scholarly journals Predictors of Adolescent Engagement and Outcomes: A cross-sectional study using the Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) digital mental health platform

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nushka Marinova ◽  
Tim Rogers ◽  
Angus MacBeth
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Help ◽  
White Wall

Online mental health platforms can improve access to, and use of, mental health support for young people who may find it difficult to engage with face-to-face delivery. We modelled engagement and change in anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescent users of the Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) anonymous digital mental health peer-support platform. A cross-sectional study assessed online activity data from members of Togetherall in UK adolescents referred from mental health services (N=606). Baseline demographics, depression, anxiety, and usage statistics were assessed. Symptom levels among participants who chose to take validated anxiety and depression measures were measured. And participant characteristics were used to predict engagement. Mean number of logins for adolescent members was higher for older adolescents, and for a longer duration than younger adolescents. Mean number of logins and usage time was higher in female adolescents than males. For the total sample, 47.9% of users accessed more than one course, and 27% accessed at least one self-help resource. Gender and age predicted number of joined courses. Greater accessed self-help materials predicted reduced anxiety symptoms. Members mean baseline symptom levels were: GAD-7 between 13.63 and 14.79; PHQ-9 between 16.8 and 18.58. Data were derived from a naturalistic design and modelling of multiple symptom scores should be interpreted with caution. Findings show that adolescents readily engage with an anonymous online platform for common mental disorder, with scope for tailored pathways for different symptom profiles. Members benefit from engagement with Togetherall materials and courses.

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 Anxiety and depression symptoms in older adults during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110400
Author(s):  
Kemal Jemal ◽  
Tinsae Abeya Geleta ◽  
Berhanu Senbeta Deriba ◽  
Mukemil Awol
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has caused high morbidity and mortality in older adults over the world. Because the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic greatly affects older adults who have a preexisting health condition, they are generally susceptible to a high incidence of severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was completed in August 2020. Standardized and pretested General Anxiety Disorder–7 and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to screen the symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Data were entered into EpiData (version 4.3.2) and transferred to SPSS (version 24) for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the significantly associated variables with a 95% confidence interval at p < 0.05. Results: Of the total older adults interviewed, 68.7% had developed symptoms of anxiety and 59.9% had symptoms of depression during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Female participants, having a chronic disease and poor knowledge of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Age category of 81 to 90 and above 90, lack of social support, and having a chronic disease were significantly associated with symptoms of depression. Conclusion: The symptoms of anxiety and depression among older adults in the North Shoa Zone during coronavirus disease 2019 were higher than before the coronavirus disease 2019 happened. The results were evidence points for developing a psychological intervention to tackle the older adults’ mental health needs in the community during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

scholarly journals Psychological Burden and Associated Factors of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People in Quarantine and Isolation Centers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadesse Misgana ◽  
Dejene Tesfaye ◽  
Mandaras Tariku ◽  
Tilahun Ali ◽  
Daniel Alemu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
The Common

Background: Globally, a lot of countries put into practice early quarantine measures as an essential COVID-19 prevention mechanism. Other than physical effects, quarantine has a major result on mental health and well-being at both the individual as well as the community level at large. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the psychological burden of COVID-19 on the people in quarantine and isolation centers and to identify associated factors for early and effective psychosocial intervention during the pandemic and beyond.Method: A cross-sectional study was done among 392 suspected cases of COVID-19 that were in quarantine and isolation centers found in Eastern Ethiopia in 2020. Participants were selected by the convenience sampling method. The common mental disorder was measured by the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20). Logistic regression was done to identify predictive factors, and a P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The common mental disorder among suspected cases of COVID-19 in Ethiopia was found to be 13.5% (95% CI: 10.2, 17.1%). Female (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.92), known chronic medical illness (AOR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.2, 21.8), inadequate accessibility of personal protective equipment (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI: 2.8, 13.3), poor awareness about the pandemic (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 2.71, 7.54), presence of symptoms of the disease (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 2.57, 11.1), and substance use (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.1) were found to be associated with a common mental disorder.Conclusion: The current study revealed that the common mental disorder was relatively high among suspected cases of COVID-19 in quarantine and isolation centers as compared with the general population. The results of the present study demonstrate that some subpopulations are more vulnerable to the pandemic's deleterious effects on mental health. Therefore, providing appropriate psychosocial intervention for the populations at risk is important to decrease the effect of common mental disorders among suspected cases of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Police Personnel during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in North India

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Amit Kumar Mital ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Duty Hours ◽  
Police Personnel

