scholarly journals Knowledge, beliefs, mental health, substance use, and behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults: a national online survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph J. DiClemente ◽  
Ariadna Capasso ◽  
Shahmir H. Ali ◽  
Abbey M. Jones ◽  
Joshua Foreman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
And Behaviors

scholarly journals Knowledge, beliefs, mental health, substance use, and behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic among U.S. adults: A national online survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph J. DiClemente ◽  
Ariadna Capasso ◽  
Shahmir H. Ali ◽  
Abbey M. Jones ◽  
Joshua Foreman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Impact Of Event Scale ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
And Behaviors

Abstract Background: Given the urgent need for data to inform public health messaging to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, this national survey sought to assess the state of COVID-19-related knowledge, beliefs, mental health, substance use changes, and behaviors among a sample of U.S. adults.Methods: A survey of U.S. adults was administered online from March 20-30, 2020. The survey collected data on socio-demographic characteristics; COVID-19-related knowledge, awareness and adoption of preventive practices; depression and anxiety (assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4); stress (adapted Impact of Event Scale-6); pessimism; and changes in tobacco and alcohol use. Differences between age groups (18-39 years, 40-59 years and ≥60 years) were tested using Pearson’s chi-squared tests or ANOVAs; associations between drinking and smoking and depression, anxiety and stress were tested using adjusted logistic regression models.Results: Approximately, half of the sample (NTotal=6,391) were 50-69 years old and 58% were female. COVID-19 knowledge (Mean=12·0; SD=1.2; Range=0-13) and protective practice awareness (Mean=9·1; SD=0·8; Range 0-10) were high. However, only 84% of respondents were aware of the protective value of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and 19% had purchased facemasks. Among respondents, 44% had a score consistent with depression and anxiety (PHQ-4 score≥6); and 52% reported high stress scores (≥median of 1.33). COVID-19-related anxiety and depression were associated with increased drinking (AOR=1.79; 95% CI=1.49, 2.15, p<0.001) and smoking (AOR=2.17; 95% CI=1.64, 2.88, p<0.001). High stress scores were also associated with increased drinking (AOR=1.80; 95% CI=1.49, 2.17, p<0.001) and smoking (AOR=1.75; 95% CI=1.31, 2.33, p<0.001) among respondents.Conclusions: In spite of high knowledge about COVID-19 and protective practices, important gaps were identified. High prevalence of poor mental health outcomes and associated increases in drinking and smoking warrant ongoing risk communications tailoring to effectively disseminate information and expanding psychosocial and substance use treatment services, particularly online telehealth services, to mitigate the negative mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals LO84: Experiences of youth and family presenting to the emergency department for addiction and mental health

CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (S1) ◽  
pp. S36-S37
Author(s):  
H. Hair ◽  
M. Bercov ◽  
S. Hastings
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Family Involvement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Youth Survey ◽  
The Family ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Ed Visits

Introduction: The Canadian Institute for Health Information reports the rate of child and youth emergency department (ED) visits for mental health complaints increased by 50% between 2007 and 2015. Improving care for these patients is a major priority of Alberta Health Services (AHS). As part of a multi-phased approach to improving care, the Emergency and the Addiction and Mental Health Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) surveyed youth who had presented to an ED for mental health or substance use concerns and their families/caregivers. Methods: The online survey contained closed- and open-ended questions on reasons for ED visits, expectations about and experiences during their visits, and areas for improvement. An ethics approved survey was conducted for 4 weeks. Participants were recruited across the province using an extensive array of social media platforms. For each survey, we randomly selected a sample of open-ended responses to thematically analyze to the point of informational redundancy. Results: The Youth survey received 992 responses and the Family survey received 553. A small number of overarching themes emerged. For both surveys, the major themes were 1) Wait times and access: participants were disappointed with lengthy wait times and services in the community. Youth said this made them question their decision to seek help and left them feeling hopeless. 2) Care provider training: participants were unhappy with the quality of care provided (e.g., lack of compassion, minimizing symptoms). They felt better training would improve care and attitudes towards mental health patients. 3) Environment: participants were uncomfortable with the lack of privacy for discussing sensitive topics; youth also requested items such as pens/paper and phone chargers to make the stay more comfortable and provide distractions. An additional theme emerged in the Youth survey regarding family involvement; participants wanted to decide how much/what information is shared with their families. Youth noted they were less likely to be honest with family present. Communication and navigation were mentioned frequently in the Family survey; participants noted the complexity of the mental health care system and felt frustrated by the lack of information to help them access additional resources. Conclusion: There are a number of areas in need of improvement to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to youth with mental health or substance use concerns that present to the Emergency Department. Phase II of this project will involve a review of the themes and determine priorities and strategies to address the themes that could be implemented into the workflow.

