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Hussey LJ, Kontopantelis E, Mok PLH, Ashcroft DM, Carr MJ, Garg S, Chew-Graham CA, Kapur N, Lovell K, Webb RT. Socio-demographic variation in diagnosis of and prescribing for common mental illnesses among children and young people during the COVID-19 pandemic: time series analysis of primary care electronic health records. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38877779 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people (CYP) has been widely reported. Primary care electronic health records were utilised to examine trends in the diagnosing, recording and treating of these common mental disorders by ethnicity and social deprivation in Greater Manchester, England. METHODS Time-series analyses conducted using Greater Manchester Care Record (GMCR) data examined all diagnosed episodes of anxiety disorders and depression and prescribing of anxiolytics and antidepressants among patients aged 6-24 years. The 41-month observation period was split into three epochs: Pre-pandemic (1/2019-2/2020); Pandemic Phase 1 (3/2020-6/2021); Pandemic Phase 2 (7/2021-5/2022). Rate ratios for all CYP specific to sex, age, ethnicity, and neighbourhood-level Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile were modelled using negative binomial regression. RESULTS Depression and anxiety disorder rates were highest in females, CYP aged 19-24, and White and 'Other' ethnic groups. During Pandemic Phase 1, rates for these diagnoses fell in all demographic subgroups and then rose to similar levels as those recorded pre-pandemic. In Pandemic Phase 2, rates in Black and Mixed-ethnicity females rose to a significantly greater degree (by 54% and 62%, respectively) than those in White females. Prescribing rates increased throughout the study period, with significantly greater rises observed in non-White females and males. The temporal trends were mostly homogeneous across deprivation quintiles. CONCLUSION The observed fluctuations in frequency of recorded common mental illness diagnoses likely reflect service accessibility and patients' differential propensities to consult as well as changing levels of distress and psychopathology in the population. However, psychotropic medication prescribing increased throughout the observation period, possibly indicating a sustained decline in mental health among CYP, and also clinicians' responses to problems presented. The comparatively greater increases in frequencies of diagnosis recording and medication prescribing among ethnic minority groups warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Jane Hussey
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Evan Kontopantelis
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pearl L H Mok
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew J Carr
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Carolyn A Chew-Graham
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Nav Kapur
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Karina Lovell
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, University of Manchester, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Roger T Webb
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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2
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Fujimoto H, Heywood A, Maston K, Brown L, Bartholomew A, Werner-Seidler A, Christensen H, Batterham PJ. What aspects of the pandemic had the greatest impact on adolescent mental health: duration of lockdown or subjective experience? Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:63. [PMID: 38824582 PMCID: PMC11144333 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00759-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted global mental health, with adolescents experiencing disproportionate effects. Limited research has explored the impact of different pandemic restrictions on adolescent mental health, and only a few studies have examined the longer-term impacts of the pandemic on adolescent mental health. These investigations are crucial for informing public health policies, particularly the integration of mental health care in future public health emergencies. METHODS This study aimed to investigate the impact of lockdown duration and the impact of adolescents' subjective experiences of the pandemic on their wellbeing, internalising symptoms, and externalising symptoms. Australian adolescents (N = 1,001, mean age = 14.2 years) completed a baseline survey in 2021, shortly after pandemic lockdowns were lifted (Time 1), and a follow-up survey approximately 12 months later (Time 2). Predictors of interest were the total duration of COVID-19 lockdowns across 2020-2021, and adolescents' subjective experiences of the pandemic on their social connections, learning, technology use and family relationships. A range of covariates were included in analyses to examine subgroup differences. RESULTS Linear mixed-effects models indicated that total duration of the lockdown was not associated with any of the outcomes at Time 1 or Time 2 (all ps > 0.017). Negative subjective experience of the pandemic on learning was associated with greater externalising symptoms at both Time 1 (t = 5.17, df = 980, p <.001) and Time 2 (t = 2.72, df = 708, p =.007). Negative subjective experience of the pandemic on social connection was associated with greater internalising symptoms at Time 2 only (t = 3.20, df = 709, p =.001). Negative subjective experience of the pandemic on family relationships or technology use was not associated with any of the outcomes at Time 1 or Time 2 (all ps > 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents' negative subjective experience of the pandemic on learning and social connections was associated with greater internalising and externalising symptoms after the lockdown had been lifted. Duration of lockdowns was not associated with any of the primary outcomes. During future public health emergencies, mental health interventions should be tailored to assist adolescents to adapt to new learning environments, and to build and maintain social connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Fujimoto
- Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Anita Heywood
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Maston
- Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Aliza Werner-Seidler
- Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Dodsworth L, Ahearne G, Dingwall R, Easthope L, Riordan M, Townsend E. The Three Rs of Fear Messaging in a Global Pandemic: Recommendations, Ramifications and Remediation. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e2972. [PMID: 38644697 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2972] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We consider the UK Independent Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours' (SPI-B) support for fear messaging during the global COVID-19 pandemic, evaluate the consequences and make recommendations for the future. ANALYSIS Using evidence from published documents, we show that SPI-B supported the use of fear messaging during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is inconsistent with the extant psychological literature and contrary to the disaster planning literature. The recommendations regarding fear messaging may have had harmful ramifications and impacts, especially for young people. CONCLUSION We recommend that a wider multidisciplinary expertise is employed to deal effectively, ethically and holistically with future crises. Plans for future pandemics must include meaningful engagement with the public, particularly children and young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gemma Ahearne
- Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert Dingwall
- Dingwall Enterprises Ltd, UK
- Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lucy Easthope
- Centre for Death and Society, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Ellen Townsend
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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4
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Cheng X, Liu J, Li J, Hu Z. COVID-19 lockdown stress and problematic social networking sites use among quarantined college students in China: A chain mediation model based on the stressor-strain-outcome framework. Addict Behav 2023; 146:107785. [PMID: 37406403 PMCID: PMC10284454 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107785] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with a global increase in problematic social networking sites use (PSNSU). By drawing on transactional stress theory and applying the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) framework, we proposed and verified a chain mediation model to explore the mediating roles of fear of missing out (FoMO) and future anxiety (FA) in the relationship between COVID-19 lockdown stress (CL stress) and PSNSU. Our sample of 670 quarantined college students in China responded to a COVID-19 student stress questionnaire, a social network addiction scale, a fear of missing out scale, and a dark future scale. The results revealed that (1) CL stress significantly positively predicted PSNSU, (2) both FoMO and FA mediated the relationship between CL stress and PSNSU, (3) FoMO significantly positively predicted FA, and (4) a full chain mediation was observed between CL stress and PSNSU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Cheng
- School of Communication, Yunnan Normal University, 1 Yuhua Area, Chenggong District, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, PR China.
| | - Jingxuan Liu
- School of Communication, Yunnan Normal University, 1 Yuhua Area, Chenggong District, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, PR China.
| | - Jun Li
- School of Finance and Economics, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, 18 Qiongshan Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou City 571126, Hainan Province, PR China.
| | - Ziao Hu
- School of Finance and Economics, Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, 18 Qiongshan Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou City 571126, Hainan Province, PR China.
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5
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Dack K, Wilson A, Turner C, Anderson C, Hughes GJ. COVID-19 associated with universities in England, October 2020-February 2022. Public Health 2023; 224:106-112. [PMID: 37742583 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases at universities in England (October 2020-February 2022) and investigate factors associated with rates of COVID-19 among students during autumn/winter of 2021/22. STUDY DESIGN The study was an observational retrospective study using routine contact tracing data. METHODS Estimates of COVID-19 cases among students and staff at universities were described. Student cases aged 18-24 years were calculated as a percentage of all cases within that age group. Count regression was used to explore university characteristics associated with case numbers. RESULTS We identified 102,382 cases among students and 28,639 among staff. Student cases reflected trends in the wider population of the same age group, but the observed fraction aged 18-24 years who were students was consistently below the expected level (32%). Phased reopening of universities in March-May 2021 was associated with small peaks but low absolute numbers. Russell group membership, campus universities, and higher student proportions in halls of residence were all associated with increased case numbers. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 case numbers among students in England varied considerably. At no time were the observed case numbers as high as expected from community prevalence. Characteristics of universities associated with higher case rates can inform future guidance for higher education settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Dack
- Field Service, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - A Wilson
- Field Service, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - C Turner
- Field Service, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - C Anderson
- Field Service, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - G J Hughes
- Field Service, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK.
