scholarly journals Systemic inflammation and emotional responses during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Odessa S. Hamilton ◽  
Dorina Cadar ◽  
Andrew Steptoe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Short Version ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population mental health is of global concern. Inflammatory processes are thought to contribute to mental ill-health, but their role in experiences of psychological distress during the pandemic has not been investigated. We tested the hypothesis that elevated inflammatory biomarkers (high-sensitivity plasma C-reactive protein [CRP] and plasma fibrinogen) measured pre-pandemic would be positively predictive of increased depressive symptoms experienced during the pandemic. Data were analysed from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), with 3574 individuals aged >50 for CRP and 3314 for fibrinogen measured in waves 8 (2016/17) or 9 (2018/19). Depressive symptoms were measured with a short version of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) pre-pandemic (2016–2019) and during the pandemic (June/July 2020). Participants with higher baseline CRP concentrations had 40% higher odds of developing depressive symptoms during the pandemic (ORadjusted = 1.40, 95% CI 1.12–1.73, p = 0.003) after full adjustment. Fibrinogen concentrations were also associated with depressive symptoms during the pandemic (ORadjusted = 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.46, p = 0.019), but this association was no longer significant after controlling for lifestyle factors (smoking status, alcohol consumption and physical activity). In this large population study, systemic inflammation measured 1–3 years pre-pandemic was associated with greater depressed mood during the early months of the pandemic. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that higher levels of inflammation increase the vulnerability of older people to impaired mental health in the presence of the widespread stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Impact of Work Hours on Depressive Symptoms among Koreans Aged 45 and Over

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 853
Author(s):  
Juyeong Kim ◽  
Eun-Cheol Park
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Impact

Background: Given the documented importance of employment for middle-aged and older adults’ mental health, studies of the association between their number of work hours and depressive symptoms are needed. Objectives: To examine the association between the number of work hours and depressive symptoms in Korean aged 45 and over. Methods: We used data from the first wave to fourth wave of the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using the first wave at baseline, data included 9845 individuals. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. We performed a longitudinal analysis to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms by work hours. Results: Both unemployed males and females aged 45–65 years were associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.59, p < 0.001; β = 0.32, p < 0.001). Females working ≥ 69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms compared to those working 41–68 h (β = 0.25, p = 0.013). Among those both middle-aged and older adults, both males and females unemployed were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Those middle-aged female working ≥69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Conclusions: An increase in depressive symptoms was associated with unemployed males and females working ≥69 h compared to those working 41–68 h. Although this association was found among middle-aged individuals, a decrease in depressive symptoms in both sexes was associated with working 1–40 h. Depressive symptoms should decrease by implementing employment policies and social services to encourage employers to support middle-aged and older adults in the workforce considering their sex and age differences.

The impact of cataract surgery on depressive symptoms for bilateral cataract patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kien Gia To ◽  
Lynn B. Meuleners ◽  
Michelle L. Fraser ◽  
Dat Van Duong ◽  
Dung Van Do ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ho Chi Minh City ◽  
Bilateral Cataract ◽  
Vietnamese Population ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTBackground:Depression is common among older populations with cataract. However, the impact of cataract surgery on depression in both developed and developing countries remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of cataract surgery on depressive symptoms and to examine the association between objective visual measures and change in depressive symptoms after surgery among a Vietnamese population in Ho Chi Minh City.Methods:A cohort of older patients with bilateral cataract were assessed the week before and one to three months after first eye surgery only or first- and second-eye cataract surgeries. Visual measures including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis were obtained. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Descriptive analyses and a generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis were undertaken to determine the impact of cataract surgery on depressive symptoms.Results:Four hundred and thirteen participants were recruited into the study before cataract surgery. Two hundred and forty-seven completed the follow-up assessment after surgery. There was a significant decrease (improvement) of one point in the depressive symptoms score (p = 0.04) after cataract surgery, after accounting for potential confounding factors. In addition, females reported a significantly greater decrease (improvement) of two points in depressive symptom scores (p = 0.01), compared to males. However, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, and stereopsis were not significantly associated with change in depressive symptoms scores. First-eye cataract surgery or both-eye cataract surgery did not modify the change in depressive symptoms score.Conclusion:There was a small but significant improvement in depressive symptoms score after cataract surgery for an older population in Vietnam.

