Impact of arthritis on the perceived need and use of mental healthcare among Canadians with mental disorders: nationally representative cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between having arthritis and the perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support among individuals with mental disorders.DesignA cross-sectional analysis using data from Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health (2012).SettingThe survey was administered across Canada’s 10 provinces using multistage cluster sampling.ParticipantsThe study sample consisted of individuals reporting depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.Study variables and analysisThe explanatory variable was self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and outcomes were perceived need for mental healthcare and use of mental health support. We computed overall and gender-stratified multivariable binomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, income and geographical region.ResultsAmong 1774 individuals with a mental disorder in the study sample, 436 (20.4%) reported having arthritis. Arthritis was associated with increased odds of having a perceived need for mental healthcare (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.71, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.77). In the gender-stratified models, this association was increased among men (aOR 2.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.49) but not women (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.82). Evaluation of the association between arthritis and use of mental health support resulted in an aOR of 1.50 (95% CI 0.89 to 2.51). Individuals with arthritis tended to use medications and professional services as opposed to non-professional support.ConclusionComorbid arthritis among individuals with a mental disorder was associated with an increased perceived need for mental healthcare, especially in men, underscoring the importance of understanding the role of masculinity in health seeking. Assessing the mental health of patients with arthritis continues to be essential for clinical care.

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Mental Well-Being and Its Associated Factors Among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Penang, Malaysia

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/1010539520940199 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (6-7) ◽

pp. 320-327 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mila Nu Nu Htay ◽

Swe Swe Latt ◽

Khine Sandar Maung ◽

Wai Wai Myint ◽

Soe Moe

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Support Groups ◽

Migrant Workers ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

Mental Well Being

International migration has become a global phenomenon bringing with it complex and interrelated issues related to the physical and mental well-being of the people involved. This study investigated the mental well-being and factors associated with mental health among Myanmar migrant workers (MMW) in Malaysia. The cross-sectional study was conducted in Penang, Malaysia by using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index Scale (WHO-5) and the Mental Health subscale of 36 items in the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Among 192 migrant workers who were understudied, 79.2% had poor mental well-being according to the WHO-5 scale. The duration of stay in Malaysia and without receiving financial aid from their employers despite having a physical illness were significantly associated with poor mental well-being. Mental health support groups should target migrant workers for mental health education and find ways to provide assistance for them. Furthermore, premigration training should be delivered at the country of origin that also provides information on the availability of mental health support in the host country.

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The influence of concern about COVID-19 on mental health in the Republic of Georgia: a cross-sectional study

Globalization and Health ◽

10.1186/s12992-020-00641-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nino Makhashvili ◽

Jana Darejan Javakhishvili ◽

Lela Sturua ◽

Ketevan Pilauri ◽

Daniela C. Fuhr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Adjustment Disorder ◽

Control Measures ◽

Positive Thinking ◽

Republic Of Georgia ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Response Strategies ◽

The Republic

Abstract Background Early evidence indicates increased mental health burden arising from COVID-19 and related control measures. The study aim was to examine concern about COVID-19 and its association with symptoms of mental disorders in the Republic of Georgia. A cross-sectional internet-based survey of adults in Georgia using non-probabilistic sampling was used. Questionnaire topics were: (i) demographic and socio-economic characteristics; (ii) level of burden caused by common causes of COVID-19 related concerns; (iii) strategies used in response to concerns about COVID-19; and (iv) symptoms of mental disorders of anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), PTSD (ITQ) and adjustment disorder (ADNM8). Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted. Results There were 2088 respondents. High levels of symptoms for mental disorders were observed for anxiety (23.9% women, 21.0% men), depression (30.3% women, 25.27% men), PTSD (11.8% women, and 12.5% men), and adjustment disorder (40.7% women, 31.0% men). Factors significantly associated with increased COVID-19 concern included bad/very bad household economic situation, larger household size, current NCD, symptoms of anxiety, adjustment disorder and PTSD. Response strategies significantly associated with reduced mental disorder symptoms included meditation and relaxation exercises, physical exercise, positive thinking, planning for the future, TV/radio, housework/DIY, and working. Drinking alcohol was associated with a greater probability of increased mental disorder symptoms. Conclusions High levels of mental disorders were recorded, and they were strongly associated with increased concern about COVID-19. A number of response strategies were identified which may help protect against worse mental health and these could be supported by innovations in mental health care in Georgia.

