Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community

Abstract In general, research demonstrates that deprivation, education, health, and well-being are determinants of volunteering, and that volunteering can play an important role in building stronger communities and provides many benefits for individual health and well-being. This study concentrates on the effects of physical and mental health and well-being as predictors when the aspect of socio-economic impact has been minimised. It utilises a unique data set from a UK Housing Association community with generally high levels of deprivation. Data were analysed using bivariate probit regression. In contrast to previous findings, physical health and mental health were not significantly related to volunteering. The key finding was that mental well-being was significantly related to informal volunteering.

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Testing Predictive Factors of Depressive Symptoms among Grandparents under the COVID-19 Pandemic

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2938 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 804-804

Author(s):

Yuqin Jiao ◽

Christine Fruhauf

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Conceptual Model ◽

Well Being ◽

Protective Role ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Related Stress ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract An estimated 69.5 million Americans are reported to be grandparents. Among them, about 10% are raising grandchildren and the number of grandparents who are raising grandchildren (GRG) is increasing. Previous research on GRG suggests that the unexpected caregiving duties may lead to negative physical and mental health including more depressive symptoms when compared to non-caregiving grandparents (NGRG). Additionally, grandparent-grandchild relationships determined by emotional availability (EA) of the grandparent may be impacted. These factors might further be complicated, especially as it relates to the health and well-being of GRG, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the overarching goal of this presentation is to use the biopsychosocial model to present a conceptual framework to test the mental well-being of GRG during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this presentation, we will 1) summarize appropriate literature on GRG; 2) share a COVID-19 health and well-being assessment survey designated for GRG in order to assess their health before and since the COVID pandemic; and 3) propose a conceptual model to investigate and test the protective role of physical activity and GRG’s EA in the grandparent-grandchild relationship for the mental health of GRG. In our model, we argue that GRG experience more COVID-19 pandemic-related stress and more depressive symptoms when compared to NGRG. This proposed conceptual model offers one way to test the predictors of depressive symptoms on GRG. Future testing has the potential to shed new light on the development of appropriate intervention programs tailored to maintain the mental health of GRG.

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Relationship of Perceived Social Support with Mental Health in Older Caregivers

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17113886 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (11) ◽

pp. 3886 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Laura Muñoz-Bermejo ◽

José Carmelo Adsuar ◽

Salvador Postigo-Mota ◽

Inés Casado-Verdejo ◽

Claudia Mara de Melo-Tavares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Well Being ◽

Health State ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Older Caregivers ◽

Elderly Caregivers ◽

Mental Well Being

Background: Elderly caregivers present increased physical and mental health problems. These factors can lead to a lack of autonomy and a need for social support. This study aims to analyse the relationships between perceived social support and mental health status in elderly caregivers aged 65 and older. Methods: a cross-sectional study based on data from the Spanish National Health Survey (ENSE-17) carried out on 7023 people. The study population was restricted to 431 caregivers aged ≥65 years. A study of the correlation between the mental health state and the perceived social support was carried out. Both variables were related to the sex of the caregiver. Results: Perceived social support by older caregivers is significantly related to mental health (p = 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001). Also, there is a significant relationship between perceived social support and mental well-being (p = 0.001), self-esteem (p = 0.005) and stress (p = 0.001) in older women caregivers. Conclusions: Older caregivers have adequate mental well-being and perceive high social support. Perceived social support can contribute to improving the mental well-being of older caregivers.

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The glass is not half empty: optimism, pessimism, and health among older adults

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610219000498 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 135-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael D. Barnett ◽

Ellen A. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Health ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Life Orientation Test ◽

Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTObjectives:Optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs that have demonstrated independent relationships with aspects of health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether optimism or pessimism is more closely linked with physical and mental health among older adults.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Participants:Community-dwelling older adults (N = 272) ages 59–95 in the southern United States.Measurements:The Life Orientation Test—Revised and the Short Form 8.Results:At the bivariate level, optimism was associated with higher physical health and mental health, while pessimism was associated with lower physical health and mental health. Multiple-regression analyses as well as comparison of correlation coefficients found that pessimism was more closely associated with physical health and mental health than optimism.Conclusions:These results add to the literature suggesting that, in terms of older adults’ health and well-being, avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic.

