scholarly journals COVID-19 Related Media Consumption and Mental Health in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1006-1006
Author(s):  
Erta Cenko ◽  
Christopher Kaufmann ◽  
Todd Manini
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, consuming media was critical to identify precautionary behaviors to reduce the spread of the virus, particularly for older adults. Media consumption leads to heightened awareness, but may also negatively affect mental health. We examined whether non-social and social media consumption impacted anxiety and depression relative to pre-COVID-19 symptoms. We conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional survey in May and June 2020. Participants (n=1,168, 73.2 years, 56.8% women, 94.9% White), were asked to estimate their amount of time spent consuming pandemic-related media each day, and to report on anxiety and depressive symptoms both before and after the pandemic onset. We characterized change in anxiety and depression by subtracting scores on current anxiety and depressive symptoms from their recalled symptoms prior to the pandemic. Respondents with high pandemic-related media consumption (>3hrs) were more likely to have increased anxiety, compared to those with low (<1hr) media consumption (OR:1.57, 95%CI:1.09-2.23). Similarly, respondents with increased social media consumption during the pandemic were 64% more likely to have depression, compared to those who did not use social media. This association was bi-directional— those who reduced their social media use were 45% less likely to have depression and 26% less likely to have anxiety, compared to those who never used social media. Older adults consuming more pandemic-related media had increased anxiety. Increased social media consumption was associated with elevated depression symptoms. The potential benefits of media consumption about the COVID-19 pandemic may have unintended negative consequences on mental health.

scholarly journals Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among medical residents in Tunisia: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. e020655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehdi Marzouk ◽  
Lamia Ouanes-Besbes ◽  
Islem Ouanes ◽  
Zeineb Hammouda ◽  
Fahmi Dachraoui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Night Shifts

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and the associated risk factors among Tunisian medical residents.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingFaculty of Medicine, Tunis.ParticipantsAll Tunisian medical residents brought together between 14 and 22 December 2015 to choose their next 6-month rotation.InterventionThe items of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) questionnaire were employed to capture the prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among the residents. The statistical relationships between anxiety and depression (HAD score) and sociodemographic and work-related data were explored by Poisson regression.Results1700 out of 2200 (77%) medical residents (mean age: 28.5±2 years, female: 60.8%) answered the questionnaire. The mean working hours per week was 62±21 hours; 73% ensured a mean of 5.4±3 night shifts per month; and only 8% of them could benefit from a day of safety rest. Overall, 74.1% of the participating residents had either definite (43.6%) or probable (30.5%) anxiety, while 62% had definite (30.5%) or probable (31.5%) depression symptoms, with 20% having both definite anxiety and definite depression. The total HAD score was significantly associated with the resident’s age (OR=1.014, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.023, p=0.001); female gender (OR=1.114, 95% CI 1.083 to 1.145, p<0.0001); and the heavy burden of work imposed on a weekly or monthly basis, as reflected by the number of night shifts per month (OR=1.048, 95% CI 1.016 to 1.082, p=0.03) and the number of hours worked per week (OR=1.008, 95% CI 1.005 to 1.011, p<0.0001). Compared with medical specialties, the generally accepted difficult specialties (surgical or medical-surgical) were associated with a higher HAD score (OR=1.459, 95% CI 1.172 to 1.816, p=0.001).ConclusionTunisian residents experience a rate of anxiety/depression substantially higher than that reported at the international level. This phenomenon is worrying as it has been associated with an increase in medical errors, work dissatisfaction and attrition. The means of improving the well-being of Tunisian medical residents are explored, emphasising those requiring immediate implementation.

