| | - Jakeline Ribeiro Barbosa
- Center for Epidemiology and Health Surveillance, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brasília 70904-130, Brazil
| | | | - Joan Benach
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Johns Hopkins University-Universitat Pompeu Fabra Public Policy Center (UPF-BSM), 08002 Barcelona, Spain
- Ecological Humanities Research Group (GHECO), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daiane Borges Machado
- Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health, Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Salvador 41745-715, Brazil
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Constanza Jacques-Aviñó
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Spain
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20
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Zhu Y, Holden M. Housing and psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. HABITAT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 135:102812. [PMID: 36992843 PMCID: PMC10033258 DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2023.102812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The loss of psychosocial well-being is an overlooked but monumental consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. These effects result not only from the pandemic itself but, in a secondary way, from the Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) made to curb the spread of disease. The unprecedented physical distancing and stay-at-home requirements and recommendations provide a unique window for housing researchers to better understand the mechanisms by which housing affects psychosocial well-being. This study draws on a survey conducted with over 2,000 residents of the neighbouring Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta in 2021. We propose a new multi-dimensional model to examine the relationships between the Material, Economic, Affordances, Neighbourhood, and Stability (MEANS) aspects of housing and psychosocial well-being. Our analysis reveals the direct and indirect pathways by which deficiencies in each of these areas had negative effects on psychosocial well-being. Residential stability, housing affordances, and neighbourhood accessibility exert stronger direct impacts on psychosocial well-being than material and economic housing indicators (e.g. size of living space and tenure). Notably, we find no significant well-being differences between different homeowners and renters when we account for other housing MEANS. These findings have important implications for housing policy across pandemic and post-pandemic contexts, suggesting a need for research and policy focus on understanding housing and well-being in terms of non-material aspects, such as residential stability and affordances that housing provides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Zhu
- Simon Fraser University, 515 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada
| | - Meg Holden
- Simon Fraser University, 515 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5K3, Canada
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21
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Kästner A, Ernst VS, Hoffmann W, Franze M. Changes in social behavioral developmental risks in preschool children after the first COVID-19 wave: a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5615. [PMID: 37024603 PMCID: PMC10078017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social-emotional developmental risks (SE-DR) of preschool children is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this prospective longitudinal dynamic cohort study was to assess changes in preschoolers' SE-DR from before the pandemic to after the first COVID-19 wave. SE-DR were assessed annually with the instrument "Dortmund Developmental Screening for Preschools" (DESK). Longitudinal DESK data from 3- to 4-year-old children who participated both in survey wave (SW) three (DESK-SW3, 2019) and SW four (DESK-SW4, 2020) from August 1 to November 30 were used, respectively. Additionally, data from previous pre-pandemic SW were analyzed to contextualize the observed changes (SW1: 2017; SW2: 2018). A total of N = 786 children were included in the analysis. In the pre-pandemic DESK-SW3, the proportion of children with SE-DR was 18.2%, whereas in DESK-SW4 after the first COVID-19 wave, the proportion decreased to 12.4% (p = 0.001). Thus, the prevalence rate ratio (PRR) was 0.68. Compared to data from previous SW (SW1-SW2: PRR = 0.88; SW2-SW3: PRR = 0.82), this result represents a notable improvement. However, only short-term effects were described, and the study region had one of the highest preschool return rates in Germany. Further studies are needed to examine long-term effects of the pandemic on preschoolers' SE-DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Kästner
- Institute for Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Sophie Ernst
- Institute for Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- Institute for Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marco Franze
- Institute for Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
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22
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Kurz D, Braig S, Genuneit J, Rothenbacher D. Trajectories of child mental health, physical activity and screen-time during the COVID-19 pandemic considering different family situations: results from a longitudinal birth cohort. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:36. [PMID: 36899392 PMCID: PMC9999332 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00581-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many authors have described a significant mental health burden on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, possibly moderated by social disparities. This analysis explores whether pre-pandemic family circumstances might be related to different aspects of child health during the pandemic. METHODS We analyzed trajectories of health-related outcomes in children aged 5 to 9 years (T7 to T11) using the Ulm SPATZ Health study, a population based birth cohort study (baseline 04/2012-05/2013) conducted in the South of Germany. Outcomes were children's mental health, quality of life, and lifestyle, such as screen time and physical activity. We conducted descriptive statistics of maternal and child characteristics before and throughout the pandemic. We defined three different groups of pre-pandemic family situations and used adjusted mixed models to estimate differences in means associated with the time during the pandemic vs. before the pandemic in (a) all children and in (b) children belonging to specific pre-pandemic family situations. RESULTS We analyzed data from n = 588 children from whom at least one questionnaire was completed between T7 and T11. When not considering the pre-pandemic family situation, adjusted mixed models showed statistically significant lower mean scores of health-related quality of life among girls during vs. before the COVID-19 pandemic (difference in means (b): - 3.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): - 6.4, - 1.4). There were no substantial differences in mental health, screen time, or physical activity in boys or girls. When considering pre-pandemic family situations, boys with mothers having symptoms of depression or anxiety showed a substantial loss of health-related quality of life on the subscale of friends (b: - 10.5 (95% CI: - 19.7, - 1.4)). Among girls in this group, 60% of the 15 assessed outcomes were negatively associated with a remarkable loss in health-related quality of life (e.g., KINDL-physical well-being difference in means: - 12.2 (95% CI: - 18.9, - 5.4)). Furthermore, a substantial increase in screen time was found (+ 2.9 h (95% CI: 0.3, 5.6)). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the health (and behavior) of primary school-aged children is possibly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with adverse consequences differing by gender and very likely by the pre-pandemic family situation. Especially in girls having a mother with depression or anxiety symptoms, the adverse consequences of the pandemic on mental health seem to be aggregated. Boys showed fewer adverse trajectories, and it needs to be further assessed which factors exactly are behind the (socio-economic) factors, such as maternal working habits and limited living space, when analyzing the effect of the pandemic on children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Kurz
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 22, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Braig
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 22, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jon Genuneit
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 22, 89081, Ulm, Germany.,Pediatric Epidemiology, Clinic and Polyclinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dietrich Rothenbacher
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 22, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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23
