scholarly journals Economic Crisis and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Matsubayashi ◽  
Yumi Ishikawa ◽  
Michiko Ueda
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Low Income ◽  
College Education ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Economic Shocks ◽  
Female Workers ◽  
Population Mental Health

Background The economic crisis induced by the COVID-19 pandemic can have a serious impact on population mental health. This study seeks to understand whether the economic shocks associated with the pandemic have a differential impact by sex because the current pandemic may have disproportionally affected women compared to men. Methods We analyzed data from original online monthly surveys of the general population in Japan conducted between April 2020 and February 2021 (N=9000). We investigate whether individuals who had experienced a major job-related were more likely to have experienced depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and anxiety disorders (GAD-7) during the pandemic and also if its effect varied by sex. Results The results of logistic regression suggest that depressive and anxiety symptoms were more prevalent among those who had recently experienced drastic changes in employment and working conditions, as well as among individuals with low income and those without college education. We also found that female respondents who had experienced a major employment-related change were more likely to have experienced both depression and anxiety disorders, but its effect on male workers was limited to depressive symptoms. Limitations We do not have data on the pre-COVID mental health conditions of our respondents, and our findings are descriptive. Some segments of the population may not be represented in our sample because our surveys were conducted online. Conclusions COVID-induced economic shocks can have a differential detrimental effect on mental health depending on the sex of workers. The mental health of female workers can be particularly vulnerable.

scholarly journals Trauma, Sleep and Mental Health Problems in Low-Income Young Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1145
Author(s):  
Rachel A. Fusco ◽  
Yan Yuan ◽  
Hyunji Lee ◽  
Christina E. Newhill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
The Relationship

Low-income young adults are more likely to have exposure to trauma, which increases risk for mental health problems. Although adequate sleep promotes good health, people with histories of trauma are more likely to have sleep problems. The current study explored whether poor sleep mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and mental health. A sample of 143 low-income 18–24-year-old young adults completed depression, anxiety, and trauma exposure measures and wore sleep monitors for four nights. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine both direct and indirect effects of variables. Results showed that higher trauma exposure was associated with depression and anxiety. Mean sleep hours per night was fewer than six, far below recommended guidelines for optimal health and functioning. Fewer sleep hours partially mediated the relationship between both trauma exposure and depression and anxiety, and the direct effect from trauma remained significant after adjusting for the partial mediation from sleep.

scholarly journals Depressive Risk among Italian Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Children and Adolescents during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Serra ◽  
Anna Presicci ◽  
Luigi Quaranta ◽  
Maria Rosaria Erminia Urbano ◽  
Lucia Marzulli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disadvantaged Children ◽  
Parent Version

Abstract Background Children and adolescents and low-income individuals are considered particularly vulnerable for mental health implications during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Depression is one of the most frequent negative emotional responses during an epidemic outbreak, mainly due to the imposed restriction of social contacts. We aimed to assess depressive symptomatology in a sample of Italian low-income minors and to determine if pandemic-related stressors and pre-existing neuropsychiatric diagnoses would behave as risk factors for depressive symptoms. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study during July 2020, at the end of the Italian first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. We recruited 109 Italian socioeconomically disadvantaged children and adolescents, from 7 to 17 years. We used an online survey to collect socio-demographic and clinical data and information about pandemic-related stressors, and to assess depressive symptoms with the Children’s Depression Inventory 2 (CDI 2), Parent Version (Emotional Problems subscale) and Self-Report Short Form. We performed logistic regression analysis to assess the association between depressive symptoms and potential risk factors for mental health. Results 22% and 14% of participants showed depressive symptoms at the CDI 2 Parent Version and Self-Report, respectively. Participants coming from families experiencing a lack of basic supplies during the pandemic (34.9%) were more expected to show depressive symptoms at CDI 2 Parent Version. Participants with a pre-existing neuropsychiatric diagnosis (26.6%) were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms measured by CDI 2 Parent Version. Conclusions The results of our study may be representative of a particular group of frail subjects, the socioeconomically disadvantaged children and adolescents, who were more vulnerable to depressive symptoms if they suffered from a paucity of essential supplies during the pandemic or had pre-existing neurodevelopmental disorders. The promotion of educational and child-care programs and activities could be crucial in sustaining the prevention of mental distress in those frail subjects who particularly need support outside the family.

scholarly journals Depression and Anxiety Symptoms of British Adoptive Parents: A Prospective Four-Wave Longitudinal Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (24) ◽  
pp. 5153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Anthony ◽  
Amy L. Paine ◽  
Katherine H. Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Parental Anxiety ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Adoptive Families ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

