Labour Market Attachment, Workplace Infection Control Procedures and Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Canadian Non-healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to large proportions of the labour market moving to remote work, while others have become unemployed. Those still at their physical workplace likely face increased risk of infection, compared to other workers. The objective of this paper is to understand the relationship between working arrangements, infection control programs (ICP), and symptoms of anxiety and depression among Canadian workers, not specifically working in healthcare. Methods A convenience-based internet survey of Canadian non-healthcare workers was facilitated through various labour organizations between April 26 and June 6, 2020. A total of 5180 respondents started the survey, of which 3779 were assessed as employed in a full-time or part-time capacity on 2 March 2020 (prior to large-scale COVID-19 pandemic responses in Canada). Of this sample, 3305 (87.5%) had complete information on main exposures and outcomes. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder screener (GAD-2), and depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire screener (PHQ-2). For workers at their physical workplace (site-based workers) we asked questions about the adequacy and implementation of 11 different types of ICP, and the adequacy and supply of eight different types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Respondents were classified as either: working remotely; site-based workers with 100% of their ICP/PPE needs met; site-based workers with 50–99% of ICP/PPE needs met; site-based workers with 1–49% of ICP/PPE needs met; site-based workers with none of ICP/PPE needs met; or no longer employed. Regression analyses examined the association between working arrangements and ICP/PPE adequacy and having GAD-2 and PHQ-2 scores of three and higher (a common screening point in both scales). Models were adjusted for a range of demographic, occupation, workplace, and COVID-19-specific factors. Results A total of 42.3% (95% CI: 40.6–44.0%) of the sample had GAD-2 scores of 3 and higher, and 34.6% (95% CI: 32.–36.2%) had PHQ-2 scores of 3 and higher. In initial analyses, symptoms of anxiety and depression were lowest among those working remotely (35.4 and 27.5%), compared to site-based workers (43.5 and 34.7%) and those who had lost their jobs (44.1 and 35.9%). When adequacy of ICP and PPE was taken into account, the lowest prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms was observed among site-based workers with all of their ICP needs being met (29.8% prevalence for GAD-2 scores of 3 and higher, and 23.0% prevalence for PHQ-2 scores of 3 and higher), while the highest prevalence was observed among site-based workers with none of their ICP needs being met (52.3% for GAD-2 scores of 3 and higher, and 45.8% for PHQ-2 scores of 3 and higher). Conclusion Our results suggest that the adequate design and implementation of employer-based ICP have implications for the mental health of site-based workers. As economies re-open the ongoing assessment of ICP and associated mental health outcomes among the workforce is warranted.

Download Full-text

Can Active Labour Market Programmes Emulate the Mental Health Benefits of Regular Paid Employment? Longitudinal Evidence from the United Kingdom

Work Employment and Society ◽

10.1177/0950017020946664 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 095001702094666

Author(s):

Senhu Wang ◽

Adam Coutts ◽

Brendan Burchell ◽

Daiga Kamerāde ◽

Ursula Balderson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Labour Market ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Full Time ◽

Active Labour ◽

Mental Health Benefits ◽

Different Types ◽

Nuanced Understanding ◽

The Uk ◽

Active Labour Market Programmes

Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMPs), which form important components of employment support policies around the world, have been found to improve mental health and wellbeing of participants. However, it remains unclear how these health effects compare with the effects of different types of employment for men and women. Using 1991–2019 panel data in the UK, we find that unemployed women derive similar mental health benefits from ALMPs compared with employment. Unemployed men also benefit from ALMPs but obtain significantly more health benefits from formal employment. Such benefits are particularly pronounced in full-time, permanent and upper/middle-status jobs. Further analyses reveal that programmes that deliver human capital training have larger mental health benefits than employment assistance ALMPs. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the mental health impacts of ALMPs compared with different types of employment, and highlight the need for a more gender-sensitive design in labour market interventions.