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Yildirim Y, Keshavarzi G, Arefi M. Noise complaints, the COVID-19 pandemic, and compact developments: evidence from five American cities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:40724-40736. [PMID: 36622602 PMCID: PMC9838491 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 continues to take its toll on human life. Even though to a less threatening extent, and insignificant to some, noise turns out to be one of its consequences without consensus. While individuals experience multiple restrictions and restrain from exuberant activities by spending most of their time at home, reducing public transportation and personal vehicles, overall, they end up reduce anthropogenic noise pressure. On another level, people continue reporting noise concerns at various degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic. To draw a bigger picture as to whether or not these complaints have increased during the COVID-19 compared to the same period last year, this research examines them in five major American cities: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Dallas. Furthermore, the study also assessed the complaint patterns, whether reported in compact or sprawled areas. The findings highlight that either the noise complaints increased or decreased during the COVID-19 crisis. Accordingly, four of the five selected cities, except San Francisco, showed a decrease in reported noise. As it turns out, compact developments correlate significantly and positively with noise complaints in all study areas, except in Phoenix. These findings call for regulating and prioritizing noise-related policies. Planners and urban designers can thus advise to sustain environmental planning and public health issues, especially in planning compact developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalcin Yildirim
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Bursa Technical University, 16310, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Golnaz Keshavarzi
- College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Mahyar Arefi
- The National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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24
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Garrido-Cumbrera M, González-Marín A, Correa-Fernández J, Braçe O, Foley R. Can Views and Contact with Nature at Home Help Combat Anxiety and Depression during the Pandemic? Results of the GreenCOVID study. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2875. [PMID: 36718501 PMCID: PMC10013950 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2875] [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] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures have had important consequences on the mental health of the population, although little is known about the role played by nature and its benefits. OBJECTIVES The present study aims to evaluate the risk of anxiety and depression during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain and to identify the factors most strongly associated with anxiety and depression, including sociodemographic, household characteristics, and access to or contact with natural environment. METHODS GreenCOVID is an online cross-sectional study promoted by the Health & Territory Research (HTR) of the University of Seville in Spain, Maynooth University in Ireland, and the University of Winchester in the United Kingdom. This study includes only data from Spain which were collected between April 8, 2020 and April 27, 2020. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify the factors associated with anxiety and depression through the HADS scale. RESULTS Of the total of 2,464 adults who participated in GreenCOVID Spain, mean age was 38.1 years, 72.6% were female, 58.1% were at risk of anxiety, and 32.3% of depression. In the multivariable logistic regression, the factors associated with risk of anxiety were female: gender, being a student and problems at home. Regarding the risk of depression, the factors most associated were being a student, female gender, problems at home, worse evaluation of views from home and less help from outside views to cope with lockdown. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that during COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to sociodemographic factors female gender and being a student, problems at home, lack of natural elements in the home, and worse appreciation of views from home were associated with mental health problems. Thus, housing conditions and access to the natural environment were important for mental health during COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Olta Braçe
- Health & Territory Research (HTR), Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Ronan Foley
- Department of Geography, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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25
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Carey N, Karwatzki E, Griffin V, Keville S. “Hell on Earth”: Single mothers’ experiences of temporary accommodation in London and its impact on their mental health. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELLING 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/13642537.2023.2175884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Carey
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Emma Karwatzki
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Vanessa Griffin
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Saskia Keville
- Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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26
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Emotional Exhaustion and Engagement in Higher Education Students during a Crisis, Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Experience in Italian Universities. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci12020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Italian university students face an uncertain future characterised by a competitive neoliberal academic environment with high demands and a weak labour market that often cannot hire those who are best qualified. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated students’ uncertainty and negatively affected their well-being. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of academic life during the pandemic and to examine the relationship between study load, reduced academic performance, internet addiction, academic self-efficacy, and engagement and emotional exhaustion. A sample of university students (N = 10,298) from 11 Italian universities completed a self-report questionnaire about their academic and personal lives between May and June 2021. We performed two multiple linear regressions and one ANOVA to highlight gender differences. Results indicate that female students reported lower levels of engagement and academic self-efficacy, and higher levels of exhaustion and study demands compared to male students, while older students generally appear to exhibit higher levels of well-being. Study load, reduced academic performance, and internet addiction showed a negative association with engagement, particularly the first two, and a positive association with exhaustion, while self-efficacy was positively associated with engagement and negatively associated with exhaustion. The results suggest the need to introduce additional forms of support, such as psychological support, internet addiction awareness courses or counseling services.
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27
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Gu Y, Kato H, Matsushita D. Relationship between Health Status and Daily Activities Based on Housing Type among Suburban Residents during COVID-19 Self-Isolation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2639. [PMID: 36768004 PMCID: PMC9914989 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 significantly impacted residents' health status and daily activities in suburban residential areas. This study elucidated the relationship between health scores, daily activities, and housing types. The method was a questionnaire survey of 378 residents of suburban residential estates in Teraikedai, Kongo District, Japan, during the COVID-19 self-isolation period. Since the survey cohort was New Town, the suburban residential area identified by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was targeted. The questions included participant demographics, the Basic Survey on Japanese Social Life, and the SF-12v2. The Tukey-Kramer HSD test and stepwise decreasing logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis of the responses. The COVID-19 self-isolation led to lower physical and mental health scores than usual, and the health scores of residents living in detached houses were better than those of residents in apartments, both those over the age of 65 and those under the age of 65. There was also a correlation between residents' daily activities and their health scores. For those aged under 65 years, the health scores of residents living in detached houses were significantly better than those living in apartments, indicating that daily activities such as sports and recreational hobbies may contribute to health scores.
