scholarly journals Mental Health in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Impact on Well-Being Across the Athlete-Collegiate Career

Author(s):  
David P. Schary ◽  
Carolina Lundqvist

In reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictive policies altered student-athletes’ academic and athletic life. Sparse research has investigated the pandemic’s effect on student-athlete mental health in terms of both negative (e.g., depression, anxiety) and positive (e.g., well-being, quality of life) dimensions. This study explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and quality of life among National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes at different stages of their collegiate career. Ninety-nine student-athletes (Mage = 19.7 years, SD = 1.5) completed assessments on their mental health. Regression analysis revealed experiences directly related to COVID-19 did not affect general well-being or quality of life, but anxiety, depression, and significant insomnia did. Social well-being was lower for student-athletes closer to graduation (e.g., juniors, seniors), independent of reported anxiety and depression levels. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support, particularly in times of crisis, and indicate that tailored support might be beneficial at later stages of the collegiate years.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 4794-4794
Author(s):  
S. S. Thompson ◽  
S. Macran ◽  
J. Kalmus ◽  
F. Morschhauser

Abstract PURPOSE: This health-related quality of life (HRQL) study aimed to evaluate the impact of 90y-Zevalin therapy on the HRQL of older patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not eligible for stem cell transplantation. Ppsychometric performance of the FACT-G and EQ-5D in the same patient sample was also evaluated. The study was conducted alongside a single arm, phase II clinical trial of 90Y-Zevalin radioimmunotherapy. METHODS: The FACT-G scale contains 27 questions, grouped according to 4 “dimensions” of HRQL relevant to patients with cancer: Physical, Functional, Social and Emotional well-being. The scale provides a total score for overall HRQL and subscale scores for each dimension. The EQ-5D is a generic measure of HRQL used in a range of diseases and comprises a descriptive classification based on 5 broad dimensions and a visual analogue scale. Data from the 2 measures were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Validity was assessed in terms of correlations between individual dimensions. Changes in the dimensions and total scores of the FACT-G and EQ-5D from baseline to wk 12 post-90Y-Zevalin therapy were assessed using paired t-tests. Wk 12 corresponded to the time of expected maximal response to 90Y-Zevalin therapy. RESULTS: Sixty-six of 104 patients enrolled in the clinical study completed the FACT-G and EQ-5D questionnaires at baseline and 35 completed the questionnaires at wk 12. Those who completed the questionnaires at both baseline and wk 12 were more likely to have responded to 90Y-Zevalin (80% were responders) although they were comparable in terms of age (median = 72 yrs) and gender (54% male) to those who only completed the questionnaires at baseline. At baseline, the dimensions of HRQL with the worst scores and therefore most affected by DLBCL, included areas related to energy, pain, anxiety and depression, which would be expected given the symptoms commonly associated with DLBCL such as fatigue. The percentage of patients reporting “some or extreme problems” on each of the EQ-5D dimensions at baseline are summarized in the table. Moderate correlations were observed between the Physical Well-being of the FACT-G and the Usual Activities (=0.60) and Pain/Discomfort (=0.70) dimensions of the EQ-5D. The Emotional Well-being dimension of the FACT-G was moderately correlated with the Anxiety/Depression on the EQ-5D (=0.66). These data suggest the FACT-G and the EQ-5D were measuring some common concepts to patients. All summary dimensions of the FACT-G and EQ-5D showed either a positive trend or little change after treatment with 90Y-Zevalin, with the Physical Well-being dimension of the FACT-G reaching statistical significance (P=0.03) and measuring a 10% improvement over baseline. The change in total score of the FACT-G almost reached significance (P=0.06), as did the emotional dimension of the FACT-G (P=0.10) and the mobility dimension of the EQ-5D (P=0.08). CONCLUSION: Although number of participating patients was small, the EQ-5D and the FACT-G have demonstrated validity for patients with DLBCL following treatment with 90Y-Zevalin. The greatest impact of 90Y-Zevalin therapy is an improvement in physical well-being, with an increased level of energy, reduced amount of pain and reduced level of “feeling ill”. EQ-5D dimension % of patients reporting “Some or extreme problems” at baseline Mobility 26 Self-care 12 Usual activities 29 Pain/discomfort 54 Anxiety/depression 58