Download Full-text

The non-specific nature of mental health and structural brain outcomes following childhood trauma

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291721002439 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Theresa K. Haidl ◽

Dennis M. Hedderich ◽

Marlene Rosen ◽

Nathalie Kaiser ◽

Mauro Seves ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Childhood Trauma ◽

Brain Structure ◽

Mental Health Disorders ◽

Recent Onset ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Health Disorders ◽

Structural Brain

Abstract Background Childhood trauma (CT) is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders; however, it is unknown whether this represents a diagnosis-specific risk factor for specific psychopathology mediated by structural brain changes. Our aim was to explore whether (i) a predictive CT pattern for transdiagnostic psychopathology exists, and whether (ii) CT can differentiate between distinct diagnosis-dependent psychopathology. Furthermore, we aimed to identify the association between CT, psychopathology and brain structure. Methods We used multivariate pattern analysis in data from 643 participants of the Personalised Prognostic Tools for Early Psychosis Management study (PRONIA), including healthy controls (HC), recent onset psychosis (ROP), recent onset depression (ROD), and patients clinically at high-risk for psychosis (CHR). Participants completed structured interviews and self-report measures including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, SCID diagnostic interview, BDI-II, PANSS, Schizophrenia Proneness Instrument, Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms and structural MRI, analyzed by voxel-based morphometry. Results (i) Patients and HC could be distinguished by their CT pattern with a reasonable precision [balanced accuracy of 71.2% (sensitivity = 72.1%, specificity = 70.4%, p ≤ 0.001]. (ii) Subdomains ‘emotional neglect’ and ‘emotional abuse’ were most predictive for CHR and ROP, while in ROD ‘physical abuse’ and ‘sexual abuse’ were most important. The CT pattern was significantly associated with the severity of depressive symptoms in ROD, ROP, and CHR, as well as with the PANSS total and negative domain scores in the CHR patients. No associations between group-separating CT patterns and brain structure were found. Conclusions These results indicate that CT poses a transdiagnostic risk factor for mental health disorders, possibly related to depressive symptoms. While differences in the quality of CT exposure exist, diagnostic differentiation was not possible suggesting a multi-factorial pathogenesis.

Download Full-text

Stress-related emotional and behavioural impact following the first COVID-19 outbreak peak

Molecular Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/s41380-021-01219-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Asaf Benjamin ◽

Yael Kuperman ◽

Noa Eren ◽

Ron Rotkopf ◽

Maya Amitai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Impact ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Distress Symptoms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Physiological Symptoms ◽

Individual Ability ◽

And Coping

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic poses multiple psychologically stressful challenges and is associated with an increased risk for mental illness. Previous studies have focused on the psychopathological symptoms associated with the outbreak peak. Here, we examined the behavioural and mental-health impact of the pandemic in Israel using an online survey, during the six weeks encompassing the end of the first outbreak and the beginning of the second. We used clinically validated instruments to assess anxiety- and depression-related emotional distress, symptoms, and coping strategies, as well as questions designed to specifically assess COVID-19-related concerns. Higher emotional burden was associated with being female, younger, unemployed, living in high socioeconomic status localities, having prior medical conditions, encountering more people, and experiencing physiological symptoms. Our findings highlight the environmental context and its importance in understanding individual ability to cope with the long-term stressful challenges of the pandemic.

Download Full-text

The influence of workplace stress and coping on depressive symptoms among registered nurses in Bangladesh

Belitung Nursing Journal ◽

10.33546/bnj.1959 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Reva Mondal ◽

Yajai Sitthimongkol ◽

Nopporn Vongsirimas ◽

Natkamol Chansatitporn ◽

Kathy Hegadoren

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Registered Nurses ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Workplace Stress ◽

Unique Contribution ◽

Workplace Stressors ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Relationship

