scholarly journals Associations between changes in loneliness and social connections, and mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Women’s Health Initiative

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph S Goveas ◽  
Roberta M Ray ◽  
Nancy F Woods ◽  
Jo Ann E Manson ◽  
Candyce H Kroenke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract Background Older women have faced significant disruptions in social connections during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Whether loneliness increased, or whether a change in loneliness from pre- to intra-pandemic period was associated with mental health during the pandemic is unknown. Methods Older women (n=27,479; mean age 83.2 [SD: 5.4] years) completed surveys in mid-2020, including questions about loneliness, living arrangements, changes in social connections, and mental health. Loneliness was also previously assessed in 2014-2016. We examined whether loneliness changed from the pre- to intra-pandemic period and explored factors associated with this change. In multivariable models, we investigated the association of changes in loneliness and social connections with mental health. Results Loneliness increased from pre- to intra-pandemic levels. Factors associated with worsening loneliness included older age, experiencing stressful life events, bereavement, histories of vascular disease and depression, and social connection disruptions. Factors associated with a decrease in loneliness included identifying as Black, engaging in more frequent physical activity, being optimistic, and having a higher purpose in life. A 3-point increase in loneliness scores was associated with higher perceived stress, higher depressive, and higher anxiety symptoms. Social connection disruptions showed modest or no associations with mental health. Conclusions Loneliness increased during the pandemic in older women and was associated with higher stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Our findings point to opportunities for interventions targeting lifestyle behaviors, well-being, disrupted social connections, and paying closer attention to those with specific medical and mental health histories that may reduce loneliness and improve mental health.

scholarly journals Assessing the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nontraditional Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being

2021 ◽  
pp. 074171362110275
Author(s):  
Stephanie J. Babb ◽  
Katrina A. Rufino ◽  
Ruth M. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Nontraditional Students ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Nontraditional Student ◽  
Life Stressors ◽  
Health And Well Being

The current study sought to measure how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health and well-being of college students, particularly nontraditional students. Participants ( n = 321) completed a series of surveys assessing their level of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and well-being. Participants also indicated their nontraditional student characteristics, level of resilience, and additional life stressors due to the pandemic. Statistical analyses found that participants reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and insomnia, with corresponding lower levels of well-being across all students, compared with prepandemic levels. Results showed that while nontraditional students indicated an increased number of life stressors during the pandemic compared with their traditional peers, nontraditional students also demonstrated higher levels of resilience. Nontraditional students appear to be more successful at managing stressful life events due to the increased resilience that comes with age and experience, which can better prepare them to persevere and overcome challenges.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic related long-term chronic stress on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the general population

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Qi ◽  
Ting Hu ◽  
Qi-Qi Ge ◽  
Xiao-Na Zhou ◽  
Jia-Mei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than 1 year, causing far-reaching and unprecedented changes in almost all aspects of society. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety, and explore the factors associated with it. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to assess mental health problems from February 2 to February 9, 2021 by using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The insomnia severity index (ISI), demographic data and COVID-19 related variables were measured by a self-designed questionnaire. The factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms were identified by Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results In the study that 1171 participants enrolled, the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among general people was 22.6 and 21.4% respectively in the present study. Living alone was a potential risk factor for depressive symptoms, while regular exercises was a potential protective factor. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with the severity of insomnia symptoms and the negative feelings about pandemic. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic- related chronic stress has brought about profound impacts on long-term mental health in the general population. The level of insomnia and a negative attitude towards the pandemic are significantly correlated with unfavorable mental health. However, we failed to found a significant association of age and gender with the mental health symptoms, although they were recognized as well-established risk factors during the outbreak by some other studies. This discrepancy may be because the acute and chronic effects of the pandemic are influenced by different factors, which reminds that more attention should be paid to the intrinsic psychological factors and physical reactions towards COVID-19.

