scholarly journals Time trend analysis of social inequalities in psychological distress among young adults before and during the pandemic: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study COVID-19 waves

2021 ◽  
pp. jech-2021-217266
Author(s):  
Thierry Gagné ◽  
Alita Nandi ◽  
Ingrid Schoon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Area Deprivation ◽  
Full Time ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Deprived Areas

BackgroundDespite concerns about mental health problems among those aged 16–24 in England, which social groups have been most at risk, both over the past decade and during the COVID-19 pandemic, remains unclear.MethodsWe examined trends in psychological distress among young adults 16–24 years old in England using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study. Using longitudinal data as repeated cross-sectional waves, we examined differences over time in mean General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scores from wave 1 (2009–2010) to wave 10 (2018–2019) and six COVID-19 waves collected between April and November 2020, by economic activity, cohabitation with parents, parental education, area deprivation, ethnicity, age and sex.ResultsCompared with 2009–2010, increases in GHQ scores in 2018–2019 were higher in women than men (2.1 vs 1.3), those aged 16–18 than aged 22–24 (2.6 vs 0.9), those from white UK group versus other ethnic minorities, and those out of the labour force (3.6) or employed part time (2.2) than those employed full time (0.8). Compared with 2018–2019, psychological distress in 2020 also further increased among young adults residing in the most deprived areas (4.1 vs 1.2 in the least deprived areas). In 2020, losing one’s job or most of one’s work hours was associated with higher psychological distress and attenuated the differences between deprivation quartiles by 17%.ConclusionIn England, inequalities in psychological distress among young adults may have changed and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investing in opportunities for young adults, particularly in more deprived areas, may be key to improve population levels of mental health.

scholarly journals Mental health and health behaviours before and during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown: longitudinal analyses of the UK Household Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
pp. jech-2020-215060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire L Niedzwiedz ◽  
Michael James Green ◽  
Michaela Benzeval ◽  
Desmond Campbell ◽  
Peter Craig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundThere are concerns that COVID-19 mitigation measures, including the ‘lockdown’, may have unintended health consequences. We examined trends in mental health and health behaviours in the UK before and during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown and differences across population subgroups.MethodsRepeated cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal Study, including representative samples of over 27,000 adults (aged 18+) interviewed in four survey waves between 2015 and 2020. A total of 9748 adults had complete data for longitudinal analyses. Outcomes included psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire-12), loneliness, current cigarette smoking, use of e-cigarettes and alcohol consumption. Cross-sectional prevalence estimates were calculated and multilevel Poisson regression assessed associations between time period and the outcomes of interest, as well as differential associations by age, gender, education level and ethnicity.ResultsPsychological distress increased 1 month into lockdown with the prevalence rising from 19.4% (95% CI 18.7% to 20.1%) in 2017–2019 to 30.6% (95% CI 29.1% to 32.3%) in April 2020 (RR=1.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4). Groups most adversely affected included women, young adults, people from an Asian background and those who were degree educated. Loneliness remained stable overall (RR=0.9, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.5). Smoking declined (RR=0.9, 95% CI=0.8,1.0) and the proportion of people drinking four or more times per week increased (RR=1.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.5), as did binge drinking (RR=1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7).ConclusionsPsychological distress increased 1 month into lockdown, particularly among women and young adults. Smoking declined, but adverse alcohol use generally increased. Effective measures are required to mitigate negative impacts on 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.

scholarly journals Emerging Adults’ Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Longitudinal Study on the Importance of Social Support

2021 ◽  
pp. 216769682110399
Author(s):  
Yvonne H. M. van den Berg ◽  
William J. Burk ◽  
Antonius H. N. Cillessen ◽  
Karin Roelofs
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Best Friends ◽  
General Psychological Distress

The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate emerging adults’ mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether social support from mothers, fathers, and best friends moderated the change in mental health. Participants were 98 emerging adults (46% men) who were assessed prior to COVID-19 ( Mage = 20.60 years) and during the first lockdown ( Mage = 22.67 years). Results indicated that the pandemic did not uniformly lead to elevated levels of mental health problems, but instead depended on level of mental health problems prior to COVID-19 and the source of support. For emerging adults who already experienced more problems prior to COVID-19, more maternal support was related to decreases in general psychological distress and depressive symptoms, whereas more paternal support was related to increases in general psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Support from best friends were not associated with (changes in) mental health.