scholarly journals Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on performance and image enhancing drug use

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Dunn ◽  
Timothy Piatkowski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Exercise Habits ◽  
Mental Health Concerns ◽  
Image Enhancing ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Emerging research has suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic has had some impact on substance use patterns. The aim of the study was to conduct a rapid survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) use and training, and any subsequent negative physical or mental health outcomes. Methods During 2020, a convenience sample of 60 PIED consumers (mean age = 26.69; 68.3% located outside Australia) completed a quantitative anonymous online survey exploring how the coronavirus pandemic impacted patterns of PIED use and associated exercise habits. The survey was administered via the Qualtrics platform and distributed online through PIED forums as well as through the investigator's networks. Participants were asked about their PIED use and exercise habits prior to and during restricted movement ‘lockdowns’. Results Pre-COVID, the majority of the sample opted to ‘blast-cruise’ (an initial high dose, followed by a lower maintenance dose; 71.7%, n = 43). During lockdown, (45%, n = 27) reported a change in PIED use as a result of the restrictions. In light of health concerns during COVID-19, a majority of men (60%, n = 36) did not take any extra precautions relating to their PIED use. A subgroup of men ceased using PIEDs completely (16.7%, n = 10) with the majority (80%, n = 8) of that subgroup following post-cycle therapy (PCT) of some kind. Conclusions This study contributes to the emerging literature of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use, specifically PIED use among men. The results suggest that the pandemic did influence the choice of PIEDs that participants consumed, although there was little disruption to patterns of exercise, an important aspect of PIED use. Of the men who did cease use completely, the majority reported little issue with PCT access; those who reported difficulty accessing PCT compounds indicated experience some mental health concerns related to ceasing their PIED use. Clinicians and those who come into contact with this group should be alert for any negative physical or mental health concerns resulting from disrupted or ceased PIED use.

scholarly journals Reported Changes in Adolescent Psychosocial Functioning during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Adolescents ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-20
Author(s):  
Sabina Kapetanovic ◽  
Sevtap Gurdal ◽  
Birgitta Ander ◽  
Emma Sorbring
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Critical Number ◽  
Close Attention ◽  
Male Adolescents ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
The Government

What effect the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had on adolescents’ psychosocial functioning is currently unknown. Using the data of 1767 (50.2% female and 49.8 male) adolescents in Sweden, we discuss adolescents’ thoughts and behaviors around the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as reported changes in substance use, everyday life, relations, victimization, and mental health during the outbreak. Results showed that (a) the majority of adolescents have been complying with regulations from the government; (b) although most adolescents did not report changes in their psychosocial functioning, a critical number reported more substance use, conflict with parents, less time spent with peers, and poorer control over their everyday life; and (c) the majority of adolescents have experienced less victimization, yet poorer mental health, during the COVID-19 outbreak. Adolescent girls and adolescents in distance schooling were likely to report negative changes in their psychosocial functioning during the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on these findings, we suggest that society should pay close attention to changes in adolescents’ psychosocial functioning during times of crisis.

scholarly journals Examining associations between COVID-19 stressors, intimate partner violence, health, and health behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110120
Author(s):  
Abriana M. Gresham ◽  
Brett J. Peters ◽  
Gery Karantzas ◽  
Linda D. Cameron ◽  
Jeffry A. Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

The economic, social, and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to increase the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. IPV victimization may, in turn, contribute to physical and mental health, substance use, and social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary objective of the current study was to understand the extent to which 1) COVID-19 stressors are associated with IPV victimization and 2) IPV victimization is associated with health and health behaviors. Participants ( N = 1,813) completed an online survey between May 15 and 28, 2020 that assessed COVID-19 stressors (financial anxiety, social disconnection, health anxiety, COVID-19-specific stress), IPV victimization, physical and mental health, substance use, and movement outside of the home. Structural equation modeling indicated that greater COVID-19-related stressors were associated with greater IPV victimization during the pandemic, even after controlling for enduring vulnerabilities associated with IPV victimization. Additionally, greater IPV victimization during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher levels of substance use and movement outside of the home, but not poorer physical and mental health. COVID-19 stressors may have detrimental relationship effects and health implications, underscoring the need for increased IPV intervention and support services during the pandemic. Findings from the current work provide preliminary correlational evidence for a theoretical model centered on IPV victimization, rather than perpetration.

scholarly journals Changes in Substance Use and Mental Health Burden among Women during the Second Wave of COVID-19 in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9728
Author(s):  
Henrike Schecke ◽  
Madeleine Fink ◽  
Alexander Bäuerle ◽  
Eva-Maria Skoda ◽  
Adam Schweda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Burden ◽  
Second Wave

