scholarly journals Mental health problems and support needs of PhD students: bottle necks of the phD trajectory

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Van Der Heijde ◽  
L Douwes ◽  
P Vonk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Home Work ◽  
The University ◽  
Work Interference

Abstract Background A substantial part of PhD students is struggling with mental health problems. These complaints can lead to dropping out and societal costs. Various bottlenecks that students may face during the PhD process can undermine mental health. We aim to test what bottlenecks are predictive of mental health problems. Furthermore, we aim to address the responsibility of the University. Methods In a cross-sectional survey design (N = 427), both mental health status, and possible bottlenecks of the PhD trajectory were studied amongst PhD students at the University of Amsterdam. Mean age was 29 years; 29% was male; 71% female. Participants were recruited through emails and newsletters (response rate 14%). Regression analysis’ were performed with depression and anxiety as dependents (k6, ek10). We controlled for gender, age, international PhD student yes/no. Results PhD students that score higher on anxiety, are more often international students (β=.09; p<.05), score significantly higher on negative work home interference (β=.46; p<.001), and on negative home work interference (β=.12; p<.01), score significantly lower on social support (β=.19; p<.001) and on self-efficacy (β=-.18; p<.001). [F(15, 413) = 20.00; p = .000]. PhD students that score higher on depression score significantly higher on negative work home interference (β=-.54; p<.001), and on negative home work interference (β=-.07; p<.05), score significantly lower on social support (β=-.23; p<.001) and on self-efficacy (β=.03; p<.001). [F(15, 416) = 41.68; p = .000]. Conclusions The bottlenecks that we found to be predictive of a worse mental health status can be addressed in the university context through providing information to PhD students, PhD supervisors and PhD student counselors. Extra attention needs to be paid to international PhD students. The University could offer interventions such as coaching, career guidance, relaxation training, time management, intervision, and sports to meet support needs. Key messages Work home interference, home work interference, social support and self-efficacy are important aspects of mental health in PhD students. Extra attention needs to be paid to international PhD students. The University has a responsibility and an interest regarding its PhD students’ mental health and wellbeing: appropriate interventions can be deployed for the support needs of PhD students.

scholarly journals Predictors of Mental Health Problems in Formal and Informal Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sołtys ◽  
Ernest Tyburski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Personal Resources ◽  
Formal Caregivers ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with significant mental burden e.g., depression and anxiety, and difficulties with social, familial, and professional functioning. To date, few studies have examined variables which would allow for a comprehensive and detailed study of the relationship between personal resources and caregiver health status, with a majority of studies focusing on factors that contribute to increased caregiver's burden. Moreover, the available evidence fails to address differences in the functioning of formal and informal carers. Paying proper attention to the problems of nursing home staff can help identify important risk factors. Therefore, this study compared mental health problems in informal and formal caregivers and examined the relationship between mental resources and mental health problems in both groups of caregivers. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 100 formal (n = 50) and informal (n = 50) caregivers of AD patients. Personal resources were measured with the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SCQ), while mental health was assessed with the Depression Assessment Questionnaire (DAQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Multivariate stepwise regression was performed separately for both investigated groups. Results: There were no significant differences between informal and formal caregivers in terms of psychological variables, i.e., sense of coherence, social support, self-efficacy, or mental health problems. In contrast, there were different significant predictors of mental health problems in both groups. Comprehensibility (SCQ) was a significant predictor of mental health problems measured by DAQ and self-efficacy (GSES) was a significant predictor of mental health problems measured by GHQ in informal caregivers. For formal caregivers, emotional support (SSQ) and comprehensibility (SCQ) were significant predictors of mental health problems measured by DAQ, while tangible support (SSQ) and meaningfulness (SCQ) were significant predictors of mental health problems measured by GHQ. Conclusions: Personal resources are significant predictors of mental health outcomes in caregivers of AD patients. Preventive actions should therefore include assessment of factors affecting caregivers’ mental health in order to provide them with necessary care and create appropriate support groups.

scholarly journals Mental health of college students and associated factors in Hubei of China

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254183
Author(s):  
Xiaosheng Lei ◽  
Chaojie Liu ◽  
Heng Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Although many studies have analyzed mental health problems in college students in China, the associations of mental health with individual and family circumstances, academic performance, and social support were rarely discussed. Objectives The study aimed to determine the mental health status and its associated factors among college students in China. Methods An online survey was conducted on 300 students selected through a cluster sampling strategy in a university in Hubei, China, tapping into sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, their mental health status measured by the modified Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and social support measured by the Social Support Rating Scale. Multivariate linear regression models were established to identify predictors of the SCL-90 scores. Results Mental health disorders were found in 8% of the respondents, with obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity and depression as the top three reported problems. Compared with the national population norms of university students in 2014, our study participants had higher scores in SCL-90. There were statistically significant difference in the Global Severity index (GSI) and all nine subscales scores (p<0.05). Poorer self-rated health, higher study pressure, and lower social support were significant predictors of higher SCL-90 scores (p<0.05) after adjustment for variations in other variables. Conclusions College students in Hubei, China may experience a range of different mental health problems, which are associated with their individual, study, and social circumstances.

