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Mao W, Shalaby R, Owusu E, Elgendy HE, Agyapong B, Eboreime E, Silverstone P, Chue P, Li XM, Vuong W, Ohinmaa A, Taylor V, Greenshaw AJ, Agyapong VIO. Depression, anxiety, and poor well-being at discharge from psychiatric hospitals: prevalence and risk factors. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1408095. [PMID: 39056021 PMCID: PMC11269243 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1408095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Being ready for discharge is vital to successful hospital-to-home transitions. For many patients, however, the transition from psychiatric hospital care to outpatient care can be challenging. An in-depth understanding of the mental health conditions of patients at discharge is crucial and instructive for recovery research. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety, and poor well-being symptoms among patients who are about to be discharged from psychiatric units in Alberta, Canada. Our aim was to help determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and overall well-being among the general psychiatric inpatient population in Alberta before discharge and the potential factors which may influence this. Methods This epidemiological study used a cross-sectional quantitative survey from March 8, 2022, to November 5, 2023, to assess depression, anxiety, and well-being. Participants were invited to complete an online questionnaire that contained demographics, clinical information, and responses to the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and WHO-5 questionnaires. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were employed. Result The study found that the prevalence of likely depression, anxiety, and poor well-being among patients about to be discharged was 37.1%, 56.4%, and 48.3%, respectively. Based on a logistic regression model, there was a statistically significant association between anxiety, depression, and poor well-being diagnoses and multiple socio-demographic and clinical factors such as ethnicity, primary mental health diagnoses, education level, housing status, depression, anxiety, and well-being at baseline. Conclusion Mental health assessment at discharge is a critical step in the recovery and transition of care. There is still a need for further research to identify the underlying causes and robust predictors of mental health symptoms in patients about to be discharged and to provide appropriate interventions and supportive resources both before and following discharge. Future research utilizing these findings may help identify key opportunities to improve outcomes for patients after discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Mao
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ernest Owusu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Peter Silverstone
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Pierre Chue
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Xin-Min Li
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wesley Vuong
- Alberta Health Services, Addiction and Mental Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arto Ohinmaa
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Valerie Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Vincent I. O. Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Obuobi-Donkor G, Shalaby R, Agyapong B, da Luz Dias R, Agyapong VIO. 2023 Wildfires in Canada: Living in Wildfire Regions in Alberta and Nova Scotia Doubled the Odds for Residents to Experience Likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3234. [PMID: 38892945 PMCID: PMC11172488 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Wildfires have become increasingly prevalent in various regions, resulting in substantial environmental and psychological consequences that have garnered increasing attention. Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence of likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and explore the determinants of likely GAD during the wildfires in Alberta and Nova Scotia. Methods: Data were collected online through a cross-sectional survey from 14 May-23 June 2023. Alberta and Nova Scotia participants self-subscribed to the program by texting 'HopeAB' or 'HopeNS' to a short code, respectively. The GAD-7-validated tool was used to collect information on likely GAD. Results: This study included 298 respondents while one hundred and twelve respondents lived in a region of Alberta/Nova Scotia affected by the wildfires (37.7%). The prevalence of likely GAD among the respondents was 41.9%. Respondents who lived in a region of Alberta/Nova Scotia recently impacted by the wildfires were twice as likely to experience GAD symptoms (OR = 2.4; 95% C.I. 1.3-4.3). Conclusions: The study's identification of a statistically significant relationship between residing in a wildfire-impacted region and likely GAD shows the association between environmental and psychological well-being. However, the relatively small sample size and self-reported assessment of GAD symptoms may limit the generalizability of the findings. Further research involving a larger sample size delving into potential predictors could facilitate strategies for mitigating the mental health consequences of natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Obuobi-Donkor
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (G.O.-D.); (R.d.L.D.)
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.S.); (B.A.)
| | - Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.S.); (B.A.)
| | - Raquel da Luz Dias
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (G.O.-D.); (R.d.L.D.)
| | - Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (G.O.-D.); (R.d.L.D.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.S.); (B.A.)
