Longitudinal evidence of the impact of dog ownership and dog walking on mental health

Abstract Background Emerging evidence supports the physical health and social benefits of dog ownership. This study examined the longitudinal effect of dog ownership and dog walking on mental health. Methods Data from a cohort of 1023 participants taking part in the RESIDential Environments project, in Perth, Western Australia were collected over a 2 year period (baseline and follow-up). Self-report survey items measured mental health (stress and depression), dog ownership status and weekly minutes of dog walking. Logistic regression models accounted for potential confounding factors including socio–demographic, self-rated health and baseline mental health. Results Overall, no statistically significant effects were observed over time between dog ownership and stress (adjusted OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.81) or depression (adjusted OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.72, 3.16). There was a small inverse but non-significant association between weekly minutes of dog walking and stress over time (adjusted OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.60, 1.22). Conclusion There was little evidence of prospective associations between dog ownership or dog walking and mental health. Further research is required to confirm longitudinal relationships between dog ownership and dog walking and mental health and investigate dog-related factors, such as a person’s attachment to their dog.

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Can lifestyle interventions improve Canadian men’s mental health? Outcomes from the HAT TRICK programme

Health Promotion International ◽

10.1093/heapro/daaa120 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Paul Sharp ◽

Sean Stolp ◽

Joan L Bottorff ◽

John L Oliffe ◽

Kate Hunt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Linear Models ◽

Self Report ◽

Lifestyle Interventions ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Depression Risk ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time ◽

Linear Trends

Summary Engaging men in mental health promotion can be difficult because of reticence about help-seeking, especially for gender neutral programmes. Developments in men’s health research has pointed to the success of gender-sensitized programmes to increase men’s engagement in healthy lifestyle interventions targeting physical activity and healthy eating; however, less is known about the impact of these interventions on men’s mental health. This study explored changes to men’s depression risk and health-related quality of life at post-intervention (12 weeks) and 9-month follow-up, after participating in HAT TRICK, a gender-sensitized lifestyle intervention for overweight men. Participants completed validated self-report measures of mental health at baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks) and 9-month follow-up. Men’s scores on the Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS) and the SF-12 questionnaire, including physical health (PH12) and mental health (MH12) composite scores, were analyzed using mixed linear models to assess linear trends. At baseline, men (N = 62) had a mean age of 50.98 (SD = 10.09) years and BMI of 35.87 (SD = 5.51) kg/m2. Results show that both the MDRS and the MH12 showed improvements in participants’ mental health, with significant linear trends (p = 0.003; p = 0.003) qualified with significant quadratic trends over time (p = 0.02; p = 0.03). There were no significant changes in the PH12 over time. Gender-sensitized programmes for overweight men, such as HAT TRICK, are a promising approach to positively influence components of men’s mental health, with the potential for sustained improvements over the long term.

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T3 Are Burns a Chronic Condition: Examining Physical and Mental Functioning up to 20 Years After Injury

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irab032.002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S2-S3

Author(s):

Callie Abouzeid ◽

Audrey E Wolfe ◽

Gretchen J Carrougher ◽

Nicole S Gibran ◽

Radha K Holavanahalli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

National Database ◽

Time Points ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Burn Survivors ◽

Population Demographic ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Abstract Introduction Burn survivors often face many long-term physical and psychological symptoms associated with their injury. To date, however, few studies have examined the impact of burn injuries on quality of life beyond 2 years post-injury. The purpose of this study is to examine the physical and mental well-being of burn survivors up to 20 years after injury. Methods Data from the Burn Model System National Database (1997–2020) were analyzed. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected at discharge with a recall of preinjury status, and then at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after injury. Outcomes examined were the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the Short Form-12. Trajectories were developed using linear mixed methods model with repeated measures of PCS and MCS scores over time and controlling for demographic and clinical variables. The model fitted score trajectory was generated with 95% confidence intervals to demonstrate score changes over time and associations with covariates. Results The study population included 420 adult burn survivors with a mean age of 42.4 years. The population was mainly male (66%) and white (76.4%) with a mean burn size of 21.5% and length of hospital stay of 31.3 days. Higher PCS scores were associated with follow-up time points closer to injury, shorter hospital stay, and younger age. Similarly, higher MCS scores were associated with earlier follow-up time points, shorter hospital stay, female gender, and non-perineal burns. MCS trajectories are demonstrated in the Figure. Conclusions Burn survivors’ physical and mental health worsened over time. Such a trend is different from previous reported results for mental health in the general population. Demographic and clinical predictors of recovery over time are identified.

