scholarly journals Burden, Drivers, and Impacts of Poor Mental Health in Young People of West and Central Africa: Implications for Research and Programming

2019 ◽  
pp. 233-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Juma ◽  
Frederick Murunga Wekesah ◽  
Caroline W. Kabiru ◽  
Chimaraoke O. Izugbara
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
West And Central Africa

scholarly journals Is there an association between diet and depression in children and adolescents? A systematic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (12) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sundus Khalid ◽  
Claire M. Williams ◽  
Shirley A. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Quality Diet ◽  
Unhealthy Diet

AbstractThis review critically evaluates previous studies investigating the association between dietary intake of children and young people and depression and related mental health problems. A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane. A total of twenty studies were identified that met inclusion criteria and were subsequently rated for quality. The studies used a range of methods to measure dietary intake and mental health. Important potential confounding variables (e.g. socio-economic status) were often not included or controlled. There were also inconsistencies in the use of key constructs, which made comparisons between studies difficult. Despite some contradictory results, overall there was support for an association between healthy dietary patterns or consumption of a high-quality diet and lower levels of depression or better mental health. Similarly, there was a relationship between unhealthy diet and consumption of low-quality diet and depression or poor mental health. However, where significant relationships were reported, effect sizes were small. Future research on the relationship between diet and mental health in young people should use more clearly defined constructs to define diet and include or control for important confounders.

scholarly journals STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH RISKS REGARDING SUSCEPTIBILITY TO PEER PRESSURE

2021 ◽  
pp. 60-67
Author(s):  
Jasna Kudek Mirošević ◽  
Mirjana Radetić-Paić ◽  
Ivan Prskalo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Behaviour ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Peer Pressure ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The University

Given that adolescents and young people spend most of their time in the educational system, advancements in neurodevelopmental research emphasize the important and complex role of peers’ influence on adolescents’ behaviour, suggesting that supportive programmes led by peers have a strong potential benefit (King, & Fazel, 2019). In many cases peers are the most important source of social support, and are therefore an important target group to investigate the factors of risk, signs of poor mental health and ways to assess their health behaviour and awareness of the care which should be taken regarding their mental health, as well as the resources and prevention models. The wish is to study whether there are differences regarding the mental behaviour in certain characteristics of susceptibility to peer pressure as a risk for the mental health of students of the Faculty of Educational Sciences of the Juraj Dobrila University of Pula and students of the Faculty of Teacher Education of the University of Zagreb, Division of Petrinja (N=440). The set hypothesis states that there is a statistically significant difference among students of the faculty in Pula and those in Petrinja in their assessment of certain features of peer pressure susceptibility as a possible risk for mental health. The results obtained at the x2-test showed a statistically significant difference between certain peer pressure features among students regarding their study environment linked to hanging out with peers who consume drugs and being tempted to try them, getting involved in risky behaviours if their peers ask them to, and betting or gambling because their friends also do that. The results indicate that in smaller communities social control and conformity in the students’ behaviour is more present due to their wish to fit in a peer group as well as possible, suggesting the need for strengthening the positive health behaviour of young people during their whole education in order to secure a healthy and productive adult population.

scholarly journals Promotion of mental health in young adults via mobile phone app: study protocol of the ECoWeB (emotional competence for well-being in Young adults) cohort multiple randomised trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Newbold ◽  
F. C. Warren ◽  
R. S. Taylor ◽  
C. Hulme ◽  
S. Burnett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Emotional Competence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Self Help

Abstract Background Promoting well-being and preventing poor mental health in young people is a major global priority. Building emotional competence (EC) skills via a mobile app may be an effective, scalable and acceptable way to do this. However, few large-scale controlled trials have examined the efficacy of mobile apps in promoting mental health in young people; none have tailored the app to individual profiles. Method/design The Emotional Competence for Well-Being in Young Adults cohort multiple randomised controlled trial (cmRCT) involves a longitudinal prospective cohort to examine well-being, mental health and EC in 16–22 year olds across 12 months. Within the cohort, eligible participants are entered to either the PREVENT trial (if selected EC scores at baseline within worst-performing quartile) or to the PROMOTE trial (if selected EC scores not within worst-performing quartile). In both trials, participants are randomised (i) to continue with usual practice, repeated assessments and a self-monitoring app; (ii) to additionally receive generic cognitive-behavioural therapy self-help in app; (iii) to additionally receive personalised EC self-help in app. In total, 2142 participants aged 16 to 22 years, with no current or past history of major depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis will be recruited across UK, Germany, Spain, and Belgium. Assessments take place at baseline (pre-randomisation), 1, 3 and 12 months post-randomisation. Primary endpoint and outcome for PREVENT is level of depression symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 at 3 months; primary endpoint and outcome for PROMOTE is emotional well-being assessed on the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale at 3 months. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, well-being, health-related quality of life, functioning and cost-effectiveness are secondary outcomes. Compliance, adverse events and potentially mediating variables will be carefully monitored. Conclusions The trial aims to provide a better understanding of the causal role of learning EC skills using interventions delivered via mobile phone apps with respect to promoting well-being and preventing poor mental health in young people. This knowledge will be used to develop and disseminate innovative evidence-based, feasible, and effective Mobile-health public health strategies for preventing poor mental health and promoting well-being. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.org). Number of identification: NCT04148508 November 2019.