The mental health of birth parents has gained attention due to the serious negative consequences for personal, family, and child outcomes, but depression and anxiety in adoptive parents remains under-recognized. Using a prospective, longitudinal design, we investigated anxiety and depression symptoms in 96 British adoptive parents over four time points in the first four years of an adoptive placement. Depression and anxiety symptom scores were relatively stable across time. Growth curve analysis showed that higher child internalizing scores and lower parental sense of competency at five months post-placement were associated with higher initial levels of parental depressive symptoms. Lower parental sense of competency was also associated with higher initial levels of parental anxiety symptoms. Parents of older children and those with higher levels of parental anxiety and sense of competency at five months post-placement had a steeper decrease in depressive symptoms over time. Support for adoptive families primarily focuses on child adjustment. Our findings suggest that professional awareness of parental mental health post-placement may be necessary, and interventions aimed at improving parents’ sense of competency may be beneficial.

scholarly journals Persistent and aggressive interactions with the police: potential mental health implications

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.L. Hirschtick ◽  
S.M. Homan ◽  
G. Rauscher ◽  
L.H. Rubin ◽  
T.P. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Aggressive Interactions ◽  
Current Ptsd

Abstract Aims Little is known about the potential health impact of police encounters despite a ubiquitous police presence in many disadvantaged urban environments. In this paper, we assess whether persistent or aggressive interactions with the police are associated with poor mental health outcomes in a sample of primarily low-income communities of colour in Chicago. Methods Between March 2015 and September 2016, we surveyed 1543 adults in ten diverse Chicago communities using a multistage probability design. The survey had over 350 questions on health and social factors, including police exposure and mental health status. We use sex-stratified logistic regression to examine associations between persistent police exposure (defined as a high number of lifetime police stops) or aggressive police exposure (defined as threat or use of police force during the respondent's most recent police stop) and the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depressive symptoms. Results Men reporting a high number of lifetime police stops have three times greater odds of current PTSD symptoms compared with men who did not report high lifetime police stops (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.6), after adjusting for respondent age, race/ethnicity, education, history of homelessness, prior diagnosis of PTSD and neighbourhood violent crime rate. Women reporting a high number of lifetime police stops have two times greater odds of current PTSD symptoms, although the results are not statistically significant after adjustment (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.9–4.2). Neither persistent nor aggressive police exposure is significantly associated with current depressive symptoms in our sample. Conclusions Our findings support existing preliminary evidence of an association between high lifetime police stops and PTSD symptoms. If future research can confirm as causal, these results have considerable public health implications given the frequent interaction between police and residents in disadvantaged communities in large urban areas.

scholarly journals Depressive symptoms among Peruvian adult residents amidst a National Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel A. Antiporta ◽  
Yuri L. Cutipé ◽  
Maria Mendoza ◽  
David D. Celentano ◽  
Elizabeth A. Stuart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Mental Health Diagnosis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Diagnosis

Abstract Background Population health and well-being in Latin America, the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been severely affected during the past semester. Despite the growing evidence about the link between the pandemic, its control measures, and mental health worldwide, there is still no regional evidence of the potential mental health impact. We describe the prevalence and distribution of depressive symptoms across demographic and socioeconomic risk factors in the Peruvian population amidst a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted during the community transmission phase and national lockdown in Peru (May 4th–16th, 2020). We recorded 64,493 responses from adult Peruvian residents through an opt-in online questionnaire. All analyses were weighted using raking based on proportions of sociodemographic variables from the last Peruvian census in 2017. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was calculated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or more. We identified associated demographic and socioeconomic factors by prior mental health diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis considered an alternative cut-off point for depressive symptoms of PHQ-9 ≥ 14. Results A total of 57,446 participants were included in the analytical sample. A third of the participants (n = 23,526, unweighted) showed depressive symptoms in the 2 weeks prior to the study. Participants who reported a previous mental health diagnosis doubled the sample prevalence of depressive symptoms (59, 95%CI 56.7, 61.4%) of those without a prior diagnosis. Psychosocial and functioning reactions were largely more prevalent among females and young adults. A dose-response relationship was found between household income and depressive symptoms across previous mental health diagnosis strata, being as low as 32% less in the wealthiest than the most impoverished group (PR: 0.68, 95%CI 0.58,0.79). Other critical factors associated with a higher burden of depressive symptoms were lower education level, single, unemployed, and chronic comorbidity. Conclusions An increased burden of depressive symptoms and psychosocial reactions has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru compared to previous years. The mental health burden disproportionately affects women, the younger population, and those with low income and education. As the country eases the social distancing measures, it is crucial to use local evidence to adjust public health policies and mental health services to the renewed population needs.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and mental health: Anxiety disorders among immigrants due to COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea

2021 ◽  
pp. 009121742110426
Author(s):  
Shiva Raj Acharya ◽  
Deog Hwan Moon ◽  
Jin Ho Chun ◽  
Yong Chul Shin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Severe Anxiety

