What Is the Impact of Using Outdoor Spaces Such as Gardens on the Physical and Mental Well-Being of Those With Dementia? A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence

Objectives This systematic review addresses the question Is any job better than no job? Specifically, it compares health and well-being outcomes in those who are unemployed with those who are in jobs that could be considered poor or low quality and the impact of any movement between them. Method We conducted a systematic review following a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD42020182794). Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, HMIC, ASSIA, TRIP, Google Scholar and 10 websites were searched in April 2020 and again in May 2021 without date limits. Two reviewers working independently screened search results against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A checklist for quantitative studies reporting correlations was used to critically appraise articles included at full text. We undertook synthesis without meta-analysis (narrative synthesis) and explored a range of variables (for example, study design and quality, type of outcome measure) that we considered might have an impact on the association between exposure and outcome. Results We included 25 studies reported in 30 journal articles. All 25 studies involved secondary analysis of data from national cohorts, including six from the UK. The most frequent outcomes reported were measures of mental well-being. There was considerable heterogeneity across included studies in terms of design, population, definition of poor/bad or low quality job and outcome types and measures. Overall the quality of the included studies was moderate. The evidence base is inconsistent. There are studies that suggested either labour market position might be preferable, but a number of studies found no statistically significant difference. Cohort and case-control studies looking at mental well-being outcomes showed some support for a poor job being better than unemployment. However, we did not find sufficient numbers of well-designed studies showing a strong association to support a causal relationship. Most included study designs were unable to distinguish whether changes in employment status occurred before a change in outcome. Three studies looking at employment transitions found that moving to a poor job from unemployment was not associated with improved mental health, but moving from a poor job to unemployment was associated with a deterioration. Conclusion Evidence that better health and well-being outcomes are more likely to be associated with a poor/bad or low quality job than with unemployment is inconsistent. Studies conducted in the UK suggest that a poor job is not significantly associated with better health and well-being outcomes than unemployment. The studies we identified do not allow us to distinguish whether this lack of association is the result of a state welfare regime preventing some of the worst ills associated with unemployment, or a reflection of job quality. The evidence base has significant limitations in study design and conduct. In summary, the evidence we found suggests it is not safe to assume that, in the UK, any job will lead to better health and well-being outcomes than unemployment.

Download Full-text

COVID-19 restrictions and changing sexual behaviours in HIV-negative MSM at high risk of HIV infection in London, UK

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

10.1136/sextrans-2020-054768 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. sextrans-2020-054768

Author(s):

Iain Hyndman ◽

Diarmuid Nugent ◽

Gary George Whitlock ◽

Alan McOwan ◽

Nicolò Girometti

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Sexual Activity ◽

Sexual Behaviour ◽

Well Being ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Hiv Negative

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions have affected attendance to and delivery of UK sexual healthcare services (SHS). We surveyed the impact on sexual behaviour of men having sex with men (MSM) to inform future SHS provision.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey among HIV-negative MSM at high risk of HIV infection who attended 56 Dean Street, a sexual health and HIV clinic. The survey was conducted over a 7-day period in August 2020. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviour and related mental well-being experienced during lockdown (defined as 23 March–30 June 2020) were extracted. Categorical and non-categorical variables were compared according to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use.Results814 MSM completed the questionnaire: 75% were PrEP users; 76% reported they have been sexually active, of which 76% reported sex outside their household. 75% reported fewer partners than prior to lockdown. Isolation/loneliness (48%) and anxiety/stress (27%) triggered sexual activity, and 73% had discussed COVID-19 transmission risks with their sexual partners. While 46% reported no change to emotions ordinarily experienced following sex, 20% reported guilt for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. 76% implemented one or more changes to their sexual behaviour, while 58% applied one or more steps to reduce COVID-19 transmission during sex. 36% accessed SHS and 30% reported difficulties in accessing testing/treatment. Of those who accessed SHS, 28% reported an STI diagnosis. PrEP users reported higher partner number, engagement in ‘chemsex’ and use of SHS than non-PrEP users.ConclusionsCOVID-19 restrictions had a considerable impact on sexual behaviour and mental well-being in our survey respondents. High rates of sexual activity and STI diagnoses were reported during lockdown. Changes to SHS provision for MSM must respond to high rates of psychological and STI-related morbidity and the challenges faced by this population in accessing services.