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Association between cognitive phenotype in unaffected siblings and prospective 3- and 6-year clinical outcome in their proband affected by psychosis

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291720000719 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Thijs J. Burger ◽

Frederike Schirmbeck ◽

Jentien M. Vermeulen ◽

Piotr J. Quee ◽

Mariken B. de Koning ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Psychotic Disorders ◽

Cognitive Vulnerability ◽

Familial Risk ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact ◽

Cognitive Alterations ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background Cognitive alterations are a central and heterogeneous trait in psychotic disorders, driven by environmental, familial and illness-related factors. In this study, we aimed to prospectively investigate the impact of high familial risk for cognitive alterations, unconfounded by illness-related factors, on symptomatic outcomes in patients. Methods In total, 629 probands with non-affective psychosis and their sibling not affected by psychosis were assessed at baseline, 3- and 6-year follow-up. Familial cognitive risk was modeled by three cognitive subtypes (‘normal’, ‘mixed’ and ‘impaired’) in the unaffected siblings. Generalized linear mixed models assessed multi-cross-sectional associations between the sibling cognitive subtype and repeated measures of proband symptoms across all assessments. Between-group differences over time were assessed by adding an interaction effect of time and sibling cognitive subtype. Results Probands affected by psychosis with a sibling of the impaired cognitive subtype were less likely to be in symptomatic remission and showed more disorganization across all time points. When assessing differences over time, probands of siblings with the impaired cognitive subtype showed less remission and less improvement of disorganization after 3 and 6 years relative to the other subtypes. They also showed less reduction of positive, negative and excitement symptoms at 6-year follow-up compared to probands with a sibling of the normal cognitive subtype. Conclusions Cross-sibling pathways from higher levels of familial cognitive vulnerability to worse long-term outcomes may be informative in identifying cognition-related environmental and genetic risks that impact psychotic illness heterogeneity over time.

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Do Depressive Symptoms Shape Blacks’ Perceptions of Stress Over Time?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa022 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

Author(s):

DeAnnah R Byrd ◽

Roland J Thorpe ◽

Keith E Whitfield

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Ordinary Least Squares ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Age Group ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background and Objectives Previous studies have linked stress to multiple negative mental health outcomes, including depression. This established stress–depression association is typically examined in one direction and cross-sectionally. This study examined the bidirectional relationships between depressive symptoms and changes in perceived stress over time in Blacks. Research Design and Methods The present study uses a community-dwelling sample of 450 Black adults, aged 51–96 years old, who participated in the Baltimore Study of Black Aging—Patterns of Cognitive Aging. Perceived stress—measured by the Perceived Stress Scale—and depressive symptoms—measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale—were both assessed at baseline and follow-up 33 months later. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine 2 bidirectional longitudinal relationships between (1) stress–depression and (2) depression–stress, and whether these associations are modified by age. Results Initial analyses testing the typical stress–depression relationship showed an effect in the expected direction, that is stress leading to more depressive symptoms over time, adjusting for model covariates, but the effect was not statistically significant (b = 0.014, p = .642). After accounting for baseline perceived stress level, age, sex, education, and chronic health conditions, depressive symptoms were positively associated with follow-up stress (b = 0.210, p < .000). The depression–stress association further varied by age group such that the impact of baseline depression on changes in perceived stress was greatest in Blacks in their 60s versus those in their 50s (b = 0.267, p = .001), controlling for model covariates. Discussion and Implications Contrary to previous work, the results suggest that an individual’s mental health shapes his/her perception of stressful events and this relationship varies by age group. While the typical finding (stress impacting depression) was not significant, the findings reported here highlight the importance of considering the possible bidirectional nature of the relationships between psychosocial measures of stress and mental health in later life among Blacks.

