scholarly journals Punitive welfare reform and claimant mental health: The impact of benefit sanctions on anxiety and depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-172
Author(s):  
Evan Williams
Author(s):  
Tina Vilovic ◽  
Josko Bozic ◽  
Marino Vilovic ◽  
Doris Rusic ◽  
Sanja Zuzic Furlan ◽  
...  

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, family physicians (FPs) are the backbone of the healthcare system with considerable impact on the general population, and their well-being is of great importance. The aim of this investigation was to assess FPs mental health, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) regarding the pandemic, and opinions on non-communicable disease (NCD) health care provided to patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 613 FPs. Anxiety and depression levels were estimated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, subjective perceived stress with the Perceived Stress Scale, while trauma-related symptoms were assessed using the Impact on Event Scale-COVID19. KAPs toward the pandemic and opinions regarding NCD patients were evaluated with questionnaires accordingly. Results have shown that age (β = −0.02, p = 0.013) and personal risk of COVID‑19 (β = 1.05, p < 0.001) were significant independent correlates of the knowledge score. A total of 87.7% FPs expressed moderate/high perceived stress, 45.2% moderate/severe trauma-related symptoms, 60.4% borderline/abnormal anxiety levels, and 52.4% borderline/abnormal depression levels. Knowledge score was an independent predictor of perceived stress (β = −0.33, p = 0.023) and anxiety (β = −0.31, p = 0.006) levels. Limited accessibility to healthcare services and decreased number of newly-diagnosed NCD cases were mostly agreed on. The pandemic puts a considerable strain on FPs mental health, as well as on public health measures, due to the decreased overall quality of NCD patient health care. Educational programs may bridge the gaps between FPs’ knowledge. Thus lowering anxiety and improving patient care.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002581722098181
Author(s):  
Shweta Sunil ◽  
Manoj Kumar Sharma ◽  
Nitin Anand

Online gaming has become a concern for health professionals due to its dysfunctional effects. This study aimed to conceptualise and summarise the impact that gaming platforms like PUBG can have on an individual’s mental health. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA model. A total of five papers were shortlisted and reviewed for the purpose of this study. The results indicated the use of gaming platforms like PUBG by players to address and cope with anxiety and depression, and it also highly influences the presence of other concerns like ADHD and suicidality, self-harm and aggressive behaviours. While the literature points to the detrimental effects of PUBG, this study highlights the importance of undertaking more research to establish the causal patterns in PUBG use and how to address the issues posed from both psychological and legal perspectives.


Author(s):  
Argyroula Kalaitzaki

Cyberstalking is becoming more common among young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the prevalence, behaviours, and tactics of both victims and perpetrators of cyberstalking among a sample of Greek undergraduate students; (2) the correlates of victimization and perpetration of cyberstalking to personality, attachment style, and relating to others; and (3) the impact of cyberstalking on victims' mental health. Results showed that 23.9% of the students were victims and 9% were perpetrators, with females, disproportionately experiencing and inflicting cyberstalking. Negatively close relating (i.e., intrusive and possessive relating) increased the risk of perpetration, whereas relating to others distantly (suspicious and avoidant relating) decreased the risk of victimization. Agreeableness decreased the risk of perpetration. Mother's affectionless control increased the risk of both perpetration and victimization, and mother's neglectful parenting increased the risk of perpetrating cyberstalking. Fear, anxiety, and depression were reported by the victims.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuriy Nesterko ◽  
Michael Friedrich ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Andreas Hinz ◽  
Heide Glaesmer

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 184-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Borstelmann ◽  
Shoshana M. Rosenberg ◽  
Shari I. Gelber ◽  
Meghan E Meyer ◽  
Kathryn Jean Ruddy ◽  
...  

184 Background: While evidence of the challenges of cancer caregiving has been growing, scant research addresses the experience of partners of young adults with cancer. These individuals and their relationships may be particularly vulnerable to stress, especially when managing the complexity of cancer care and survivorship with their partner. We sought to evaluate psychosocial concerns and mental health in the partners of young survivors of early stage breast cancer (BC). Methods: We invited partners of young women w/BC diagnosed at age ≤ 40 yrs enrolled in a prospective cohort study to participate in a one-time survey evaluating psychosocial concerns including quality of life, coping, social support, financial insecurity, partnership concerns, parenting concerns, anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of anxiety (score > 8 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Results: Most respondents (284/289) were male, with median age 43 yrs (range 27-65). The median time of survey completion was 62 months (range 16 -114) after their partner’s dx. Respondents were mostly white (93%), working full time (94%), and college educated (78%); 29% reported some financial stress, 74% were parenting children < 18 yrs, and 32% reported at least a fair amount of relationship concern. 42% (106/250) had anxiety (39/289 respondents (13%) had incomplete/missing HADS). In univariable analyses, lower education, working full time, parenting concerns, insufficient social support and maladaptive coping were associated (p < .05) with anxiety. In the multivariable model, only maladaptive coping remained significantly associated with anxiety (p < .01, OR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.22, 4.39)). Conclusions: Partners of young BC survivors who used less constructive/more maladaptive coping strategies experience negative mental health outcomes after tx has ended. Caregivers’ anxiety may have implications for both their own and survivors’ health and QOL. Future interventions might focus on the development of constructive coping strategies to enhance adjustment and role effectiveness in dealing with the impact of cancer.


