scholarly journals 21.L. Workshop: To what extent can we trust our data on trends in mental health among adolescents?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Psychosomatic Complaints ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Mental health complaints have increased among school-aged children in the Nordic countries, especially among girls according to survey data in the Nordic countries. Moreover, the consumption of mental health services among adolescents has also increased. However, criticism from qualitative researchers have questioned the validity of the response to survey questions and the interpretation of the results. This controversy has been public in the media both in Denmark and Sweden. The objectives of the workshop are to describe trends in mental health among adolescents in the Nordic countries, review criticism of mental health indicators, discuss measurement and analytical options, and consider consequences for policy making. Moreover, the workshop will discuss the situation in other parts of the worlds. Researchers in five Nordic countries have collaborated in the Health Behaviour of School-aged Children (HBSC) study to mental health. School-aged children, 11-, 13- and 15-year olds (n = 112,000) have participated in HBSC surveys. Of key concern are psychosomatic complaints (1985-2018), but trends will also be presented for indicators of excellent self-rated health and high life satisfaction (2002-2018), with additional indicators of positive mental health (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, General self-efficacy, Self-esteem) from the 2017/18 HBSC data collection. There has been an increase in the psychosomatic complaints among girls and boys, in all age groups and in the five Nordic countries. Strengths and limitations of epidemiological surveys will be discussed. The impact of different frequency cut points will be presented as well as the heterogeneities regarding profiles of adolescents with different combination of negative and positive mental health indicators. Moreover, qualitative studies and registry-based analysis will be used as contrasting evidence. The qualitative studies on symptom perception indicate that the prevalence of problems may be overestimated, and data from psychiatric care and prescription of drugs show important increase. After an introduction and two presentations the workshop will be a dialogue with the participants. First the core similarities and differences between countries will be explored. Then the policy implications will be discussed. Key messages The HBSC survey design give thousands of adolescents and children across dozens of nations the ability to be heard through a reliable and valid methodology. It is important to use indicators according to their intended use, monitoring of population trends, developing causal networks of determinants, screening of clinical cases or as diagnostic tools.

scholarly journals The Association between Loneliness, Mental Well-Being, and Self-Esteem among Adolescents in Four Nordic Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7405
Author(s):  
Nelli Lyyra ◽  
Einar Baldvin Thorsteinsson ◽  
Charli Eriksson ◽  
Katrine Rich Madsen ◽  
Asko Tolvanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mental Well Being

Positive mental health is central to adolescent well-being. The present study examines the prevalence of loneliness and positive mental health indicators (mental well-being and self-esteem) in four Nordic countries and associations between loneliness, mental well-being, and high self-esteem. This study is based on data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study which was conducted in 2018 in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden. Participants were 5883 15-year-old boys and girls. To examine the associations between loneliness, mental well-being, and self-esteem, structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied. In the comparison of Nordic countries, the prevalence of loneliness was highest among Finnish and Icelandic adolescents. High mental well-being and high self-esteem were most prevalent in Denmark and Sweden. In general, boys scored higher on positive mental health indicators and girls on loneliness. Loneliness was also a strong indicator of low mental well-being and low self-esteem in all Nordic countries. Loneliness is not only associated with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, but it is also a risk factor for adolescents’ positive mental health. Positive mental health is important for healthy maturation and there is a need to develop initiatives to reduce adolescent loneliness and so support positive development.

scholarly journals Levels of Physical Activity and Mental Health in Adolescents in Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1713
Author(s):  
Michal Molcho ◽  
Aoife Gavin ◽  
Devon Goodwin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
School Aged Children

The benefits of physical activity for the physical health of individuals are well documented. Less is known about the benefits of physical activity for mental health. This paper explores the associations between physical activity and positive mental health and mental health problems. The paper utilises data collected from a representative sample of 10–17-year-old adolescents in Ireland. Physical activity in the study is measured using moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Mental health was measured using the Cantril Leader of Life Satisfaction, the WHO-5 index, Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) and the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Symptom Checklist (HBSC-SCL). Data were analysed using bivariate (Pearson Correlation, t-test, one-way ANOVA) and multivariate (two-way ANOVA, ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions) analyses. In total, 8636 adolescents were included in this analysis. Higher participation in physical activity was associated with higher scores on the positive mental health indicators and lower scores on the mental health problems indicators. When modelled together, VPA was a stronger predictor of mental health than MVPA, especially in girls. For example, standardised beta coefficients for predicting MHI-5 were −0.09 for MVPA (p < 0.001) and −0.13 for VPA (p < 0.001) To our knowledge, this is the first study that looks at levels of physical activity as well as both positive mental health and mental health problems. The study highlights the need to encourage and enable adolescents, and especially girls, to participate in vigorous exercising as way of promoting positive mental health.

scholarly journals How Does Urban Green Space Impact Residents’ Mental Health: A Literature Review of Mediators

