Exploring the Physical and Mental Health Challenges Associated with Emergency Service Call-Taking and Dispatching: A Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 619-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Smith ◽  
Lisa Holmes ◽  
Frederick M. Burkle
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Emergency Service ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Challenges ◽  
Service Call

AbstractIntroduction:Emergency service (ambulance, police, fire) call-takers and dispatchers are often exposed to duty-related trauma, placing them at increased risk for developing mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their unique working environment also puts them at-risk for physical health issues like obesity, headache, backache, and insomnia. Along with the stress associated with being on the receiving end of difficult calls, call-takers and dispatchers also deal with the pressure and demand of following protocol despite dealing with the variability of complex and stressful situations.Methods:A systematic literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo databases.Results:A total of 25 publications were retrieved by the search strategy. The majority of studies (n = 13; 52%) reported a quantitative methodology, while nine (36%) reported the use of a qualitative research methodology. One study reported a mixed-methods methodology, one reported an evaluability assessment with semi-structured interviews, one reported on a case study, and one was a systematic review with a narrative synthesis.Discussion:Challenges to physical health included: shift-work leading to lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, and obesity; outdated and ergonomically ill-fitted equipment, and physically confining and isolating work spaces leading to physical injuries; inadequate breaks leading to fatigue; and high noise levels and poor lighting being correlated with higher cortisol levels. Challenges to mental health included: being exposed to traumatic calls; working in high-pressure environments with little downtime in between stressful calls; inadequate debriefing after stressful calls; inappropriate training for mental-health-related calls; and being exposed to verbally aggressive callers. Lack of support from leadership was an additional source of stress.Conclusion:Emergency service call-takers and dispatchers experience both physical and mental health challenges as a result of their work, which appears to be related to a range of both operational and support-based issues. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these physical and mental health challenges.

scholarly journals Critical Review of North Korean Women and Children's Health, 2000-2019: Physical and Mental Health Challenges with a Focus on Gender

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-128
Author(s):  
Amanda Wright ◽  
Lynn Pyun ◽  
Eunhee Ha ◽  
Jungsun Kim ◽  
Hae Soon Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
North Korean Defectors ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Mental Health Challenges ◽  
Gender Based

Women account for over eighty percent of recent North Korean defectors arriving in South Korea, yet there is dearth of gender-based research. Given the speed with which the dialogue on denuclearization with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea) has progressed since 2017, there is a surprising gap in research on possible health threats. If sanctions are eased, interactions with these previously isolated people will increase leading to potential health problems. This article reviews studies published since 2000 to understand physical and mental health faced in DPRK, among North Korean defectors to South Korea, and to provide policy recommendations. A content analysis of ninety studies found that mental health challenges are severe for North Korean defectors, and that women suffer differently than men during defection and its aftermath. We recommend a more nuanced and gendered approach for future research in order to devise tangible solutions to improve the health of North Koreans in general, and defector women and children in particular.

The Physical and Mental Health Challenges Experienced by 9/11 First Responders and Recovery Workers: A Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 625-631 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin C. Smith ◽  
Lisa Holmes ◽  
Frederick M. Burkle
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
First Responders ◽  
September 11 ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Quantitative Methodology ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Challenges

AbstractIntroduction:In the years following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York (USA), otherwise known as 9/11, first responders and recovery workers began experiencing a range of physical and mental health challenges. Publications documenting these provide an important evidence-base identifying exposure-related health challenges associated with environmental exposures from the World Trade Center (WTC) site and describe the key lessons learned regarding both physical and mental health challenges (including symptoms and defined conditions) from the 9/11 disaster response.Methods:A systematic literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo databases (September 11, 2001 to September 11, 2018) using relevant search terms, truncation symbols, and Boolean combination functions. Publications were limited to journal articles that documented the physical or mental health challenges of 9/11 on first responders or recovery workers.Results:A total of 156 publications were retrieved by the search strategy. The majority (55%) reported a quantitative methodology, while only seven percent reported the use of a qualitative research methodology. Firefighters were the group of responders most frequently reported in the literature (35%), while 37% of publications reported on research that included a mix of first responders and recovery workers. Physical health was the focus of the majority of publications (57%). Among the challenges, respiratory issues were the physical health condition most frequently reported in publications, while posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was the most frequent mental health condition reported on. Publications were published in a broad range of multi-disciplinary journals (n = 75).Discussion:These findings will go some way to filling the current gap in the 9/11 evidence-base regarding the understanding of the long-term health challenges for first responders and recovery workers.