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28
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Valenzuela RLG, Velasco RIB, Jorge MPPC. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on sleep of undergraduate students: A systematic literature review. Stress Health 2023; 39:4-34. [PMID: 35699687 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus pandemic forced the shift to distance education aggravating mental and physical vulnerabilities of undergraduate students, including sleep. This review aims to describe sleep problem rates and prevalence, sleep pattern disruption, sleep duration, sleep quality, insomnia symptoms, psychological and socio-economic factors affecting sleep of undergraduates in 22 countries. A systematic search for articles published from 2020 to 2021 using 'COVID-19,' 'Coronavirus,' 'Pandemic,' 'Sleep,' 'Mental Health,' and 'Students' from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane yielded 2550 articles, where 72 were included. Selection criteria were: English full-text available articles, undergraduates and not postgraduates, reported sleep outcomes, and participants not from allied health courses. Risk of bias was assessed using various Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and outcomes were descriptively synthesized. Prevalence of sleep problems was notable, while longitudinal studies showed increased rates. There was significantly increased sleep duration, and sleep pattern disruption during lockdowns. Several psychological, behavioural, environmental, demographic, and socio-economic factors were found to be associated with sleep changes. These highlight the pandemic's impact on sleep of undergraduate students and reveal opportunities for institutions to intervene with policies and programs to promote the well-being of undergraduates. Limitations include recall bias and underrepresentation of other countries. This study is self-funded with registration number RGAO-2021-0071.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manuel Peter Paul C Jorge
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
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29
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Westrupp EM, Bennett C, Berkowitz T, Youssef GJ, Toumbourou JW, Tucker R, Andrews FJ, Evans S, Teague SJ, Karantzas GC, Melvin GM, Olsson C, Macdonald JA, Greenwood CJ, Mikocka-Walus A, Hutchinson D, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Stokes MA, Olive L, Wood AG, McGillivray JA, Sciberras E. Child, parent, and family mental health and functioning in Australia during COVID-19: comparison to pre-pandemic data. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:317-330. [PMID: 34417875 PMCID: PMC8379590 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant risks to population mental health. Despite evidence of detrimental effects for adults, there has been limited examination of the impact of COVID-19 on parents and children specifically. We aim to examine patterns of parent and child (0-18 years) mental health, parent substance use, couple conflict, parenting practices, and family functioning during COVID-19, compared to pre-pandemic data, and to identify families most at risk of poor outcomes according to pre-existing demographic and individual factors, and COVID-19 stressors. Participants were Australian mothers (81%) and fathers aged 18 years and over who were parents of a child 0-18 years (N = 2365). Parents completed an online self-report survey during 'stage three' COVID-19 restrictions in April 2020. Data were compared to pre-pandemic data from four Australian population-based cohorts. Compared to pre-pandemic estimates, during the pandemic period parents reported higher rates of parent depression, anxiety, and stress (Cohen's d = 0.26-0.81, all p < 0.001), higher parenting irritability (d = 0.17-0.46, all p < 0.001), lower family positive expressiveness (d = - 0.18, p < 0.001), and higher alcohol consumption (22% vs 12% drinking four or more days per week, p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, we consistently found that younger parent age, increased financial deprivation, pre-existing parent and child physical and mental health conditions, COVID-19 psychological and environmental stressors, and housing dissatisfaction were associated with worse parent and child functioning and more strained family relationships. Our data suggest wide-ranging, detrimental family impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic; and support policy actions to assist families with financial supports, leave entitlements, and social housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Westrupp
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.
| | - C Bennett
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - T Berkowitz
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - G J Youssef
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - J W Toumbourou
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - R Tucker
- Deakin HOME Research Hub, Victoria, Australia
| | - F J Andrews
- Deakin HOME Research Hub, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Evans
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - S J Teague
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - G C Karantzas
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - G M Melvin
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Centre for Educational Development Research and Appraisal, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - C Olsson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - J A Macdonald
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - C J Greenwood
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - A Mikocka-Walus
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - D Hutchinson
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - M A Stokes
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - L Olive
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- IMPACT Institute, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - A G Wood
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - J A McGillivray
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - E Sciberras
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
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Morgül E. Caregiver Worry of Infection and Family Co-existence Difficulty and Association With Change in Children's Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK and Turkey. Psychol Rep 2023:332941221149183. [PMID: 36705275 PMCID: PMC9895281 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221149183] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The study examined whether caregiver worry of COVID-19 infection and co-existence difficulty differentially predicted child mental health and wellbeing during the lockdown in two culturally different countries that were severely affected by the pandemic: the UK and Turkey. Co-existence difficulty is the hardship experienced by family members living all together in the same house at the same time during the lockdown period. Participants were 1849 caregivers of children between 5- and 12-years old living in the UK (n = 995) and Turkey (n = 854), who completed an electronic survey distributed via social networks during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown (July and August 2020). Caregivers completed a set of questionnaires on child and family wellbeing and on whether the child's internalizing and externalizing symptoms changed during the lockdown as compared to before. Worry of COVID-19 infection was higher amongst caregivers in the Turkish sample and was associated with higher levels of child internalizing symptoms during the lockdown in the Turkish sample, however there were no statistically significant differences in the size of the impact of worry of infection on the children's internalizing symptoms between the two countries. Co-existence difficulty independently predicted increase in children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms during the lockdown in both samples. Families in the UK experienced a higher level of difficulty with co-existence compared to the families living in Turkey but the magnitude of the impact of co-existence difficulty on children's outcomes between the two samples was not significantly different.The findings suggest that public health strategies should aim to reduce social anxiety and invest in the development of programs aimed at supporting families to overcome the challenges of co-existence during times of public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evren Morgül