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11746
Author(s):  
Kaili Chen ◽  
Tianzheng Zhang ◽  
Fangyuan Liu ◽  
Yingjie Zhang ◽  
Yan Song
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Urban Green Space ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Space Planning ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

In recent years, the interest in the relationship between urban green space and residents’ mental health has gradually risen. A number of researchers have investigated the causal relationship and possible mediators between the two, although few have summarized these mediators. For this reason, we searched for relevant studies and filtered them by criteria and quality score, and analyzed the mediators and paths of the impact of urban green space on residents’ mental health. The mediators can be divided into environmental factors, outdoor activity, and social cohesion. From the perspective of heterogeneity, both individual characteristics (e.g., age and gender) and group characteristics (e.g., level of urban development and urban density) of residents are considered to be the cause of various mediating effects. Types of urban green space tend to affect residents’ mental health through different paths. Furthermore, this review discusses the details of each part under the influence paths. Finally, the policy implications for urban green space planning from three mediator levels are put forward based on an analysis of the situation in different countries.

scholarly journals The Impact of Shift Work on Occupational Health Indicators among Professionally Active Adults: A Comparative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11290
Author(s):  
Henrique Pereira ◽  
Gergely Fehér ◽  
Antal Tibold ◽  
Samuel Monteiro ◽  
Vítor Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Active Adults

The analysis of the impact of shift work on occupational health still needs further contributions. Therefore, we developed this research with the purpose of assessing the impact of shift work on occupational health indicators, namely burnout, work-engagement, occupational self-efficacy, and mental health functioning (symptoms of depression and anxiety), by comparing workers who did shift work (44.2% of participants) with workers who did not (55.8% of participants). A total of 695 Portuguese professionally active adults between 18 and 73 years of age (Mage = 37.71; SD = 12.64) participated in this study and completed a survey containing a sociodemographic questionnaire and four occupational health measures: The Burnout Assessment Tool, The Work-Engagement questionnaire (UWES), The Occupational Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and the BSI-18 for mental health symptoms. Results showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for all indicators, demonstrating that participants who worked shifts presented lower scores of work-engagement and occupational self-efficacy, and higher scores of burnout, depression, and anxiety when compared to participants who did not work shifts. Linear regressions showed that shift work explained significant but low percentages of anxiety symptoms, low work-engagement, depression symptoms, low occupational self-efficacy, and burnout. We concluded that non-standard working hours (by shifts) are detrimental to employee occupational health, by increasing the risk of anxiety and depression levels, and burnout, and by reducing work-engagement (as a well-being indicator) and occupational self-efficacy perceptions.

scholarly journals The impact of the economic crisis on the mental health of Portuguese primary-school children

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Costa ◽  
M Cunha ◽  
C Ferreira ◽  
A Gama ◽  
A M N Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Public Health Programs ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective To measure the impact of the economic crisis on the mental health correlates of Portuguese children attending primary school during 2016. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of primary school-aged children and their parents (n = 1157), conducted in public and private schools of three Portuguese districts. Parent reports of children mental health symptoms (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire - SDQ) and children self-reports of health-related quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27) and depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales, Children version - DASS-C), were compared according to a set of yes/no questions on how the economic crisis changed the normal aspects of routine life (e.g. During the financial crisis did you had to use savings? Started buying cheaper food?). Linear regression models were fitted for the SDQ, the KIDSCREEN-27 and the DASS-C as dependent variables adjusted for children sex, socioeconomic status and district of residence. Results Affirmative answers to the crisis impact questions were associated with more frequent psychosocial functioning problems in children, with poorer self-reported health-related quality of life and with more frequent symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions Portuguese children mental health correlates show significant worse scores for those whose parents declared having to change daily routine habits as a result of the recent macroeconomic financial crisis, compared to those who did not change habits. Public Health programs should be developed to mitigate the potential negative impact of the financial crisis to the mental health of children. Key messages A negative impact on children mental health was observed as a result of the economic crisis. Public health programs designed to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis should include primary-school aged children.

“In Sickness and in Health”

2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 811-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Wu ◽  
Margaret J. Penning ◽  
Michael S. Pollard ◽  
Randy Hart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Never Married ◽  
Self Selection ◽  
Health Differences ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Relevant Factors

Using data from the 1994-95 (Canadian) National Population Health Survey (6,494 women, 5,368 men), we investigated the impact of cohabitation on a range of physical and mental health indicators, controlling for self-selection into cohabitation and other relevant factors. Uncontrolled results indicate that the physical and mental health of cohabitors tends to fall between that of the married and the divorced/separated, widowed, and single/never married. However, when other factors are controlled, health differences between cohabitors and the currently married become nonsignificant. Self-selection, into cohabitation and into marriage, initially appears to play a significant role in accounting for variations in health, but with controls added to the models, selection mostly becomes nonsignificant. We concluded that self-selection at most may explain a small proportion of the variation in health but that protection effects are more likely to explain the positive health advantages of marriage and cohabitation.

