scholarly journals The Mental Health Under the COVID-19 Crisis in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiyao Chen ◽  
Nusrat Farah ◽  
Rebecca Kechen Dong ◽  
Richard Z Chen ◽  
Wen Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Objective: In this paper, we aim to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence rates of mental health symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among the major populations during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: We search and include articles using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and medRxiv databases between Feb 202 and Feb 6th, 2021. Eligibility criteria and data analysis: The meta-analysis targets the prevalence rates of mental health symptoms of major populations including frontline/general healthcare workers (HCWs), the general adult population, and medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. To estimate the prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, we pooled data using random-effects meta-analyses. Results: In this meta-analysis, we identify and include 28 studies and 32 independent samples from 12 countries with a total of 15,072 participants in Africa. Ethiopia (7) and Egypt (6) had the largest number of studies. While many countries including, but not limited to, Algeria, Kenya, and Ghana had a high number of COVID-19 cases, as many as three quarters of African countries have no studies. The pooled prevalence of anxiety in 27 studies was 37% (95%CI: 31-43%, I2 = 99.0%) and that of depression in 24 studies was 45% (95%CI: 36-51%, I2 = 99.5%) and that of insomnia in 9 studies was 28% (95%CI: 20-41%, I2 = 99.2%). The pooled prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in North Africa (44%, 55%, and 31%, respectively) are higher than the rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (31%, 30%, and 24%, respectively). Our analysis indicated high heterogeneity and varying prevalence rates of mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. Discussion: We discuss our findings that a) a scarcity of studies in several African countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases, b) high heterogeneity among the studies, c) the extent of prevalence of mental health symptoms in Africa to be high, and d) the pattern of mental health symptoms in Africa differs from elsewhere, i.e., more African adults suffer from depression rather than anxiety and insomnia during COVID 19 compared to adult population in other countries or regions. Hence, our findings carry crucial implications for healthcare organizations and future research to enable evidence-based medicine in Africa. Our findings also call for increased scholarly attention on Africa, the least studied continent with a limited amount of research on mental health symptoms under the COVID 19 pandemic. Keywords: Mental Health; Prevalence; Pandemic; General Population; Healthcare Workers; Anxiety; Depression; Insomnia Trial registration: CRD42020224458  

scholarly journals Mental Health during the COVID-19 Crisis in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10604
Author(s):  
Jiyao Chen ◽  
Nusrat Farah ◽  
Rebecca Kechen Dong ◽  
Richard Z. Chen ◽  
Wen Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

We aim to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence rates of mental health symptoms among major African populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We include articles from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and medRxiv between 1 February 2020 and 6 February 2021, and pooled data using random-effects meta-analyses. We identify 28 studies and 32 independent samples from 12 African countries with a total of 15,071 participants. The pooled prevalence of anxiety was 37% in 27 studies, of depression was 45% in 24 studies, and of insomnia was 28% in 9 studies. The pooled prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in North Africa (44%, 55%, and 31%, respectively) are higher than those in Sub-Saharan Africa (31%, 30%, and 24%, respectively). We find (a) a scarcity of studies in several African countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases; (b) high heterogeneity among the studies; (c) the extent and pattern of prevalence of mental health symptoms in Africa is high and differs from elsewhere—more African adults suffer from depression rather than anxiety and insomnia during COVID 19 compared to adult populations in other countries/regions. Hence, our findings carry crucial implications and impact future research to enable evidence-based medicine in Africa.

The Prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 152483802095805
Author(s):  
Unnati Patel ◽  
Ronald Roesch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Study Setting

The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the prevalence of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) within the adolescent and adult population regarding victimization and perpetration. In addition to the primary aim, associated health outcomes with TFSV were discussed through a qualitative lens. Specific forms of TFSV that were examined include distribution of, production of, and threats to distribute sexual material involving another individual without that person’s consent via images or videos; 425 articles from MEDLINE, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, and Google Scholar were screened. Nineteen articles (comprising 20 independent samples) reporting prevalence rates of TFSV on 32,247 participants were included in this random-effects meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence of victimization results revealed that 8.8% of people have had their image or video-based sexts shared without consent, 7.2% have been threatened with sext distribution, and 17.6% have had their image taken without permission. Regarding perpetration, 12% have shared sexts beyond the intended recipient, 2.7% have threatened to share sexts, and 8.9% have nonconsensually taken an image. Moderator variables included publication year, mean participant age, proportion of female participants, and study setting, with meta-regression analyses revealing no significant predictors. Finally, a qualitative analysis of nine articles ( n = 3,990) was conducted to assess mental health associations with TFSV victimization, revealing significant mental health impacts, including anxiety, depression, and poor coping, for victims.