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6
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Owens M, Bunce H. The effect of brief exposure to virtual nature on mental wellbeing in adolescents. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17769. [PMID: 37853074 PMCID: PMC10584913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44717-z] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of multiple transitions and a vulnerability period for mental health difficulties. There are many barriers to the treatment of mental health conditions which is one reason for developing alternatives to help improve efficacy in treatment and prevention. One approach is to use nature-based interventions (NBIs) to improve mental wellbeing. In this experimental proof-of-principle intervention study, we randomly allocated a sample of adolescents to brief exposure (6 min) to either a virtual woodland nature video or a busy train journey and tested the effect on mental wellbeing. Results showed beneficial effects in the nature condition on several self-reported outcomes including stress, relaxation, affect, mood, attention, nature connection and nature spirituality. The intervention was mainly acceptable and feasible to do suggesting that overall brief virtual nature interventions may have utility in a range of mental health contexts for adolescents including as self-help universal or targeted prevention strategies, adjunct to psychological therapy and as preparation for more intensive NBIs. Additionally, brief virtual nature interventions support accessibility for those who may be limited on time, unable to access real-life nature or who may be more biophobic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Owens
- Department of Psychology, The Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QQ, UK.
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK.
| | - Hannah Bunce
- The ROWAN Group, Exeter, UK
- Somerset Foundation Trust NHS, Taunton, TA1 5DA, UK
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7
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Lemyre A, Palmer-Cooper E, Messina JP. Wellbeing among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review of longitudinal studies. Public Health 2023; 222:125-133. [PMID: 37542997 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to investigate the wellbeing trajectories of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify associated protective factors. Results from the study aimed to inform wellbeing-promotion strategies and crisis-response plans in university settings. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS A review of articles published in English language was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC databases from 1 December 2019 to 15 December 2022. Longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional studies that assessed wellbeing among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic using a validated instrument were included. Article and data extraction were performed by the primary reviewer, with a random subset verified by a second reviewer. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health 'Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies'. RESULTS Of 6651 titles screened without duplicates, 181 underwent full-text review, of which 19 were included in the current study (15 longitudinal and 4 repeated cross-sectional studies, with a total of 19,206 participants). A significant decrease in the wellbeing of university students was observed across studies during the early stages of the pandemic compared to prepandemic times; however, mixed findings were found in later phases of the pandemic, with some studies presenting an improvement in wellbeing, others no change, and two studies finding impairments. Overall, wellbeing was greater among males and was also associated with socioeconomic status, more sleep and physical activity, greater social connectedness, less alcohol use, and less social media activity. CONCLUSION The study showed varying wellbeing trajectories across different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results provide relevant information for researchers, public health professionals, and higher education institutions in charge of promoting student wellbeing and crisis preparedness. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42022383941.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Lemyre
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom.
| | - Emma Palmer-Cooper
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, SO17 1PS, United Kingdom.
| | - Jane P Messina
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, OX1 3QY, United Kingdom.
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8
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Ahmed N, Barnett P, Greenburgh A, Pemovska T, Stefanidou T, Lyons N, Ikhtabi S, Talwar S, Francis ER, Harris SM, Shah P, Machin K, Jeffreys S, Mitchell L, Lynch C, Foye U, Schlief M, Appleton R, Saunders KRK, Baldwin H, Allan SM, Sheridan-Rains L, Kharboutly O, Kular A, Goldblatt P, Stewart R, Kirkbride JB, Lloyd-Evans B, Johnson S. Mental health in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:537-556. [PMID: 37321240 PMCID: PMC10259832 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00113-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused immediate and far-reaching disruption to society, the economy, and health-care services. We synthesised evidence on the effect of the pandemic on mental health and mental health care in high-income European countries. We included 177 longitudinal and repeated cross-sectional studies comparing prevalence or incidence of mental health problems, mental health symptom severity in people with pre-existing mental health conditions, or mental health service use before versus during the pandemic, or between different timepoints of the pandemic. We found that epidemiological studies reported higher prevalence of some mental health problems during the pandemic compared with before it, but that in most cases this increase reduced over time. Conversely, studies of health records showed reduced incidence of new diagnoses at the start of the pandemic, which further declined during 2020. Mental health service use also declined at the onset of the pandemic but increased later in 2020 and through 2021, although rates of use did not return to pre-pandemic levels for some services. We found mixed patterns of effects of the pandemic on mental health and social outcome for adults already living with mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiso Ahmed
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Phoebe Barnett
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK; Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, University College London, London, UK; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Anna Greenburgh
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tamara Pemovska
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Theodora Stefanidou
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Natasha Lyons
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Ikhtabi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shivangi Talwar
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emma R Francis
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Samantha M Harris
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Prisha Shah
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karen Machin
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Jeffreys