scholarly journals Symptoms of depression at discharge after PCI are associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality: findings from the national DenHeart study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Borregaard ◽  
S.N Nielsen ◽  
J.F Lassen ◽  
L.O Jensen ◽  
L Thrysoe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background Although survival rates among patients with coronary artery disease have increased since the introduction of treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, the effect of psychological factors such as symptoms of anxiety and depression on adverse outcomes are sparsely described. Purpose The objective of the current study was to investigate the association between symptoms of anxiety and depression and 1-year mortality after PCI. Methods A national cross-sectional survey at hospital discharge (responders, n=3,366) with register-based follow-up among patients having undergone elective or emergency PCI. Mental health was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS, and divided into symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A) and symptoms of depression (HADS-D). The association between mental health (HADS-A and HADS-D) and 1-year all-cause mortality were investigated with Cox Proportional Hazard models with time to death as the underlying time scale. The results are presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjusted for sex, age and Tu-comorbidity score. Results At discharge, 32% of the population reported symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) and 19% reported symptoms of depression (HADS-D ≥8). After one year, the mortality rate among patients being alive at discharge was 2.1%. All-cause mortality did not differ among patients reporting symptoms of anxiety compared to patients without symptoms of anxiety (2.3% vs 1.9%, p=0.454), whereas all-cause mortality was higher among patients reporting symptoms of depression compared to those, who did not (4.3% vs 1.6%, p≤0.001). In the regression analyses, symptoms of anxiety (HADS-A ≥8) was not associated with 1-year mortality (HR 1.16 95% CI 0.70–1.92); however, symptoms of depression was (HADS-D ≥8, HR 2.27 95% CI 1.38–3.73, adjusted analyses). Based on the continuous scores of HADS-D, a one-point increase in scores was associated with a 12% higher risk of 1-year mortality (HR 1.12 95% CI 1.05–1.18) (Figure 1). Conclusion After PCI, nearly one-third of patient report symptoms of anxiety and one-fifth symptoms of depression. Symptoms of anxiety was not associated with 1-year mortality, whereas symptoms of depression increased the risk of 1-year mortality. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Mental Health among Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Country Comparison

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2686
Author(s):  
Kele Ding ◽  
Jingzhen Yang ◽  
Ming-Kai Chin ◽  
Lindsay Sullivan ◽  
Giyasettin Demirhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Country Level

Despite the global impact of COVID-19, studies comparing the effects of COVID-19 on population mental health across countries are sparse. This study aimed to compare anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown among adults from 11 countries and to examine their associations with country-level COVID-19 factors and personal COVID-19 exposure. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults (≥18 years) in 11 countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Ireland, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, United States). Mental health (anxiety, depression, resilient coping, hope) and other study data were collected between June–August 2020. Of the 13,263 participants, 62.8% were female and 51.7% were 18–34 years old. Participants living in Brazil had the highest anxiety and depression symptoms while participants living in Singapore had the lowest. Greater personal COVID-19 exposure was associated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms, but country-level COVID-19 factors were not. Higher levels of hope were associated with reduced anxiety and depression; higher levels of resilient coping were associated with reduced anxiety but not depression. Substantial variations exist in anxiety and depression symptoms across countries during the COVID-19 lockdown, with personal COVID-19 exposure being a significant risk factor. Strategies that mitigate COVID-19 exposure and enhance hope and resilience may reduce anxiety and depression during global emergencies.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Phase

Background: To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week shut-down of public life in March/April 2020 which was followed by a gradual withdrawal of these restriction measures in May/June 2020. We expect that the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods: We conducted three analyses to assess the association between COVID-19 public health restriction measures and loneliness: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an analysis of the correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness based on cross-sectional survey data from early May 2020, and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes in loneliness (Corona panel data) from late March to early June 2020. Results: We found (1) loneliness levels to have increased in 2020 in comparison with previous years, (2) an association between the number of restriction measures older adults reported to be affected from and loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during shut-down compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Discussion: Our results provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus we do not expect strong negative consequences for older adults mental health downstream. Nonetheless, effects of longer and/or repeated future restriction measures aiming at social distancing should be closely monitored.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among Medical Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052199115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott J Halperin ◽  
Matthew N Henderson ◽  
Sofia Prenner ◽  
Jonathan N Grauer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Health

Purpose: The Covid-19 pandemic is a public health emergency with both physical and mental health risks. Medical students have baseline elevated rates of anxiety, depression and burnout. As such, they may be especially susceptible to the psychological stresses of Covid-19. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression among United States medical students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional, survey-based study collected demographic data as well as the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. The survey was administered from April 13, 2020 to April 28, 2020 amidst the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 1,428 students from 40 US medical schools completed the survey. From those surveyed, 30.6% and 24.3% of respondents screened positive for anxiety and depression, respectively. Median GAD-7 scores were higher among females (7.0 vs 5.0, P < .00001), pre-clinical students (7.0 vs 6.0, P < .00004), and those with a friend or relative diagnosed with Covid-19 (7.0 vs 6.0, P=.001). Median PHQ-9 scores were higher among females (6.0 vs 4.0, P < .00001) and pre-clinical students (6.0 vs 4.0, P < .00001). Conclusion: When compared to previous medical student studies, these results are 61% higher for anxiety and 70% higher for depression during the Covid-19 era. The current study suggests that there should be a heightened awareness of and sensitivity to student’s mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic with certain cohorts at greater potential risk.