scholarly journals Intrafamily relations and resilience as protectors against depressive symptoms in Mexican high school students

Salud Mental ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-134
Author(s):  
Héctor Rubén Bravo-Andrade
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Short Version ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Introduction. Between 27.3% and 31.5% of adolescents in Mexico may present symptoms of depression. This issue has been studied from both family and resilience perspectives, although few studies have examined their interaction. Objective. In this study, we evaluated the influence of intrafamily relations and resilience on depressive symptoms in Mexican high school students, for which an analysis by sex was conducted. Method. For this correlation cross-sectional study, we evaluated 511 adolescents using the Revised Depression Scale of the Center for Epidemiological Studies, the short version of the Intrafamily Relation Evaluation Scale, and the Revised Resilience Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents. We performed multiple linear regression analyzes by sex using the stepwise method. Results. For young men, the predictor variables were expression, difficulties, and problem-solving (R2a = .34), whereas for young women the variables were union and support, difficulties, and empathy (R2a = .25). Discussion and conclusion. This study indicates specific aspects of intrafamily relations and resilience to develop sex-sensitive interventions to prevent depression in high school students.

scholarly journals Associations between self-reported changes in physical activities and sedentary behaviors and changes in mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Cillian McDowell ◽  
Mark Ward ◽  
Christine McGarrigle ◽  
Aisling O'Halloran ◽  
Sarah Gibney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Sedentary Behaviours ◽  
Do It Yourself

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and containment strategies employed to limit its spread have profoundly impacted daily life. Emerging evidence shows that mental health worsened compared to pre-pandemic trends. In this study, we examine associations of self-reported changes in physical activities and sedentary behaviors with mental health changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among older Irish adults. Methods: This study used data from Wave 5 (2018) and the COVID-19 study (July–November 2020) of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 8-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; Perceived stress, using the 4‐item Perceived Stress Scale. Participants reported perceived changes in participation in physical activities and sedentary behaviours before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Linear regressions examined separate associations between changes in physical activities and sedentary behaviours and changes in perceived stress/depressive symptoms. Adjustment included demographics, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, chronic diseases and stress/depressive symptoms at Wave 5. Results: Among 2,645 participants (mean age, 68.2yrs; 56% female), 19.5% (95%CI: 18.2–20.9) reported clinically significant depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to before the pandemic, reduced and no exercise at home and walking were associated with increased depressive symptoms and stress. A reduction in home DIY (do it yourself) was also associated with both depression and stress while doing no DIY at all was associated with increased stress but not depressive symptoms (all p<.05). Reduced hobbies and reading were associated with higher depressive symptoms, and both reduced and increased screen time were associated with increased depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Greater decreases in mental health were seen among those who reported negative changes in their physical and sedentary activities. These findings have important implications for mental health care both as we transition back to normal life and for responses to future pandemics.

scholarly journals Childhood familial environment and adulthood depression: evidence from a Chinese population-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-316
Author(s):  
Qin Zhou ◽  
Zhichao Yin ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Ning Li
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Familial Environment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Mental disorders have become an important public health issue and evidence is lacking on the impact of childhood experience on adulthood mental health in regions of low and middle income. Using national representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we aimed to explore the impact of childhood familial environment on adulthood depression. Methods A total of 19 485 subjects were interviewed. The survey collected information on demographic variables, variables of childhood familial environment and potential pathway variables, including childhood health status, adulthood physical health status, adulthood social support and adulthood socio-economic status (SES). Depressive symptoms were measured by the 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Results Parents’ physical and mental health during the subjects’ childhood were significantly associated with adulthood mental health. Mothers’ smoking, unfair treatment and low family SES were associated with higher depressive symptoms in adulthood. Childhood physical and mental health status, adulthood physical health and adulthood SES might be important mediators in the pathways of childhood familial environment affecting adulthood depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study is the first to explore the relationship of childhood familial environment and adulthood depression in China. The results indicate that parents’ physical and mental health, health behaviour and treatment equity among children a important predictors for adult depression.