scholarly journals Young people’s perspectives on the symptoms asked for in the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children survey

Childhood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-467
Author(s):  
Anette Wickström ◽  
Sofia Kvist Lindholm
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Everyday Problems

Although young people in Sweden report good health, there is an increase in self-reported symptoms. However, there is uncertainty regarding what these symptoms signify. Using interviews with 15-year-olds, this research examines what the symptoms asked for in the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children survey represent. The analyses takes inspiration from a performative understanding of surveys. It demonstrates that while problems such as feeling low and nervousness are reported as poor mental health, some participants refer them to deep-seated problems and others to everyday challenges. The results points to the necessity of reporting from symptom scales with caution to avoid the pathologisation of everyday problems.

scholarly journals Preventive digital mental health interventions for children and young people: a review of the design and reporting of research

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aislinn D. Bergin ◽  
Elvira Perez Vallejos ◽  
E. Bethan Davies ◽  
David Daley ◽  
Tamsin Ford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Real World ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Children And Young People

Abstract Digital health interventions (DHIs) have frequently been highlighted as one way to respond to increasing levels of mental health problems in children and young people. Whilst many are developed to address existing mental health problems, there is also potential for DHIs to address prevention and early intervention. However, there are currently limitations in the design and reporting of the development, evaluation and implementation of preventive DHIs that can limit their adoption into real-world practice. This scoping review aimed to examine existing evidence-based DHI interventions and review how well the research literature described factors that researchers need to include in their study designs and reports to support real-world implementation. A search was conducted for relevant publications published from 2013 onwards. Twenty-one different interventions were identified from 30 publications, which took a universal (n = 12), selective (n = 3) and indicative (n = 15) approach to preventing poor mental health. Most interventions targeted adolescents, with only two studies including children aged ≤10 years. There was limited reporting of user co-design involvement in intervention development. Barriers and facilitators to implementation varied across the delivery settings, and only a minority reported financial costs involved in delivering the intervention. This review found that while there are continued attempts to design and evaluate DHIs for children and young people, there are several points of concern. More research is needed with younger children and those from poorer and underserved backgrounds. Co-design processes with children and young people should be recognised and reported as a necessary component within DHI research as they are an important factor in the design and development of interventions, and underpin successful adoption and implementation. Reporting the type and level of human support provided as part of the intervention is also important in enabling the sustained use and implementation of DHIs.

Young people’s help-seeking behaviours: dealing with their own versus a friend’s symptoms of poor mental health

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Seeking Help

The majority of young people dealing with symptoms of poor mental health experience difficulties seeking help, adolescents are more likely to talk to their friends when experiencing symptoms of poor mental health

Mental Health Supports and Young People Transitioning from Out-of-home Care in Victoria

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adina Rahamim ◽  
Philip Mendes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Childhood Abuse ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Out Of Home Care ◽  
The Impact

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care (OHC) are a vulnerable group. One particular manifestation of disadvantage is poor mental health outcomes which may reflect both the traumatic effects of childhood abuse, and a lack of support on leaving care. This article presents the findings of a small qualitative study undertaken in Victoria which explored the views of OHC and mental health service providers regarding the mental health support needs of care leavers. The findings are consistent with existing research results internationally in highlighting a number of key factors that influence mental health outcomes including the impact of pre-care, in-care and transition from care experiences.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with knife-crime in United Kingdom among young people aged 10–24 years: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Haylock ◽  
Talia Boshari ◽  
Emma C. Alexander ◽  
Ameeta Kumar ◽  
Logan Manikam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Young People ◽  
Youth Violence ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Weight Of Evidence ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract Background Since 2013, the number of violent crimes and offences by sharp instruments have increased continually, following a previous decrease, with majority of cases occurring among young people and in London. There is limited understanding surrounding the drivers influencing this change in trends, with mostly American-based research identifying risk factors. Methods The aim of this review is to identify and synthesise evidence from a range of literature to identify risk factors associated with weapon-related crime, for young people (aged 10–24 years) within the UK. A search strategy was generated to conduct a systematic search of published and grey literature within four databases (EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, and OpenGrey), identifying papers within a UK-context. Abstracts and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers to assess eligibility for inclusion, namely study focus in line with the objectives of the review. Weight of Evidence approach was utilised to assess paper quality, resulting in inclusion of 16 papers. Thematic analysis was conducted for studies to identity and categorise risk factors according to the WHO ecological model. Results No association was found between gender or ethnicity and youth violence, contrasting current understanding shown within media. Multiple research papers identified adverse childhood experiences and poor mental health as positively associated with youth and gang violence. It was suggested that community and societal risk factors, such as discrimination and economic inequality, were frequently linked to youth violence. A small number of studies were included within the review as this is a growing field of research, which may have led to a constrained number of risk factors identified. Due to heterogeneity of studies, a meta-analysis could not be conducted. As many studies displayed positive results, publication bias may be present. Conclusions Several risk factors were identified, with evidence currently heterogeneous with minimal high-quality studies. However, findings highlight key areas for future research, including the link between poor mental health and knife-crime, and the trajectory into gangs. Risk factors should help identify high-risk individuals, targeting them within mitigation strategies to prevent involvement within crime. This should contribute to efforts aimed at reducing the rising crime rates within UK. Systematic review registration number CRD42019138545. Registered at PROSPSERO: 16/08/2019.

