Do predictors of mental health differ between home and international students studying in the UK?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catrin Pedder Jones ◽  
Annemarie Lodder ◽  
Chris Papadopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
International Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

Purpose Previous research has found that international students can experience poor mental health, low levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem and high levels of loneliness when studying in a foreign country. No study has directly compared these between international and home students studying in the UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach A total of 247 students completed an online survey at the University of Bedfordshire. Findings The hypothesis that international students experience higher loneliness, lower self-esteem, lower life satisfaction and poorer general mental health than home students was rejected. Home students had significantly lower self-esteem, life satisfaction and general mental health scores. Black ethnicity and home student status significantly predicted general mental health and self-esteem in regression analyses. The predictive utility of home student status was maintained when other variables were controlled for in regression models. Originality/value This research suggests that the UK universities should ensure that both home and international students are adequately supported for their mental health.

How prevalent is mental ill-health in the workplace – and how can employers help workers who are suffering?

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Zain Sikafi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Common Knowledge ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Purpose This research was commissioned by Mynurva in October 2018. The independent, nationally representative survey was conducted among more than 2,000 UK adults to uncover the number of full-time workers who suffer from mental health problems, how many of them seek help for their issues, and the main barriers that hold them back from doing so. Design/methodology/approach A nationally representative sample of 2,003 adults in employment were surveyed about their mental health. Via an online survey, employees responding that they had experienced mental health problems were asked to respond further to a series of statements. Contingency tables were then produced, revealing what percentage of respondents agreed or disagreed with each statement that was presented to them. Findings Almost a third (32 per cent) of full-time employees have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace. More than one in three workers suffering from mental health symptoms have never sought any professional help, and at 42 per cent, male workers were more likely than female workers (32 per cent) not to seek help. In total, 44 per cent have never disclosed their issues to a manager at work. Of those struggling with their mental health, the authors found that 55 per cent of workers fear admitting their problems to a manager would hinder their chances of a promotion. A majority (59 per cent) also believe that if their mental health problems became common knowledge in the office, then it would negatively affect their relationships with colleagues. This figure rises to 71 per cent among workers of age 18-34. Confidentiality was cited as a key obstacle for employees, with 58 per cent worrying that their mental health problems would not remain confidential if they were to discuss them in the workplace. There was a significant rise among millennials, 68 per cent of which shared these sentiments. Originality/value The authors commissioned Opinium to conduct independent research in the UK.

The experiences of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and implications for autism services development

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Riese ◽  
Raja A.S. Mukherjee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Autistic Adults ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Ongoing Support ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose COVID-19 has been challenging for many in the UK. This is no different to many with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the experiences and issues raised by a small group of autistic women in an ongoing support group, consideration if this holds true for the wider adult autistic community across further lockdowns and restrictions to public life was explored. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire was created based on the issues raised. Participants indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Findings Autistic adults experienced an increase in anxiety and poor mental health, which in turn has exacerbated autistic features, such as rigidity. The data indicates that autistic adults can adapt to change provided there is support in maintaining routines. Research limitations/implications The research is limited due to the small number of participants (N = 120), as well as national variations in service provision. Practical implications Our data raises wider questions about the nature of support for autistic adults without cognitive impairments during times of crises and how services can respond and may even be shaped in the future to provide support that is cost-effective and relevant to autistic adults. Social implications To ensure that services have an awareness of how crises impact on autistic adults and how relatively simple changes may avert poor mental health. Originality/value That the creation of local support networks, and the ability to access these, is a key feature of autism-specific support.

Evidence of Impact of Outdoor Swimming on Health using an Online Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Massey ◽  
Paul Gorczynski ◽  
C Mark Harper ◽  
Lisa Sansom ◽  
Kieren McEwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Injury Category ◽  
Current Sample ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Evidence Of Impact ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Outdoor swimming has grown in popularity in many countries including the UK. Many anecdotal accounts indicate an improvement in medical conditions which are considered a consequence of outdoor swimming. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to better understand outdoor swimmers’ perceptions of their health and the extent to which participation impacted upon their existing, self-reported symptoms. METHODS A survey was deployed investigating outdoor swimming behaviours and reports of any diagnosed medical conditions, if any. Medical conditions were coded into categories and descriptive statistics generated regarding the outdoor swimmers’ behaviours and about the effect outdoor swimming had on their medical symptoms, if any. The medical categories were clustered in to five larger categories based on their prevalence in the current sample: mental health, musculoskeletal & injury, neurological, cardiovascular & blood disease, ‘Other’ which consists of all conditions not categorised in the four previous groups. RESULTS In total, 722 outdoor swimmers responded, of which 498 (69%) were female. The probability of outdoor swimming having ‘some impact’ on health across all medical categories was 3.57 times higher compared to no impact (B=1.28,95% CI [0.63, 1.91], P<.001), 44.32 times higher for the mental health category (B=3.79, 95% CI [2.28, 5.30], P<.001), 5.25 times higher for Musculoskeletal & injury category (B = 1.66, 95% CI [0.52, 2.79], P=.004) and 4.02 times higher for ‘Other’ category (B = 1.39, 95% CI [0.27, 2.51], P=.015). Overall, outdoor swimming was associated with perceived reductions in symptoms of poor mental health (2(2)=25.099, P<0.001), musculoskeletal and injury (2 (2)=8.242, P=.038), cardiovascular and blood (2(2)=14.685, P=.006) and ‘other’ conditions (2(2)= 18.213, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Physical activity taken in the form of outdoor swimming is perceived to have positive impacts on health and is associated with perceived symptom reductions in mental health, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. This study cannot provide causal relationships, or provide mechanistic insight. It does, however, provide a starting point for more targeted prospective intervention research into individual conditions or categories of condition to establish the impact in those who choose to start outdoor swimming.