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Mind Support: A Systematic Review of Online Peer Support Platforms

10.31739/anamh.2021.1.21 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 21-28

Author(s):

Noah Stapper ◽

◽

Gema Benavides Jimenez ◽

Yasmin Barenco Abbas ◽

Maya Homsy King ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Peer Support ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Non Profit ◽

Online Tools ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Trauma Informed ◽

Health Support ◽

Set Up ◽

Mental Health Foundation

Provision of mental healthcare is currently limited and not accessible to all those who require it. The nature of this gap in mental health support calls for a solution that is more accessible, affordable and personalized to prevent the exacerbation of mild mental health issues and to offer support as an adjunct to state of the art therapeutics. To this effect, the non-profit mental health foundation “Mind Support” has been set up, an online peer support platform. This paper analyses the approach and solutions offered by this platform for the growing gap in mental health support and demonstrates the benefits and limitations of online peer support in general. Online peer support as provided by “Mind Support” has the advantage of being anonymous and is free of charge making it accessible to everybody. At the same time, “Mind Support” reaps the benefits of traditional peer support options, such as having a more trauma-informed approach rather than an illness-focused one, aiding in the reduction of stigma and welcoming dialogue. The aim of this article is to stimulate the use of online tools to bridge the mental health support gap.

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Structural Correlates of Mental Health Support Access Among Sexual Minority Youth of Color During COVID-19

10.31234/osf.io/n8tm7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chantelle A Roulston ◽

Sarah McKetta ◽

Maggi Price ◽

Kathryn Fox ◽

Jessica L. Schleider

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Treatment ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

State Level ◽

Structural Factors ◽

Marginalized Youth ◽

Treatment Access ◽

Health Treatment ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support

Objective: Many youth with mental health needs cannot access treatment, with multiply-marginalized youth, such as sexual minority youth of Color (SMYoC), experiencing both structural and identity-related barriers to care. The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to exacerbate multi-level treatment access barriers facing SMYoC youth nationwide. However, little large-scale research has examined access to mental health care among SMYoC across the United States, either during or prior to the pandemic. Such work is critical to understanding and ameliorating barriers in this domain. Methods: Using data from adolescents who self-identified as SMYoC and who endorsed a desire for mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic (N=470, ages 13-16, from 43 U.S. states), we examined associations between state-level, structural factors (income inequality; mental healthcare provider shortage; anti-Black racism; homophobia; and the interaction between anti-Black racism and homophobia) and SMYoC mental health treatment access. Results: Multinomial logistic regressions revealed state-level mental healthcare provider shortage as the only significant predictor of SMYoC reporting they never (versus always) accessed mental health support during the COVID-19 pandemic. SMYoC living in areas with both lower homophobia and lower anti-Black racism were more likely to report always (versus sometimes) accessing mental health treatment. Conclusions: Results highlight the critical importance of considering diverse structural factors and applying an intersectional lens when exploring barriers to mental health treatment among multiply-marginalized youth. In locations where provider shortages are less severe, cultural stigma—including anti-Black racism and homophobia—may still pose challenges for SMYoC in need of mental health care.

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Mental Health Impact of the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic on Spanish Healthcare Workers: a Large Cross-sectional Survey

10.1101/2020.10.27.20220731 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jordi Alonso ◽

Gemma Vilagut ◽

Philippe Mortier ◽

Montse Ferrer ◽

Itxaso Alayo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Female Gender ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Panic Attacks ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Wide Range