Author(s):  
Matthew D. Bird ◽  
Eadie E. Simons ◽  
Patricia C. Jackman

Mental toughness has been associated with factors related to psychological well-being, but little is known about its relationship with stigma toward mental health and mental health help-seeking. This study investigated the relationship between mental toughness, sport-related well-being, and personal stigma toward mental health in a sample of 154 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes. The moderating effect of mental toughness on the relationship between public stigma and self-stigma toward mental health help-seeking was also explored. Mental toughness was significantly and positively associated with sport-related well-being, but not significantly related to personal stigma toward mental health. Moderation analysis indicated that mental toughness was not a significant moderator of the relationship between public stigma and self-stigma, but higher levels of mental toughness were significantly associated with lower levels of stigma toward mental health help-seeking. Building mental toughness may be a way to increase well-being and to reduce stigma toward help-seeking in student-athletes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 35-37
Author(s):  
Selvakumar Jagannathan ◽  
Kannan Ramiah ◽  
Valarmathy Selvakumar

Background:For populations with chronic disease, measurement of QOLprovides a meaningful way to determine the impact of health care when cure is not possible. Revicki and colleagues (2000) dene QOL as "a broad range of human experiences related to one's overall well-being. It implies value based on subjective functioning in comparison with personal expectations and is dened by subjective experiences, states and perceptions. The World Health Organization (2010) denes mental health as a state of positive mental condition in which one realizes his/her capabilities, manages the life stresses, put effort effectively and efciently, and is competent enough to put some contribution to his/her society. According to mental health model (Veit & Ware, 1983), there are two components of mental health, rst is psychological well-being and the other is psychological distress. Therefore, studying the relationship between quality of life and mental health of People with type II diabetes will reveal that to what extend a good quality of life have a relationship in maintaining better mental health in order to cope up with diabetes complications. Objective:The present study was undertaken to know the relationship between quality of life and mental health of people with Type II diabetes. Sample: 30 Type II diabetes were selected from the Diabetes Management Clinic in Rural areas for the assessment of quality of life and mental health. Methodology:The quality of life was assessed using “The Quality of Life Scale (QOLS)” by John Flanagan (1970) and Mental health was assessed using “Mental health inventory (MHI)-18 items by Veit and ware (1983). Finding and Conclusion: The study revealed that there is a signicant relationship between quality of life and mental health of people with Type II diabetes


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽  
Valentina Lucia La Rosa ◽  
Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda ◽  
Antonio Simone Laganà

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological diseases and has an incidence of about 6%-10% in women of reproductive age. It has been estimated that 50% of women with fertility problems have endometriosis. The management of infertility associated with endometriosis is difficult and controversial and it is important to provide a multidisciplinary approach in order to reduce the impact of these diseases on psychological and emotive well-being of affected women, as much as possible.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0249098
Author(s):  
Sanne Kaelen ◽  
Wilma van den Boogaard ◽  
Umberto Pellecchia ◽  
Sofie Spiers ◽  
Caroline De Cramer ◽  
...  

Background Nursing homes (NH) for the elderly have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic mainly due to their hosted vulnerable populations and poor outbreak preparedness. In Belgium, the medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) implemented a support project for NH including training on infection prevention and control (IPC), (re)-organization of care, and psychosocial support for NH staff. As psychosocial and mental health needs of NH residents in times of Covid-19 are poorly understood and addressed, this study aimed to better understand these needs and how staff could respond accordingly. Methods A qualitative study adopting thematic content analysis. Eight focus group discussions with direct caring staff and 56 in-depth interviews with residents were conducted in eight purposively and conveniently selected NHs in Brussels, Belgium, June 2020. Results NH residents experienced losses of freedom, social life, autonomy, and recreational activities that deprived them of their basic psychological needs. This had a massive impact on their mental well-being expressed in feeling depressed, anxious, and frustrated as well as decreased meaning and quality of life. Staff felt unprepared for the challenges posed by the pandemic; lacking guidelines, personal protective equipment and clarity around organization of care. They were confronted with professional and ethical dilemmas, feeling ‘trapped’ between IPC and the residents’ wellbeing. They witnessed the detrimental effects of the measures imposed on their residents. Conclusion This study revealed the insights of residents’ and NH staff at the height of the early Covid-19 pandemic. Clearer outbreak plans, including psychosocial support, could have prevented the aggravated mental health conditions of both residents and staff. A holistic approach is needed in NHs in which tailor-made essential restrictive IPC measures are combined with psychosocial support measures to reduce the impact on residents’ mental health impact and to enhance their quality of life.