Download Full-text

A pilot study on the impact of a first-time central heating intervention on resident mental wellbeing

Indoor and Built Environment ◽

10.1177/1420326x20975468 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1420326X2097546

Author(s):

Richard A Sharpe ◽

Andrew J Williams ◽

Ben Simpson ◽

Gemma Finnegan ◽

Tim Jones

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Indoor Environment ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Well Being ◽

Waiting List ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Central Heating ◽

The Impact ◽

First Time ◽

Mental Well Being

Fuel poverty affects around 34% of European homes, representing a considerable burden to society and healthcare systems. This pilot study assesses the impact of an intervention to install a new first time central heating system in order to reduce fuel poverty on household satisfaction with indoor temperatures/environment, ability to pay bills and mental well-being. In Cornwall, 183 households received the intervention and a further 374 went onto a waiting list control. A post-intervention postal questionnaires and follow-up phone calls were undertaken ( n = 557) to collect data on household demographics, resident satisfaction with indoor environment, finances and mental well-being (using the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing scale). We compared responses between the waiting list control and intervention group to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. A total of 31% of participants responded, 83 from the waiting list control and 71 from the intervention group. The intervention group reported improvements in the indoor environment, finances and mental well-being. However, these benefits were not expressed by all participants, which may result from diverse resident behaviours, lifestyles and housing characteristics. Future policies need to consider whole house approaches alongside resident training and other behaviour change techniques that can account for complex interactions between behaviours and the built environment.

Download Full-text

Contributing Factors in Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being—The Role of Socioeconomic Status, Social Support, and Health Behavior

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12229597 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (22) ◽

pp. 9597

Author(s):

Gabriella Nagy-Pénzes ◽

Ferenc Vincze ◽

Éva Bíró

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Health Behavior ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Unhealthy Eating ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

Mental disorders are common in adolescents, and for effective interventions we should be aware of their determinants. However, there are only a small number of studies investigating the combined effect of multiple factors. Therefore, our aim is to assess the impact of socioeconomic status, social support, and health behavior on adolescents’ mental well-being. A cross-sectional health survey of 1641 children was carried out in accordance with the study protocol of the Hungarian Health Behavior in School-aged Children survey. Multivariate multiple regression was used to analyze the main determinants of mental well-being. The boys’ mental well-being was favorable compared to girls; lower subjective family wealth was associated with lower life satisfaction and depressive mood. Life satisfaction was positively related to healthy eating, social support, and physical activity. Unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyle, and lower social support were associated with higher depression scores. Higher social support reduces psychosomatic symptoms, while unhealthy eating and spending a lot of time in front of the computer increase them. Both social support and healthy lifestyle seem to be protective against mental health problems among adolescents, and thus interventions should focus on these factors regardless of the socioeconomic status of the participants, with special attention given to girls.

Download Full-text

Erratum to: A systematic review of the health and well-being impacts of school gardening: synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-016-3736-z ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Heather Ohly ◽

Sarah Gentry ◽

Rachel Wigglesworth ◽

Alison Bethel ◽

Rebecca Lovell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Well Being ◽

Qualitative Evidence ◽

School Gardening ◽

Health And Well Being

Download Full-text

Perceptions of Study Conditions and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Germany: Results of the International COVID-19 Student Well-Being Study

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.674665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Paula Mayara Matos Fialho ◽

