Mental well-being promotion by Australian community pharmacists: what’s happening and what needs to be done?

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to explore the range of activities provided by community pharmacists for promoting mental well-being in Australia. Methods An online survey was developed and piloted by 2 community pharmacists, 1 representative from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and 11 pharmacy students for content and face validity. Community pharmacists were recruited via direct emails to pharmacy groups and social media between November 2019 and January 2020. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared analyses were conducted. Key findings Data were analysed from 85 pharmacists (of 115 total pharmacy staff respondents). Although 40% reported working in a pharmacy that promoted mental well-being, most (88.2%) were not involved in such activities. However, most respondents (88.0%) identified community pharmacy as a suitable setting to promote mental well-being. Barriers to mental well-being promotion included busy pharmacy environment with competing priorities, a lack of staff training and confidence in discussing mental well-being and stigma associated with mental illness. Conclusions Community pharmacy presents a suitable setting to promote mental well-being. However, pharmacists may not be utilizing their full range of skills and knowledge in promoting a national health priority. This study identified opportunities for increased pharmacist-led promotion of mental well-being, particularly given the emerging mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the growing urgency for mental health-friendly health workers across the sector including the community pharmacy workforce to engage consumers about their mental well-being.

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The relationship between mental well-being and dysregulated gaming: a specification curve analysis of core and peripheral criteria in five gaming disorder scales

Royal Society Open Science ◽

10.1098/rsos.201385 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 201385

Author(s):

Nick Ballou ◽

Antonius J. Van Rooij

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Relationship ◽

Well Being ◽

Depressive Mood ◽

Curve Analysis ◽

Gaming Disorder ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

The Relationship

Gaming disorder (also known as dysregulated gaming) has received significant research and policy attention based on concerns that certain patterns of play are associated with decreased mental well-being and/or functional impairment. In this study, we use specification curve analysis to examine analytical flexibility and the strength of the relationship between dysregulated gaming and well-being in the form of general mental health, depressive mood and life satisfaction. Dutch and Flemish gamers ( n = 424) completed an online survey containing five unique dysregulated gaming measures (covering nine scale variants) and three well-being measures. We find a consistent negative relationship; across 972 justifiable regression models, the median standardized regression coefficient was −0.39 (min: −0.54, max: −0.19). Data show that the majority of dysregulated gaming operationalizations converge upon highly similar estimates of well-being. However, variance is introduced by the choice of well-being measure; results indicate that dysregulated gaming is more strongly associated with depressive mood than with life satisfaction. Weekly game time accounted for little to no unique variance in well-being in the sample. We argue that research on this topic should compare a broad range of psychosocial well-being outcomes and explore possible simplifications of the DSM-5 gaming disorder criteria. Given somewhat minute differences between dysregulated gaming scales when used in survey-based studies and largely equivalent relationships with mental health indicators, harmonization of measurement should be a priority.

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The effect of COVID-19 on mental well-being in Switzerland: a cross-sectional survey of the adult Swiss general population

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01532-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Laura Diaz Hernandez ◽

Stéphanie Giezendanner ◽

Roland Fischer ◽

Andreas Zeller

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Mental Health Concerns ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Background In addition to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic to physical health, mental health is challenged by the emotional response to the situation and the official measures taken to stop the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of impaired mental well-being due to COVID-19 and explore associated factors. Methods The study was an observational, population-based, nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of a representative sample of the general Swiss population performed between March and April 2020. Participants reported on mental well-being, self-isolation/quarantine, their risk for developing severe COVID-19, and their work situation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed risk factors for impaired mental well-being due to the pandemic. Results Data from 1022 individuals were analysed. The median age was 44 years (range 18 to 78) and 49% were women. A third of respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impaired their mental well-being and almost half reported specific mental health concerns. Impaired mental well-being was associated with having health problems (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.29–2.74, vs no problems), being or living with someone at risk for severe COVID-19 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1–1.9,), smoking (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.24–2.61), living in urban residential environments (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13–2.32, vs rural), not being able to work due to closed workplace (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.04–2.67), aged between 18 and 29 years old (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.32–3.01, vs 45 to 59 years old), and living in a single household (living with someone, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.97,vs single household). Overall, the most significant covariates of impaired mental well-being were specific mental health concerns: feeling depressed (OR = 7.21, 95% CI: 4.5–11.55), feeling less pleasure in doing things than before (OR = 6.28, 95% CI: 4.1–9.62), feeling anxious (OR = 6.13, 95% CI: 3.91–9.59) and feeling lonely (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.53–6.58). Conclusion Impaired mental well-being can carry long-term consequences. We encourage policymakers to implement strategies to promote mental health during this pandemic situation. Special attention should be addressed to the youngest, those at risk for severe COVID-19 and those with government-imposed work restrictions.