Association between Social Media Use for Health Purpose and Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Yun Lee ◽  
Yan Luo ◽  
Cho Rong Won ◽  
Jiyoung Lee ◽  
Jeongwon Baik
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health Purpose

BACKGROUND The use of social media or social networking sites (SNS) is increasing across all age groups, and one of the primary motives of using SNS is to seek health-related information. Although previous research examining the effect of SNS use on depression exist, studies regarding the effect of SNS use for health purpose on depression is limited. OBJECTIVE Our study aims to explore the relationship between SNS use for health purpose and depression across the four age groups (18-34 years old, 35-49 years old, 50-64 years old, and above 65 years old). METHODS A sample of 6,789 adults aged 18 and older was extracted from a 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Univariate and bivariate analyses to examine the association between each variable and four age groups were conducted. Multiple linear regression analyses to predict depression level among participants with use of SNS for health purpose were conducted. RESULTS SNS use for health purpose and depression were positively associated for three age groups but not for those 65 years or older (=0.13, P<0.05; =0.08, P<0.05; =0.09, P<0.05). Income and self-reported health status indicated an inverse relationship for all age groups. The relationship with marital status differed based on age group with 18 and 34 years old showing an inverse relationship (=-0.13, P<0.01) while 65 years or older showing a positive relationship (=0.06, P<0.05). Gender was positively associated among those in the 35-49 years old (=0.09, P<0.05) and 65 years or older (=0.07, P<0.05). Being Non-Hispanic White was positively associated with depression among 50-64 years old (=0.07, P<0.001) and 65 years or older (=0.08, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Age-tailored education on determining accurate and reliable information shared via SNS is needed to reduce depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Media consumption and mental health during COVID-19 lockdown: a UK cross-sectional study across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth D Neill ◽  
Carolyn Blair ◽  
Paul Best ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
Cherie Armour
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Data Collection

Abstract Aim As individuals adjust to new ‘norms’ and ways of living during the COVID-19 lockdown, there is a continuing need for up-to-date information and guidance. Evidence suggests that frequent media exposure is related to a higher prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to determine whether COVID-19 related media consumption is associated with changes in mental health outcomes. Methods This paper presents baseline data from the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study. The cross-sectional study data was collected using an online survey following the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with some other basic information collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influence of socio-demographic and media specific factors on anxiety and depression. Results The study suggested that media usage is statistically significantly associated with anxiety and depression on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales with excessive media exposure related to higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion This study indicated that higher media consumption was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. Worldwide it should be acknowledged that excessive media consumption, particularly social media relating to COVID-19, can have an effect on mental health. However, as this was a cross-sectional study we cannot infer any directionality as we cannot infer cause and effect; therefore, future research involving longitudinal data collection and analyses of variables over time is warranted.

scholarly journals Mental Health of COVID-19 Patients—A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4758
Author(s):  
Hasan Saeed Alamri ◽  
Wesam F. Mousa ◽  
Abdullah Algarni ◽  
Shehata F. Megahid ◽  
Ali Al Bshabshe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Patients Experience ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: This study aims to investigate the mental health of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Due to travel and time constraints as well as the accessibility of patients, cases were included from East Jeddah Hospital, King Abdulaziz Hospital, and the Oncology Center in Jeddah. The data were collected using a predesigned self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed COVID-19 cases, personal data, medical history, smoking, traveling abroad, and work-related conditions. Additionally, data regarding contact level with COVID-19 cases were considered. The mental health statuses of the patients were assessed using a validated Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. The study included 261 COVID-19 patients whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. Results: The survey findings revealed that 13% of COVID-19 patients had a borderline level of anxiety, 26.8% were considered anxiety cases, while 60.2% were normal. The findings also revealed that 29.9% had a borderline level of depression, 18.4% were considered depression cases, while 51.7% were normal. Conclusions: This study concluded that COVID-19 patients experience anxiety and depression, and as the COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread, the results of the study are particularly useful in developing a strategy to psychologically support COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Phase

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Female Students in Fukushima Four Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinya Ito ◽  
Mie Sasaki ◽  
Satoko Okabe ◽  
Nobuhiro Konno ◽  
Aya Goto
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Radiation Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Female Students ◽  
World Health ◽  
Nuclear Radiation ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with an emphasis on determining how nuclear radiation risks affect the reporting of depression symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 310 female students at a college in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in December 2015, and 288 participants submitted valid questionnaires. In total, 222 (77.1%) participants lived in Fukushima at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The measures included the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, the Fukushima Future Parents Attitude Measure, and risk perception of radiation health effects. A total of 46.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Path analysis revealed that higher radiation risk perceptions and reduced efficacy with reproduction related to a decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy, which was subsequently associated with increased depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of radiation education among children and young adults, both after a nuclear accident and during disaster preparation, particularly in the context of reproductive and mental health.

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