Systematic Review of Displacement and Health Impact From Natural Disasters in Southeast Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subin Jang ◽  
Yuko Ekyalongo ◽  
Hyun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
2004 Tsunami

ABSTRACT Disaster-induced displacement is associated with an increased risk of physical and mental health disorders. We aim to understand (1) the magnitude and pattern of natural disasters, affected-population, and deaths by analyzing the surveillance data by the Emergency Events Database and (2) health outcomes by a systematic review of previous studies (1975–2017), which reported physical or mental health outcomes and epidemiological measure of association among population displaced by natural disasters in Southeast Asia. A total of 674 disasters, mainly floods, storms, and earthquakes, occurred between 2004 and 2017. From the systematic review, among 6 studies met inclusion criteria, which focused on mental health (n = 5) and physical health (n = 1). All studies describing mental health resulted from the 2004 tsunami in Ache, Indonesia. We found over 7 times more publications for the disasters in Far East Asia. Selected studies revealed significantly worse mental health outcomes and poor physical health among displaced population compared with nondisplaced population. Despite the alarmingly large population displaced by natural disasters in Southeast Asia, very few studies investigate physical and mental health outcomes of such crisis. Following the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, researcher and policy-makers have to present more resources toward preventing and mitigating health outcomes.

Physical activity as an intervention in severe mental illness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Aaron A. Kandola ◽  
David P. J. Osborn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Physical Health Problems ◽  
Health Complications

SUMMARY Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for several physical and mental health conditions. It is well established that people with severe mental illness have increased risk of physical health complications, particularly cardiovascular disease. They are also more likely to be physically inactive, contributing to the elevated cardiovascular and metabolic risks, which are further compounded by antipsychotic medication use. Interventions involving physical activity are a relatively low risk and accessible way of reducing physical health problems and weight in people with severe mental illness. They also have wider benefits for mental health symptoms and quality of life. However, many barriers still exist to the widespread implementation of physical activity interventions in the treatment of severe mental illness. A more concerted effort is needed to facilitate their translation into routine practice and to increase adherence to activity interventions.

scholarly journals Material Hardship Among Custodial Grandparents and Grandchildren's Physical and Mental Health in COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 495-495
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Xu ◽  
Qianwei Zhao ◽  
Brittany Schuler ◽  
Sue Levkoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Latent Classes ◽  
Material Hardship ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Custodial Grandparents ◽  
Class 1

Abstract COVID-19 has increased economic hardship for many families, including custodial grandparent-headed families. We aim to examine latent classes of material hardship among custodial grandparent-headed families, to assess predictors associated with identified classes, and to investigate associations with grandchildren’s physical and mental health outcomes during COVID-19. Data was collected from a cross-sectional survey in June 2020. The sample comprised of 362 grandparents. Latent class analysis and logistic regression were conducted. Three latent classes of material hardship were identified: Class 1 (n = 232; 64.1%) low overall hardship with high medical hardship, class 2 (n = 52; 14.4%) moderate overall hardship with high utility hardship, and class 3 (n = 78; 21.5%) severe overall hardship. Factors, such as race, household income, labor force status, financial assistance status, and trigger events to raise grandchildren, were associated with class membership. Class 2 (OR = 0.19, p < 0.05) compared to Class 1 was significantly associated with grandchildren’s physical health. Our findings suggest that material hardship is heterogeneous among custodial grandparents during COVID-19, and children in households experiencing utility hardship have a higher risk for poorer physical health outcomes. Results highlight the needs to meet grandparents’ material needs and call for future research to examine the mechanism that explains the link between material hardship and grandchildren’s outcomes.

Stress and Comorbidity of Physical and Mental Health

2018 ◽  
pp. 312-330
Author(s):  
Kelsey D. Vig ◽  
Renée El-Gabalawy ◽  
Gordon J. G. Asmundson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health It ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

This chapter discusses the complex relationship between stress and physical health, with a focus on comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health conditions. There is a great deal of evidence that stress and mental health conditions, such as PTSD, often co-occur with physical health conditions. This chapter reviews this evidence, describes potential mechanisms underlying the comorbidity, and outlines theoretical frameworks for understanding the relationship between stress and physical health. It considers the ways in which stress leads to poor physical health, how physical health conditions can lead to stress, and how other factors may both increase stress and worsen physical health. Clinical implications of comorbid mental and physical health conditions and suggestions for future research in the area are also discussed.

scholarly journals Self-Rated Health by Sexual Orientation Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1747-1757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gajan Sivakumaran ◽  
Rachel Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Bisexual Women ◽  
Middle Aged