2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
France Talbot

Self-administered therapies (SATs) have been promoted as a way to increase access to evidence-based mental health services. Recent meta-analyses and literature reviews suggest that SATs with clinical guidance are more effective than SATs with no contact for the treatment of anxiety and depression. However, little attention has been paid to the role of nonguidance contact, contact that does not involve the provision of assistance in the application of specific therapy techniques such as emails to encourage treatment adherence. The present article examines the impact of nonguidance contact on the outcomes of SATs for anxiety and depression. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies conducted over the past two decades by independent research teams that have tested cognitive-behavioural SATs over multiple trials. Findings suggest that the involvement or guidance of a therapist is not essential for SATs to produce significant benefits as long as nonguidance contact is provided. It is suggested that even very minimal levels of nonguidance contact increase SAT's outcomes by motivating treatment engagement and improving adherence. The benefit of SATs that can be accessed directly by large numbers of individuals and that do not require therapist involvement to ensure efficacy can potentially significantly increase the cost effectiveness and quality of mental health service delivery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Bassani Dal’Bosco ◽  
Lara Simone Messias Floriano ◽  
Suellen Vienscoski Skupien ◽  
Guilherme Arcaro ◽  
Alessandra Rodrigues Martins ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression in nursing professionals who work to cope with COVID-19 at a university hospital. Methods: a cross-sectional observational study using a sociodemographic questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, with 88 nursing professionals. Data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequency and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: there was prevalence of anxiety (48.9%) and depression (25%). The majority of the sample consisted of women over 40 years old, married or in a common-law marriage, white, with higher education or graduate degree, with an income above 3,000.00 reais, public servants, working 40 hours a week and working in the hospital from 1 to 5 years. Conclusion: we must consider the impact on mental health nursing caused by COVID-19 and intervene with coping strategies to minimize the suffering of professionals.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Artioli ◽  
Karine Corcione Turke ◽  
Aline Hernandez Marquez Sarafyan ◽  
Beatriz Boos Ortolani ◽  
Ingrid Victoria Maria Biondo Edle von Schmadel ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Anxiety and depression are prevalent comorbidities in cancer patients. Although cancer treatment is funded by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), economic burden is also borne by patients through out-of-pocket costs. Our study sought to evaluate the impact of out-of-pocket costs of cancer treatment on depression, anxiety and stress levels in cancer patients.Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and analytical study conducted in 2021. Patients undergoing chemotherapy were being treated at tertiary hospital affiliated with the SUS and enrolled in research protocols at research center. To evaluate out-of-pocket costs, we used a socioeconomic questionnaire to identify costs and time spent by patients. Primary outcomes were prevalence of depression and anxiety, as determined by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and prevalence of stress, as determined using a stress thermometer.Results: 195 patients were included. Among included patients, 61% were female, and mean age was 57 years. Patients' median overall out-of-pocket costs was R$ 453.80 (US$ 78.92). Based on the HADS, 62.1% of patients had possible or probable depression/anxiety. There was no correlation between overall out-of-pocket spending and levels of depression/anxiety. However, when stratified by cost-time variables, there was a negative correlation between spending on telephones and HADS (rho = -0.140; P = 0.049) and positive correlations between spending on medications (rho = 0.140; P = 0.05) and time spent purchasing medications (rho = 0.157; P = 0.029) with HADS.Conclusion: Although overall spending was not directly correlated with mental health, specific costs impacted levels of anxiety, depression and stress.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuriy Nesterko ◽  
Michael Friedrich ◽  
Elmar Brähler ◽  
Andreas Hinz ◽  
Heide Glaesmer

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel H Higbee ◽  
George Nava ◽  
Alex S F Kwong ◽  
James W Dodd ◽  
Raquel Granell

Abstract Introduction The global SARS CoV2 pandemic resulted in social isolation measures with unintended negative impacts, particularly on mental health. We hypothesised that people with asthma are likely to be more vulnerable to worse mental health during lockdown. Methods We examined COVID-19 surveys (completed April/May 2020), nested within two generations of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC): index-generation ALSPAC-G1 (n= 2942, mean age=28) and the parents generation ALSPAC-G0 (n=3737, mean age=59). We used Poisson and logistic regression models to estimate the effect of asthma on wellbeing, anxiety and depression, and factors related to COVID-19 and lockdown. Models were adjusted for validated pre-pandemic measures of mental health and socio-economic factors. Results Asthma was associated with a 13% increase in depression score in ALSPAC-G1 (p=0.005) and 15% increase in ALSPAC-G0 (p=0.05) compared to participants without asthma, anxiety scores increased by 14% in ALSPAC-G1 (p=0.005) and by 16% in ALSPAC-G0 (p=0.02). Asthma was associated with a similar increase of anxiety and depression scores during COVID-19 in both generations (Z test p values >0.80). Discussion People with asthma have worse mental health & wellbeing during lockdown compared to people without asthma. Although the effect of asthma on mental health is of similar magnitude between the generations, younger participants with asthma declined to lower levels of mental health despite reporting less symptoms, COVID-19 infection and self-isolation. This has important implications given repeated lockdowns. Young people with asthma should be closely monitored and supported to mitigate the impact of lockdown on their mental health.


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