Unlike men, who are disproportionately affected by severe disease progression and mortality from COVID-19, women may be more affected by the economic, social and psychological consequences of the pandemic. Psychological distress and mental health problems are general risk factors for increases in the use of alcohol and other substances as a dysfunctional coping mechanism. Methods: An analysis was carried out of the female subset (n = 2153) of a population-based, cross-sectional online survey (October–December 2020), covering the “second wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Results: Among women, 23% increased their alcohol use, 28.4% increased their nicotine use and 44% increased their illicit substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty percent reported major depressive symptoms and 23.4% symptoms of generalized anxiety. Generalized anxiety proved to be a significant predictor of increases in alcohol and nicotine use in logistic regression. Discussion: The mental health burden remained high during the second wave of COVID-19 and alcohol, nicotine and other substance use increased. However, the association between mental health and substance use was weak. Psychological distress does not seem to be the main motivator of substance use.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Correlates of Suicidal Ideation and Deliberate Self-harm in Canadian Adolescents During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 070674372110366
Author(s):  
Brianna J. Turner ◽  
Christina L. Robillard ◽  
Megan E. Ames ◽  
Stephanie G. Craig
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Deliberate Self Harm ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Self Harm

Objective In light of recent evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in marked increases in depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health concerns among Canadian adolescents, we investigated the rates of self-harm thoughts and behaviours in this population. Specifically, this study explored: (1) the demographic and geographic distributions of suicidal ideation (SI) and deliberate self-harm (DSH), and (2) the associations of mental health and substance use with SI and DSH. Method A total of 809 Canadian adolescents, aged 12–18 years, completed an online survey between June 17, 2020 and July 31, 2020. Results 44% of adolescents reported experiencing SI since the pandemic began, while 32% reported engaging in DSH. SI and DSH were more common among youth who: identified as transgender, non-binary or gender fluid; who did not reside with both parents; and who reported psychiatric concerns or frequent cannabis use. Conclusion Canadian adolescents appear to be experiencing higher rates of self-harm thoughts and behaviours relative to before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for adults who are likely to interact with distressed youth to be aware of potential warning signs that a youth is struggling with self-harm, and to refer youth to specialty mental health services where appropriate.

scholarly journals Substance Use, Mental Health, HIV Testing, and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the State of Maharashtra, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Michael Wilkerson ◽  
Angela Di Paola ◽  
Shruta Rawat ◽  
Pallav Patankar ◽  
B. R. Simon Rosser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Hazardous Drinking ◽  
Illicit Substance ◽  
Polysubstance Use ◽  
Illicit Substance Use ◽  
Sex With Men

Among 433 men who have sex with men in Maharashtra, India who completed an online survey, 23% reported hazardous drinking, 12% illicit substance, and 9% polysubstance use. The overall prevalence of depression and intimate partner violence (IPV) were 58% and 56%, respectively. Participants engaging in hazardous drinking had more sexual partners and were less likely to be married to women. Participants reporting illicit substance use or polysubstance use were more likely to have been out, had more sexual partners, or experienced IPV. Those reporting illicit substance use were more likely to engage in condomless anal sex. Based on our findings, we suggest that public health interventions integrate HIV, substance use, and mental health services.

scholarly journals COPING STRATEGIES FOR COVID-19 IN THE MOROCCAN POPULATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (04) ◽  
pp. 166-173
Author(s):  
S. Benzahra ◽  
◽  
S. Belbachir ◽  
A. Ouanass ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Moroccan Population ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
Positive Reframing ◽  
Psychosocial Responses ◽  
The Impact

Background: The coronavirus infection is pandemic emerging infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This pandemic has had serious social and economic consequences due to the confinment and curfew applied in various countries around the world. The psychosocial responses to this pandemic are variable and depend on the coping strategies of each individual which can mitigate and moderate the impact of these psychosocial responses. Objective: To identify the different coping strategies implemented by the Moroccan population. Methods: We conducted an online survey from April 23 to May 23, 2020, through a questionnaire published on social networks using Google Forms. The assessment of coping strategies was carried out through the Brief Cope scale. Results: 404 individuals participated in the study. The mean age was 36.86 years, 65.6% were female, 14.1% had a psychiatric history, 28% had a medical-surgical history and 30.2% had a substance use disorder. Study participants showed a maximum level acceptance as a strategy of adaptation (6.22 ± 1.69) followed by positive reframing (5.72 ± 1.71) then religion (5.45 ± 1.8). The least used strategies were substance use (2.29 ± 0.91) and denial (3.05 ± 1.42). Problem-focused coping was more used in our sample (4.34 +/- 1.22) compared to emotion-focused coping (4.21 +/- 0.64). Conclusions: The pandemic of Covid-19 had a significant negative impact on the mental health of populations including the Moroccan. The most frequently adopted coping strategies are acceptance, positive reframing, and religion. Psychological support remains necessary in order to safeguard mental health in the face of stressful situations.

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