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various facets of health. While mental health became a major concern during the COVID-19 outbreak, the impact on the migrants’ mental health has still been neglected. The purpose of this study was to examine the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on the mental health of immigrants in South Korea. Methods A total number of 386 immigrants in South Korea participated in this quantitative cross-sectional study. The standardized e-questionnaire, including the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, was used to measure the anxiety level. Logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the determinants of anxiety disorders among immigrants. Results The prevalence of severe anxiety among immigrants was found to be 47.2%. Female immigrants (28.6%) had a lower anxiety disorder than males (71.4%). Immigrants who were married, living alone, had a low income, had a history of health problems were suffered from moderate to severe anxiety. Immigrants who were unemployed (OR 2.302, 95% CI = 1.353–3.917) and lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak (OR 2.197, 95% CI = 1.312–3.678) have a higher anxiety disorder. Immigrants aged over 30 years were found to suffer from a high level of anxiety (OR 2.285, 95% CI = 1.184–4.410). Relief support from the government was significantly associated with anxiety disorder among immigrants (p < 0.01, OR = 3.151, 95% CI = 1.962–5.061). Conclusion With very limited studies on immigrants’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper provides scientific research evidence of the COVID-19 outbreak's impact on the mental health of migrants. Our study has consequences for implementing integrated psychological interventions and health promotion strategies for the well-being of immigrants’ mental health.

scholarly journals The Economics of Climate – Resilient Development – A Book Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Mohamad Buheji
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Economic Shocks ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
The World

The “Economics of Climate-Resilient Development” present a comprehensive mitigation plan to avoid future socio-economic crisis. The authors foresight that unless strategies are adapt effectively and efficiently today by the different communities and specially in the developing low income countries, the world would be vulnerable to economic shocks that never been experienced before.The book can be considered unique since it linked the economic development with the techniques of adaptation. It coincides with work the reviewer published about resilience economy where approaches for enhancing people and communities are explained in order to reach the minimum expected adaptability and flexibility. Buheji (2018a, 2018b).However, the work of Fankhauser and McDermott (2016) greatly focus on climate change, as the main challenge of economic development. The work would be greater if the editors ensure more inclusion and details on the nature of human being journeys.The issue of poverty covered in the book is a good example of foresighted socio-economic risk that needs to be mitigated to avoid deterioration due to many conditions that mostly would be uncontrollable due external unforeseen factors. In an earlier work, these factors were seen the cause for more complexity of the business models, which required proactive resilient practices, Buheji (2017).

Strengthening mental health systems to respond to economic crises

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 61-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. McDaid
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Economic Shocks ◽  
Employment Conditions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Self Harm

Summary Background: Mental health systems appear to be among the first casualties of an economic downturn. Growing global political and economic uncertainty in Europe and elsewhere may mean that the next major economic crisis is not far off. Objectives: This paper considers what mental health systems might do in future to more rapidly respond to the impacts of economic shocks, and reduce the risk and/or mitigate the impacts of poor mental health and deliberate self-harm. It concentrates on two areas of risk to mental health in times of economic shock, namely increasing job insecurity and changing employment conditions, as well as the impacts of unmanageable debt. Results: Addressing the psychological impacts of less job-security and of surviving a downsizing in the workplace may be just as important to mental health as unemployment in an economic crisis. There is also evidence that unmanageable debt is associated with poor mental health and risk of suicide and self-harm. Conclusions: Mental health systems need to develop plans for a rapid response to economic shocks, with a strong focus on a public health approach to mental health. Engaging and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, as well as secure budgets, will be imperative to effective implementation.

scholarly journals Depression in Later Life: The Role of Adult Children’s College Education for Older Parents’ Mental Health in the United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenjira J Yahirun ◽  
Connor M Sheehan ◽  
Krysia N Mossakowski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Family Background ◽  
College Education ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The United States ◽  
College Completion ◽  
Older Parents ◽  
College Attainment ◽  
Socioeconomic Gradient

Abstract Objectives Research on the socioeconomic gradient in mental health links disadvantaged family background with subsequent symptoms of depression, demonstrating the “downstream” effect of parental resources on children’s mental health. This study takes a different approach by evaluating the “upstream” influence of adult children’s educational attainment on parents’ depressive symptoms. Methods Using longitudinal data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (N = 106,517 person-years), we examine whether children’s college attainment influences their parents’ mental health in later life and whether this association increases with parental age. We also assess whether the link between children’s college completion and parents’ depression differs by parents’ own education. Results Parents with children who completed college have significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms than parents without college-educated children, although the gap between parents narrows with age. In addition, at baseline, parents with less than a high school education were more positively affected by their children’s college completion than parents who themselves had a college education, a finding which lends support to theories of resource substitution. Discussion Offspring education is an overlooked resource that can contribute to mental health disparities among older adults in a country with unequal access to college educations.

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