Author(s):  
Zouhour Samlani ◽  
Yassine Lemfadli ◽  
Adil Ait Errami ◽  
Sofia Oubaha ◽  
Khadija Krati

Introduction:The majority of epidemiological reports focus on confirmed cases of COVID-19. In this study, we aim to assess the health and well-being of adults not infected with Covid-19 after two months of quarantine in Morocco.Materials and methods:Two months after the declaration of quarantine in Morocco following the Covid-19 epidemic, we carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study of 279 Moroccan citizens. We used the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) as a determinant of quality of life, which is based on eight dimensions of health. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire distributed online. The participants also indicated their socio-demographic data, their knowledge and practices regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and whether they had chronic health problems.Results:The quality of life of all participants was moderately disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic with a mental health score (MCS) of 34.49 (± 6.44) and a physical health score (PCS) of 36.10 (± 5.82). Participants with chronic diseases scored lower with 29.28 (± 1.23) in mental health (MCS) and 32.51 (± 7.14) in physical health (PCS). The seriousness of COVID-19 has an impact on the quality of life and health well-being of people and this impact is more marked in patients with chronic health problems.Conclusion: Our results confirm the need to pay attention to the health of people who have not been infected with the virus. Our results also point out that uninfected people with chronic illnesses may be more likely to have well-being problems due to quarantine restrictions.


Author(s):  
Graig M. Chow ◽  
Matthew D. Bird ◽  
Nicole T. Gabana ◽  
Brandon T. Cooper ◽  
Martin A. Swanbrow Becker

Student-athletes are susceptible to mental health problems that disrupt optimal functioning and well-being. Despite having many protective factors, student-athletes represent an at-risk subgroup of college students who experience mental health concerns due to the distress of balancing multiple obligations. However, many student-athletes underutilize psychological services. Stigma is the main barrier preventing student-athletes from seeking help, and mental health literacy (MHL) interventions addressing knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders have traditionally been used to destigmatize mental illness. This study investigated the impact of a 4-week program on stigma, MHL, and attitudes and intentions toward seeking help with 33 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes. The program was composed of four science-based interventions—MHL, empathy, counter stereotyping, and contact—delivered face-to-face within a group setting. MHL, attitudes toward seeking help, and intentions to seek counseling improved from preintervention to postintervention and to 1-month follow-up. Self-stigma was reduced from preintervention to postintervention.


2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (11) ◽  
pp. 1257-1261
Author(s):  
V. R. Kuchma ◽  
Evgeniya I. Shubochkina ◽  
O. I. Yanushanets ◽  
V. V. Cheprasov