scholarly journals Relationship between loneliness and mental health in students

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Richardson ◽  
Peter Elliott ◽  
Ron Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Mental Health ◽  
University Settings ◽  
Over Time

Purpose Previous cross-sectional research has examined the effect of loneliness on mental health. The purpose of this paper is to examine longitudinal relationships in students. Design/methodology/approach A total of 454 British undergraduate students completed measures of loneliness and mental health at four time points. Findings After controlling for demographics and baseline mental health, greater loneliness predicted greater anxiety, stress, depression and general mental health over time. There was no evidence that mental health problems increased loneliness over time. There was no relationship with alcohol problems. Baseline loneliness predicted greater eating disorder risk at follow-up and vice versa. Research limitations/implications This study is limited by a relatively small and heavily female sample. Practical implications Social and psychological interventions to reduce loneliness in university settings may improve mental health. Social implications Universities should consider organising social activities to mitigate feelings of loneliness in students. Originality/value This study adds to the literature as a longitudinal analysis showing that loneliness exacerbates poor mental health over time. This also adds to the literature for students specifically, and suggests a possible bi-directional relationship between eating disorders and loneliness for the first time.

scholarly journals Accelerated two-year degrees in the UK: potential impact on student mental health

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
Dieu Hack-Polay ◽  
Magdalena Read
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
International Students ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Student Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the ramifications of accelerated two-year degrees for student mental health. Since it was legislated in early 2019 in the UK, there has been limited debate in academia and among policymakers about the potential viability and risks of the compressed degree programmes. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on an analysis of various academic and practitioner viewpoints as well as theoretical perspectives. Findings The paper found a mixed reception of the compressed degree programme among the academic and practitioner communities. In addition to apprehensions about the quality of education, there are concerns raised about the impact of the pressure deriving from the workload of the accelerated degree. The authors’ assessment considers a potential increase in stress and other more acute state of mental health degradation among students, especially international students, as well as students with families. Originality/value This policy analysis paper makes a significant contribution to the debate on the issue of two-year degrees that has not attracted academic scrutiny commensurate with its importance. The authors conclude that two-year degrees will have far-reaching ramifications, locally and internationally as the UK continues to push for its widening participation agenda as well as maintain its position as one of the top three destinations for international students. The authors suggest that wider discussions with stakeholder and some impact studies are needed before the accelerated degrees are further popularised in universities.

scholarly journals Family income and young adolescents’ perceived social position: associations with self-esteem and life satisfaction in the UK Millennium Cohort Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (10) ◽  
pp. 917-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rienke Bannink ◽  
Anna Pearce ◽  
Steven Hope
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Position ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Young Adolescents ◽  
Uk Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundSelf-esteem and life satisfaction are important aspects of positive mental health in young people, and both are socially distributed. However, the majority of evidence is based on socioeconomic characteristics of the family. As children enter adolescence and gain independence, perceptions of their own social position are likely to influence mental health.Design and objectivesUsing data on 11-year-olds from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, we investigated associations of both family income and young adolescents’ perception of their social position with self-esteem and life satisfaction. We hypothesised that there would be differences in the impact of perceived social position on positive mental health when investigating the full scale scoring distribution or the bottom of the distribution. Therefore, we estimated proportional odds for having greater positive mental health (across the distribution of scores) and ORs for poor outcomes (lowest 10% scores).ResultsThe likelihood of greater self-esteem and life satisfaction increased with income; similarly, the risk of having poor self-esteem and life satisfaction increased as income decreased. Young adolescents who perceived their family as poorer than their friends (instead of about the same) were less likely to have greater self-esteem and life satisfaction and were more likely to have poor outcomes. Young adolescents who perceived their family as richer were more likely to have poor self-esteem, but were not less likely to have greater self-esteem. For life satisfaction, young adolescents who perceived their families as richer were less likely to have greater and more likely to have poor life satisfaction.ConclusionsPolicies to redistribute income in families with children are likely to benefit the mental health of young people. However, it is also important to consider the impact of social comparison on young people's mental health as they enter adolescence.