- Department of Psychology, University of
Roehampton, London, UK
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31
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Krenz K, Dhanani A, McEachan RRC, Sohal K, Wright J, Vaughan L. Linking the Urban Environment and Health: An Innovative Methodology for Measuring Individual-Level Environmental Exposures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1953. [PMID: 36767317 PMCID: PMC9915172 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposures (EE) are increasingly recognised as important determinants of health and well-being. Understanding the influences of EE on health is critical for effective policymaking, but better-quality spatial data is needed. This article outlines the theoretical and technical foundations used for the construction of individual-level environmental exposure measurements for the population of a northern English city, Bradford. The work supports 'Connected Bradford', an entire population database linking health, education, social care, environmental and other local government data over a period of forty years. We argue that our current understanding of environmental effects on health outcomes is limited both by methodological shortcomings in the quantification of the environment and by a lack of consistency in the measurement of built environment features. To address these shortcomings, we measure the environmental exposure for a series of different domains including air quality, greenspace and greenness, public transport, walkability, traffic, buildings and the built form, street centrality, land-use intensity, and food environments as well as indoor dwelling qualities. We utilise general practitioners' historical patient information to identify the precise geolocation and duration of a person's residence. We model a person's local neighbourhood, and the probable routes to key urban functions aggregated across the city. We outline the specific geospatial procedure used to quantify the environmental exposure for each domain and use the example of exposure to fast-food outlets to illustrate the methodological challenges in the creation of city and nationwide environmental exposure databases. The proposed EE measures will enable critical research into the relationship and causal links between the built environment and health, informing planning and policy-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimon Krenz
- The Bartlett School of Architecture, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London WC1H 0QB, UK
| | - Ashley Dhanani
- The Bartlett School of Architecture, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London WC1H 0QB, UK
| | - Rosemary R. C. McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Kuldeep Sohal
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Laura Vaughan
- The Bartlett School of Architecture, Faculty of the Built Environment, University College London, London WC1H 0QB, UK
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Lemkow–Tovías G, Lemkow L, Cash‐Gibson L, Teixidó‐Compañó E, Benach J. Impact of COVID-19 inequalities on children: An intersectional analysis. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2023; 45:145-162. [PMID: 36181484 PMCID: PMC9538856 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13557] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Societal concerns about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have largely focussed on the social groups most directly affected, such as the elderly and health workers. However, less focus has been placed on understanding the effects on other collectives, such as children. While children's physical health appears to be less affected than the adult population, their mental health, learning and wellbeing is likely to have been significantly negatively affected during the pandemic due to the varying policy restrictions, such as withdrawal from face to face schooling, limited peer-to-peer interactions and mobility and increased exposure to the digital world amongst other things. Children from vulnerable social backgrounds, and especially girls, will be most negatively affected by the impact of COVID-19, given their different intersecting realities and the power structures already negatively affecting them. To strengthen the understanding of the social determinants of the COVID-19 crisis that unequally influence children's health and wellbeing, this article presents a conceptual framework that considers the multiple axes of inequalities and power relations. This understanding can then be used to inform analyses and impact assessments, and in turn inform the development of effective and equitable mitigation strategies as well as assist to be better prepared for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Lemkow–Tovías
- Facultat de Ciències Socials de ManresaUniversitat Vic‐Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic‐UCC)ManresaSpain
| | - Louis Lemkow
- Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia AmbientalsUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Lucinda Cash‐Gibson
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, Employment Conditions Knowledge Network (GREDS‐EMCONET), Department of Political and Social SciencesUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
- Johns Hopkins University ‐ Pompeu Fabra University Public Policy Center (UPF‐BSM)BarcelonaCataloniaSpain
- Pompeu Fabra University‐UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF‐BSM)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Ester Teixidó‐Compañó
- Facultat de Ciències de la Salut de ManresaUniversitat Vic‐Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic‐UCC)ManresaSpain
| | - Joan Benach
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, Employment Conditions Knowledge Network (GREDS‐EMCONET), Department of Political and Social SciencesUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaCataloniaSpain
- Johns Hopkins University ‐ Pompeu Fabra University Public Policy Center (UPF‐BSM)BarcelonaCataloniaSpain
- Pompeu Fabra University‐UPF Barcelona School of Management (UPF‐BSM)BarcelonaSpain
- Ecological Humanities Research Group (GHECO)Universidad AutónomaMadridSpain
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33
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Appel-Meulenbroek R, Voulon T, Bergefurt L, Arkesteijn M, Hoekstra B, Jongens-Van der Schaaf P. Perceived health and productivity when working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Work 2023; 76:417-435. [PMID: 37092204 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, office workers were obliged to work from home (WFH). Alongside known positive aspects of home-based telework, it is associated with reduced health and productivity impacts. Its success depends on employee and environmental characteristics. OBJECTIVE This paper fills the gap in knowledge on the mediating role of health between personal and environmental factors and employee productivity, when obliged to work from home full-time. It covers health in full (physical, mental, and social) unlike other WFH studies. METHODS Two large survey-based datasets (gathered April 27th - November 20th, 2020) were analysed resp. with a path model and descriptive analyses. The data provide experiences on health and productivity of resp. 25,058 and 18,859 Dutch office workers from different public organisations, who were obliged to work from home during the COVID-19 lockdowns. RESULTS In general, the workers in the sample perceived their health to be quite good. Path analysis revealed that gender, age, education, the at-home workspace, the presence of children in the household, and perceived organisational support were significantly related to self-perceived productivity. However, most of these effects were found to be mediated by physical, mental, and/or social health indicators. Possible explanations for health issues from the descriptive analyses were sedentary behaviour, unsuitable furniture, having to be at home, social isolation and changed content and frequency of contact with colleagues. CONCLUSION Findings imply that specifically engagement and organisational support of teleworkers are most relevant to steer on to ensure productivity while WFH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thijs Voulon
- Urban Systems & Real Estate, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne Bergefurt