Background: Nurses report high levels of workplace stress, which has been linked to an increased risk for experiencing depressive symptoms.Nurses’ workplace stress is also linked to increased absenteeism and decreased job satisfaction. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the incidence of depressive symptoms among hospital-based registered nurses in Bangladesh; (2) common sources of workplace stress and their relationships to individual characteristics and depressive symptom scores; and (3) the potential mediating roles of coping strategies in the relationship between workplace stress and depressive symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study design involved three hundred and fifty-two registered nurses. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and three standardized tools measuring sources of nurses’ workplace stress, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms. Results: More than half of the participants scored ≥ 16 on the CES-D, which was associated with a major depression episode. Total NSS scores had a small but significant influence on scores on the depression scale. Coping strategies had no mediated effect on the relationship between workplace stress and scores on the depression scale. Low-reliability coefficients for subscales of two of the standardized tools highlight the challenge for researchers in developing countries to address contextual differences that may influence the meanings attached to individual items. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the mental health of registered nurses in Bangladesh requires immediate attention in part by attending to workplace stressors. Further research should focus on a deeper understanding of Bangladeshi registered nurses’ work experiences and the unique contribution that workplace stressors have on their physical and mental health.

Download Full-text

Burden of predominant psychological reactions among the healthcare workers and general during COVID-19 pandemic phase: a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2021.01.02.21249126 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bhaskar Thakur ◽

Mona Pathak

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Global Mental Health ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Psychological Reactions ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽

Anxiety Depression

ABSTRACTAimPresent systematic review and meta-analysis examined the burden of psychological reactions predominantly anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia during novel COVID-19 pandemic phase among the frontline healthcare, non-frontline healthcare and general.MethodologyPubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS were searched for studies between Jan 1, 2020 to May 25, 2020. Brief protocol of the systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO database, (CRD42020186229).Any study that reported the burden of at least one of psychological reactions including anxiety or depression or stress or insomnia was eligible. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic and results were synthesized using random effect meta-analysis.ResultsOut of 52eligible studies, 43 reported anxiety, 43 reported depression, 20 reported stress and 11 reported insomnia. Overall prevalence for anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia were 26.6%, 26.2%,26.2% and 34.4% respectively. Anxiety and depression were found highest among the COVID-19 patients (43.3% and 51.75 respectively). Apart from COVID-19 patients, prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia were found highest among the frontline healthcare (27.2%, 32.1%,55.6% and 34.4% respectively) as compared to general healthcare workers (26.9%, 15.7%, 7.0% and 34.0% respectively) and general population (25.9%, 25.9%,25.4% and 29.4% respectively).ConclusionAnxiety and depression were found highest among the COVID-19 patients. Apart from COVID-19 patients, the anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia were more prevalent among frontline healthcare workers compared to general. Such increased prevalence is prompting towards the global mental health emergency. Therefore a call of urgent attention and pan-region effective mental-health intervention are required to mitigate these psychological reactions.

Download Full-text

Partners of young breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional evaluation of psychosocial issues and mental health.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.5_suppl.184 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽

pp. 184-184 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nancy Borstelmann ◽

Shoshana M. Rosenberg ◽

Shari I. Gelber ◽

Meghan E Meyer ◽

Kathryn Jean Ruddy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Full Time ◽

Maladaptive Coping ◽

Psychosocial Concerns ◽

The Impact

184 Background: While evidence of the challenges of cancer caregiving has been growing, scant research addresses the experience of partners of young adults with cancer. These individuals and their relationships may be particularly vulnerable to stress, especially when managing the complexity of cancer care and survivorship with their partner. We sought to evaluate psychosocial concerns and mental health in the partners of young survivors of early stage breast cancer (BC). Methods: We invited partners of young women w/BC diagnosed at age ≤ 40 yrs enrolled in a prospective cohort study to participate in a one-time survey evaluating psychosocial concerns including quality of life, coping, social support, financial insecurity, partnership concerns, parenting concerns, anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of anxiety (score > 8 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Results: Most respondents (284/289) were male, with median age 43 yrs (range 27-65). The median time of survey completion was 62 months (range 16 -114) after their partner’s dx. Respondents were mostly white (93%), working full time (94%), and college educated (78%); 29% reported some financial stress, 74% were parenting children < 18 yrs, and 32% reported at least a fair amount of relationship concern. 42% (106/250) had anxiety (39/289 respondents (13%) had incomplete/missing HADS). In univariable analyses, lower education, working full time, parenting concerns, insufficient social support and maladaptive coping were associated (p < .05) with anxiety. In the multivariable model, only maladaptive coping remained significantly associated with anxiety (p < .01, OR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.22, 4.39)). Conclusions: Partners of young BC survivors who used less constructive/more maladaptive coping strategies experience negative mental health outcomes after tx has ended. Caregivers’ anxiety may have implications for both their own and survivors’ health and QOL. Future interventions might focus on the development of constructive coping strategies to enhance adjustment and role effectiveness in dealing with the impact of cancer.