scholarly journals When the Bough Breaks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Mental Health Symptoms in Mothers of Young Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Racine ◽  
Rachel Eirich ◽  
Jessica Cookee ◽  
Jenney Zhu ◽  
Paolo Pador ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Meta Analyses

Parents have experienced considerable challenges and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may impact their well-being. This meta-analysis sought to identify: 1) the prevalence of depression and anxiety in parents of young children (< age 5) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 2) sociodemographic (e.g., parent age, minority status) and methodological moderators (e.g., study quality) that explain heterogeneity among studies. A systematic search was conducted across four databases from January 1st, 2020 to March 3st, 2021. A total of 18 non-overlapping studies (9,101 participants), all focused on maternal mental health, met inclusion criteria. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted. Pooled prevalence estimates for clinically significant depression and anxiety symptoms for mothers of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic were 27.4% (95% CI: 21.5-34.3) and 43.5% (95% CI:27.5-60.9), respectively. Prevalence of clinically elevated depression and anxiety symptoms were higher in Europe and North America and among older mothers. Clinically elevated depressive symptoms were lower in studies with a higher percentage of racial and ethnic minority individuals. In comparison, clinically elevated anxiety symptoms were higher among studies of low study quality and in samples with highly educated mothers. Policies and resources targeting improvements in maternal mental health are essential.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress Among the U.S. General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christi J. Guerrini ◽  
Sophie C. Schneider ◽  
Andrew G. Guzick ◽  
Gifty N. Amos Nwankwo ◽  
Isabel Canfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a significant global toll on emotional well-being, but evidence of mental health impacts in the United States remains limited. In April 2020, we conducted an exploratory survey of U.S. residents to understand prevalence of and factors associated with psychological distress during the pandemic. Data collection was conducted using Qualtrics, an online survey platform, and U.S. adult respondents were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. Among 1,366 respondents, 42% (n = 571) reported clinically significant anxiety and 38% (n = 519) reported clinically significant depression. Factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms included Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; younger age; lower income; employment as or living with a health care worker-first responder; caregiver status; SARS-CoV-2 infection status; decreased frequency of engagement in healthy behaviors; and changed frequency of engagement in unhealthy behaviors. That some of these factors are associated with elevated distress during the pandemic is not yet widely appreciated and might be useful in informing management of mental health care resources.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic gradients and mental health: implications for public health

2015 ◽  
Vol 206 (6) ◽  
pp. 461-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stewart-Brown ◽  
Preshila Chandimali Samaraweera ◽  
Frances Taggart ◽  
Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala ◽  
Saverio Stranges
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Middle Range ◽  
The Unemployed ◽  
Mental Well Being

BackgroundResearch on mental well-being is relatively new and studies of its determinants are rare.AimsTo investigate whether the socioeconomic correlates of mental well-being mirror those for mental illness.MethodUsing logistic regression analyses, the independent odds ratios of high and low mental well-being, compared with middle-range mental well-being, were estimated for a number of sociodemographic variables known to be associated with mental illness from 13 983 participants in the 2010 and 2011 Health Surveys for England.ResultsIndependent odds ratios for low mental well-being were as expected from studies of mental illness with increased odds for the unemployed (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.01–2.10) and those aged 35–54 years (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.35–1.84) and reduced odds for the married (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.97). A linear trend was observed with education and equivalised income. Odds ratios for high mental well-being differed from those for low mental well-being with regard to age (55+ years: OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.23–1.79); employment status where there was an association only with retirement (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.69); education where there was no association; and equivalised income for which the association was non-linear.ConclusionsOdds ratios for low mental well-being mirrored those for mental illness, but not those for high mental well-being, suggesting that the socioeconomic factors associated with positive mental health are different from those associated with mental illness.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic- knowledge, perception, anxiety and depression among frontline doctors of Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faridah Amin ◽  
Salman Sharif ◽  
Rabeeya Saeed ◽  
Noureen Durrani ◽  
Daniyal Jilani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Burden ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Modifiable Factors ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Self Reporting Questionnaire