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Mental health among immigrants in Germany – the impact of self-attribution and attribution by others as an immigrant

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-8060-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yuriy Nesterko ◽

Michael Friedrich ◽

Elmar Brähler ◽

Andreas Hinz ◽

Heide Glaesmer

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Population Based ◽

Migration Background ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Related Factors ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background In Germany, the term ‘migration background’ has been established to differentiate between immigrants and natives. In the present study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression were analysed in immigrant populations in Germany by considering self-attribution as well as attribution by others on one’s own ‘migration background’. Methods In a population-based survey (N = 2317), socio-demographic characteristics, migration background (official statistics definition vs. self-attribution as well as the anticipated attribution by others), PTSD (PCL-5), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (PHQ-4) were assessed. Logistic regression models were applied to predict mental health outcomes by considering socio-demographic and immigration-related factors. Results A total of 10.7% of respondents (N = 248) had a ‘migration background’. Immigrants of the 2nd generation compared to 1st generation immigrants are less likely to see themselves as immigrants. Attribution as an immigrant (self and/or by others) was found as significant predictor for PTSD and depression, but not anxiety. Conclusions It seems useful to focus on immigration-related factors considering subjective perspectives and not only comparing immigrants and natives using a federal statistics definition. Our findings suggest that research on the association between immigration-related factors such as attribution as an immigrant and mental health outcomes might be a promising approach to better identify subgroups at higher risk of mental distress.

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Mental health among immigrants in Germany – the impact of self-attribution and attribution by others as an immigrant

10.21203/rs.2.13054/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Yuriy Nesterko ◽

Michael Friedrich ◽

Elmar Brähler ◽

Andreas Hinz ◽

Heide Glaesmer

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Population Based ◽

Migration Background ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Related Factors ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background In Germany, the term ‘migration background' has been established to differentiate between immigrants and natives. In the present study post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression were analysed in immigrant populations in Germany by considering self-attribution as well as attribution by others on one’s own ‘migration background’. Methods In a population-based survey (N = 2317), socio-demographic characteristics, migration background (official statistics definition vs. self-attribution as well as the anticipated attribution by others), PTSD (PCL-5), symptoms of anxiety and depression (PHQ-4) were assessed. Logistic regression models were applied to predict mental health outcomes by considering socio-demographic and immigration-related factors. Results A total of 10.7% of the respondents (N = 248) had a ‘migration background’. Immigrants of the 2nd generation compared to 1st generation immigrants are less likely to see themselves as immigrants. Attribution as an immigrant (self and/or by others) was found as significant predictor for PTSD and depression, but not anxiety. Conclusions It seems useful to focus on immigration-related factors considering subjective perspectives and not only comparing immigrants and natives using a federal statistics definition. Our findings suggest that research on the association between immigration-related factors such as attribution as an immigrant and mental health outcomes might be a promising approach to better identify subgroups at higher risk of mental distress.

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of nursing students in Japan: protocol for a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055916 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. e055916

Author(s):

Jun Kako ◽

Yoshiyasu Ito ◽

Kohei Kajiwara ◽

Yasutaka Kimura ◽

Takahiro Kakeda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Large Scale ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Self Report ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic is spreading globally with a high risk of mortality. It is also significantly affecting mental health. For nursing students, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health is predicted to be significant; however, sufficient data have not been obtained. Therefore, this study will aim to assess the mental health of nursing students and evaluate the related factors.Methods and analysisThis proposed study is a cross-sectional survey using a self-report questionnaire. An online questionnaire will be distributed among all nursing students of eight universities in Japan. The survey questionnaire will consist of questions related to demography, life satisfaction, fear of COVID-19, mental health and physical activities. The target sample size is 1300 nursing students. We will calculate descriptive statistics for each measurement item and perform univariate and logistic regression analyses to evaluate the potential risk factors for anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms in nursing students. The strength of association will be assessed using the OR and its 95% CIs. Statistical significance will be set at a p<0.05.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Hyogo on 22 March 2021 (ID: 2020F29). In addition, all of the participating facilities required ethical approval from their local IRBs. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. We believe that the proposed large-scale investigation of the mental health of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relationship between mental health and fear of COVID-19 are novel and will be a strength of this study.

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Do Depressive Symptoms Shape Blacks’ Perceptions of Stress Over Time?