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Impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown and relevant vulnerabilities on capability well-being, mental health and social support: an Austrian survey study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10351-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Judit Simon ◽

Timea M. Helter ◽

Ross G. White ◽

Catharina van der Boor ◽

Agata Łaszewska

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Health Treatment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Survey Study ◽

Health Treatment ◽

History Of ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Background Impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and its public health measures go beyond physical and mental health and incorporate wider well-being impacts in terms of what people are free to do or be. We explored the impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown and relevant vulnerabilities on capability well-being, mental health and social support in Austria. Methods Adult Austrian residents (n = 560) provided responses to a cross-sectional online survey about their experiences during Covid-19 lockdown (15 March-15 April 2020). Instruments measuring capabilities (OxCAP-MH), depression and anxiety (HADS), social support (MSPSS) and mental well-being (WHO-5) were used in association with six pre-defined vulnerabilities using multivariable linear regression. Results 31% of the participants reported low mental well-being and only 30% of those with a history of mental health treatment received treatment during lockdown. Past mental health treatment had a significant negative effect across all outcome measures with an associated capability well-being score reduction of − 6.54 (95%CI, − 9.26, − 3.82). Direct Covid-19 experience and being ‘at risk’ due to age and/or physical health conditions were also associated with significant capability deprivations. When adjusted for vulnerabilities, significant capability reductions were observed in association with increased levels of depression (− 1.77) and anxiety (− 1.50), and significantly higher capability levels (+ 3.75) were associated with higher levels of social support. Compared to the cohort average, individual capability impacts varied between − 9% for those reporting past mental health treatment and + 5% for those reporting one score higher on the social support scale. Conclusions Our study is the first to assess the capability limiting aspects of lockdown and relevant vulnerabilities alongside their impacts on mental health and social support. The negative capability well-being, mental health and social support impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown were strongest for people with a history of mental health treatment. Future public health policies concerning lockdowns should pay special attention to improve social support levels in order to increase public resilience.

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The Early Impact of the Covid-19 Emergency on Mental Health Workers: A Survey in Lombardy, Italy

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17228615 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (22) ◽

pp. 8615

Author(s):

Filippo Rapisarda ◽

Martine Vallarino ◽

Elena Cavallini ◽

Angelo Barbato ◽

Camille Brousseau-Paradis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Workers ◽

Outpatient Service ◽

Well Being ◽

Work Conditions ◽

Mental Health Workers ◽

Inpatient Service ◽

Service Workers

Lombardy was the epicenter of the Covid-19 outbreak in Italy, and in March 2020 the rapid escalation in cases prompted the Italian Government to decree a mandatory lockdown and to introduce safety practices in mental health services. The general objective of the study is to evaluate the early impact of the Covid-19 emergency and quarantine on the well-being and work practices of mental health service personnel and professionals. Data were collected through an online survey of workers and professionals working with people with mental health problems in Lombardy in several outpatient and inpatient services. Their socio-demographic characteristics, professional background, description of working conditions during lockdown and psychological distress levels were collected. All analyses were performed on a sample of 241. Approximately, 31% of the participants obtained a severe score in at least one of the burnout dimensions, 11.6% showed moderate or severe levels of anxiety, and 6.6% had a moderate or severe level of depression. Different work conditions and patterns of distress were found for outpatient service workers and inpatient service workers. The overall impact of the Covid-19 emergency on mental health workers’ level of distress was mild, although a significant number of workers experienced severe levels of depersonalization and anxiety. More research is needed to assess specific predictive factors.