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Sleep and Mental Health Among Older Adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz186.594 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

R Rodrigues ◽

K Nicholson ◽

P Wilk ◽

G Guaiana ◽

S Stranges ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Initiatives ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Global studies have demonstrated consistent associations between sleep problems and mental health and well-being in older adults, however Canadian data are lacking. We investigated associations between sleep quantity and quality with both mental illness symptoms and well-being among older adults in Canada. Methods We used cross-sectional baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national survey of 30,097 community-dwelling adults aged 45 years and older. Self-reported sleep measures included average past-week sleep duration (short [<6h], normal [6-8h], long [>8h]), and sleep quality (satisfied or dissatisfied vs neutral). Mental illness outcomes included depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Mental well-being outcomes included self-rated mental health and satisfaction with life. We used modified Poisson regression models with adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioural, and clinical factors, and stratification by sex and age to explore effect modification. Results In the unadjusted analysis, short and long sleep duration and sleep dissatisfaction were associated with higher mental illness symptoms and lower well-being across all outcomes. Sleep satisfaction was associated with a lower likelihood of mental illness symptoms and better well-being. Short sleep duration was associated with the largest effects on mental health outcomes. Self-rated mental health and depressive symptoms had the largest associations with sleep measures. Effects were larger in males and the 45 to 54 year age group. Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggests sleep duration and quality are associated with symptoms of depression, psychological distress, and poor mental well-being among older adults. We are unable to determine whether sleep problems are a cause or consequence of poor mental health. Nonetheless, sleep may be an important target for public health initiatives to improve mental health and well-being among older adults. Key messages Our findings contribute further evidence that sleep difficulties are associated with adverse health outcomes including higher mental illness symptoms and lower well-being among older adults. Sleep disturbances are an unmet public health problem, and may be an important target for public health initiatives to improve mental health and well-being among older adults.

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Compositional, Contextual, and Collective Community Factors in Mental Health and Well-Being in Australian Rural Communities

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/1049732315625195 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 677-687 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Jessica Collins ◽

Bernadette M. Ward ◽

Pamela Snow ◽

Sandra Kippen ◽

Fiona Judd

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Well Being ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Geographic Variations ◽

Community Factors ◽

Health And Well Being

There are disproportionately higher and inconsistently distributed rates of recorded suicides in rural areas. Patterns of rural suicide are well documented, but they remain poorly understood. Geographic variations in physical and mental health can be understood through the combination of compositional, contextual, and collective factors pertaining to particular places. The aim of this study was to explore the role of “place” contributing to suicide rates in rural communities. Seventeen mental health professionals participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Principles of grounded theory were used to guide the analysis. Compositional themes were demographics and perceived mental health issues; contextual themes were physical environment, employment, housing, and mental health services; and collective themes were town identity, community values, social cohesion, perceptions of safety, and attitudes to mental illness. It is proposed that connectedness may be the underlying mechanism by which compositional, contextual, and collective factors influence mental health and well-being in rural communities.

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Health and well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people aged 50 years and over

Australian Health Review ◽

10.1071/ah16200 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 42 (2) ◽

pp. 146 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Mark Hughes

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

General Population ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Issues ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Sexual Diversity ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Health And Well Being

Objectives The aim of the present study was to examine the health and well being of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, the health issues that concern them, the services they use and challenges accessing services. Methods This study comprised a survey of the health and well being of 312 LGBTI people aged 50 years and over in New South Wales. The survey included the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) measure of health-related quality of life, the Kessler 10 (K10) measure of psychological distress, and the three-item Loneliness Scale. Results Higher levels of psychological distress, lower mental health and greater loneliness were found among this sample than is typically found in the general population. Mental health was lower among carers and those not in a relationship, while psychological distress was greater among those living alone and those experiencing higher rates of loneliness. The most commonly accessed health service was a general practitioner (GP), with most respondents reporting that they were open about their sexuality to their GP and that they had a regular GP. Some reported difficulties accessing health services because of their gender or sexual diversity. Conclusions Although many older LGBTI people are well, both physically and mentally, they do appear to face increased risk of certain health issues compared with the general population. What is known about the topic? Overseas research indicates that older LGBTI people may be at greater risk of certain physical and mental health conditions than the general population. What does this paper add? This paper provides Australian data, using well-validated instruments, on the health and well being of older LGBTI people. It provides evidence of the health issues that older LGBTI people are most concerned about and the barriers they face in accessing services. What are the implications for practitioners? It is important for health practitioners to be aware that older LGBTI people appear to be at increased risk of certain physical and mental health issues, such as loneliness and psychological distress. Providing opportunities for clients to identify their gender or sexual diversity may assist in monitoring risk factors and enable referral to promote healthy aging.