ABSTRACTIntroductionHealthcare workers are vulnerable to adverse mental health impacts of COVID-19. We assessed prevalence of mental disorders and associated factors during the first wave of the pandemic among healthcare professionals in Spain.MethodsAll workers in 18 healthcare institutions (6 AACC) in Spain were invited to a series of online surveys assessing a wide range of individual characteristics, COVID-19 infection status and exposure, and mental health status. Here we report: current mental disorders (Major Depressive Disorder-MDD- [PHQ-8≥10], Generalized Anxiety Disorder-GAD- [GAD-7≥10], Panic attacks, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder –PTSD- [PCL-5≥7]; and Substance Use Disorder –SUD-[CAGE-AID≥2]. Severe disability assessed by the Sheehan Disability Scale was used to identify “disabling” current mental disorders.Results9,138 healthcare workers participated. Prevalence of screen-positive disorder: 28.1% MDD; 22.5% GAD, 24.0% Panic; 22.2% PTSD; and 6.2% SUD. Overall 45.7% presented any current and 14.5% any disabling current mental disorder. Healthcare workers with prior lifetime mental disorders had almost twice the prevalence of current disorders than those without. Adjusting for all other variables, odds of any disabling mental disorder were: prior lifetime disorders (TUS: OR=5.74; 95%CI 2.53-13.03; Mood: OR=3.23; 95%CI:2.27-4.60; Anxiety: OR=3.03; 95%CI:2.53-3.62); age category 18-29 years (OR=1.36; 95%CI:1.02-1.82), caring “all of the time” for COVID-19 patients (OR=5.19; 95%CI: 3.61-7.46), female gender (OR=1.58; 95%CI: 1.27-1.96) and having being in quarantine or isolated (OR= 1.60; 95CI:1.31-1.95).ConclusionsCurrent mental disorders were very frequent among Spanish healthcare workers during the first wave of COVID-19. As the pandemic enters its second wave, careful monitoring and support is needed for healthcare workers, especially those with previous mental disorders and those caring COVID-19 very often.

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Influence of military component and deployment-related experiences on mental disorders among Canadian military personnel who deployed to Afghanistan: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018735 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e018735 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

David Boulos ◽

Deniz Fikretoglu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Armed Forces ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Difference

ObjectiveThe primary objective was to explore differences in mental health problems (MHP) between serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) components (Regular Force (RegF); Reserve Force (ResF)) with an Afghanistan deployment and to assess the contribution of both component and deployment experiences to MHP using covariate-adjusted prevalence difference estimates. Additionally, mental health services use (MHSU) was descriptively assessed among those with a mental disorder.DesignData came from the 2013 CAF Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of serving personnel (n=72 629). Analyses were limited to those with an Afghanistan deployment (population n=35 311; sampled n=4854). Logistic regression compared MHP between RegF and ResF members. Covariate-adjusted prevalence differences were computed.Primary outcome measureThe primary outcomes were MHP, past-year mental disorders, identified using the WHO’s Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and past-year suicide ideation.ResultsResF personnel were less likely to be identified with a past-year anxiety disorder (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.72 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.90)), specifically both generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder, but more likely to be identified with a past-year alcohol abuse disorder (AOR=1.63 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.58)). The magnitude of the covariate-adjusted disorder prevalence differences for component was highest for the any anxiety disorder outcome, 2.8% (95% CI 1.0 to 4.6); lower for ResF. All but one deployment-related experience variable had some association with MHP. The ‘ever felt responsible for the death of a Canadian or ally personnel’ experience had the strongest association with MHP; its estimated covariate-adjusted disorder prevalence difference was highest for the any (of the six measured) mental disorder outcome (11.2% (95% CI 6.6 to 15.9)). Additionally, ResF reported less past-year MHSU and more past-year civilian MHSU.ConclusionsPast-year MHP differences were identified between components. Our findings suggest that although deployment-related experiences were highly associated with MHP, these only partially accounted for MHP differences between components. Additional research is needed to further investigate MHSU differences between components.

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COVID-19 Pandemic in a Vulnerable Population: Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety

Behavioral Sciences ◽

10.3390/bs12010013 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 13

Author(s):

Reham Shalaby ◽

Ejemai Eboreime ◽

Nnamdi Nkire ◽

Belinda Agyapong ◽

Hannah Pazderka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Clinical Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fort Mcmurray ◽

Vulnerable Communities ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

To Receive ◽

Severe Anxiety

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has produced negative mental health outcomes. These effects were more prominent in vulnerable communities that experienced prior similar disasters. The study aimed to examine the likelihood and correlates of anxiety symptoms among Fort McMurray (FMM) residents, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey questionnaire was applied between 24 April and 2 June 2021, at FMM, to gather sociodemographic, COVID-19, and clinical information, including generalized anxiety disorder (using GAD-7 scale). Results: Overall, 186 individuals completed the survey (response rate 74.7%). Most of the respondents were females (159, 85.5%); above 40 years (98, 52.7%); employed (175, 94.1%); and in relationship (132, 71%). The prevalence of moderate-to-severe anxiety was (42.5%, 71) on GAD-7 self-reported scale. Subscribers who reported that they would like to receive mental health support; have received no family support since COVID-19 declaration; and have lost their job during the pandemic were all more likely to report moderate-to-severe anxiety (OR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.29–8.88), (OR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.56–15.03), and (OR = 4.40; 95% CI: 1.01–19.24), respectively. Conclusions: Anxiety levels were high among FMM residents, compared to levels before COVID-19. Clinical and social factors significantly predicted likely anxiety in the Fort McMurray population, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that resources are mobilized to support vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Consultation liaison in primary care for people with mental disorders