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PSV-20 Preliminary exploration of swine veterinarian perspectives on euthanasia on-farm

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa278.399 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. 216-217

Author(s):

Elaine N Calaba ◽

Lily Edwards-Callaway ◽

Catie Cramer ◽

I Noa Roman-Muniz ◽

Lorann Stallones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Wellness Programs ◽

Swine Production ◽

Animal Suffering ◽

Workplace Values ◽

On Farm ◽

Mental Well Being ◽

Further Development

Abstract Euthanasia is a critical component of swine production. Veterinarians should play a key role in development of euthanasia protocols and training to ensure humane euthanasia. This study aimed to understand veterinarian involvement and perspectives on euthanasia training on swine farms. An online survey was disseminated through the American Association of Swine Veterinarians newsletter in February 2020. The survey consisted of 56 questions. Twenty-six veterinarians responded to the survey. The majority (88%, n = 23) of respondents indicated that most of the facilities with which they work have a written euthanasia protocol, and 69% of respondents indicated that they participated in the protocol design. The majority of respondents (88%; n = 23) indicated that caretakers are responsible for performing euthanasia of the pigs. When presented with the statement: “All employees performing euthanasia have been trained adequately,” 52% of respondents agreed while 42% disagreed. Additionally, 81% (n = 21) of the respondents indicated a desire to facilitate additional euthanasia training. All respondents (100%; n = 26) “believe that euthanasia is a humane way to end animal suffering” and that “the euthanasia process on-farm is necessary.” Over half of respondents (62%; n = 16) reported feeling emotionally upset after euthanizing an animal. Approximately half (54%; n = 14) of respondents believe their workplace values the mental health of employees, yet 50% (n = 13) indicated there were no programs to promote worker mental health and 96% (n = 25) indicated there were no mental health evaluations. Fifty four percent of respondents (n = 14) reported there were no employee check-ins with supervisors. Preliminary data supports the need for further euthanasia training on-farm developed with veterinarians and suggests veterinarians want to deliver more training. Although some facilities are considering employee mental well-being, further development of euthanasia training and wellness programs could benefit caretakers.

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The Bittersweet Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health: Results of an Online Survey among a Sample of the Dutch Population Five Weeks after Relaxation of Lockdown Restrictions

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17239073 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 9073

Author(s):

Mandy Gijzen ◽

Laura Shields-Zeeman ◽

Marloes Kleinjan ◽

Hans Kroon ◽

Henriëtte van der Roest ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Dutch Population ◽

Adverse Life Events ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Emotional Loneliness ◽

Meaningful Relationships ◽

Mental Health Effects ◽

Mental Well Being

Previous research shows that crises can have both negative and positive mental health effects on the population. The current study explored these effects in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic after relaxation of governmental measures. An online survey was administered among a representative sample of the Dutch population (n = 1519) in June 2020, ten weeks after the peak of COVID-19 had passed, and five weeks after restrictions were relaxed. Participants were asked about mental health, adverse events during COVID-19, and about any positive effects of the pandemic. Most participants (80%, n = 1207) reported no change in mental health since the COVID-19 pandemic. This was also the case among respondents who had experienced an adverse event. Protective factors of mental health were being male and high levels of positive mental well-being. Risk factors were emotional loneliness and the experience of adverse life events. Social loneliness was positively associated with stable mental health, stressing the importance of meaningful relationships. Note that 58% of participants reported positive effects of the pandemic, the most common of which were rest, working from home, and feeling more socially connected. In summary, 10 weeks after the start of the crisis, and 5 weeks after relaxation of the restrictions, most people remained stable during the crisis, and were even able to report positive effects.

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Emotional support received moderates academic stress and mental well-being in a sample of Afghan university students amid COVID-19

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00207640211057729 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402110577

Author(s):

Zane Asher Green ◽

Farkhonda Faizi ◽

Rahmatullah Jalal ◽

Zarifa Zadran

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Academic Stress ◽

Health Issues ◽

Stress Buffering ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Mental Well Being

Background: Academic stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered high levels of anxiety and depression and other severe mental health issues among university students around the globe. In Afghanistan, there is a paucity of research on the academic and mental health issues of Afghan university students and none pertaining to their academic stress and mental well-being amid the pandemic. Aim: This research examines the potential stress-buffering role of emotional support received between academic stress and mental well-being in a sample of Afghan university students during the COVID-19 outbreak. Method: The study sample comprised 508 Afghan university students. An online survey was developed for data collection. Model 1 of the PROCESS macro was used to conduct the moderation analysis. Results: These indicate that moderate and high levels of emotional support received may protect against the negative effects of higher levels of academic stress on mental well-being. Conclusion: This research makes an important contribution to the literature on social support. It may be inferred from the results that Afghan university students who experience academic stress, but have strong emotional support are able to attain greater mental well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak as compared to those with weak emotional support. Results may encourage mental health practitioners, university counselors, education administrators, and faculty to jointly formulate strategies for offering emotional support to Afghan university students.