Franca Spatafora ◽

Lisa Kühne ◽

Heide Busse ◽

Stefanie M. Helmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

German Student ◽

The University ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

Background: Results of previous studies examining the impact of the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 on university students' mental well-being indicated severe mental health consequences. It is unclear how the current COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in study conditions due to federal regulations affected mental well-being in the German student population. We examined university students' perceptions of study conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated associations between study conditions and depressive symptoms.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Germany in May 2020 at four universities (N = 5,021, 69% female, mean age: 24 years, SD: 5.1). Perceived study conditions, as well as sociodemographic information, were assessed with self-generated items and the CES-D 8 scale was used to determine depressive symptoms. Associations between perceived study conditions (academic stress and academic satisfaction), in general, and confidence to complete the semester, in particular, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using generalized linear regressions.Results: Fifty-four percent of survey participants felt that the university workload had significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic; 48% were worried that they would not be able to successfully complete the academic year; 47% agreed that the change in teaching methods caused significant stress. Regarding depressive symptoms, the mean score of the CES-D 8 scale was 9.25. Further, a positive association between perceived study conditions and depressive symptoms was found (p < 0.001), indicating that better study conditions were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Results of the generalized linear regression suggest that better student mental well-being was related to higher confidence in completing the semester.Conclusions: This study provides first insights into perceived study conditions and associations with depressive symptoms among students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Findings underline the need for universities to provide intervention strategies targeting students' mental well-being during the course of the pandemic.

Download Full-text

Companion Animal Type and Level of Engagement Matter: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Links between Companion Animal Guardianship, Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11082349 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 2349

Author(s):

Heather Clements ◽

Stephanie Valentin ◽

Nicholas Jenkins ◽

Jean Rankin ◽

Nancy R. Gee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Quantitative Data ◽

Online Survey ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Well Being ◽

Companion Animal ◽

Mixed Methods Study ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide placed limitations on social interaction, which is anticipated to have severe psychological consequences. Although findings are inconsistent, prior research has suggested that companion animals may positively influence human well-being and reduce loneliness. In the context of COVID-19, this has important implications, as companion animal guardians may be less negatively affected by the pandemic. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the influence of companion animals on mental well-being and loneliness during the pandemic, with specific interest in the role of ornamental fishes. A mixed-methods study was conducted, using an international sample. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey (n = 1199) and analysed using robust hierarchical multiple regression analyses; the influence of level of engagement with companion animals was examined for dogs, cats and ornamental fishes. There was no evidence that companion animal guardianship was associated with loneliness and mental well-being during the pandemic but spending more time engaging physically or socially with dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) was generally associated with poorer outcomes. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses (n = 757) and semi-structured interviews (n = 25) and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two themes were developed—one related to companion animals as providers of social and emotional support, and the other to companion animals as providers of purpose and perspective. Concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare were also identified. Compared to other animal types, more participants expressed indifference regarding the impact of their fishes on their well-being during the pandemic, possibly because fishes cannot provide comfort via physical touch. The findings of this study reflect the wider field of human–animal interaction; although qualitative data suggest guardians believe their companion animals are a positive influence in their lives, there is little convincing quantitative data to support these beliefs. This highlights the need to refine theories regarding which aspects of companion animal guardianship may influence human well-being; the findings from this research may be useful in the refinement of such theories.

Download Full-text

An audit looking at the impact of poverty on referrals to child and adolescent mental health services

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2021.886 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (S1) ◽

pp. S338-S338

Author(s):

Aida Nourbakhsh ◽

Kandarp Joshi ◽

Breige Yorston

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Service Provision ◽

Well Being ◽

Referral Criteria ◽

Medication Intervention ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Index Of Multiple Deprivation ◽