Does training adequately equip psychiatrists for intellectual disability?

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 69-82
Author(s):  
Geraldine Lines ◽  
Jodie Allen ◽  
Caryl Jane Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose People with intellectual disability (ID) experience significant health and social inequality compared to their non-disabled peers. Individuals with ID who access mental health services can have complex comorbidities and presentations. In the UK, a significant proportion of individuals with ID are supported within general adult mental health services not by specialist ID teams. The purpose of this study is to explore whether psychiatry trainees in the Maudsley Training Programme (MTP) feel adequately skilled to support individuals with ID. Design/methodology/approach An online survey of trainee psychiatrists in the MTP was completed to evaluate self-perceived skills and knowledge in the care of individuals with ID in mental health services. Statistical analysis of the results was completed. Findings Experience of working in specialist ID teams is positively associated with greater confidence and skills among trainees in the care of people with ID; this is beyond what would be expected based on seniority alone. Research limitations/implications The response rate was 16.7 per cent; a larger sample size would add strength to the study. Like all online surveys, there exists the risk of selection bias. Practical implications UK Policy states that people with ID should be supported to access mainstream services where possible, including psychiatric care. Practical experience for all psychiatry trainees involving specialist ID services and people with ID could improve the care given to that particularly disadvantaged group. Originality/value This is the only paper known to the authors that has focused specifically on the skills and knowledge of psychiatry trainees in the UK with regards to ID.

scholarly journals The direct library supply of individual textbooks to students: examining the value proposition

2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 629-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Broadhurst
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Learning Commons ◽  
Students First ◽  
Academic Faculty ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University ◽  
University Of Manchester ◽  
Enhanced Learning

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the value of a library led e-textbook programme at a the UK university. Design/methodology/approach The data for the results were obtained from two surveys of students. First, from an online survey of 575 students who received an individual copy of an e-textbook from The University of Manchester Library. Second, from a face to face survey of 146 students, based on a random sample of students entering the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons at the University. In addition, a series of one-to-one interviews were conducted with 40 members of academic faculty, who were teaching the course modules, on which the students received their own e-textbook. Findings This research highlights the significant benefits a library led e-textbook service can offer to students, academic faculty, the wider University and to the profile of the library. Provision of the e-textbooks leads to higher engagement of learning from students, their increased satisfaction with the University and Library, plus addresses issue of reducing their direct costs. It also leads to enhanced pedagogy from the perspective of academic faculty. Practical implications The paper addresses issues of inequality of provision for individual students and contributes to enhanced learning for all students. Originality/value Library led initiatives are very new in this field and this project is one of the first to both undertake this provision and to undertake extensive research to assess the value of the project.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on maternal mental health and coping in the UK: Data from the COVID-19 New Mum Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Dib ◽  
Emeline Rougeaux ◽  
Adriana Vázquez-Vázquez ◽  
Jonathan CK Wells ◽  
Mary Fewtrell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Household Chores ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

Background: Depression and anxiety affect up to 20% of new and expectant mothers during the perinatal period; this rate may have increased due to COVID-19 and lockdown measures. This analysis aimed to assess how mothers are feeling and coping during lockdown, and to identify the potential pathways that can assist them. Methods: 1329 women living in the UK aged ≥18 years with an infant ≤12 months of age completed an anonymous online survey. Descriptive analysis of maternal mental health, coping, support received, activities undertaken and consequences of lockdown was conducted. Linear regression was used to predict maternal mental health and coping, using activities, support, and consequences of the lockdown as predictors, while adjusting for age, gestational age, ethnicity, income, marital status and number of children. Results: More than half of the participants reported feeling down (56%), lonely (59%), irritable (62%) and worried (71%), to some or high extent since lockdown began. Despite this, 70% felt able to cope with the situation. Support with her own health (95% CI .004, .235), contacting infant support groups (95% CI -.003, .252), and higher infant gestational age (95% CI .000, .063) predicted better mental health. Travelling for work (95% CI -.680, -.121), lockdown having a major impact on the ability to afford food (95% CI -1.202, -.177), and having an income lower than 30k (95% CI -.475, -.042) predicted poorer mental health. Support with her own health and more equal division of household chores were associated with better coping. Conclusion: During lockdown, a large proportion of new mothers experienced symptoms of poor mental health; mothers of infants with lower gestational age, with low income, and who are travelling to work were particularly at risk. However, greater support for maternal health and with household chores showed positive associations with maternal mental health and coping. These findings highlight the urgent need to assess maternal mental health, and to identify prevention strategies for mothers during different stages of lockdown.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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