scholarly journals Is bullying in adolescence associated with the development of depressive symptoms in adulthood?: A longitudinal cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trine Nøhr Winding ◽  
Lisbeth Astrid Skouenborg ◽  
Vibeke Lie Mortensen ◽  
Johan Hviid Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Response Relationship ◽  
Exposure Response ◽  
Being Bullied

Abstract Background Being bullied in adolescence is linked to mental health problems like anxiety, depressive- and somatic symptoms and can have negative consequences on both an individual and a societal level. However, evidence regarding the long-term mental health consequences of bullying in adolescence is limited. The aim of this study was to examine whether being bullied at age 15 or 18 was associated with experiencing depressive symptoms at age 28, and to examine whether being bullied at both ages 15 and 18 increased the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms at age 28. Methods A prospective cohort study, which applied data from the West Jutland Cohort Study, was conducted. Bullying and depressive symptoms were measured on the basis of self-reported data from surveys in 2004, 2007 and 2017. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. A total of 1790 participants were included in the study, and analyzed by multiple logistic regressions. Results The results showed associations between being bullied at age 15 or 18 and the reporting of depressive symptoms at age 28 when adjusted for potential confounders. An exposure–response relationship was seen in those who were bullied at both ages 15 and 18. This group had the highest risk of developing depressive symptoms at age 28. Conclusions Being bullied in adolescence was associated with developing depressive symptoms in adulthood and there was an exposure–response relationship between being bullied over time and the later reporting of depressive symptoms. The results highlight the need to provide more detailed information to schools and local communities about the negative consequences of bullying. Such increased awareness may help reduce the risk of young people developing depressive symptoms later in life.

scholarly journals Profiles of Depressive Symptoms Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Mexico: A Latent Class Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Cerecero-Garcia ◽  
Heleen Vermandere ◽  
Ietza Bojorquez ◽  
José Gómez-Castro ◽  
José Arturo Sánchez-Ochoa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Latent Class Analysis ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Economic Stress ◽  
Class Analysis ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Impact

The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on mental health among HIV high-risk populations is not known. We assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DS) and explore the association with characteristics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online survey among 881 men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) assessing the presence of DS using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10); results were compared with previously self-reported DS and national data. We applied latent class analysis (LCA) to identify classes of participants with similar COVID-19 related characteristics. The overall prevalence of significant DS was 53.3%. By LCA posterior probabilities we identified three classes: (1) minimal impact of COVID-19 (54.1%), (2) objective risk for COVID-19 (41.5%), and (3) anxiety and economic stress caused by COVID-19 (4.4%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that compared with those in class one, the odds to have significant DS were almost five times higher for those in class three. Our findings suggest high levels of depression among MSM and TGW in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the need for the provision of targeted psychological interventions to minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on the mental health.

scholarly journals Association between depressive symptoms and objective/subjective socioeconomic status among older adults of two regions in Myanmar

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245489
Author(s):  
Yuri Sasaki ◽  
Yugo Shobugawa ◽  
Ikuma Nozaki ◽  
Daisuke Takagi ◽  
Yuiko Nagamine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Subjective Ses