scholarly journals A Multi-institutional Study Exploring the Impact of Positive Mental Health on Medical Students’ Professionalism in an Era of High Burnout

2012 ◽  
Vol 87 (8) ◽  
pp. 1024-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liselotte N. Dyrbye ◽  
William Harper ◽  
Christine Moutier ◽  
Steven J. Durning ◽  
David V. Power ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

Evaluation of Treatment and Other Factors That Lead to Drug Court Success, Substance Use Reduction, and Mental Health Symptomatology Reduction Over Time

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Baughman ◽  
Krystel Tossone ◽  
Mark I. Singer ◽  
Daniel J. Flannery
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Drug Court ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Medication Assisted Treatment ◽  
Mental Health Symptomatology

Adults presenting with substance use and mental health disorders in the criminal justice system is well documented. While studies have examined drug courts and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), few have examined social and behavioral health indicators, and even fewer have multiple study periods. This study employed a comprehensive approach to studying the MAT contribution to drug court success; reduce substance use, mental health symptoms, and risky behaviors; and the role that violence or trauma plays in mental health symptomatology. Using three time points, our findings indicated that MAT did not play a significant role in the reduction of substance use, risky behaviors, or mental health symptoms or increasing the odds of successful court graduation. However, there was an overall improvement from intake to termination in reduction of substance use, risky behaviors, and mental health symptomatology. Other factors, including social support, may play a role in drug court graduation. Policy implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Physiological and Psychological Effects of Nature Experiences in Different Forests on Young People

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1391
Author(s):  
Qiaohui Liu ◽  
Xiaoping Wang ◽  
Jinglan Liu ◽  
Congying An ◽  
Yuqi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Urban Site ◽  
Walking Activity ◽  
The Impact

Many studies have proved that having nature experiences in forests is conducive to human physiological and psychological health. However, currently there is little research focusing on the effects of forest characteristics and the experiential characteristics of nature experiences on changes in health. In the study, three types of forest (mixed forest; deciduous forest; coniferous forest) and an urban site were used to measure the effects of these environments on participants’ physiological and psychological restoration after nature experience activities (sitting and walking activities). The study participants were 30 young adult students from Beijing Forestry University. Restorative effects were measured by physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate) and four psychological questionnaires (Profile of Mood States (POMS); Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS); Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS); Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS)). Results demonstrated that all types of forest were beneficial to lower blood pressure and heart rate as well as to reduce negative feelings while boosting positive emotions. The mixed forest was more effective in lowering blood pressure and heart rate as well as increasing vitality. The levels of restoration and positive mental health increased significantly, while all subscales of the POMS (with the exception of vigor) decreased greatly in the coniferous forest. Relative to the sitting activity, obvious decreases in blood pressure and negative emotions were observed, while significant increases in restoration, vitality and positive mental health were observed after the walking activity. In conclusion, the impact on subjects’ health restoration varied with different forest characteristics, and the experiential characteristics of exposure may be helpful for creating supportive interventions and lifting the benefits of forest therapy as people interact with the forest.

scholarly journals The impact of the initial and 2nd national COVID-19 lockdown on mental health in young people with and without pre-existing depressive symptoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Joensen ◽  
Stine Danielsen ◽  
Per Kragh Andersen ◽  
Jonathan Groot ◽  
Katrine Strandberg-Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Young People ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Linear Regressions

Background The evidence on mental well-being and loneliness among young people during the initial lockdown is mixed, and little is known about the long-lasting impact of the sequential lockdowns. We examine changes in young peoples mental health from before to during the initial and second more prolonged lockdown, and whether women and those with pre-existing depressive symptoms were disproportionally impacted. Methods Participants reported on mental health indicators in an ongoing 18-year data collection in the Danish National Birth Cohort and in a COVID-19 survey, including 8 data points: 7 in the initial lockdown, and 1 year post. Changes in quality of life (QoL), mental well-being, and loneliness were estimated with random effect linear regressions on longitudinal data (N=32,985), and linear regressions on repeated cross-sections (N=28,579). Findings Interim deterioration in mental well-being and loneliness was observed during the initial lockdown, and only in those without pre-existing depressive symptoms. During the second lockdown, a modest deterioration was again observed for mental well-being and loneliness. QoL likewise only declined among those without pre-existing symptoms, where women showed a greater decline than men. QoL did not normalise during the initial lockdown and remained at lower levels during the second lockdown. These findings were not replicated in the repeated cross-sections. Interpretation Except for an interim decrease in mental health during lockdown, and only in those without pre-existing depressive symptoms, this studys findings do not suggest a substantial detrimental impact of the lockdowns. Potential methodological differences in-between studies are a possible explanation for the mixed evidence. Funding The Velux Foundation

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