Met and unmet needs among adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability with and without mental health problems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Schützwohl
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Behaviour Problem ◽  
Prevalence Rates

Background: People with an intellectual disability (ID) show a great number and complex constellation of support needs. With respect to the planning of services, it is important to assess needs at the population level. ID services need to know to what extent support needs of clients with mental health problems differ from support needs of clients without any mental health problem.Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence rates of needs in relevant study groups. Methods: Data was generated from the MEMENTA-Study (“Mental health care for adults with intellectual disability and a mental disorder”). The Camberwell Assessment of Need for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (CANDID) was used to assess met und unmet support needs. Data was available for n=248 adults with mild to moderate ID.Results: Mean total number of needs and unmet needs was associated with mental health status. However, in most particular areas under study, individuals without significant psychiatric symptoms or any behaviour problem needed as much as often help as individuals with such mental health problems. A higher rate of need for care among study participants with significant psychiatric symptoms or any behaviour problem was mainly found with regard to these specific areas (“minor mental health problems”, “major mental health problems”, “inappropriate behaviour”) or with regard to closely related areas (“safety of others”).Conclusions: Differences in prevalence rates mainly occurred in such areas of need that rather fall under the responsibility of mental health services than under the responsibility of ID services. This has implications for service planning.

Student mental health and the general practitioner

1975 ◽  
Vol 13 (25) ◽  
pp. 99-100
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Student Health ◽  
Student Health Services ◽  
The University

Although most universities run a health service, students with important mental health problems are often seen by their general practitioner. There are a number of reasons for this; first, health services in the colleges of higher education outside universities are still patchy and incomplete. Second, students are on vacation for up to 24 weeks a year. Third, a student may choose to consult anyone, and may prefer someone unconnected with the university. Last, many students live at home and continue to see their general practitioner. This underlines the need for close liason between the general practitioner and student health services.

scholarly journals Factors in Mental Health Problems among Japanese Dialysis Patients Living in Heavily Damaged Prefectures Two Years after the Great East Japan Earthquake

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidehiro Sugisawa ◽  
Hiroaki Sugisaki ◽  
Seiji Ohira ◽  
Toshio Shinoda ◽  
Yumiko Shimizu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Disaster Planning ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Great East Japan Earthquake ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
Dialysis Patients ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Mitigating Factors

This study examined the prevalence of mental health problems and related factors among dialysis patients living in prefectures that were heavily damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Research was conducted two years following the disaster, and data of 1500 residents of the prefectures were analyzed. This study examined disaster related stressors, gender, socioeconomic status, health problems prior the earthquake, and social support, all of which have been identified as aggravating/mitigating factors in previous research on disaster survivors. We also examined advanced awareness of emergency planning as a dialysis specific factor. Mental health problems after the disaster were categorized into three types: PTSD and depression comorbidity, PTSD only, and depression only. Results indicated that people with comorbidity, PTSD, and depression comprised 7.5%, 25.0%, and 2.9% of the sample, respectively. Not only disaster related stressors but also health problems prior to the disaster had an aggravating direct effect on comorbidity and PTSD. In addition, social support and advanced awareness of disaster planning had a mitigating effect on comorbidity. These results suggest that advanced awareness of disaster planning is a dialysis specific factor that could decrease the occurrence of comorbidity among dialysis patients following a disaster.

Safe but isolated – an interview study with Iraqi refugees in Sweden about social networks, social support, and mental health

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402095425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sundvall ◽  
David Titelman ◽  
Valerie DeMarinis ◽  
Liubov Borisova ◽  
Önver Çetrez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Iraqi Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews

Background: Problems with social networks and social support are known to be associated with mental ill-health in refugees. Social support after migration promotes resilience. Aim: To study how Iraqi refugees who arrived in Sweden after the year 2000 perceived their social networks and social support, and to relate the observed network characteristics and changes to the refugees’ mental health and well-being. Method: Semi-structured interviews with 31 refugees, including questions on background and migration experiences, a biographical network map, and three health assessment scales. The findings were analysed with descriptive statistics and content thematic analysis. Results: The respondents’ networks were diminished. Social support was continued to be provided mainly by family members and supplemented by support from authorities. The main themes of the refugee experience of post-migration challenges were weakened social networks, barriers to integration and challenges to cultural and religious belonging. Failed reunion and worrying about relatives was described as particularly painful. Negative contacts with authority persons were often seen as humiliating or discriminating. Acquiring a new cultural belonging was described as challenging. At the same time, changing family and gender roles made it more difficult to preserve and develop the culture of origin. Traumatic experiences and mental health problems were common in this group. Family issues were more often than integration difficulties associated with mental health problems. Conclusion: In order to strengthen post-migration well-being and adaptation, authorities should support the refugees’ social networks. Clinicians need to address post-migration problems and challenges, including the meaning and function of social networks.

scholarly journals Attachment, perceived social support and mental health problems in women with primary infertility

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 2533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadia Saleem ◽  
Namra S. Qureshi ◽  
Zahid Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Attachment Style ◽  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attachment Pattern

Background: Infertility is one of the fastest growing concerns when it comes to reproductive health and most often, women get the blame. Consequently, females suffer from major psycho-social and emotional problems that may lead to serious mental health concerns.Methods: To fill the gap in literature, a cross-sectional research design was used to measure the attachment styles with spouse, perceived social support, and predict mental health problems in women attending infertility clinics with ages ranging from 19-45 (M 27.21, SD 4.79). Adult Attachment Questionnaire, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale were used among experimental subjects selected through purposive sampling technique.Results: About 32% women reported themselves as secure, 49% as ambivalent, and 19% as avoidant in their attachment style with spouse. The results revealed that a significant negative correlation exists between perceived social support and mental health problems among women with infertility. Moreover, women who identify their attachment pattern as Ambivalent perceive less social support and experience more mental health problems.Conclusions: Education is one of the strongest predictors of how likely infertility is to cause mental health issues while Attachment style is another strong indicator since infertile women with secure attachment pattern have fewer mental health problems. However, the sample size was modest to make any wide-scale assumptions, so further trials with larger participant pools must be performed. Additionally, future studies should include both rural and urban samples with different psychological variables to find the similarities and differences between various groups of people with diverse backgrounds.

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