- Urban Systems & Real Estate, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Arkesteijn
- Management of the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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34
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Hejazi SJ, Arvin M, Sharifi A, Lak A. Measuring the effects of Compactness/Sprawl on COVID 19 spread patterns at the neighborhood level. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 132:104075. [PMID: 36340285 PMCID: PMC9622387 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.104075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This study analyzes the compactness/sprawl index and its effects on the spread of COVID-19 in the neighborhoods of Ahvaz, Iran. Multiple Criteria Decision Making and GIS techniques were used to develop the index. Also, the effects of compactness/sprawl on COVID-19 were investigated using a regression model. It was found that when considering the number of COVID-19 cases per 1000 people, the compactness/sprawl index did not affect the spread of the disease. However, it had a low but significant effect if the raw number of cases was considered. Results also showed that the compactness index significantly affected the raw number of cases, with a coefficient of 0.291, indicating that more compact neighborhoods had more COVID-19 cases. This is unsurprising as more people live in compact areas and, therefore, the raw number of cases is also likely to be higher. In the absence of proper control measures, this could result in further contact between people, thereby, increasing the risk of virus spread. Overall, we found that compactness had a dual effect on the spread of COVID-19 in Ahvaz. We conclude that proper development and implementation of control measures in well-designed compact neighborhoods are essential for enhancing pandemic resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Jafar Hejazi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Arvin
- Department of Human Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Iran
| | - Ayyoob Sharifi
- Hiroshima University, The IDEC Institute and Network for Education and Research on Peace and Sustainability (NERPS), Japan
| | - Azadeh Lak
- Department of Planning and Urban Design, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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35
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Lanza-León P, Pascual-Sáez M, Cantarero-Prieto D. Alleviating mental health disorders through doses of green spaces: an updated review in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:98-115. [PMID: 34821172 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.2005780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted issues due to mental health disorders, in particular the serious consequences derived from lockdown measures. This paper aims to analyse the literature on the potential direct impact of the natural environment on mental health disorders. We have systematically reviewed the studies analysing green spaces and mental health included in this review using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library. A retrospective time-frame is considered, covering the COVID-19 pandemic. We have found that exposure to, use and proximity to green spaces have a beneficial impact on mental health among elderly, students and patients with underlying pathologies. However, it has negative effects on the mental health of women and young adults. Exposure to and interaction with the natural environment can improve certain mental health disorders and should be taken into account for strategies and policies related to future threats to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Lanza-León
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Service Management, Department of Economics, University of Cantabria - Idival, Santander, Spain
| | - Marta Pascual-Sáez
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Service Management, Department of Economics, University of Cantabria - Idival, Santander, Spain
| | - David Cantarero-Prieto
- Research Group of Health Economics and Health Service Management, Department of Economics, University of Cantabria - Idival, Santander, Spain
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36
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Shen J, Sun R, Xu J, Dai Y, Li W, Liu H, Fang X. Patterns and predictors of adolescent life change during the COVID-19 pandemic: a person-centered approach. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 42:2514-2528. [PMID: 34539155 PMCID: PMC8435363 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated patterns of adolescent life changes across multiple life domains and utilized a holistic-interactionistic perspective to examine their individual, familial, and societal correlates with a sample of 2544 Chinese parent-adolescent dyads. Adolescents were aged from 10 to 19 years old (50.16% girls). Latent profile analysis revealed five life change profiles, including three improved profiles at various degrees, one unchanged profile, and one worsened profile. The majority of adolescents had an improved or unchanged life. Multinomial logistic regression analyses found that most of the individual, familial, and societal factors predicted the group memberships. Notably, parent-adolescent conflict was a significant factor that predicted memberships of all patterns. These findings show the resilience of adolescents and indicate the need for policies and interventions that consider the holistic nature of adolescents' person-context system, especially during a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Shen
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100875 China
- Research Center for High School Student Developmental Guidance, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruixi Sun
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100875 China
- Research Center for High School Student Developmental Guidance, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjie Xu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Dai
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100875 China
- Research Center for High School Student Developmental Guidance, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanping Li
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100875 China
- Research Center for High School Student Developmental Guidance, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Liu
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100875 China
| | - Xiaoyi Fang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No. 19 Xin Jie Kou Wai Street, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100875 China
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37
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The impact of COVID-19 related lockdown measures on self-reported psychopathology and health-related quality of life in German adolescents. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:113-122. [PMID: 34247297 PMCID: PMC8272610 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The impact of school-closings on adolescents' mental health and well-being in the management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is subject to ongoing public debate. Reliable data to inform a balanced discussion are limited. Drawing on a large ongoing multi-site project in Germany, we assessed differences in self-reported psychopathology in a matched convenience-sample of adolescents assessed pre- (November 26, 2018 to March 13, 2020; n = 324) and post the first lockdown (March 18, 2020 to August 29, 2020; n = 324) early 2020 in Germany. We found no evidence for an increase in emotional and behavioral problems, depression, thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts, eating disorder symptoms, or a decrease in general health-related quality of life. Reported suicide plans significantly decreased from 6.14 to 2.16%. Similarly, conduct problems decreased in the post-lockdown period. Family risk-factors did not moderate these findings. The influence of socioeconomic status on emotional and behavioral problems as well as depression decreased during the lockdown. Based on the present findings, the first school-closing in Germany had no immediate and severe impact on adolescents' well-being. However, caution is warranted as our data covers a fairly small, affluent sample over a limited time-span and long-term consequences cannot be ruled out.