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has posed a public health threat to the whole world. The frontline line workers including police personnel involved in COVID-19 management and containment are at risk of mental health problems. Aims: To estimate mental health problems like stress, anxiety, and depression in police personnel and to determine their underlying drivers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among police personnel of city Rohtak in April 2020. 8 police stations and 13 check-posts were selected randomly by lottery method. Depression, Anxiety and Stress-21 Scale was used. Statistical analyses were undertaken using MS Excel, Epi Info, and R software. Results: 298 policemen were screened for mental problems. Their mean age was 39 ± 9.7 years. 20.1%, 13.8%, and 3.4% had stress, anxiety, and depression respectively. 172 (57.7%) respondents were not satisfied with their COVID duty hours. 239 (80.2%) subjects believed that they are at risk of getting the infection due to their duties in COVID-19 containment zones. About 68.8% of participants believed that their families were at risk of getting the infection because of their COVID-19 duty. The study subjects who were not satisfied with their duty hours had 2.4 and 3.5 times more risk of stress and anxiety as compared with those who were satisfied with them. Conclusion: Policemen are at significant risk for stress, anxiety, and depression due to COVID related duties. Identifiable risk factors were number of working hours per day, dissatisfaction with duty hours, and risk of contracting corona infection due to COVID-19 duty.

scholarly journals Effects of COVID-19 2021 lockdown on the sleep quality and mental health of undergraduate medical and dental students of Pakistan: A cross-sectional study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naveen Siddique Sheikh ◽  
Aiza Anwar ◽  
Iqra Pervaiz ◽  
Zunaira Arshad ◽  
Huma Saeed Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical And Dental Students

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has been recognized as a cause of direct and indirect psychological consequences that impact mental health such as acute stress disorders, anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, and insomnia. This study was planned to evaluate the sleep quality and mental health of undergraduate students amidst the COVID-19 lockdown of 2021. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, where 261 undergraduate medical and dental students enrolled at a private medical and dental school were approached from March to May 2021. The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to identify the sleep quality along with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) to establish anxiety symptoms and the Physical Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression symptoms. Results: The results show that 212 (81.2%) female and 49 (18.8%) male students participated in the study. Of the participants 75.1% experienced poor sleep quality, 90% had symptoms of depression, and 85.4% had symptoms of anxiety. The mean score on the PSQI scale was 8.59+4.10, on the GAD-7 scale was 11.36+5.94 and on the PHQ-9 scale was 13.70+6.81. Multiple regression analysis showed that anxiety symptoms (β = 0.315, p = 0.000) and depression symptoms (β = 0.398, p = 0.000) were significant predictors of sleep quality amongst the undergraduate medical and dental students. Conclusion: A high majority of the study participants are experiencing poor sleep quality along with suffering from depression and anxiety amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. It is concluded from the analysis that anxiety and depression symptoms are significant predictors of sleep quality. Relevant authorities need to set up systems that help undergraduate medical students in alleviating and coping with these symptoms midst the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Stigma, Social Support, Illicit Drug Use, and Other Predictors of Anxiety and Depression Among HIV/AIDS Patients in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Saqlain ◽  
Malik Muhammad Umair ◽  
Furqan Khurshid Hashmi ◽  
Hamid Saeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction: Anxiety and depression in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can lead to non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), morbidity, and mortality. Therefore, assessing the stigma, social support, and other determinants of anxiety and depression in PLWHA are important for developing further interventions.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 505 PLWHA, approached through systematic sampling, who paid routine visits to the ART center, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad. Data was collected by pretested validated hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). Version 26 of the SPSS was used to apply Logistic regression analysis to identify determinants, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was calculated to assess the magnitude of the relationships.Results: In PLWHA, the prevalence of co-morbid depression and anxiety was 80%. Separately, 89.9% had depression, and 80.3% had anxiety. Use of illicit drugs [AOR = 1.87, 95% CI (1.01, 3.27)], low social support [AOR = 1.21, 95% CI (1.02, 2.25)], being male [AOR = 2.21, 95% CI (1.11, 5.49)], and HIV related stigma [AOR = 2.48, 95% CI (1.25, 6.02)] were significant predictors of depression. Having detectable viral load [AOR = 3.04, 95% CI (1.04, 8.86)], young age [AOR = 5.31, 95% CI (1.19, 29.39)], no formal education [AOR = 21.78, 95% CI (4.03, 117.62)], low [AOR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.12, 6.93)] or moderate [AOR = 2.20, 95% CI (1.79, 6.09)] social support, illicit drugs addiction [AOR = 1.17, 95% CI (1.03, 2.55)], and HIV stigma [AOR = 54.3, 95% CI (21.20, 139.32)] had a remarkable association with anxiety.Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among PLWHA, the Pakistan Ministry of Health should focus more on monitoring mental health, expanding mental health services, and developing interventions based on identified factors to treat depression and anxiety among PLWHA.

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