scholarly journals Occurrence of mental health symptoms and disorders in current and former elite athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 700-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Gouttebarge ◽  
João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia ◽  
Paul Gorczynski ◽  
Brian Hainline ◽  
Mary E Hitchcock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Former Elite Athletes ◽  
Anxiety Depression

ObjectivesTo present an overview of the existing epidemiological evidence regarding the occurrence of mental health symptoms and disorders among current and former elite athletes.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesFive electronic databases were searched from inception to November 2018: PubMed (MEDLINE), SportDiscus via EBSCO, PSycINFO via ProQuest, Scopus and Cochrane.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesWe included original quantitative studies that were written in English, were conducted exclusively among current or former elite athletes, and presented incidence or prevalence rates of symptoms of mental disorders.ResultsTwenty-two relevant original studies about mental health symptoms and disorders among current elite athletes were included: they presented data especially on symptoms of distress, sleep disturbance, anxiety/depression and alcohol misuse. Meta-analyses comprising 2895 to 5555 current elite athletes showed that the prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders ranged from 19% for alcohol misuse to 34% for anxiety/depression. Fifteen relevant original studies about mental health symptoms and disorders among former elite athletes were included: they similarly presented data especially about symptoms of distress, sleep disturbance, anxiety/depression and alcohol misuse. Meta-analyses comprising 1579 to 1686 former elite athletes showed that the prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders ranged from 16% for distress to 26% for anxiety/depression.ConclusionsOur meta-analyses showed that the prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders ranged from 19% for alcohol misuse to 34% for anxiety/depression for current elite athletes, and from 16% for distress to 26% for anxiety/depression for former elite athletes.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Mental Health Symptoms during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Southeast Asia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Pappa ◽  
Jiyao Chen ◽  
Joshua Barnett ◽  
Anabel Chang ◽  
Rebecca Kechen Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Aims: The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the mental health of the general public and high-risk groups across the globe. Southeast Asia, one of the first regions to be affected by the outbreak, is of particular interest given its proximity and close links to China, experience with recent epidemics (i.e. SARS), and the variable course of the outbreak in the region thus far. The aim of this study was to systemically review and assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms in the general adult population, frontline and general healthcare workers (HCWs), and adult students in Southeast Asia during the course of the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Several literature databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and medRxiv) were systemically searched for articles published up to February 2021. Two reviewers independently evaluated all the relevant studies using pre-determined criteria and assessed the risk of bias for each included study. The prevalence rates of mental health symptoms were estimated using a random-effect meta-analysis model. Results: In total, 32 samples from 25 studies with 20,352 participants were included. Anxiety symptoms was assessed in all 25 studies and depressive symptoms in 15 studies with pooled prevalence rates of 22% and 16% respectively. Only two studies evaluated insomnia, whose prevalence was estimated to be 19%. The overall prevalence of mental health disorders was similar amongst frontline HCWs (18%), general HCWs (17%), and students (20%) whilst being noticeably higher in the general population (27%). Conclusions: The results indicate that a considerable proportion of participants report the presence of anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms. However, the pooled prevalence rates in Southeast Asia are significantly lower than those reported in other meta-analyses from other areas such as China and Europe. This meta-analysis may provide valuable evidence for more targeted identification of mental health needs and guide future research of long-term outcomes. Keywords: meta-analysis; Covid-19; mental health; pandemic; general population; healthcare workers; students; anxiety; depression; insomnia

Food addiction and associations with mental health symptoms: a systematic review with meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 544-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Burrows ◽  
F. Kay-Lambkin ◽  
K. Pursey ◽  
J. Skinner ◽  
C. Dayas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Food Addiction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms

Association between poor sleep for infants to two years and subsequent mental health symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 136749352110150
Author(s):  
Beth L Mah ◽  
Kate Larkings
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Infant Sleep ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms

Sleep plays a complex bidirectional role in the life span of most mental health illness. How soon poor sleep becomes an indicator of future mental illness is unknown. Infant sleep is a complex concept which can impact greatly on both baby and family well-being. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate whether poor infant sleep to age two is associated with future mental health symptoms. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane was conducted, using PRISMA guidelines. The search resulted in 17 articles to include in this review. A combined adjusted odds ratios of 1.65 (95% CI = 1.34, 2.05) for infant sleep problems leading to subsequent mental health symptoms resulted. A variety of outcome measures for both poor infant sleep and mental health symptoms/diagnosis were used, limiting the generalisability of results. Poor sleep in infancy should be considered one of many risk factors for future mental health disorder signifying the importance of early intervention.