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38
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Torresin S, Ratcliffe E, Aletta F, Albatici R, Babich F, Oberman T, Kang J. The actual and ideal indoor soundscape for work, relaxation, physical and sexual activity at home: A case study during the COVID-19 lockdown in London. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1038303. [PMID: 36643696 PMCID: PMC9835560 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1038303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The period of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic made the importance of a high-quality surrounding environment even more evident than before. Several studies have been carried out to assess the (negative) impacts of noise on annoyance, particularly whilst working from home (WFH). The present study takes a step further by (1) investigating the positive and negative impacts of the "actual" acoustic environment on a range of activities, i.e., WFH, relaxation, physical, and sexual activities, and (2) identifying the characteristics of an "ideal" indoor soundscape. The study is based on the qualitative analysis of verbal descriptions collected from open-ended questions included in a survey administered in January 2021 to 464 respondents living in London, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The range of impacts in the actual scenario varied from no effect on task execution, to disruption, distraction, concern of disturbing others or being heard. Positive impacts included support of concentration, relaxation, motivation, freedom of sound expression, feeling of being connected to the surroundings and comforted by the presence of others, according to mechanisms described in the study. Negative appraisal could trigger coping strategies (e.g., controlling windows, playing music, wearing headphones) and behavioural changes (e.g., lowering the volume of the voice or music, muting oneself during call, changing workout type) that could in turn limit or enhance the freedom of behaviour, affect or foster wellbeing. Negative impacts were most frequently reported on WFH (by 55% of the participants), followed by relaxation activities (40.6%), sexual activities (30.1%), and home workout (20.1%). The ideal soundscape was described as a quiet, well-sound insulated environment, which guarantees access to positive sounds (i.e., natural sounds, music, urban background), thus resulting in privacy, intimacy, and a place where to express themselves without noise-related constraints. The study complements literature findings on housing design directions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing further evidence on the impacts of poor sound insulation at home, the potential benefits of nature-based solutions for positive indoor soundscapes, and opportunities for an activity-based design of domestic environments, inclusive of a broader set of home uses and household compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Torresin
- Institute for Renewable Energy – Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Ratcliffe
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Aletta
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rossano Albatici
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Tin Oberman
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Kang
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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39
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Martos T, Sallay V, Donato S. Finding a Secure Place in the Home during the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Pattern-Oriented Analysis. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 13:bs13010009. [PMID: 36661581 PMCID: PMC9854664 DOI: 10.3390/bs13010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In challenging times, home is frequently the primary basis of environmental self-regulation processes, individual and relational coping, and well-being. This study aimed to identify multiple types of security experiences at home during the first lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used data from 757 Hungarian adults who completed the online, modified form of the Emotional Map of the Home Interview method in 2020 after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants imagined their homes, chose the place of security in their homes and rated their personal experiences (i.e., experiences of agency, communion, self-recovery, and distress) related to these places. Latent profile analysis of personal experiences revealed four types of relational-environmental self-regulation in secure places: "security in active self-recovery," "security in detachment," "security in doing and feeling good enough," and "security in stress and compensation." Profile membership was predicted by age, gender, and indices of psychological support and well-being. Results suggest that finding psychological security in the home is a multifaceted phenomenon that may be partly affected by the perception of the broader social-ecological context. Identifying subpopulations vulnerable to the challenges of the pandemic may help researchers and practitioners provide better support in times of local and global crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Martos
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Viola Sallay
- Institute of Psychology, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Silvia Donato
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore–Milano, 20123 Milan, Italy
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40
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Tanha AF, Sheba NH, Islam MS, Potenza MN, Islam MR. A review of common mental health problems in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-21. [PMID: 36570053 PMCID: PMC9761625 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted people's lives, neurobiological health, and general well-being throughout the world. South Asian countries have experienced high frequencies of psychiatric concerns that have worsened during the pandemic. This review aimed to determine the aggregated prevalence of common mental health problems (e.g., depression, fear, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and suicidal tendencies) and their associated factors among community populations in South Asian countries. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was undertaken using multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Global Health, Google Scholar and ResearchGate to retrieve articles. Overall, 22 articles were included. The prevalence of concerns ranged widely with respect to estimates of symptoms of depression (10.2-85.9%), fear (38.5-88.8%), anxiety (8.1-62.5%), stress (10.56-91.77%), and insomnia (13.32-53.45%). In addition, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was estimated to range between 5% and 8%. Factors associated with mental health concerns included socio-demographic, behavioral and health-related measures, and COVID-19 pandemic-related stressors. The findings suggest poor mental health among general populations in South Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, identifying individuals with mental health concerns and implementing interventions including mental health counseling appear warranted among these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arifa Farzana Tanha
- Department of Community Nutrition, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Research and Analysis Wing, Health and Nutrition Organization, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Hossain Sheba
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, 1342 Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, 1342 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry and Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Md. Rabiul Islam
- Department of Public Health, Independent University (IUB), Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
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41
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Shan D, Li S, Xu R, Nie G, Xie Y, Han J, Gao X, Zheng Y, Xu Z, Dai Z. Post-COVID-19 human memory impairment: A PRISMA-based systematic review of evidence from brain imaging studies. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1077384. [PMID: 36570532 PMCID: PMC9780393 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1077384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) report varying degrees of memory impairment. Neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and PET have been utilized to shed light on how COVID-19 affects brain function in humans, including memory dysfunction. In this PRISMA-based systematic review, we compared and summarized the current literature looking at the relationship between COVID-19-induced neuropathological changes by neuroimaging scans and memory symptoms experienced by patients who recovered from COVID-19. Overall, this review suggests a correlational trend between structural abnormalities (e.g., cortical atrophy and white matter hyperintensities) or functional abnormalities (e.g., hypometabolism) in a wide range of brain regions (particularly in the frontal, parietal and temporal regions) and memory impairments in COVID-19 survivors, although a causal relationship between them remains elusive in the absence of sufficient caution. Further longitudinal investigations, particularly controlled studies combined with correlational analyses, are needed to provide additional evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shaoyang Li
- Faculty of Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruichen Xu
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Glen Nie
- Department of Biological Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yangyiran Xie
- School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Junchu Han
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Global Psychiatric Epidemiology Group, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiaoyi Gao
- School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Yuandian Zheng
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhen Xu
- Minhang Crosspoint Academy at Shanghai Wenqi Middle School, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihao Dai