Abstract Objectives This article examines patterns of self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults in Canada, a rapidly growing subpopulation shown to be at risk of poor health. Method We use the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS 2015–2016) to estimate logit models predicting fair/poor self-rated physical and mental health by sexual orientation among middle-aged and older adults, stratifying by sex and age group. Results We find no differences in physical health for gay men and lesbian women compared with their heterosexual counterparts. However, middle-aged gay men are disadvantaged in terms of mental health, but not women. Bisexual women are disadvantaged in terms of physical health, and for mental health in some model specifications. Respondents who did not know their sexual orientation have poorer health across some measures of health and age groups. Discussion Our findings add to the paucity of research on older sexual minorities in Canada. They highlight the importance of separating out sexual minority groups because bisexual women have distinct health profiles. In addition, this is the first study to examine the health of respondents who “do not know” their sexual orientation, and future research should distinguish between different explanations for their poor health.

Interventions to Improve Grandparent Caregivers’ Mental and Physical Health: An Integrative Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 1236-1264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jen’nea Sumo ◽  
JoEllen Wilbur ◽  
Wrenetha Julion ◽  
Susan Buchholz ◽  
Michael Schoeny
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Grandparent Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Interventions ◽  
Grandparent Caregiver

The aim of this integrative review is to appraise grandparent caregiver interventions that are designed to improve their physical and mental health. A database search was performed to identify relevant studies published between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2014. Thirteen publications, including 11 studies, met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies included grandparent mental health outcomes with fewer focusing on physical health and social relations. Improvements were found in all three areas with fewer improvements seen in physical health. However, small effect sizes were seen with most measures of these outcomes. Although the interventions led to positive grandparent caregiver outcomes, the studies were limited by their design, only one of which was a randomized controlled trial. Also, interventions did not consider variations in the grandchild’s or parent’s ages or if the grandparent provided primary or shared care. These gaps should be addressed in future research.

scholarly journals Self-Rated Health and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adults in Italy: A Comparison between Data on University Students, Young Workers and Working Students Collected through the 2005 and 2013 National Health Surveys

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6403
Author(s):  
Isabella Giulia Franzoi ◽  
Fabrizio D’Ovidio ◽  
Giuseppe Costa ◽  
Angelo d’Errico ◽  
Antonella Granieri
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Health Surveys ◽  
Poor General Health ◽  
Working Students ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
National Health Surveys

Background. The present study aimed at comparing self-reported physical health and mental health among university students, workers, and working students aged between 19 years and 29 years. Method. Using data from National Health Surveys held in 2005 and 2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 18,612 Italian emerging adults grouped into three groups: university students, workers, and working students. The odds ratios of self-reported anxiety or depression, poor general health, and poor mental health and physical health (as assessed through SF-12) were estimated through logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Compared with workers, students showed an increased risk of anxiety or depression and a lower risk of poor general health. Students and working students showed an increased risk of reporting weak mental health compared with that in workers, while students displayed a lower risk of poor physical health. Significant differences were not found between the 2005 and 2013 surveys. Conclusions. These results are of considerable importance for psychologists as well as educational and occupation-based institutions for planning prevention programs and clinical interventions.

scholarly journals Defining a research agenda for youth sport specialisation in the USA: the AMSSM Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-143
Author(s):  
Stephanie A Kliethermes ◽  
Stephen W Marshall ◽  
Cynthia R LaBella ◽  
Andrew M Watson ◽  
Joel S Brenner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Agenda ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Youth Sport ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medical Society ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Usa

Sport specialisation is becoming increasingly common among youth and adolescent athletes in the USA and many have raised concern about this trend. Although research on sport specialisation has grown significantly, numerous pressing questions remain pertaining to short-term and long-term effects of specialisation on the health and well-being of youth, including the increased risk of overuse injury and burnout. Many current elite athletes did not specialise at an early age. Methodological and study design limitations impact the quality of current literature, and researchers need to prioritise pressing research questions to promote safe and healthy youth sport participation. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine hosted a Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit in April 2019 with the goal of synthesising and reviewing current scientific knowledge and developing a research agenda to guide future research in the field based on the identified gaps in knowledge. This statement provides a broad summary of the existing literature, gaps and limitations in current evidence and identifies key research priorities to help guide researchers conducting research on youth sport specialisation. Our goals are to help improve the quality and relevance of research on youth sport specialisation and to ultimately assure that opportunities for healthy and safe sport participation continue for all youth.

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