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lizzie Mitchell
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Lynch
- Lived Experience Working Group, University College London, London, UK
| | - Una Foye
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Merle Schlief
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Appleton
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine R K Saunders
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Helen Baldwin
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie M Allan
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough National Health Service Foundation Trust, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Luke Sheridan-Rains
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ariana Kular
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Goldblatt
- Institute of Health Equity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Stewart
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- National Institute of Health and Care Research Mental Health Policy Research Unit, University College London, London, UK; Camden and Islington National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Norbye AD, Farbu EH, Terjesen CL, Fleten N, Höper AC. The level of health anxiety before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285799. [PMID: 37224119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about disease and an increase in health anxiety levels are expected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there have been few longitudinal studies of health anxiety in the general population during this time period. The aim of this study was to examine health anxiety levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in an adult, working population in Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 1012 participants aged 18-70 years with one or more measurements of health anxiety (1402 measurements total) from the pre-pandemic period (2015 to March 11, 2020) and/or during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 12, 2020 to March 31, 2022). Health anxiety was measured with the revised version of the Whiteley Index-6 scale (WI-6-R). We estimated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health anxiety scores with a general estimation equation analysis, and age, gender, education, and friendship were included in subgroup analyses. RESULTS We found no significant change in health anxiety scores during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period in our adult, working population. A sensitivity analysis restricted to participants with two or more measurements showed similar results. Moreover, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health anxiety scores was not significant in any subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION Health anxiety remained stable, with no significant change observed between the pre-pandemic period and the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in an adult, working population in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Davis Norbye
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erlend Hoftun Farbu
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christoffer Lilja Terjesen
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nils Fleten
- Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration Troms and Finnmark, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anje Christina Höper
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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10
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Zeng X, Luo P, Wang T, Wang H, Shen X. Screening visual environment impact factors and the restorative effect of four visual environment components in large-space alternative care facilities. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2023; 235:110221. [PMID: 36970043 PMCID: PMC10027311 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Alternative care facilities (ACFs) based on large-space public buildings were widely used early at the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, studies have shown that the indoor spatial environment of ACFs can significantly induce mental health problems among users. Thus, this study hypothesizes that improving the visual environment in the interiors of large-space ACFs may reduce mental health problems among users. To verify this hypothesis, this study used critical analysis to screen the influencing factors and used analytic hierarchy process analysis to determine the weights. Particularly, the analyses were based on ACF research in Wuhan and questionnaire surveys of patients with experience using ACFs. Subsequently, virtual reality experiments were conducted to measure physiological indicators and subjective questionnaire collection based on the orthogonal experimental design of the four screened visual environment components. The results revealed the following related to large-space ACFs: 1) Lifestyle support was the most dominant patient requirement and preference for the visual environment. 2) The visual environment can influence the participants' efficiency of psychological stress relief, emotional regulation, and subjective perception. 3) Different design characteristics of the four visual environment components were causally related to restorative effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing patients' preferences and psychological needs for the visual environment of large-space ACFs and combining subjective and objective measures to investigate the restorative effects of the visual environment. Improving the quality of the visual environment in large-space ACFs presents an effective intervention for alleviating the psychological problems of admitted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqi Zeng
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Peng Luo
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Taiyang Wang
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiaoying Shen
- School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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11
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Lanz M, Caliciuri R, Iafrate R, Regalia C, Rosnati R, Sorgente A. Covid-Related Stress in the Financial, Relational and Health Domains. Which Longitudinal Effects on Present and Future Perception? Psychol Rep 2023:332941231161790. [PMID: 36872891 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231161790] [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: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
While pre-covid literature about stress has indicated the importance of studying domain-specific stress, studies conducted during the pandemic have investigated covid-related stress as a monodimensional construct. The current study aimed to assess the impact that covid-related stress in three domains (financial, relational, health) had on individuals' psychological well-being and future anxiety. Furthermore, we aimed to assess whether the relationship among variables changed during the different phases of the pandemic as well as whether age moderated those relationships. Data were collected from 4185 Italian participants (55.4% female) aged 18-90 years (M = 46.10; SD = 13.47) at three waves: April 2020 (time 1), July 2020 (time 2), May 2021 (time 3). A cross-lagged panel model was run in Mplus. Results indicated that the financial domain is the life domain within which people are most worried during the pandemic, as it had the strongest impact on both psychological well-being and future anxiety. Having high levels of psychological well-being at time t served as a protective factor, as it was negatively related to any kinds of stress as well as to future anxiety at time t+1. These relationships among variables were stable over the course of the pandemic. Finally, we found significant age differences in the mean level for all variables under investigation, where young adults were the group with the highest level of stress and future anxiety as well as the lowest level of psychological well-being. Despite these differences in the variables' level, the relationships between variables were invariant across age groups. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Lanz