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Ma L, Huang Y, Liu T. Unequal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health: Role of the neighborhood environment. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2022; 87:104162. [PMID: 36092492 PMCID: PMC9443661 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2022.104162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on people's mental wellbeing. Few studies have investigated how the neighborhood environment might help to moderate the mental health impact in a natural disaster context. We aim to investigate the unequal impact of the pandemic on mental health between different population groups, and the role of the neighborhood environment in alleviating this impact. We collected survey data (n=2,741) on mental health, neighborhood environment, and pandemic-related behaviors in Beijing metropolitan region between July 10 and 28, 2020, and then applied the partial proportional odds model. Overall, we found that the pandemic has disproportionately affected the lower-income people. The lower-income residents experienced a greater psychological impact than the higher-income residents. We further found that distance to an urban park was a key built environment variable that moderates mental health impact. Residents who lived near urban parks were 4.2 to 4.6% less likely to report an increase in negative emotions, and therefore are more resilient to the mental health impact. In addition to the built environment, a cohesive neighborhood environment may have also helped to mitigate the negative mental health impacts. These findings can inform planning policies that aim to promote healthy and resilient communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Center for Urban Future Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Key Laboratory of Territorial Spatial Planning and Development-Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Center for Urban Future Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Key Laboratory of Territorial Spatial Planning and Development-Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tao Liu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Center for Urban Future Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Key Laboratory of Territorial Spatial Planning and Development-Protection, Ministry of Natural Resources of China, Beijing 100871, China
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Zhao Y, Xu X, Cai G, Hu Z, Hong Y. Promoting Strategies for Healthy Environments in University Halls of Residence under Regular Epidemic Prevention and Control: An Importance-Performance Analysis from Zhejiang, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16014. [PMID: 36498080 PMCID: PMC9740966 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the post-epidemic era, regular epidemic prevention and control is a daunting and ongoing task for nations all around the world. University halls of residence have been important spaces where university students balance their studies, work, and personal lives after COVID-19. Therefore, a healthy physical living environment deserves more attention. This paper compares situations before and after COVID-19 in an effort to evaluate the impact of indoor environments in university halls of residence on students. The study proposed eight vital dimensions for creating a healthy university hall of residence environment and, from 14 September to 4 October 2022, used an online questionnaire to collect data from 301 university students studying in Zhejiang, China. The key quality of service characteristics for fostering a healthy environment in university halls of residence were discovered using descriptive statistical analysis and revised importance-performance analysis (IPA). We found that an improved indoor physical environment and efficient arrangement of indoor space were crucial for the health of university students. The quality of educational services could be improved, and indoor exercise should be utilized effectively, both of which can contribute significantly to a healthy indoor environment. This study aims to contribute to the development of future initiatives to support healthy physical living environments in university halls of residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Zhao
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xinye Xu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Gangwei Cai
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhetao Hu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yan Hong
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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44
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Riva A, Rebecchi A, Capolongo S, Gola M. Can Homes Affect Well-Being? A Scoping Review among Housing Conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Mental Health Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15975. [PMID: 36498051 PMCID: PMC9736414 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the scoping review is to explore the relationship between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and mental health implications on human well-being. In fact, time spent at home increased due to the recent COVID-19 lockdown period, and social-sanitary emergencies are expected to grow due to the urbanization phenomenon. Thus, the role of the physical environment in which we live, study, and work, has become of crucial importance, as the literature has recently highlighted. This scoping review, conducted on the electronic database Scopus, led to the identification of 366 articles. This, after the screening processes based on the inclusion criteria, led to the final inclusion of 31 papers related specifically to the OECD area. The review allowed the identification of five housing conditions [house type, age, and floor level; housing qualities; household composition; neighborhood; green spaces] that, by influencing the IEQ parameters, had impacts on the mental health outcomes addressed. By synthesizing the contributions of the review, a list of design recommendations has been provided. These will serve as a basis for future researchers, from which to develop measures to reduce inequalities in housing by making them healthier, more resilient, and salutogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Riva
- School of Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Engineering (AUIC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Rebecchi
- Design & Health Lab., Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Capolongo
- Design & Health Lab., Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Gola
- Design & Health Lab., Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Crespo-Martín A, Palacios-Ceña D, Huertas-Hoyas E, Güeita-Rodríguez J, Fernández-Gómez G, Pérez-Corrales J. Emotional Impact and Perception of Support in Nursing Home Residents during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15712. [PMID: 36497786 PMCID: PMC9735792 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Social isolation measures implemented in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic generated occupational imbalance, discomfort, and mental health impairment in residents. We aimed to analyze the lived experience of elderly nursing home residents during the lockdown and social contact restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Exploratory qualitative study. Information was collected through in-depth interviews and field notes. An inductive thematic analysis was performed and international recommendations for the development of qualitative studies were followed. RESULTS Twenty-four participants residing in nursing homes were included. Two main themes were identified: (1) emotional impact of the experience of COVID-19 lockdown (subthemes: experience of contradictory feelings; illness and death; importance of routine; feeling busy; and role of religious beliefs); and (2) support as a therapeutic tool (subthemes: family support; peer support; and professional support). CONCLUSION Social restrictions by COVID-19 caused significant changes in residents' occupations and routines, producing fear, loneliness, and abandonment of desired occupations; however, very important supports were also identified that helped to overcome the lockdown, such as social support, spirituality, and gratitude.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domingo Palacios-Ceña
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcon, Spain
| | - Elisabet Huertas-Hoyas
- Research Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcon, Spain
| | - Javier Güeita-Rodríguez
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcon, Spain
| | - Gemma Fernández-Gómez
- Research Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcon, Spain
| | - Jorge Pérez-Corrales
- Research Group of Humanities and Qualitative Research in Health Science, Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcon, Spain
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Kästner A, Lücker P, Hannich A, Schmeyers L, Lücker J, Hoffmann W. COVID-19-related future anxiety is associated with the health-related quality of life in school-aged children and adolescents-A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1003876. [PMID: 36438295 PMCID: PMC9682149 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1003876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, previous studies have shown that the physical as well as the mental health of children and adolescents significantly deteriorated. Future anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associations with quality of life has not previously been examined in school children. Methods As part of a cross-sectional web-based survey at schools in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, two years after the outbreak of the pandemic, school children were asked about COVID-19-related future anxiety using the German epidemic-related Dark Future Scale for children (eDFS-K). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the self-reported KIDSCREEN-10. The eDFS-K was psychometrically analyzed (internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis) and thereafter examined as a predictor of HRQoL in a general linear regression model. Results A total of N = 840 8-18-year-old children and adolescents were included in the analysis. The eDFS-K demonstrated adequate internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.77), and the confirmatory factor analysis further supported the one-factor structure of the four-item scale with an acceptable model fit. Over 43% of students were found to have low HRQoL. In addition, 47% of the students sometimes to often reported COVID-19-related fears about the future. Children with COVID-19-related future anxiety had significantly lower HRQoL (B = - 0.94, p < 0.001). Other predictors of lower HRQoL were older age (B = - 0.63, p < 0.001), and female (B = - 3.12, p < 0.001) and diverse (B = - 6.82, p < 0.001) gender. Conclusion Two years after the outbreak of the pandemic, school-aged children continue to exhibit low HRQoL, which is further exacerbated in the presence of COVID-19-related future anxiety. Intervention programs with an increased focus on mental health also addressing future anxiety should be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Kästner
- Institute for Community Medicine, Section Epidemiology of Health Care and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Boegheim B, Appel-Meulenbroek R, Yang D, Loomans M. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in the home workplace in relation to mental well-being. FACILITIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/f-05-2022-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study employee mental health in relation to workplace design and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) when working from home, which has received little attention. The trend toward hybrid working urges for more knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a mixed data collection method, this study analyzed potential relationships (between mental health, workplace design and IEQ) from information obtained through a cross-sectional survey, repeated point-in-time surveys and desk-based IEQ sensors at home. Data were collected in April 2020 during a national COVID-19 lockdown in The Netherlands amongst 36 subjects. They all worked full time from home in this period and together completed 321 point-in-time surveys. The three data sets were combined and analyzed using bivariate and path analysis.