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1901 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 573-573

Author(s):

DeAnnah Byrd ◽

Roland Thorpe ◽

Keith Whitfield

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Work ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time ◽

Time Future

Abstract The established association between stress and depression is typically examined only in one direction and cross-sectionally. Data from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging-Patterns of Cognitive Aging was used to longitudinally examine the bi-directional relationships between (1) stress-depression and (2) depression-stress, and age as a modifier. The sample consisted of 602 community-dwelling Blacks, aged 48-92 years at baseline and 450 at follow-up 33 months later. While the stress-depression relationship was non-significant; the depression-stress was (b= 0.236, p< 0.000) and this association varied by age with the impact of baseline depression on changes in stress greatest among Blacks in their 60’s versus those in their 50’s (b= 0.257, p= 0.002), controlling for model covariates. Findings highlight the importance of depression in shaping Blacks’ perception of stress over time. Future work should continue to identify stress and mental health risk factors that contribute to poor health and health disparities in older Blacks.

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Associations between depressive complaints and indicators of labour participation among older Dutch employees: a prospective cohort study

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-020-01584-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jacqueline G. M. Jennen ◽

N. W. H. Jansen ◽

L. G. P. M. van Amelsvoort ◽

J. J. M. Slangen ◽

I. J. Kant

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Older Employees ◽

Labour Participation ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time ◽

Work Contexts

Abstract Purpose European policy measures have led to an increased net labour participation of older employees. Yet, via different routes (for instance disability schemes) employees still often leave the labour market early. Mental health may be an important factor hindering labour participation. Aims of this study are twofold: first, to examine the relationship between mental health—particularly depressive complaints—and indicators of labour participation among older employees over a 2-year follow-up period and second, to explore the impact of different work contexts when studying this relation. Methods A subsample of older employees (aged > 45 years; n = 1253) from the Maastricht Cohort Study was studied. Depressive complaints were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Logistic and Cox regression analyses covered 2 years of follow-up and were also stratified for relevant work-related factors. Results Employees with mild depressive complaints showed statistically significantly higher risks for poor mental workability (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.14–5.92) and high psychological disengagement levels (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.21–4.57) over time compared to employees without depressive complaints. Within various work contexts, for instance in which employees perform physically demanding work or have high psychological job demands, significantly stronger associations were found between depressive complaints and poor mental workability over time. Conclusions This study shows strong longitudinal associations between depressive complaints and indicators of labour participation, also within different work contexts over time. Results provide valuable input for developing preventive measure aiming to enhance sustainable labour participation of older employees.

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Early and Mid-Term Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical, Behavioral and Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals: The CoPE-HCP Study Protocol

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.616280 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammed Y. Khanji ◽

Carmela Maniero ◽

Sher NG ◽

Imrana Siddiqui ◽

Jaya Gupta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Screening Tools ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Wellbeing ◽

The Impact

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented strain to healthcare systems worldwide and posed unique challenges to the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general public.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, behavioral, and physical wellbeing of HCPs in the early and mid-term periods of the pandemic in comparison to non-HCPs. Thus, facilitating and guiding optimum planning and delivery of support to HCPs.Methods and AnalysisAn observational cross-sectional survey and cohort study aiming to enroll over 1050 participants (minimum, 800 HCPs and 250 controls). Study questionnaires will be completed at baseline and after 6-weeks and 4-months. Recruitment initiated July 2020. The study was designed in London, United Kingdom, but open to participants worldwide. Baseline: Questionnaires comprising of validated self-administered screening tools for depression, anxiety, sleep-related issues, wellbeing, and burnout. The questionnaires also explore changes in behavior and physical wellbeing of the participants. In addition, associations of these mental health and behavioral factors with work-related factors and support will be explored. Six-weeks and 4-months follow-up: Follow-up questionnaires will assess change in symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, use of alcohol and other substances, behavioral or interpersonal relationship changes. Physical wellbeing will be assessed through the presence of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection and absence from work. We will also evaluate the impact of variable provision of personal protection equipment (supply and training), extended working hours, and concern for the wellbeing of family members, anxiety levels, and evidence of burnout.Statistical ConsiderationsThe study has 80% power to detect a 10% difference of combined depression and/or anxiety symptoms between the groups using two-sided type 1 error at 0.05 at baseline. Assuming that only 50% of these HCPs agree to be a part of a cohort survey, we will have 80% power to detect around 12% difference in the two groups in reported physical symptoms (20% vs. 32.3%), or prevalence of depression and/or anxiety at the end of the study.EthicsThe study was approved by the Cambridge East, Research Ethics Committee (20/EE/0166).Trial Registration NumberClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04433260.

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