Yoga for Trauma and Related Mental Health Problems: A Meta-Review With Clinical and Service Recommendations

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Macy ◽  
Elizabeth Jones ◽  
Laurie M. Graham ◽  
Leslie Roach
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Meta Review ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Health and human service providers have expressed growing interest in the benefits of yoga to help individuals cope with the effects of trauma, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite the growing popularity and strong appeal of yoga, providers must be mindful of the evidence regarding the efficacy of yoga in treating trauma effects as well as trauma-related mental health symptoms and illnesses. Therefore, our research team sought to answer two questions: (a) What is the evidence regarding yoga as a treatment for trauma effects, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD and (b) what are the clinical and service recommendations for using yoga with trauma-exposed individuals? Our initial scans identified a substantial body of research, including reviews. Rather than replicate earlier efforts, we undertook a systematic meta-review of 13 literature reviews, one of which included a meta-analysis. We determined the 13 reviews examined 185 distinct studies. Findings show that the evidence regarding yoga as an intervention for the effects of trauma as well as the mental health symptoms and illnesses often associated with trauma is encouraging but preliminary. Overall, the body of research is lacking in rigor as well as specificity regarding trauma. Review results also only allow for the recommendation of yoga as an ancillary treatment. Further, the reviews had considerable differences in their methods and limitations. Nonetheless, the results yielded findings concerning how clinicians and service providers can use yoga in their own practices, which is an important step for building an evidence base in this area.

scholarly journals One Year of Evidence on Mental Health in the COVID-19 Crisis - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Chen ◽  
Jiyao Chen ◽  
Meimei Zhang ◽  
Richard Z. Chen ◽  
Rebecca Kechen Dong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
One Year ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Anxiety Depression

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis paper provides a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence rate of mental health issues of the major population, including general population, general healthcare workers (HCWs), and frontline healthcare workers (HCWs), in China over one year of the COVID-19 crisis.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesarticles in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and medRxiv up to November 16, 2020, one year after the first publicly known confirmed COVID-19 case.Eligibility criteria and data analysisany COVID-19 and mental disorders relevant English studies with frontline/general healthcare workers, general adult population sample, using validated scales. We pooled data using random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, distress, general psychological symptoms (GPS), insomnia, and PTSD and ran meta-regression to tease out the heterogeneity.ResultsThe meta-analysis includes 131 studies and 171 independent samples. The overall prevalence of anxiety, depression, distress, GPS, insomnia, and PTSD are 11%, 13%, 20%, 13%, 19%, and 20%, respectively. The meta-regression results uncovered several predictors of the prevalence rates, including severity (e.g., above severe vs. above moderate, p<0.01; above moderate vs. above mild, p<0.01) and type of mental issues (e.g., depression vs. anxiety, p=0.04; insomnia vs. anxiety p=0.04), population (frontline HCWs vs. general HCWs, p<0.01), sampling location (Wuhan vs. non-Wuhan, p=0.04), and study quality (p=0.04).LimitationsFirst, we only focus on China population, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Second, 96.2% studies included in this meta-analysis were cross-sectional. Last, since we only included studies published in English, we expect to have a language bias.ConclusionOur pooled prevalence rates are significantly different from, yet largely between, the findings of previous meta-analyses, suggesting the results of our larger study are consistent with, yet fine-tune, the findings of the smaller, previous meta-analyses. Hence, this meta-analysis not only provides a significant update on the mental health prevalence rates in COVID-19 but also suggests the need to update meta-analyses continuously to provide more accurate estimates of the prevalence of mental illness during this ongoing health crisis. While prior meta-analyses focused on the prevalence rates of mental health disorders based on one level of severity (i.e., above mild), our findings also suggest a need to examine the prevalence rates at varying levels of severity. The one-year cumulative evidence on sampling locations (Wuhan vs. non-Wuhan) corroborates the typhoon eye effect theory. Our finding that the prevalence rates of distress and insomnia and those of frontline healthcare workers are higher suggest future research and interventions should pay more attention to those mental outcomes and populations.

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