Findings
Outcomes indicate that subjective and objective IEQ conditions, workplace suitability and distraction affect employee mental health in the home workplace in a similar way as in the office. Being satisfied with the noise level increases concentration, self-reported well-being and engagement. High sound pressure levels (>58 dB) increased tension or nervous feelings.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to explore employee mental health in relation to simultaneously assessed (perceived and measured) multiple IEQ parameters in the home workplace.
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Household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277243. [PMID: 36327340 PMCID: PMC9632761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Household composition may be an important factor associated with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic as people spend more time at home due to physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. Adults living with children–especially women–may be particularly vulnerable to anxiety as they balance additional childcare responsibilities and homeschooling with work. The objective of this study was to examine the association between household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore gender as an effect modifier. Methods Data were derived from seven waves of a national online survey of Canadian adults aged 18+ years from May 2020 to March 2021, which used quota sampling by age, gender, and region proportional to the English-speaking Canadian population (n = 7,021). Multivariable logistic and modified least-squares regression models were used. Results Compared to those living alone, significantly greater odds of anxiety symptoms were observed among single parents/guardians (aOR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.41–2.84), those living with adult(s) and child(ren) (aOR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.10–1.76), and those living with adult(s) only (aOR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.00–1.49). Gender was a significant effect modifier on the additive scale (p = 0.0487) such that the association between living with child(ren) and anxiety symptoms was stronger among men than women. Conclusion Additional tailored supports are needed to address anxiety among adults living with children–especially men–during the COVID-19 pandemic and future infectious disease events.
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Westrupp EM, Greenwood CJ, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Olsson CA, Sciberras E, Mikocka-Walus A, Melvin GA, Evans S, Stokes MA, Wood AG, Karantzas GC, Macdonald JA, Toumbourou JW, Teague SJ, Fernando JW, Berkowitz TS, Ling M, Youssef GJ. Parent and child mental health trajectories April 2020 to May 2021: Strict lockdown versus no lockdown in Australia. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1491-1502. [PMID: 34930045 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211065365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To control a second-wave COVID-19 outbreak, the state of Victoria in Australia experienced one of the world's first long and strict lockdowns over July-October 2020, while the rest of Australia experienced 'COVID-normal' with minimal restrictions. We (1) investigate trajectories of parent/child mental health outcomes in Victoria vs non-Victoria and (2) identify baseline demographic, individual and COVID-19-related factors associated with mental health trajectories. METHODS Online community sample of 2004 Australian parents with rapid repeated assessment over 14 time-points over April 2020 to May 2021. Measures assessed parent mental health (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21), child depression symptoms (13-item Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) and child anxiety symptoms (four items from Brief Spence Children's Anxiety Scale). RESULTS Mental health trajectories shadowed COVID-19 infection rates. Victorians reported a peak in mental health symptoms at the time of the second-wave lockdown compared to other states. Key baseline predictors, including parent and child loneliness (standardized regression coefficient [β] = 0.09-0.46), parent/child diagnoses (β = 0.07-0.21), couple conflict (β = 0.07-0.18) and COVID-19 stressors, such as worry/concern about COVID-19, illness and loss of job (β = 0.12-0.15), predicted elevated trajectories. Effects of predictors on parent and child mental health trajectories are illustrated in an online interactive app for readers (https://lingtax.shinyapps.io/CPAS_trend/). CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence of worse trajectories of parent and child mental health symptoms at a time coinciding with a second COVID-19 outbreak involving strict lockdown in Victoria, compared to non-locked states in Australia. We identified several baseline factors that may be useful in detecting high-risk families who are likely to require additional support early on in future lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Westrupp
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Greenwood
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Sciberras
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Antonina Mikocka-Walus
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn A Melvin
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Subhadra Evans
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Stokes
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda G Wood
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gery C Karantzas
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John W Toumbourou
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samantha J Teague
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Julian W Fernando
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Tomer S Berkowitz
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew Ling
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - George J Youssef
- School of Psychology Deakin University Geelong Australia.,Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Foster S, Hooper P, Turrell G, Maitland C, Giles-Corti B, Kleeman A. Grand designs for design policy: Associations between apartment policy standards, perceptions of good design and mental wellbeing. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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