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Adu MK, Shalaby R, Agyapong B, Dias RDL, Agyapong VIO. Exploring the prevalence and predictors of low resilience and likely PTSD in residents of two provinces in Canada during the 2023 wildfires. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1343399. [PMID: 38590805 PMCID: PMC10999595 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1343399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The recent wildfires in Canada serve as a stark example of the substantial and enduring harm they cause to the health of individuals and communities. Assessing the prevalence and correlates of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and low resilience is valuable for policymakers in public health. Objectives The study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of low resilience and likely PTSD among subscribers of Text4Hope, an e-mental health program that delivered daily supportive messages to residents of Nova Scotia (NS) and Alberta(AB) during the recent wildfires. Method Data collection was through a self-administered online survey completed by residents of the affected regions of NS and AB from May 14 to June 23, 2023. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results Out of 298 respondents, the prevalence of low resilience and likely PTSD in our sample were 52.0 and 39.3%, respectively. Unemployed respondents were about 3 times more likely to experience both low resilience and PTSD symptoms compared to those employed. Respondents with a history of mental health diagnosis were about 4 times more likely to experience likely PTSD compared to those with no history of mental health diagnosis. Conclusion This study established that unemployment and a history of mental health diagnosis predicted likely PTSD, while unemployment was associated with low resilience during the wildfire. These findings offer insights for clinical interventions and the creation of psychosocial support programs for vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medard K. Adu
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Vincent I. O. Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Wettstein ZS, Vaidyanathan A. Psychotropic Medication Prescriptions and Large California Wildfires. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2356466. [PMID: 38407907 PMCID: PMC10897744 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.56466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Wildfires, intensified by climate change, have known effects on physical health but their effects on mental health are less well characterized. It has been hypothesized that the residential proximity to a large wildfire can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions as evidenced by increased prescriptions of psychotropic medications. Objective To evaluate the association between the occurrence of large wildfires and the prescription rates of psychotropic medications immediately following the start of the fire. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohortstudy used an interrupted time-series analysis to compare psychotropic medication prescriptions in the 6 weeks before and after each of 25 wildfires. The setting was California counties within metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) experiencing large wildfires from 2011 through 2018. Participants included individuals residing in California MSAs with prescriptions of psychotropic medications recorded in the Merative MarketScan Research Database (MarketScan) during the study period. Statistical analysis was performed for these 25 large wildfires occurring between September 2011 and November 2018. Exposure Residential proximity to large wildfires that burned more than 25 000 acres occurring in a California county within an MSA. Main Outcomes and Measures Prescriptions of psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and mood-stabilizers, with statins as a negative control outcome. Results For the study period, prescription data and patient-level attributes were extracted for 7 115 690 unique individuals (annual mean [range]: 889 461 [455 705-1 426 928] individuals) enrolled in MarketScan and residing in fire-affected MSAs. This study found a statistically significant increase in prescriptions of antidepressants (rate ratio [RR], 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01-1.07]), anxiolytics (RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.02-1.09]), and mood-stabilizing medications (RR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.01-1.13]) in the fire period compared with the prefire baseline. However, the prescriptions of antipsychotics, hypnotics, and the negative control outcome, statins, showed no significant association. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of large California wildfires, the occurrence of wildfire was associated with increased mental health burden as reflected in increased prescription rates of certain psychotropic medications. The findings underscore the need for further scientific examination into the mental health effects of wildfires and the allocation of mental health resources in disaster responses. California experienced a substantial burden of wildfires from 2011 to 2018, and as wildfires become more intense and frequent in the context of anthropogenic climate change, it is increasingly important to understand and address their mental health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Wettstein
- Climate and Health Program, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Seattle
| | - Ambarish Vaidyanathan