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Capability impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown in association with mental well-being, social connections and existing vulnerabilities: an Austrian survey study

10.1101/2020.11.14.20231142 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Judit Simon ◽

Timea M. Helter ◽

Ross G. White ◽

Catharina van der Boor ◽

Agata Łaszewska

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Mental Health Treatment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Survey Study ◽

Health Treatment ◽

History Of ◽

Mental Well Being

AbstractBackgroundImpacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and its public health measures go beyond physical and mental health and incorporate wider well-being impacts in terms of what people are free to do or be. We explored these capability impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown in association with people’s mental well-being, social support and existing vulnerabilities in Austria.MethodsAdult Austrian residents (n=560) provided responses to a cross-sectional online survey about their experiences during Covid-19 lockdown (15 March-15 April 2020). Instruments measuring capabilities (OxCAP-MH), depression and anxiety (HADS), social support (MSPSS) and mental well-being (WHO-5) were used in association with six pre-defined vulnerabilities using multivariable linear regression.Results31% of the participants reported low mental well-being and only 30% of those with a history of mental health treatment received treatment during lockdown. Past mental health treatment had a significant negative effect across all outcome measures with an associated capability well-being score reduction of -6.54 (95%CI: -9.26,-3.82). Direct Covid-19 experience and being ‘at risk’ due to age and/or physical health conditions were also associated with significant capability deprivations. When adjusted for vulnerabilities, significant capability reductions were observed in association with increased levels of depression (−1.79) and anxiety (−1.50), and significantly higher capability levels (+3.77) were associated with higher levels of social support. Compared to the cohort average, individual capability impacts varied between -9% for those reporting past mental health treatment and +5% for those reporting one score higher on the social support scale.ConclusionsOur study is the first to assess the capability limiting aspects of a lockdown in association with specific vulnerabilities. The negative impacts of the Covid-19 lockdown were strongest for people with a history of mental health treatment. In future public health policies, special attention should be also paid to improving social support levels to increase public resilience.

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Mental Well-Being during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Fly-In Fly-Out Workers in the Mining Industry in Australia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182212264 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (22) ◽

pp. 12264

Author(s):

Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah Asare ◽

Elizabeth Thomas ◽

Jacquita S. Affandi ◽

Myles Schammer ◽

Paul Brown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Western Australia ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Mining Industry ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Impact ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Well Being

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has devastated the world, and its mental health impact has been recognized in the general population. However, little is known about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, who are flown to temporarily stay and work in remote areas, during this pandemic. This study examined the mental well-being of FIFO workers in the mining industry during COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia. An online survey was conducted between May to November 2020 among (N = 842) FIFO workers who underwent COVID-19 screening at a large mining company in Western Australia. The mental well-being score among workers was higher than population norms. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests showed significant differences in mental well-being by age, being placed under travel quarantine, undertaking self-isolation, impact of social distance guidelines, and experience of COVID-19 related symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis showed workers who were younger, placed under travel quarantine and experienced two or more COVID-19 related symptoms were more likely to have worse mental well-being. Acknowledging the negative emotions and distress experiences among the vulnerable groups could help in providing suitable support to help lessen these negative experiences in FIFO workers.

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The bittersweet effects of COVID-19 on mental health: Results of an online survey among a sample of the Dutch population

10.31219/osf.io/7jsng ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mandy Gijzen ◽

Laura Shields-Zeeman ◽

Marloes Kleinjan ◽

Hans Kroon ◽

Henriëtte van der Roest ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Dutch Population ◽

Adverse Life Events ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Emotional Loneliness ◽

Meaningful Relationships ◽

Mental Health Effects ◽

Mental Well Being

Previous research shows that crises can produce both negative and positive mental health effects. The current study explored these effects in context of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was administered among a representative sample of the Dutch population (n = 1519) in June 2020, when the peak of COVID-19 cases was ten weeks past. Participants were asked about mental health, adverse events during COVID-19, and about any positive effects of the pandemic. Most participants (80%, n = 1207) reported no change in mental health since the COVID-19 pandemic. This was also the case among respondents who had experienced an adverse event. Protective factors of mental health were being male and high levels of positive mental well-being. Risk factors were emotional loneliness and the experience of adverse life events. Unexpected, social loneliness was also positively associated with stable mental health, perhaps suggesting that people are okay with seeing less people, as long as meaningful relationships can be maintained. 58% of participants reported positive effects of the pandemic, the most common of which were rest, working from home, and feeling more socially connected. In summary, most people remained stable during the crisis, and where even able to report positive effects.

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