Download Full-text

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Problems Among Caregivers of People Living With Neurocognitive Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.590343 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Qiuxuan Li ◽

Haifeng Zhang ◽

Ming Zhang ◽

Tao Li ◽

Wanxin Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Prevalence Rate ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Neurocognitive Disorders ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Anxiety Depression

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among caregivers of persons living with neurocognitive disorders (PLWND) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and investigate whether the COVID-19-related experiences were associated with the presence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.Methods: From March 1 to 31, 2020, 160 caregivers of PLWND participated in an online cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was administered to measure anxiety symptoms, and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Questions on sleep duration and sleep quality enquired about sleep problems. Six items were used to explore the COVID-19-related experiences, including community-level infection contact and the level of exposure to media information. We computed the prevalence rate of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with these mental health problems.Results: The prevalence rate of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems were 46.9%, 36.3%, and 9.4%. Approximately 55 participants (34.4%) presented with two or more mental health problems. Women had a higher risk of developing anxiety symptoms (OR, 5.284; 95% CI, 2.068–13.503; p = 0.001). Having a mental disorder (OR, 5.104; 95% CI, 1.522–17.114; p = 0.008) was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Caregivers who preferred to access positive information (OR, 0.215; 95% CI, 0.058–0.793; p = 0.021) was associated with decreased risk of sleep problems.Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive symptoms were common among caregivers of older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female was an independent risk factor for experiencing anxiety symptoms. Preexisting mental disorders increased the risk of depressive symptoms among caregivers, while caregivers who prefer to access positive media information decreased sleep problems.

Download Full-text

Reliability and construct validity of the modified Finnish version of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and its’ content validity within biopsychosocial frame among female healthcare workers with sub-acute or recurrent LBP

10.21203/rs.2.18120/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jaana Helena Suni ◽

Tarja Virkkunen ◽

Pauliina Husu ◽

Kari Tokola ◽

Jari Parkkari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Construct Validity ◽

Internal Consistency ◽

Content Validity ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Bodily Pain ◽

Patient Health Questionnaire ◽

Health Questionnaire ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Patient Health

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers have increased risk for chronic low back pain (LBP) leading to reduced workability. Depression, a highly prevalent, costly and disabling condition, is commonly seen in patients with sub-acute LBP. This study investigated the psychometric properties and content-validity of a modified 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9-mFIN) in female healthcare workers with sub-acute LBP. Methods: Reliability (internal consistency, test-retest repeatability) was assessed with standard methods. Construct validity of the PHQ-9-mFIN was assessed as level of depression (PHQ-9-mFIN: 0-4 none, 5-9 mild, ≥10 at least moderate) against RAND-36 Health Survey, a valid measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Content validity was determined as the strength of the association between the levels of PHQ-9-mFIN and the selected biopsychosocial factors. Results: The internal consistency of the PHQ-9-mFIN was high (Cronbach’s α=0.82) and the test-retest repeatability scores (n=65) fair: Pearson’s correlation 0.76, Kappa-value 0.42 for the diagnostic criterion (i.e. scores 0-9 vs. 10-27). Construct validity (Spearman correlation) against the Physical and Mental component items and their summary scales of the RAND 36 were much higher for the Mental (range -0.43 to -0.70 and -0.68) than for the Physical (range -0.06 to -0.41 and -0.24), respectively. There was a clear stepwise association (p<0.001) between the levels of depressive symptoms and General health (physical component, range 59.1 to 78.8). The associations with all items of the Mental components were strong and graded (p<0.001). All participants had low scores for Bodily pain regardless of the level of depressive symptoms. There was a strong association (p≤0.003) between levels of PHQ-9-mFIN and multisite pain, lumbar exertion and recovery after work days, neuromuscular fitness in Modified push-ups, workability, and fear of pain related to work. Conclusions: The PHQ-9-mFIN showed adequate reliability, and excellent construct and content validity among female healthcare workers with recurrent LBP and physically strenuous work. Trial registration: NCT01465698