- Climate and Health Program, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Mao W, Shalaby R, Owusu E, Elgendy H, Shalaby N, Agyapong B, Nichols A, Eboreime E, Nkire N, Agyapong VIO. Status after Hospital Discharge: An Observational Study of the Progression of Patients' Mental Health Symptoms Six Weeks after Hospital Discharge. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7559. [PMID: 38137628 PMCID: PMC10744019 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247559] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Transitioning from mental health inpatient care to community care is often a vulnerable time in the treatment process where additional risks and anxiety may arise. We collected data for this study as part of a pragmatic cluster-randomized, longitudinal approach in Alberta. As the first phase of the ongoing innovative supportive program, this paper assessed the progression of mental health symptoms in patients six weeks after hospital discharge. Factors that may contribute to the presence or absence of anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as well-being, following return to the community were investigated. This provides evidence and baseline data for future phases of the project. (2) Methods: An observational study design was adopted for this study. Data on a variety of sociodemographic and clinical factors were collected at discharge and six weeks after via REDCap. Anxiety, depression, and well-being symptoms were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), respectively. Descriptive, chi-square, independent t-tests, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. (3) Result: The survey was completed by 88 out of 306 participants (28.8% response rate). The chi-square/Fisher exact test and independent t-test revealed no significant change in the mental health conditions from baseline to six weeks after discharge. It was found that the only significant factor predicting symptoms six weeks after discharge from inpatient treatment was the baseline symptoms in all three logistic regression models. It was four times more likely for those who experienced anxiety and depression at baseline to experience anxiety and depression symptoms six weeks after discharge (OR = 4.27; 95% CI: 1.38-13.20) (OR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.25-13.05). Those with poor baseline well-being were almost 12 times more likely to experience poor well-being six weeks after discharge (OR = 11.75; 95% CI: 3.21-42.99). (4) Conclusions: Study results found no significant change in mental health conditions in the short term following hospital discharge. It is essential that researchers and policymakers collaborate in order to implement effective interventions to support and maintain the mental health conditions of patients following discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Mao
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
| | - Ernest Owusu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
| | - Hossam Elgendy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
| | - Nermin Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
| | - Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
| | - Angel Nichols
- Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Grande Prairie, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada;
| | - Nnamdi Nkire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
| | - Vincent I. O. Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (N.N.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2, Canada;
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Scieszka D, Jin Y, Noor S, Barr E, Garcia M, Begay J, Herbert G, Hunter RP, Bhaskar K, Kumar R, Gullapalli R, Bolt A, McCormick MA, Bleske B, Gu H, Campen MJ. Biomass smoke inhalation promotes neuroinflammatory and metabolomic temporal changes in the hippocampus of female mice. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:192. [PMID: 37608305 PMCID: PMC10464132 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02874-y] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Smoke from wildland fires has been shown to produce neuroinflammation in preclinical models, characterized by neural infiltrations of neutrophils and monocytes, as well as altered neurovascular endothelial phenotypes. To address the longevity of such outcomes, the present study examined the temporal dynamics of neuroinflammation and metabolomics after inhalation exposures from biomass-derived smoke. 2-month-old female C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to wood smoke every other day for 2 weeks at an average exposure concentration of 0.5 mg/m3. Subsequent serial euthanasia occurred at 1-, 3-, 7-, 14-, and 28-day post-exposure. Flow cytometry of right hemispheres revealed two endothelial populations of CD31Hi and CD31Med expressors, with wood smoke inhalation causing an increased proportion of CD31Hi. These populations of CD31Hi and CD31Med were associated with an anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory response, respectively, and their inflammatory profiles were largely resolved by the 28-day mark. However, activated microglial populations (CD11b+/CD45low) remained higher in wood smoke-exposed mice than controls at day 28. Infiltrating neutrophil populations decreased to levels below controls by day 28. However, the MHC-II expression of the peripheral immune infiltrate remained high, and the population of neutrophils retained an increased expression of CD45, Ly6C, and MHC-II. Utilizing an unbiased approach examining the metabolomic alterations, we observed notable hippocampal perturbations in neurotransmitter and signaling molecules, such as glutamate, quinolinic acid, and 5-α-dihydroprogesterone. Utilizing a targeted panel designed to explore the aging-associated NAD+ metabolic pathway, wood smoke exposure drove fluctuations and compensations across the 28-day time course, ending with decreased hippocampal NAD+ abundance on day 28. Summarily, these results indicate a highly dynamic neuroinflammatory environment, with potential resolution extending past 28 days, the implications of which may include long-term behavioral changes, systemic and neurological sequalae directly associated with wildfire smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Scieszka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Yan Jin
- Florida International University Center for Translational Sciences, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34987, USA
| | - Shahani Noor
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Ed Barr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Marcus Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Jessica Begay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Russell P Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Kiran Bhaskar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Rama Gullapalli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Alicia Bolt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA
| | - Mark A McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Barry Bleske
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Florida International University Center for Translational Sciences, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34987, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, MSC09 5360; 1, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001, USA.
