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Hammoudi Halat D, Soltani A, Dalli R, Alsarraj L, Malki A. Understanding and Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being among University Faculty: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4425. [PMID: 37445459 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of mental health concerns in academia, with stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression being reported among faculty members. The demanding work environment, the need to balance personal and professional duties, and the constant pressure of productivity while navigating multiple tasks of teaching, research, mentorship, professional development, and service all impact the mental health and overall well-being of faculty. Higher education institutions have structurally changed as has the research landscape. These changes as well as faculty-specific and student-specific factors coupled to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to profound effects on the mental health of academics. This paper is a narrative review of the pertinent literature describing faculty mental health and well-being. It summarizes the available evidence on factors influencing faculty mental health and shows the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout among faculty from various academic fields and along the whole academic ladder. Using a suggested framework that collates the efforts of leaders and faculty, the paper concludes by exploring strategies that promote work-life balance among academics and suggesting effective interventions to improve their mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Abderrezzaq Soltani
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Roua Dalli
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Lama Alsarraj
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Malki
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Tsoi EWS, Tong ACY, Mak WWS. Nonattachment at Work on Well-being Among Working Adults in Hong Kong. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:2461-2472. [PMID: 36089936 PMCID: PMC9441328 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01971-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Nonattachment has been found to be a potentially important mental quality in mitigating psychological distress and promoting well-being across student and community adult populations. This study investigated the relationships between nonattachment and three workplace-related variables, namely control at work, psychological safety, and supervisor support, on mental well-being of a representative sample of working adults in Hong Kong. Methods This is a cross-sectional investigation using the data provided by 1008 working adults who participated in a population-based telephone survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to test how nonattachment may be related to mental well-being of working adults, with the relationship being mediated by three workplace-related variables. Results Results indicated that nonattachment was positively associated with flourishing. This association was mediated by perceived supervisor support and control at work. In addition, nonattachment was negatively related to depression and anxiety symptoms and the association was only mediated by perceived supervisor support. Psychological safety did not significantly mediate the effect of nonattachment on mental well-being. Conclusions This study provides suggestive evidence that staff’s perception towards supervisors and level of control at work can bridge the relationship between nonattachment and employee well-being. Potential cultural nuance that may have contributed to the nonsignificance of psychological safety was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily W. S. Tsoi
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T Hong Kong
| | - Alan C. Y. Tong
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T Hong Kong
| | - Winnie W. S. Mak
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T Hong Kong
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Gullett LR, Alhasan DM, Jackson WB, Jackson CL. Employment Industry and Occupational Class in Relation to Serious Psychological Distress in the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8376. [PMID: 35886224 PMCID: PMC9320061 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Occupational characteristics may influence serious psychological distress (SPD) and contribute to health inequities; yet, few studies have examined multiple employment industries and occupational classes in a large, racially diverse sample of the United States. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey, we investigated employment industry and occupational class in relation to SPD in the overall population and by race/ethnicity, gender, age, household income, and health status. We created eight employment industry categories: professional/administrative/management, agricultural/manufacturing/construction, retail trade, finance/information/real estate, educational services, health care/social assistance, accommodation/food services, and public administration/arts/other services. We also created three occupational class categories: professional/management, support services, and laborers. SPD was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and scores ≥13 indicated SPD. We adjusted for confounders and used Poisson regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among the 245,038 participants, the mean age was 41.7 ± 0.1 years, 73% were Non-Hispanic (NH)-White, and 1.5% were categorized as having SPD. Compared to the professional/administrative/management industry, working in other industries (e.g., manufacturing/construction (PR = 0.82 [95% CI: 0.70-0.95]) and educational services (PR = 0.79 [95% CI: 0.66-0.94])) was associated with lower SPD. Working in support services and laborer versus professional/management positions were both associated with 19% higher prevalence of SPD (95% CI: 1.04-1.35; 95% CI: 1.04-1.38, respectively). Furthermore, working in a support services or laborer versus professional/management position was associated with higher SPD in most employment industries. Industry-specific workplace interventions to equitably improve mental health are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Gullett
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (L.R.G.); (D.M.A.)
| | - Dana M. Alhasan
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (L.R.G.); (D.M.A.)
| | - W. Braxton Jackson
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., A DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC 27703, USA;
| | - Chandra L. Jackson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA; (L.R.G.); (D.M.A.)