BJPsych Advances ◽

10.1192/apt.22.2.74 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 74-74 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Donna Gillies ◽

Penny Buykx ◽

Alexandra G. Parker ◽

Sarah E. Hetrick

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Care Setting ◽

Primary Care Setting ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Health Specialist ◽

Negative Impacts

Approximately 25% of people will be affected by a mental disorder at some stage in their life. Despite the prevalence and negative impacts of mental disorders, many people are not diagnosed or do not receive adequate treatment. Therefore primary healthcare has been identified as essential to improving the delivery of mental healthcare. Consultation liaison is a model of mental healthcare where the primary care provider maintains the central role in the delivery of mental healthcare, with a mental health specialist providing consultative support. Consultation liaison has the potential to enhance the delivery of mental healthcare in the primary care setting and, in turn, improve outcomes for people with a mental disorder.

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Mental health of UK Members of Parliament in the House of Commons: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027892 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e027892 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Daniel Poulter ◽

Nicole Votruba ◽

Ioannis Bakolis ◽

Frances Debell ◽

Jayati Das-Munshi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Support Services ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

House Of Commons ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Members Of Parliament ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support ◽

Age And Sex

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess (1) the overall mental health of Members of Parliament (MPs) and (2) awareness among MPs of the mental health support services available to them in Parliament.DesignAn anonymous self-completed online cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2016.Setting56th UK House of Commons.ParticipantsAll 650 members of the 56th UK House of Commons were invited to participate; 146 MPs (23%) completed the survey.OutcomesThe General Health Questionnaire-12 was used to assess age- and sex-standardised prevalence of probable common mental disorders (CMD). Results were compared with a nationally representative survey, the Health Survey for England (HSE) 2014. Core demographic questions, MPs’ awareness of available mental health services, their willingness to discuss mental health issues with party Whips and fellow MPs and the effects of employment outside Parliament were assessed.ResultsComparison of MP respondents with HSE comparator groups found that MPs have higher rates of mental health problems (age- and sex-standardised prevalence of probable CMD in 49 surveyed MPs 34% (95% CI 27% to 42%) versus 17% (95% CI 13% to 21%) in the high-income comparison group). Survey respondents were younger, more likely to be female and more educated compared with all MPs. 77% of MPs (n=112) did not know how to access in-house mental health support. 52% (n=76) would not discuss their mental health with party Whips or other MPs (48%; n=70).ConclusionsMPs in the study sample had higher rates of mental health problems than rates seen in the whole English population or comparable occupational groups. Most surveyed MPs are unaware of mental health support services or how to access them. Our findings represent a relatively small sample of MPs. There is a need for MPs to have better awareness of, and access to, mental health support.

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Attitudes towards mental disorders and emotional empathy in mental health and other healthcare professionals

The Psychiatrist ◽

10.1192/pb.bp.110.029900 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 101-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Georgina Gateshill ◽

Kate Kucharska-Pietura ◽

John Wattis

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Similar Degree ◽

Emotional Empathy ◽

Significant Difference

Aims and methodTo compare attitudes towards mental disorders in professionals working in mental health and professionals working in different areas of medicine. Levels of emotional empathy in both groups were also investigated. In total, 58 mental healthcare professionals and 60 non-mental healthcare professionals completed our attitudes towards mental disorders questionnaire and Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale.ResultsThe results reveal generally positive attitudes towards people with mental disorders in both groups. Non-mental healthcare professionals regarded people with a mental disorder as significantly more dangerous and unpredictable than did mental healthcare professionals. There was no statistically significant difference in emotional empathy between the two groups. Both groups cited illicit drug use as one of the most significant causes of mental disorder.Clinical implicationsMental healthcare professionals and non-mental healthcare professionals show broadly similar attitudes and a similar degree of empathy towards people with a mental disorder. However, non-mental healthcare professionals regard people with mental health problems as significantly more dangerous and unpredictable. There is scope for further research including examining the effects of educational interventions.

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