Low objective socioeconomic status (SES) has been correlated with poor physical and mental health among older adults. Some studies suggest that subjective SES is also important for ensuring sound physical and mental health among older adults. However, few studies have been conducted on the impact of both objective and subjective SES on mental health among older adults. This study examines whether objective or subjective SES is associated with depressive symptoms in older adults in Myanmar. This cross-sectional study, conducted between September and December, 2018, used a multistage sampling method to recruit participants from two regions of Myanmar, for face-to-face interviews. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to evaluate the depressive symptoms. Participants were classified as having no depressive symptom (GDS score <5) and having depressive symptoms (GDS score ≥5). Objective and subjective SES were assessed using the wealth index and asking participants a multiple-choice question about their current financial situation, respectively. The relationship between objective/subjective SES and depressive symptoms was examined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the 1,186 participants aged 60 years and above was 69.7 (SD: 7.3), and 706 (59.5%) were female. Among them, 265 (22.3%) had depressive symptoms. After adjusting for objective SES and other covariates, only low subjective SES was positively associated with depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 4.18, 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.98–5.87). This association was stronger among participants in the rural areas (urban areas, AOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.08–4.05; rural areas, AOR: 5.65, 95% CI: 3.69–8.64). Subjective SES has a stronger association with depressive symptoms than objective SES, among older adults of the two regions in Myanmar, especially in the rural areas. Interventions for depression in older adults should consider regional differences in the context of subjective SES by reducing socioeconomic disparities among the communities.

scholarly journals Public transport policy, social engagement and mental health in older age: a quasi-experimental evaluation of free bus passes in England

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 361-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Reinhard ◽  
Emilie Courtin ◽  
Frank J van Lenthe ◽  
Mauricio Avendano
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Public Transport ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Older Age ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundSocial engagement and social isolation are key determinants of mental health in older age, yet there is limited evidence on how public policies may contribute to reducing isolation, promoting social engagement and improving mental health among older people. This study examines the impact of the introduction of an age-friendly transportation policy, free bus passes, on the mental health of older people in England.MethodsWe use an instrumental variable (IV) approach that exploits eligibility criteria for free bus passes to estimate the impact of increased public transportation use on depressive symptoms, loneliness, social isolation and social engagement.ResultsEligibility for the free bus travel pass was associated with an 8% (95% CI 6.4% to 9.6%) increase in the use of public transportation among older people. The IV model suggests that using public transport reduces depressive symptoms by 0.952 points (95% CI −1.712 to −0.192) on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. IV models also suggest that using public transport reduces feelings of loneliness (β −0.794, 95% CI −1.528 to −0.061), increases volunteering at least monthly (β 0.237, 95% CI 0.059 to 0.414) and increases having regular contact with children (β 0.480, 95% CI 0.208 to 0.752) and friends (β 0.311, 95% CI 0.109 to 0.513).ConclusionFree bus travel is associated with reductions in depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness among older people. Transportation policies may increase older people’s social engagement and consequently deliver significant benefits to mental health.

The association between social network relationships and depressive symptoms among older Americans: what matters most?

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 930-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Howard Litwin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Perceived Quality ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Network Type

ABSTRACTBackground: Although social network relationships are linked to mental health in late life, it is still unclear whether it is the structure of social networks or their perceived quality that matters.Methods: The current study regressed a dichotomous 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-8) score on measures of social network relationships among Americans, aged 65–85 years, from the first wave of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project. The network indicators included a structural variable – social network type – and a series of relationship quality indicators: perceived positive and negative ties with family, friends and spouse/ partner. Multivariate logistic regression analyses controlled for age, gender, education, income, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, functional health and physical health.Results: The perceived social network quality variables were unrelated to the presence of a high level of depressive symptoms, but social network type maintained an association with this mental health outcome even after controlling for confounders. Respondents embedded in resourceful social network types in terms of social capital – “diverse,” “friend” and “congregant” networks – reported less presence of depressive symptoms, to varying degrees.Conclusions: The results show that the structure of the network seems to matter more than the perceived quality of the ties as an indicator of depressive symptoms. Moreover, the composite network type variable stands out in capturing the differences in mental state. The construct of network type should be incorporated in mental health screening among older people who reside in the community. One's social network type can be an important initial indicator that one is at risk.

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