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The impact of life events on adult physical and mental health and well-being: longitudinal analysis using the GoWell health and well-being survey

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-016-2278-x ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Claire Cleland ◽

Ade Kearns ◽

Carol Tannahill ◽

Anne Ellaway

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Life Events ◽

Longitudinal Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

The Impact ◽

Health And Well Being

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Comparative Effects of Suture and Non-Suture Surgical Techniques on Platysma after Thyroid SurgeryFast Food Intake Affecting Physical and Mental Well-Being of Medical Students in Lahore

10.53350/pjmhs211581942 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 1942-1944

Author(s):

Sana Noor ◽

Aemun Shaukat Kayani ◽

Noor Shahid ◽

Alarozia Ihsan ◽

Sara Rasheed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

Physical Health ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Fast Food ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Fast Food Consumption ◽

Bartlett Test ◽

Mental Well Being

Background: Fast food consumption is being significantly affecting physical and mental health of children and adolescent. Unhealthy diet is designated as the major cause of various medical illness. Among these most common is obesity. This also leads to anxiety, sleep disorder, verbal abuse and hence responsible for mental issues as well. Aim: To observe factors affected by fast food consumption among youngsters. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to conduct a study for factor analysis of physical and mental health issues related to fast food consumption at a private medical college in Lahore, Pakistan. The data was collected using self-designed questionnaire to collect information about the physical health, mental health, routine exercise, workout and fast -food consumption attitude. Results: Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to access the total explained variation through varimax rotation. Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett test of sphericity was seen to have a p-value 0.000 which is significant. Significant results of KMO and Bartlett test allows for EFA. It has been seen that thirteen factors contributed to explain more than 70% of the variation Conclusion: Most commonly affected factors were physical and mental well-being that explained maximum variation. These factors comprised minor mental issues like emotional health, anger, mood swings and anxiety and physical health such as worse effect on health, less physical activity/ inactivity and irregular exercise. Major Keywords: Fast food, Mental Health, Obesity, Physical Health, Risk.

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COVID-19 and the 24/7 News Cycle: Does COVID-19 News Exposure Affect Mental Health?

Socius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World ◽

10.1177/2378023120969339 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 237802312096933

Author(s):

Kevin Stainback ◽

Brittany N. Hearne ◽

Monica M. Trieu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Social Life ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Data Set ◽

Unique Data ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Economic Well Being

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has upended nearly every aspect of social life in the United States and abroad. People turn to news to provide public health updates about the virus, such as reports of new cases and deaths, but also to understand how COVID-19 is affecting jobs and the economy. The news, irrespective of its format, serves as a central conduit of information during the pandemic. Prior research examining public traumas, such as terrorist attacks, suggests that greater media intake may also amplify perceived threats about the virus and therefore have a negative effect on mental health. We argue that in the absence of a solution to the virus, such as a vaccine, greater COVID-19 media viewing is likely to heighten uncertainty and anxiousness about the future threat the virus poses to health and well-being, which should in turn increase psychological distress. Drawing on a unique data set of U.S. residents in mid- to late March 2020, the authors examine the relationships among COVID-19 news consumption, perceptions of COVID-19 threats to health and economic well-being, and psychological distress. The findings suggest that greater COVID-19 media consumption is associated with greater psychological distress and that approximately two thirds of this effect operates indirectly through increased perceptions of COVID-19 threats.

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