- Intramural Program, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Self-Reported Gum Bleeding, Perception, Knowledge, and Behavior in Working-Age Hong Kong Chinese-A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095749. [PMID: 35565144 PMCID: PMC9103544 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Gingivitis and periodontitis are highly prevalent in Hong Kong, where the provision of oral health services is predominantly private. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between the oral symptoms of gum bleeding and self-reported behavioral factors, beliefs, and knowledge among Hong Kong Chinese. The research team commissioned the Public Opinion Programme of The University of Hong Kong to conduct a structured, population-based, computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI), which covered questions related to the demography, perception, and knowledge (including traditional Cantonese beliefs) of gum health, dental attendance, oral health behavior, and dental anxiety. A total of 1,265 individuals aged 25−60 years old were successfully contacted, and 704 (55.7%) reported prior gum bleeding experience. A total of 516 individuals (64.9% females, median 55−60 years) completed the CATI satisfactorily, and 321 (62.2%) experienced gum bleeding in the past 12 months. The factors that were significantly associated with reports of gum bleeding in the past 12 months include having periodontitis, sensitive teeth, having tertiary or higher education, flossing/interdental cleaning, not cleaning teeth well enough, lack of sleep, consuming too much ‘heaty’ food, avoiding going to the dentist when gums are bleeding, and waiting for gum bleeding to subside (p < 0.05, r2 =0.198; forward stepwise logistic regression). Within the limitations of this study, approximately half of the Hong Kong working-age adults surveyed reported experiencing gum bleeding, and 62.2% of the participants experienced it within the past 12 months. Members of Hong Kong’s working-age population who reported having higher levels of education appeared more readily aware of their gum problems. Those with bleeding gums, especially those who have discernable periodontitis, poor dental awareness/behaviors, and/or a poor lifestyle should be targeted to receive education and encouragement, which will allow them to take action and improve their own gum health.
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Dominguez-Rodriguez A, Herdoiza-Arroyo PE, Martínez Arriaga RJ, Bautista Valerio E, Mateu Mollá J, de la Rosa-Gómez A, Farfallini L, Hernández Jiménez MJ, Esquivel Santoveña EE, Ramírez-Martínez FR, Castellanos Vargas RO, Arzola-Sánchez CA, Arenas-Landgrave P, Martínez-Luna SC. Prevalence of Anxiety Symptoms and Associated Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors in Mexican Adults Seeking Psychological Support for Grief During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:749236. [PMID: 35370841 PMCID: PMC8964437 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.749236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges in modern history, with more than four million confirmed deaths worldwide. To date, evidence regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on grievers is scarce for developing countries such as Mexico. This study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety and associated concerns in a sample of Mexican adults bereaved during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional study was conducted through the Duelo COVID (COVID Grief) platform, which is a self-guided online treatment. A total of 5,224 participants reported their anxiety, depression, sleep quality, avoidance, and arousal, prolonged grief symptoms, and medication consumption. Independent sample Mann-Whitney U-tests, chi-square tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, as well as multinomial logistic regression, were conducted. Results indicated that 90.4% of the participants reported clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep affectations. The people who lost someone during the last 5 months scored higher in normal grief symptoms compared to the people whose loss was 6 months ago or more, and 9.8% of individuals reported the use of prescription medication, with anxiolytics and antidepressants being the most common. Females, younger respondents, unemployed people with a lower educational level, and participants who disclosed a recent suicide attempt were among those who reported medication consumption. Sleep problems were more frequent in older participants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reyna Jazmin Martínez Arriaga
- Departamento de Clínicas de Salud Mental, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Bautista Valerio
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Anabel de la Rosa-Gómez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Farfallini
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Tsoi EWS, Mak WWS, Ho CYY, Yeung GTY. TourHeart—An Online Stratified Stepped Care Mental Health Platform: Qualitative Evaluation from Multiple Stakeholders’ Perspectives (Preprint). JMIR Hum Factors 2021; 9:e35057. [PMID: 35560109 PMCID: PMC9143776 DOI: 10.2196/35057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background TourHeart, a web-based stratified stepped care mental health platform, is a one-stop solution that integrates psychoeducation and other well-being promotional tools for mental health promotion and mental illness prevention and evidence-based, low-intensity psychological interventions for the treatment of people with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Instead of focusing only on symptom reduction, the platform aims to be person-centered and recovery-oriented, and continual feedback from stakeholders is sought. Understanding the perspectives of users and service providers enables platform developers to fine-tune both the design and content of the services for enhanced service personalization and personal recovery. Objective This qualitative study evaluated a web-based mental health platform by incorporating the perspectives of both users and service providers who administered the platform and provided coaching services. The platform included both web-based and offline services targeting adults along the mental health spectrum based on the two-continua model of mental health and mental illness. Methods Interview questions were designed based on the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework (RE-AIM). Views on offline services, the design of the web-based platform, user experience, and the contents of the platform were explored using semistructured interviews. A total of 27 service users and 22 service providers were recruited using purposive criterion sampling. A hybrid thematic analysis was performed to identify salient aspects of users’ and providers’ experiences with and views of the platform. Results Totally, 3 broad themes (namely, the quality of the platform, drivers for platform use, and coaching services) emerged from the interview data that highlighted users’ views of and experiences with the web-based platform. The platform’s general esthetics, operations, and contents were found to be critical features and drivers for continued use. Although coaching services were indispensable, participants preferred the autonomy and anonymity associated with web-based mental health services. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of web-based mental health services being easy to navigate and understand, being user-centric, and providing adequate guidance in self-help. It also confirms existing design standards and recommendations and suggests that more rigorous, iterative user experience research and robust evaluation should be conducted in the future adaptation of web-based stratified stepped care services, so that they can be more personalized and better promote personal recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily W S Tsoi
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Winnie W S Mak
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Connie Y Y Ho
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Gladys T Y Yeung
- New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, Kowloon, China (Hong Kong)
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