Made In ◽

Deprived Areas

AimsRecently, there has been a greater focus on how mental health in young people (YP) can be improved. Up to 10% of YP in Scotland have a diagnosable mental health condition1 and half of all adults with mental ill-health have had symptoms from their mid-teens2. Poverty is an important factor associated with poorer mental well-being from an early age which worsens if left untreated3. The aim of this audit was to answer the question: Are more YP referred from the least deprived areas, and are they more likely to require medication intervention or high intensity (tier 4) care? The results of which could help identify possible avenues for intervention to help improve retention of those most at risk of negative outcomes.MethodNHS Grampian CAMHS provides service to Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, and Moray. Pre-collected data over 15 months from these areas were analysed using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) deciles to distinguish any differences between referrals made. In addition, this audit evaluated the data to define any trends of deprivation linking YP to medication intervention or tier 4 care.ResultResults showed that more referrals were made for YP in low-ranking areas (3.19% of decile one compared to 1.74% of decile ten). The referrals were also more likely to be rejected based on the referral criteria, 33% in decile one versus 21% in decile ten. The increased rejection of referrals is most likely a reflection of the health inequalities faced by communities in more deprived areas. In terms of service provision, the patients from the most deprived areas are 3 times more like to require tier 4 care while the least deprived are 1.5 times more likely as compared to percentage of population. With regards to medication intervention patients from deciles one, five, six and seven have significantly higher numbers.ConclusionThis project set out to look at the current service provided by CAMHS and found that despite best efforts deprivation has had an impact on the acceptance of referrals. Going forward this data will be shared with multiagency stakeholders to develop service provisions, in particular the issues identified with the rejection of referrals in more deprived areas. Higher level of medication use in more deprived population is not unexpected but highlights the need to share the findings with a multiagency network.

Download Full-text

Systematic review on economic hardship, debt and psychological well-being in western countries

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20214614 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 6051

Author(s):

Paul Wesley Thompson

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Family Environment ◽

Well Being ◽

Financial Hardship ◽

Google Scholar ◽

Management Policy ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Financial Pressure ◽

Online Library ◽

The Impact

Financial hardship is a phenomenon which mediates many other factors in life regardless of age group one of many is well-being. Well-being is a multi-disciplinary term. This paper will investigate existing literature on the effect of financial hardship on well-being using systematic review to minimize the biases. The data will be systematically searched with following databases: Wiley-online library, Google scholar, JSTOR, Tandfonline and Emerald. The present study is a systematic review of English language research of 2010 to 2020 research papers on financial hardship and well-being. The databases used in the research are Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar with keywords financial hardship, financial pressure, financial challenges, stress, wellbeing, anxiety, psychological well-being. 81 studies were excluded and 12 studies were selected after reviewing the title and abstract of 93 studies based on the PRISMA. The inclusion and exclusion criteria allow studies of 2010 to 2021 to be considered. Fewer data was present in the subject of wellbeing and financial stress. However, the results show impact of both variables. Financial pressure leads to poor wellbeing and other factors such as lack of social support, unhealthy family environment and dept can robust the impact. The research makes a unique new contribution in research, lending support for policy, academic theory, new contributions to current literature not found elsewhere, especially mental health management policy.

Download Full-text

Colonial Values and Asylum Care in Brazil: Reclaiming the Streets Through Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

International Perspectives in Values-Based Mental Health Practice ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-47852-0_18 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 155-161

Author(s):

Julia Evangelista ◽

William A. Fulford

Keyword(s):

Local Community ◽

Well Being ◽

Colonial History ◽

Self Confidence ◽

History Of ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

The City

AbstractThis chapter shows how carnival has been used to counter the impact of Brazil’s colonial history on its asylums and perceptions of madness. Colonisation of Brazil by Portugal in the nineteenth century led to a process of Europeanisation that was associated with dismissal of non-European customs and values as “mad” and sequestration of the poor from the streets into asylums. Bringing together the work of the two authors, the chapter describes through a case study how a carnival project, Loucura Suburbana (Suburban Madness), in which patients in both long- and short-term asylum care play leading roles, has enabled them to “reclaim the streets,” and re-establish their right to the city as valid producers of culture on their own terms. In the process, entrenched stigmas associated with having a history of mental illness in a local community are challenged, and sense of identity and self-confidence can be rebuilt, thus contributing to long-term improvements in mental well-being. Further illustrative materials are available including photographs and video clips.

Download Full-text