Introduction. At the prenosological level, the impact of vocational training conditions on the indices of health and the quality of life of college students who master groups of occupations that are different in nature and working conditions was assessed. Material and methods. A survey of 1- and 3-year students engaged in vocational secondary education with conditionally “light” (woodworking and restoration) and “difficult” (welders and car mechanics) conditions of work practice was conducted. The questionnaire of quality of life (MOS SF-36) was used, medical and social status was assessed (complaints, the presence of chronic diseases, assessment of well-being, the severity of fatigue, ARVI morbidity rate). The results are processed according to the standard software package using evidence-based medicine. Results. There were obtained marked differences in the nature of the influence of learning conditions on the health and quality of life of students undergoing industrial training in different hygienic conditions. The impact of training and production load during the development of conditionally “light” professions was accompanied by an increase in the health index of graduates, a decrease in the frequency of complaints of headaches and pain associated with ARVI, an increase in undifferentiated complaints. Indices of the quality of life were characterized by an increase in role-based physical functioning (RPF) and a decrease in mental health (MH), which was correlated with increased fatigue. When teaching “hard” occupations in 3-year students, there was an increase in the total number of complaints, complaints of weakness, complaints related to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), musculoskeletal system and other (undifferentiated) complaints. Indicators of quality of life decreased according to two parameters of physical health (RPF and GIT) and two parameters of mental health (role emotional functioning and MH). conclusion. The significant contribution of occupational training to the deterioration of functional capabilities and the quality of life associated with health is shown for college graduates who learn occupations a profession with “hard” working conditions. Attention is drawn to new forms of the implementation of vocational training in the dual (practice-oriented) training system with an increase in production training time at the workplaces of enterprises, as well as issues of improving the medical support system for students in vocational colleges.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9032-9032 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Saini ◽  
L. Ostacoli ◽  
E. Sguazzotti ◽  
S. Capogna ◽  
C. Castronovo ◽  
...  

9032 Background: The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is one of the commonest neurological sensorimotor disorders consisting in periodic limbs movements during the sleeping time that lead to severe insomnia and quality of life deterioration. The prevalence of RLS in normal population is 7 and 11% in males and females respectively. RLS correlated with female sex and iron deficiency. Chronic pain, sensory polineuropathy and the use of dopamine antagonist drugs can induce or exacerbate RLS. Dopamine agonists are extremely active drugs in controlling RLS. The prevalence of RLS in cancer patients is unknown. Methods: The presence of RLS, by means of the essential diagnostic criteria provided by the International RLS Study Group (Allen RP, Sleep Med; 2003), was tested in 257 consecutive cancer patients (119 males and 138 females) with different malignancies belonging to two different Medical Oncology centres. All patients were receiving chemotherapy. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Mini Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC) questionnaires were administered concomitantly to assess the impact of RLS on quality of life, anxiety or depression and styles of coping, respectively. Results: RLS was present in 47 patients (18.3%), 14 males (11.8%) and 33 females (23.9%); (p=0.01). RLS directly correlated with pain (p<0.0001), nausea (p<0.001), worse physical well-being (p=0.007), emotional well- being (p=0.001) and functional well-being (p=0.02). RLS affected patients showed higher levels of anxiety (p<0.001) and depression (p=0.001). The styles of coping consisting in anxious preoccupation and hopeless were also more represented in the RLS affected patients (p=0.04 and p=0.02 respectively) than their counterparts. Conclusions: RLS is frequent and underdiagnosed in cancer patients. It may cause anxiety, depression and quality of life deterioration. Early RLS detection and prompt introduction of dopamine agonists may improve patient quality of life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E. Hempel ◽  
Joanne E. Taylor ◽  
Martin J. Connolly ◽  
Fiona M. Alpass ◽  
Christine V. Stephens

ABSTRACTBackground:Driving anxiety can range from driving reluctance to driving phobia, and 20% of young older adults experience mild driving anxiety, whereas 6% report moderate to severe driving anxiety. However, we do not know what impact driving anxiety has on health and well-being, especially among older drivers. This is problematic because there is a growing proportion of older adult drivers and a potential for driving anxiety to result in premature driving cessation that can impact on health and mortality. The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of driving anxiety on young older adults’ health and well-being.Method:Data were taken from a longitudinal study of health and aging that included 2,473 young older adults aged 55–70 years. The outcome measures were mental and physical health (SF-12) and quality of life (WHOQOL-8).Results:Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that driving anxiety was associated with poorer mental health, physical health, and quality of life, over and above the effect of socio-demographic variables. Sex moderated the effect of driving anxiety on mental health and quality of life in that, as driving anxiety increased, men and women were more likely to have lower mental health and quality of life, but women were more likely to have higher scores compared to men.Conclusion:Further research is needed to investigate whether driving anxiety contributes to premature driving cessation. If so, self-regulation of driving and treating driving anxiety could be important in preventing or reducing the declines in health and quality of life associated with driving cessation for older adults affected by driving anxiety.


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