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7
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Scieszka D, Jin Y, Noor S, Barr E, Garcia M, Begay J, Herbert G, Hunter RP, Bhaskar K, Kumar R, Gullapalli R, Bolt A, McCormick MA, Bleske B, Gu H, Campen M. Neuroinflammatory and Metabolomic Temporal Dynamics Following Wood Smoke Inhalation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3002040. [PMID: 37333410 PMCID: PMC10275049 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3002040/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Smoke from wildland fires has been shown to produce neuroinflammation in preclinical models, characterized by neural infiltrations of neutrophils and monocytes, as well as altered neurovascular endothelial phenotypes. To address the longevity of such outcomes, the present study examined the neuroinflammatory and metabolomic temporal dynamics after inhalation exposures from biomass-derived smoke. 2-month-old female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to wood smoke every other day for two weeks at an average exposure concentration of 0.5mg/m 3 . Subsequent serial euthanasia occurred at 1-, 3-, 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-exposure. Flow cytometry of right hemispheres revealed two endothelial populations of PECAM (CD31), high and medium expressors, with wood smoke inhalation causing an increased proportion of PECAM Hi . These populations of PECAM Hi and PECAM Med were associated with an anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory response, respectively, and their inflammatory profiles were largely resolved by the 28-day mark. However, activated microglial populations (CD11b + /CD45 low ) remained higher in wood smoke-exposed mice than controls at day 28. Infiltrating neutrophil populations decreased to levels below controls by day 28. However, the MHC-II expression of the peripheral immune infiltrate remained high, and the population of neutrophils retained an increased expression of CD45, Ly6C, and MHC-II. Utilizing an unbiased approach examining the metabolomic alterations, we observed notable hippocampal perturbations in neurotransmitter and signaling molecules like glutamate, quinolinic acid, and 5-α-dihydroprogesterone. Utilizing a targeted panel designed to explore the aging-associated NAD + metabolic pathway, wood smoke exposure drove fluctuations and compensations across the 28-day time course, ending with decreased hippocampal NAD + abundance at day 28. Summarily, these results indicate a highly dynamic neuroinflammatory environment, with potential resolution extending past 28 days, the implications of which may include long-term behavioral changes, systemic and neurological sequalae directly associated wtith wildfire smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Jin
- Florida International University, Center for Translational Sciences
| | - Shahani Noor
- University of New Mexico, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
| | - Ed Barr
- University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy
| | | | | | - Guy Herbert
- University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy
| | | | - Kiran Bhaskar
- University of New Mexico, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
| | - Rahul Kumar
- University of New Mexico, Department of Pathology
| | | | - Alicia Bolt
- University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy
| | - Mark A McCormick
- University of New Mexico, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Barry Bleske
- University of New Mexico, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Science
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Florida International University, Center for Translational Sciences
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Obuobi-Donkor G, Shalaby R, Eboreime E, Agyapong B, Phung N, Eyben S, Wells K, Hilario C, Dias RDL, Jones C, Brémault-Phillips S, Zhang Y, Greenshaw AJ, Agyapong VIO. Text4PTSI: A Promising Supportive Text Messaging Program to Mitigate Psychological Symptoms in Public Safety Personnel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4215. [PMID: 36901235 PMCID: PMC10001524 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public safety personnel experience various mental health conditions due to their work's complex and demanding nature. There are barriers to seeking support and treatment; hence, providing innovative and cost-effective interventions can help improve mental health symptoms in public safety personnel. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to evaluate the impact of Text4PTSI on depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress-related symptoms, and the resilience of public safety personnel after six months of providing supportive text message intervention. METHODS Public safety personnel subscribed to Text4PTSI and received daily supportive and psychoeducational SMS text messages for six months. Participants were invited to complete standardized self-rated web-based questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and resilience symptoms measured on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), respectively. The assessment of mental health conditions was conducted at baseline (enrolment) and six weeks, three months, and six months after enrollment. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-one subscribers participated in the Text4PTSI program, and eighteen completed both the baseline and any follow-up survey. A total of 31 participants completed the baseline survey and 107 total surveys were recorded at all follow-up time points. The baseline prevalence of psychological problems among public safety personnel were as follows: likely major depressive disorder (MDD) was 47.1%, likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was 37.5%, low resilience was 22.2%, and likely PTSD was 13.3%. At six months post-intervention, the prevalence of likely MDD, likely GAD, and likely PTSD among respondents reduced; however, a statistically significant reduction was reported only for likely MDD (-35.3%, X2 (1) = 2.55, p = 0.03). There was no significant change in the prevalence of low resilience between baseline and post-intervention. There was a decrease in the mean scores on the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-C, and the BRS from baseline to post-intervention by 25.8%, 24.7%, 9.5%, and 0.3%, respectively. However, the decrease was only statistically significant for the mean change in GAD-7 scores with a low effect size (t (15) = 2.73, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest a significant reduction in the prevalence of likely MDD as well as the severity of anxiety symptoms from baseline to post-intervention for subscribers of the Text4PTSI program. Text4PTSI is a cost-effective, convenient, and easily scalable program that can augment other services for managing the mental health burdens of public safety personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Natalie Phung
- Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
| | - Scarlett Eyben
- Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
| | - Kristopher Wells
- Department of Child and Youth Care, Faculty of Health and Community Studies, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Carla Hilario
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Raquel da Luz Dias
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Chelsea Jones
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Suzette Brémault-Phillips
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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Mirabelli MC, Vaidyanathan A, Pennington AF, Ye D, Trenga CA. Wildfire smoke and symptoms affecting mental health among adults in the U.S. state of Oregon. Prev Med 2022; 164:107333. [PMID: 36336164 PMCID: PMC9691586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107333] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The physical and mental health impacts of wildfires are wide-ranging. We assessed associations between exposure to wildfire smoke and self-reported symptoms affecting mental health among adults living in Oregon. We linked by interview date and county of residence survey responses from 5807 adults who responded to the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System's depression and anxiety module with smoke plume density, a proxy for wildfires and wildfire smoke exposure. Associations between weeks in the past year with medium and heavy smoke plume densities and symptoms affecting mental health during the two weeks before the interview date were estimated using predicted marginal probabilities from logistic regression models. In the year before completing the interview, 100% of respondents experienced ≥2 weeks of medium or heavy smoke, with an average exposure duration of 32 days. Nearly 10% reported being unable to stop or control their worrying more than half the time over the past two weeks. Medium or heavy smoke for 6 or more weeks in the past year, compared to ≤4 weeks in the past year, was associated with a 30% higher prevalence of being unable to stop or control worrying more than half the time during the past two weeks (prevalence ratio: 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.65). Among adults in Oregon, selected symptoms affecting mental health were associated with extended durations of medium and heavy smoke. These findings highlight the burden of such symptoms among adults living in communities affected by wildfires and wildfire smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Mirabelli
- Asthma and Community Health Branch, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop S106-6, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America.
| | - Ambarish Vaidyanathan
- Climate and Health Program, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop S106-6, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America.
| | - Audrey F Pennington
- Asthma and Community Health Branch, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop S106-6, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America.
| | - Dongni Ye
- Asthma and Community Health Branch, Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop S106-6, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States of America; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, P.O. Box 117, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, United States of America
| | - Carol A Trenga
- Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority, 800 NE Oregon St., Suite 640, Portland, OR 97232, United States of America.
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