- Department of Psychology, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
- Family Studies and Research University Centre, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Rossella Caliciuri
- Department of Psychology, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaella Iafrate
- Department of Psychology, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
- Family Studies and Research University Centre, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Camillo Regalia
- Department of Psychology, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
- Family Studies and Research University Centre, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Rosa Rosnati
- Department of Psychology, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
- Family Studies and Research University Centre, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Angela Sorgente
- Department of Psychology, 9371Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
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Landman B, Cohen A, Khoury E, Trebossen V, Bouchlaghem N, Poncet-Kalifa H, Acquaviva E, Lefebvre A, Delorme R. Emotional and behavioral changes in French children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2003. [PMID: 36737512 PMCID: PMC9897150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 outbreak caused severe disruptions in daily life, partly due to limitations implemented to prevent the spreading. In France, it included school closures during a national lockdown, then a reopening of schools, with access depending on viral status of students and teachers. Those changes had an impact on children's mental health. We conducted an online cross-sectional study using a parental self-administered survey in December 2021 to explore the emotional and behavioral changes (EBC) during this 5th wave (W5) and retrospectively since the first one (W1) in their children and their multidimensionality with principal factor analysis (PCA) and stability analysis. Out of 4552 parent responders, 62.4% (n = 2839) noticed negative EBC during W1 and 54.1% (n = 2462) during W5 of the pandemic. Only 10.0% of the responders noticed negative EBC at W1 but not during the W5. In younger children (3-6 years old) with significant EBC, PCA revealed three main dimensions at W1 and W5: restlessness, depression and anxiety. In older children (7-13 years old), PCA showed partially similar dimensions: depression-suicidality, anxiety and withdrawal. Almost all correlations between dimensions at W1 and W5 were significantly positive. Every EBC was stable across waves, except for one. Recall bias concerning the EBC during W1 and lack of data concerning parental mental health should be taken into account. Our stability analysis found a strong correlation between dimensions at W1 and W5. Our results highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on children's mental health and the predictive aspect of its early deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Landman
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.
| | - Alicia Cohen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Elie Khoury
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Trebossen
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Nesrine Bouchlaghem
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Poncet-Kalifa
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Eric Acquaviva
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Aline Lefebvre
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,CHS Fondation Vallee, Gentilly, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France.,Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Aveiro-Róbalo TR, Garlisi-Torales LD, Chumán-Sánchez M, Pereira-Victorio CJ, Huaman-Garcia M, Failoc-Rojas VE, Valladares-Garrido MJ. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912930. [PMID: 36232228 PMCID: PMC9566452 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 students from four universities in Paraguay in 2021. The DASS-21 mental health scale was used to measure the outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) and evaluate their association with socio-educational variables. A total of 77.1% of the participants were women and 136 (46.4%) were between 21 and 25 years old. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 74.7%, 87.4%, and 57%, respectively. We found that being a woman and studying at a public university was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Receiving COVID-19 training increases the prevalence of mental health problems. In conclusion, high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress were found in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a woman, studying at a public university, and receiving training on COVID-19 were factors associated with a higher prevalence of presenting all the mental health problems evaluated. Furthermore, students aged 31 and over had a higher prevalence of depression and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marisella Chumán-Sánchez
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina Veritas (SCIEMVE), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad San Martín de Porres, Chiclayo 14012, Peru
| | | | | | - Virgilio E. Failoc-Rojas
- Research Unit for Generation and Synthesis Evidence in Health, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima 15024, Peru
| | - Mario J. Valladares-Garrido
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru
- Epidemiology Office, Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Chiclayo 14012, Peru
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Kralova M, Brazinova A, Sivcova V, Izakova L. Mental health of the Slovak population during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:8880-8892. [PMID: 36157674 PMCID: PMC9477032 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i25.8880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population’s mental health surveillance is essential for knowing the distribution of mental well-being and mental disorders in the society. This allows for the establishment, evaluation, and revision of preventive measures and curative services. The results of such monitoring should serve as a database for evidence-based mental health policy. Mental disorders are among the top ten causes of burden globally and crisis situations such as the pandemic increase the risk of mental health problems, as they cause constant fear of contagion and the implementation of restrictive measures. The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the general population of the Slovak Republic has not yet been studied. The hypothesis was that more than one fifth of the population (women to a greater extent) will have symptoms of anxiety and depression.