Abstract Background COVID-19 is a global pandemic and has become a major public health burden worldwide. With already fragile healthcare systems it can have long lasting effects in developing countries. Outbreaks especially a pandemic situation evokes fear related behaviors among healthcare professionals and there is always an increased risk of mental health disorders. Therefore, this study aims to determine knowledge and perception about this pandemic, prevalence and factors associated with anxiety/depression among frontline physicians of Pakistan. Methods Data were collected through an online survey released in the last week of March-2020. 389 frontline physicians from all four provinces and 65 cities of Pakistan participated. Survey questionnaire consisted of 4 parts including informed consent section, demographic section, knowledge and perception about COVID-19 pandemic and assessment of depression through World Health Organization Self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). A score of 8 or above on SRQ-20 was used as cut-off to label the participant as depressed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version22. Results A 43% prevalence of anxiety/depression among frontline physicians of Pakistan was reported. Almost all the doctors had moderate to high knowledge score. Majority of participants marked N-95 mask as “essential” during aerosol generating procedures, assessing patients with respiratory symptoms, in COVID patient-care area, ER triage and direct care of COVID-19 patient. Only 12% of the doctors were fully satisfied with the provision of PPEs and almost 94% felt unprotected. In multivariable model, assessing more than five COVID suspects/day (aOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.65–4.52), working 20 h/week or less (aOR = 2.11, 1.27–3.49), having children among household members (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.00–2.50) and moderate to low knowledge of the infection (aOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.68–4.31) were found to be independent predictors of anxiety/depression among physicians. Conclusion Anxiety/depression among more than a third of frontline doctors of Pakistan warrants the need to address mental health of doctors caring for patients during this pandemic; control modifiable factors associated with it and explore the effectiveness of interventions to promote psychological well-being of physicians.

Aboriginal peoples in complete mental health: A nationally-representative Canadian portrait of resilience and flourishing

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-262
Author(s):  
Esme Fuller-Thomson ◽  
Siwon Lee ◽  
Rose E Cameron ◽  
Philip Baiden ◽  
Senyo Agbeyaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Composite International Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past ◽  
Complete Mental Health

This study aimed to document the prevalence and factors associated with complete mental health (CMH) among Aboriginal peoples living in Canada. CMH is comprised of three parts: 1) the absence of major depressive episode, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, serious suicidal thoughts, and substance dependence in the past year as measured by the World Health Organization (WHO) versions of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI), 2) happiness and/or satisfaction with life in the past month, and 3) psychological and social well-being. The method involved secondary analysis of Statistics Canada’s 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health (CCHS-MH). Responses from Aboriginal peoples living in Canada off-reserve ( n = 965) were examined to determine what percentage were in CMH and what characteristics are associated with being in CMH. Data analysis involved both bivariate and multivariate analytic techniques to examine factors associated with CMH among Aboriginal peoples. Overall, two-thirds of Aboriginal peoples (67.9%) living in Canada were in CMH. Those with a post-secondary degree, who had a confidant, and those who were free of disabling chronic pain were more likely to be in CMH. Additionally, the odds of CMH were higher among those without a history of suicidal ideation, major depression, alcohol dependence, drug dependence, anxiety disorder, or difficulty sleeping. Findings from this study provide indications of substantial resiliency among Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

scholarly journals Life review therapy for older adults with depressive symptoms in general practice: results of a pilot evaluation

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 1801-1808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotte Hendriks ◽  
Marjolein A. Veerbeek ◽  
Daniëlle Volker ◽  
Lindsay Veenendaal ◽  
Bernadette M. Willemse
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Review ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Life Review Therapy ◽  
General Practices