Download Full-text

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Predicts Concurrent Mental Health Difficulties in a Transdiagnostic Sample of Struggling Learners

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.587821 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Annie Bryant ◽

Jacalyn Guy ◽

Joni Holmes ◽

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Health Problems ◽

Strengths And Difficulties Questionnaire ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Developmental Problems ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Mental Health Difficulties ◽

Strengths And Difficulties

Children and adolescents with developmental problems are at increased risk of experiencing mental health problems. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is widely used as a screener for detecting mental health difficulties in these populations, but its use thus far has been restricted to groups of children with diagnosed disorders (e.g., ADHD). Transdiagnostic approaches, which focus on symptoms and soften or remove the boundaries between traditional categorical disorders, are increasingly adopted in research and practice. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of the SDQ to detect concurrent mental health problems in a transdiagnostic sample of children. The sample were referred by health and educational professionals for difficulties related to learning (N = 389). Some had one diagnosis, others had multiple, but many had no diagnoses. Parent-rated SDQ scores were significantly positively correlated with parent ratings of mental health difficulties on the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). Ratings on the SDQ Emotion subscale significantly predicted the likelihood of having concurrent clinical anxiety and depression scores. Ratings on the Hyperactivity subscale predicted concurrent anxiety levels. These findings suggest the SDQ could be a valuable screening tool for identifying existing mental health difficulties in children recognized as struggling, as it can be in typically developing children and those with specific diagnoses.

Download Full-text

Parental Drinking, Mental Health, and Education; The Association with Offspring’s Recurring contact with Healthcare Services for Anxiety/Depression. A longitudinal Combined HUNT Survey and Health Registry Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-237218/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ingunn Lund ◽

Njål Andersen ◽

Marte Handal ◽

Helga Ask ◽

Svetlana Skurtveit ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Healthcare Utilization ◽

Latent Profile Analysis ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Parental Drinking ◽

Utilization Of Healthcare ◽

Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background and aims: Previous research have shown that certain risk constellations of parental drinking, mental health, and years of education were prospectively associated with increased risk of offspring receiving a diagnosis and/or treatment for anxiety/depression. We know less about how such constellations may relate to other aspects of offspring’s mental health -- including recurring healthcare utilization. We examined offspring's recurring utilization of healthcare services for these disorders, as measured both by the duration of and the number of contacts with services during a 7-year study period, as a function of parental risk constellations.Design: Longitudinal cohort design combining health survey and registry data. Participants and setting: The sample included 8773 offspring from 6696 two-parent families who participated in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study in Norway. Measurements: The exposures were five constellations of parental risks, derived previously from latent profile analysis, characterized by drinking frequencies and quantities, years of education, and mental health. The outcomes were the number of years in contact with, and the total number of contacts with the healthcare services for anxiety/depression in offspring as recorded in healthcare registries during 2008-2014. Associations were examined using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models while accounting for demographics and offspring’s early mental health.Results: Parental risk constellations were not significantly associated with offspring’s’ recurring use of healthcare services for anxiety and depression during the study period, neither in terms of the number of utilization years or the number of contacts. These were primarily a function of offspring’s own characteristics, such as male gender and early mental health problems. Conclusions: Parental risk constellations were not prospectively associated with recurring utilization of healthcare services for anxiety and depression disorders among the offspring during the 7-year study period; offspring from 4 risky constellations were no more likely to use such services for longer period of time or to use them on more occasions than offspring from the low-risk constellation. Seen in conjunction with previous research, parental risk constellations may be thus more informative for understanding the etiology of offspring’s anxiety/depression, than for understanding of other aspects, including recurrence of healthcare utilization in offspring.

Download Full-text