AIM To assess the mental health of the general Slovak population aged 15 years and older in the summer of 2021 by determining the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional survey was implemented in a sample of 1501 respondents in the summer of 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inclusion criteria were age of 15 years and older and ability to complete the survey questionnaire online or in a face-to-face interview. The survey assessed anxiety symptoms by the seven-item general anxiety disorder and depressive symptoms by the nine-item patient health questionnaire instruments. Recognized cut-off scores of 10 or greater were used for both.
RESULTS Anxiety symptoms were present in 19.32% and depression in 24.65% of the sample. Symptoms of both disorders were more common in females: 15.00% of males and 24.00% of females experienced anxiety symptoms, and 19.00% of males and 30.00% of females experienced symptoms of depression. Symptoms of both disorders were the most common in the youngest age group (15-25 years old): One fifth of males (20.29%) and one third of females (35.32%) had symptoms of anxiety, and 26.09% males and 43.79% females had symptoms of depression. Mean score for anxiety was 5.44 [standard deviations (SD) = 4.96] for the overall sample, 6.15 (SD = 5.14) for females, and 4.67 (SD = 4.63) for males. The youngest females of the 15-25 years age group had the highest score (7.55, SD = 5.27) among all age groups, for both sexes. Mean score for depression was 6.74 for the overall sample (SD = 5.75), 7.43 for females (SD = 5.87), and 5.99 (SD = 5.52) for males. The highest depression score was observed in the youngest females of the 15-25 years age group (9.34, SD = 6.07). We found a significant association between anxiety or depressive symptoms and younger age [odds ratio (OR): 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-2.45 and OR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.17-2.34, respectively], being female (OR: 1.86, 95%CI: 1.42-2.42 and OR: 1.76, 95%CI: 0.20-0.29, respectively), and having primary education (OR: 1.66, 95%CI: 1.08-2.54 and OR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.16-2.63, respectively).
CONCLUSION Results of our study indicate that anxiety and depression are frequent in the Slovak Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic. This important observation should serve as an information basis for the development of effective mental health policies, consisting of preventive programs, and early detection and effective treatment services. The study results provide strong argument for the necessity of mental health reform that is currently being shaped in the Slovak Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kralova
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava, Bratislava 81369, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Brazinova
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava 81372, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Sivcova
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava 81372, Slovakia
| | - Lubomira Izakova
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Comenius University and University Hospital Bratislava, Bratislava 81369, Slovakia
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Nature-Based Meditation, Rumination and Mental Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159118. [PMID: 35897493 PMCID: PMC9332585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Novel approaches for children and young people (CYP) in the prevention and intervention of mental illness are needed and nature-based interventions (NBI) may be clinically useful. This proof-of-principle study tested the effects of a novel brief nature-based meditation on rumination, depressive symptoms and wellbeing in young people. Sixty-eight university students were randomised to one of three conditions: active control (n = 23), indoor meditation (n = 22) or nature-based meditation (n = 23). Participants completed self-report measures on state and trait rumination post intervention and depression and wellbeing at a 2-week follow-up. Depressive rumination significantly decreased post intervention in the nature condition and depressive symptoms improved for both intervention groups. Wellbeing only significantly improved at follow-up in the nature condition. Nature condition participants demonstrated one minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for wellbeing at follow-up. Depressive symptoms for this condition were below the clinically significant threshold for depression. The number needed to treat (NNT) analysis suggested that two to five young people would need to complete the intervention. Preliminary evidence suggests NBIs, such as the one in the present study, can reduce depressive rumination and symptoms and improve wellbeing. Replication with larger clinical samples is required to substantiate findings.