ABSTRACTObjective:General practices play an important role in the detection and treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. An adapted version of the indicated preventive life review therapy group intervention called Looking for Meaning (LFM) was developed for general practice and a pilot evaluation was conducted.Design:A pretest-posttest design was used. One week before and one week after the intervention participants filled out questionnaires.Setting:In six general practices in the Netherlands the adapted intervention was given.Participants:Inclusion criteria were > 60 years and a score of 5 or higher on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).Intervention:The length and number of LFM sessions were shortened and the intervention was given by one mental health care nurse practitioner (MHCNP).Measurements:The impact on mental health was analyzed by depressive symptoms (CES-D) as the primary outcome and anxiety symptoms (HADS-A), psychological well-being (PGCMS) and mastery (PMS) as secondary outcomes. An evaluative questionnaire was included to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability.Results:Most participants were satisfied with the adaptations of the number (72%) and length (72%) of sessions. The overall sample showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms after the intervention. No impact was found on psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms and mastery.Conclusions:The intervention is feasible and acceptable for older adults with depressive symptoms and has an impact on their depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Psychosocial risk factors associated with mental health of adolescents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402097100
Author(s):  
Muhammad Syawal Amran
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychosocial Risk Factors ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Psychosocial Risks ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
At Home

Background: An outbreak of global pandemic COVID-19 profoundly affects life around the globe. Prolonged isolation, contact restriction and economic shutdown impose a deeply change to the psychosocial environment. These indicate a tendency to threaten the mental health of adolescents’ significantly. Detecting adolescents’ psychosocial risk during Pandemic COVID-19, particularly when they stay at home, may be helpful to better understand their mental health well- being. Aims: The current study aimed to explore psychosocial risk factors associated with mental health of adolescents’ in the midst of the outbreak. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach which focuses on focus group discussions interviews. This research took 6 weeks via online communication platform involving ( n = 15) adolescents from the Low Income Household. Result: The participants adolescents’ psychosocial risk experience during amidst of Outbreak Covid-19 Pandemic are composed of (1) self- conflict (develop negative thought at home, unplanned of daily activities, changing sleep pattern and irregular wake up time and massively use internet) (2) Family Members (Conflict between parent and miscommunication between siblings) (3) School (Piling up on homework, Inadequate guidance for homework and Inability to comprehend online learning). These psychosocial risk factors have caused disruption to daily life adolescents’ during outbreaks and almost inevitably trigger a spike in mental health issues. Conclusion: Overall of study emphasized that psychosocial risks are important factors that can be addressed in order to reduce mental health problem.

scholarly journals Personal and Job Factors Associated with Teachers’ Active Listening and Active Empathic Listening

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Ntina Kourmousi ◽  
Kalliope Kounenou ◽  
Vasiliki Yotsidi ◽  
Vasiliki Xythali ◽  
Kyriakoula Merakou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Active Listening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Empathic Listening

Active listening is important for effective interpersonal communication, a prerequisite for successful teaching. The presented cross-sectional study examined personal and work factors associated to active listening in 3.995 Greek schools’ educators of all teaching levels and specialties. The study questionnaire posted on official and main teachers’ portals included personal and working data items, the Active Empathic Listening Scale (AELS), and the Active Listening Attitude Scale (ALAS). Multiple linear regression was used to identify independently associated factors with AELS and ALAS dimensions, and standardized regression coefficients were performed to measure the effect of independent variables. Regarding AELS, gender had the greatest effect on the Sensing subscale, followed by age and mental health promotion training. Years of teaching had the greatest effect on Processing subscale, followed by higher studies. Gender had the greatest effect on Responding subscale, followed by age, higher studies, and mental health promotion training. Concerning ALAS, mental health promotion training and support from colleagues had the greatest effect on Listening attitude subscale, gender and mental health promotion training had the greatest effect on Listening skill subscale, and gender, age, and years of teaching had the greatest effect on Conversation opportunity subscale. The identification of enhancing factors like training in mental health promotion could significantly contribute in designing training that can simultaneously benefit teachers’ skills and students’ psychosocial well-being.

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