Associations between negative life experiences and the mental health of trans and gender diverse young people in Australia: findings from Trans Pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 808-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope Strauss ◽  
Angus Cook ◽  
Sam Winter ◽  
Vanessa Watson ◽  
Dani Wright Toussaint ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Gender Diverse ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Negative Life Experiences

AbstractBackgroundTrans and gender diverse (TGD) young people worldwide experience high rates of poor mental health; however, these rates were unknown in Australia. In addition, how negative life events affect the mental health of TGD young people has been largely unexplored.MethodsThis paper reports on novel mental health findings of Trans Pathways, the largest study ever conducted in Australia with trans (transgender) and gender diverse young people (N = 859; aged 14–25 years). The study was an anonymous online cross-sectional survey undertaken in 2016. Logistic and linear regression models were used to test associations between mental health outcomes and negative life experiences.ResultsTGD young people in Australia experience high levels of mental distress, including self-harming (79.7%), suicidal thoughts (82.4%), and attempting suicide (48.1%). Three in four participants had been diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety (74.6% and 72.2%, respectively). Many TGD young people had been exposed to negative experiences such as peer rejection (89.0%), precarious accommodation (22.0%), bullying (74.0%), and discrimination (68.9%). Most poor mental health outcomes were associated with negative experiences. The strongest associations were found for precarious accommodation and issues within educational settings. For example, participants with a prior suicide attempt were almost six times more likely to have experienced issues with accommodation, including homelessness.ConclusionsThe current results highlight the urgent need for better mental health care and provide insight into areas for targeted mental health interventions. These findings are pertinent for clinicians working with trans young people and wider society.

scholarly journals Reducing worry and rumination in young adults via a mobile phone app: study protocol of the ECoWeB (Emotional Competence for Well-Being in Young Adults) randomised controlled trial focused on repetitive negative thinking

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Edge ◽  
Alexandra Newbold ◽  
Thomas Ehring ◽  
Tabea Rosenkranz ◽  
Mads Frost ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Emotional Competence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Repetitive Negative Thinking ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Promoting well-being and preventing poor mental health in young people is a major global priority. Building emotional competence skills via a mobile app may be an effective, scalable and acceptable way to do this. A particular risk factor for anxiety and depression is elevated worry and rumination (repetitive negative thinking, RNT). An app designed to reduce RNT may prevent future incidence of depression and anxiety. Method/design The Emotional Competence for Well-Being in Young Adults study developed an emotional competence app to be tested via randomised controlled trials in a longitudinal prospective cohort. This off-shoot study adapts the app to focus on targeting RNT (worry, rumination), known risk factors for poor mental health. In this study, 16–24 year olds in the UK, who report elevated worry and rumination on standardised questionnaires are randomised to (i) receive the RNT-targeting app immediately for 6 weeks (ii) a waiting list control who receive the app after 6 weeks. In total, the study will aim to recruit 204 participants, with no current diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis, across the UK. Assessments take place at baseline (pre-randomisation), 6 and 12 weeks post-randomisation. Primary endpoint and outcome for the study is level of rumination assessed on the Rumination Response Styles Questionnaire at 6 weeks. Worry, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and well-being are secondary outcomes. Compliance, adverse events and potentially mediating variables will be carefully monitored. Discussion This trial aims to better understand the benefits of tackling RNT via an mobile phone app intervention in young people. This prevention mechanism trial will establish whether targeting worry and rumination directly via an app provides a feasible approach to prevent depression and anxiety, with scope to become a widescale public health strategy for preventing poor mental health and promoting well-being in young people. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04950257. Registered 6 July 2021 – Retrospectively registered.

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