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Li J, Zhou L, Van der Heijden B, Li S, Tao H, Guo Z. Lockdown Social Isolation and Lockdown Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: The Impact of Mindfulness. Front Psychol 2022; 13:778402. [PMID: 35572244 PMCID: PMC9094361 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.778402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is aimed to examine the impact of mindfulness in the relationship between social isolation, job and financial insecurity, and stress during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on Conservation of Resources theory, Psychological Contract theory, Mindfulness theory, and Awareness notion, we propose that lockdown job insecurity partially mediates the link from lockdown social isolation to lockdown financial insecurity, and that the relationship between lockdown social isolation and lockdown stress is mediated as follows: first, simple partial mediation through both lockdown job and financial insecurity and second, sequential mediation through lockdown job and financial insecurity, respectively. Moreover, we assume that mindfulness moderates the relationship between lockdown financial insecurity and lockdown stress. The results from our SEM analyses, using a sample of 1,356 respondents in China, support all the research hypotheses. Based on this empirical work, this study concludes that mindfulness, which is considered by many people to play a role in reducing stress during the COVID-19 lockdown period, is de facto endangering their mental health (that is, they experience more stress) instead. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations and proposals for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Li
- Department of Big Data Management and Application, School of Business, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Luyang Zhou
- Department of Economics and Management, Yuanpei College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Business Administration, School of Business, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Beatrice Van der Heijden
- Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Faculty of Management, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, Netherlands
- Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organisation, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- School of Business, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
- Kingston Business School, Kingston University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shengxiao Li
- Department of Business Administration, School of Business, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Hong Tao
- Department of Economics and Management, Yuanpei College, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Business Administration, School of Business, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Zhiwen Guo
- Department of Human Resource Management, School of Business, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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Xia CL, Wei AP, Huang YT. The COVID-19 Lockdown and Mental Wellbeing of Females in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094960. [PMID: 35564365 PMCID: PMC9100609 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Most studies consider that COVID-19 lockdowns lead to mental health problems for females, while the effect of role change on female mental health has been overlooked. This study aimed to explore multiple facets of the risk of mental distress in a sample of Chinese married females aged 21-50 during the COVID-19 lockdowns. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 613 valid responses from married females in the Guangdong province. Our primary tool was a questionnaire using a Kessler-10 scale to detect the probability of mental distress based on the level of nervousness, tiredness, restlessness, and depression. Eighty-eight point three percent of married females possessed a high risk of psychological distress because they frequently felt tired out, hopeless, and restless. The evidence suggests that the lockdown has caused a conflict in the female role to maintain a balance between family and career. Increasing family care responsibilities are positively associated with nervousness, tiredness, and mental disorder. The heterogeneity of the social role in mental wellbeing is explored. Married females whose income was worse off during the lockdown are negatively associated with mental wellbeing. Married females who are employed are found to be less mentally healthy than the self-employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Lan Xia
- Faculty of Business, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China;
| | - An-Pin Wei
- Department of Business Management, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, No. 129, Sec. 3, Sanmin Rd., North Dist., Taichung 404336, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Bachelor Program of International Management, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Yunlin 640301, Taiwan;
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Empathy through the Pandemic: Changes of Different Emphatic Dimensions during the COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042435. [PMID: 35206623 PMCID: PMC8872216 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that empathy is a relevant psychological trait to face the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but at the present very little is known on whether this multi-dimensional construct has been affected by the pandemic outbreak differently in its separate components. Here, we aimed at filling this gap by capitalizing on the opportunity of having collected data from different self-report measures and cognitive tasks assessing the main dimensions of empathy immediately before the beginning of the global pandemic and about one year later. The results showed a detrimental impact of the pandemic outbreak on empathic social skills but not on both cognitive (perspective-taking) and emotional empathy that instead significantly improved. Thus, reduced empathic social skills could be a weakness to be targeted in psychological interventions to help people cope with the mental health challenges related to COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the ability of understanding another's mental states and emotions could represent a strength in dealing with the current long-lasting crisis.
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