scholarly journals Temporal effects of maternal psychological distress on child mental health problems at ages 3, 5, 7 and 11: analysis from the UK Millennium Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 664-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Hope ◽  
Anna Pearce ◽  
Catherine Chittleborough ◽  
Jessica Deighton ◽  
Amelia Maika ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Child Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Distress ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Uk Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
The Uk

AbstractBackgroundPsychological distress is common among women of childbearing age, and limited longitudinal research suggests prolonged exposure to maternal distress is linked to child mental health problems. Estimating effects of maternal distress over time is difficult due to potential influences of child mental health problems on maternal distress and time-varying confounding by family circumstances.MethodsWe analysed the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative sample with data collected throughout childhood. Adopting a marginal structural modelling framework, we investigated effects of exposure to medium/high levels of maternal psychological distress (Kessler-6 score 8+) on child mental health problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire borderline/abnormal behaviour cut-off) using maternal and child mental health data at 3, 5, 7 and 11 years, accounting for the influence of child mental health on subsequent maternal distress, and baseline and time-varying confounding.ResultsPrior and concurrent exposures to maternal distress were associated with higher levels of child mental health problems at ages 3, 5, 7 and 11 years. For example, elevated risks of child mental health problems at 11 years were associated with exposure to maternal distress from 3 years [risk ratio (RR) 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.49)] to 11 years [RR 2.15 (95% CI 1.89–2.45)]. Prolonged exposure to maternal distress at ages 3, 5, 7 and 11 resulted in an almost fivefold increased risk of child mental health problems.ConclusionsPrior, concurrent and, particularly, prolonged exposure to maternal distress raises risks for child mental health problems. Greater support for mothers experiencing distress is likely to benefit the mental health of their children.

scholarly journals Longitudinal changes in mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Michael Daly ◽  
Angelina R. Sutin ◽  
Eric Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Longitudinal Changes ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a range of negative social and economic effects that may contribute to a rise in mental health problems. In this observational population-based study, we examined longitudinal changes in the prevalence of mental health problems from before to during the COVID-19 crisis and identified subgroups that are psychologically vulnerable during the pandemic. Methods Participants (N = 14 393; observations = 48 486) were adults drawn from wave 9 (2017–2019) of the nationally representative United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) and followed-up across three waves of assessment in April, May, and June 2020. Mental health problems were assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results The population prevalence of mental health problems (GHQ-12 score ⩾3) increased by 13.5 percentage points from 24.3% in 2017–2019 to 37.8% in April 2020 and remained elevated in May (34.7%) and June (31.9%) 2020. All sociodemographic groups examined showed statistically significant increases in mental health problems in April 2020. The increase was largest among those aged 18–34 years (18.6 percentage points, 95% CI 14.3–22.9%), followed by females and high-income and education groups. Levels of mental health problems subsequently declined between April and June 2020 but remained significantly above pre-COVID-19 levels. Additional analyses showed that the rise in mental health problems observed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was unlikely to be due to seasonality or year-to-year variation. Conclusions This study suggests that a pronounced and prolonged deterioration in mental health occurred as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the UK between April and June 2020.

scholarly journals Mental health and health behaviours before and during the COVID-19 lockdown: Longitudinal analyses of the UK Household Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire L Niedzwiedz ◽  
Michael Green ◽  
Michaela Benzeval ◽  
Desmond D Campbell ◽  
Peter Craig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
List Type ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk

AbstractBackgroundThere are concerns that COVID-19 mitigation measures, including “lockdown” may have unintended health consequences. We examined trends in mental health and health behaviours in the UK before and during the COVID-19 lockdown and differences across population subgroups.MethodsRepeat cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal Survey, including representative samples of adults (aged 18+) interviewed in four surveys between 2015 and 2020 (n=48,426). 9,748 adults had complete data for longitudinal analyses. Psychological distress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ). Binary outcomes were created for loneliness, current smoking and use of e-cigarettes. Alcohol consumption was assessed using three binary measures assessing frequent, binge and heavy drinking. Cross-sectional weighted prevalence estimates were calculated and multilevel Poisson regression assessed associations between time period and the outcomes of interest, as well as differential effects by age, gender, education level and ethnicity.ResultsPsychological distress substantially increased one month into the COVID-19 lockdown, with the prevalence rising from 19.4% (95% CI 18.7%-20.0%) in 2017-19 to 30.3% (95% CI 29.1%-31.6%) in April 2020. Women’s mental health was particularly affected, as was that of the most educated and young adults. Loneliness remained stable overall. Smoking and e-cigarette use declined and the proportion of people drinking on four or more days per week increased, as did binge drinking.ConclusionsPsychological distress increased one month into lockdown, particularly among women and young adults. Smoking declined, but the frequency of alcohol consumption increased. Effective treatment and prevention are required to mitigate adverse impacts on health.What is already known on this topicCountries around the world have implemented radical COVID-19 lockdown measures, with concerns that these may have unintended consequences for a broad range of health outcomes.Evidence on the impacts of lockdown measures on mental health and health-related behaviours remains limited.What this study addsIn the UK, psychological distress markedly increased during the lockdown, with women particularly adversely affected.Smoking and e-cigarette use fell, but the frequency of alcohol consumption and binge drinking increased.

scholarly journals Psychological distress and resilience in a multicentre sample of adolescents and young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110569
Author(s):  
Clare Jacobson ◽  
Nicola Miller ◽  
Rebecca Mulholland ◽  
Laura Baker ◽  
Daniel Glazer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Perceived Impact ◽  
The Uk

Understanding impact of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer is important to inform care. Online survey of 16–24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at eight cancer centres in the UK. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships, PHQ-8, GAD and the two-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). 112 AYA participated. 59.8% had previous mental health difficulties. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on life. 79% reported experiencing increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% GADS-7 scores. Impact on life was associated with moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.65–16.56, p < 0.01), impact on relationships with moderate-severe GADS-7 and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11–7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32–15.17, p < 0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11–5.25, p =0.03). Greater resilience was associated with lower mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41–0.81, p < 0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4–0.72, p < 0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38–0.69, p < 0.01). We found high levels of psychological distress. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a protective factor.

scholarly journals Mind the gap: the interface between child and adult mental health services

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 292-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swaran P. Singh ◽  
Navina Evans ◽  
Lester Sireling ◽  
Helen Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Adult Mental Health ◽  
Adult Services ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Audit Commission ◽  
The Uk

Adolescents with mental health problems are poorly served by mental health services, since responsibility for care often falls between child and adult services. Within the UK, there is no consensus on how service boundaries should be delineated. Some services use an age cut-off at some point between 16 and 18 years, whereas others consider child services to be appropriate only for those in full-time education. The Audit Commission (1999) reported that nationally 29% of health authorities commissioned child and adolescent mental health services for young people before their 16th birthday only, although adult services were not considered suitable for those under 17 years old. The report highlighted the poor development of adolescent services and their inadequate links with other agencies, including adult mental health services.

scholarly journals How does the local area deprivation influence life chances for children in poverty in Wales: A record linkage cohort study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Tony Whiffen ◽  
Richard Fry ◽  
Sinead Brophy
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Area Deprivation ◽  
Deprived Areas

Background Children growing up in poverty are less likely to achieve in school and more likely to experience mental health problems. This study examined factors in the local area that can help a child overcome the negative impact of poverty. Method This retrospective cohort study included 159,131 children who lived in Wales and completed their age 16 exams (Key Stage 4 (KS4)) between 2009 and 2016. Free School Meal (FSM) provision was used an indicator of household level deprivation. Area level deprivation was measured by the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2011. An encrypted unique Anonymous Linking Field was used to link the children with their health and educational records. The outcome variable of 'Overall doing well' was comprised of achieved at KS4, no mental health condition, no substance, and alcohol abuse records. Bidirectional logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between local areas deprivation and child's outcome. Results 22% of children on FSM were 'overall doing well' compared to 54.9% of non-FSM children. FSM Children who lived in the least deprived areas are significantly more likely to do well (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) - 2.20 (1.93-2.51)) than children lived in the most deprived areas. FSM children, living in areas with higher community safety, higher relative income, higher access to services, are more likely to do well than their peers. Conclusion This study highlights that investing in community development (e.g., safety, back to work schemes, connectivity) helps in child's education attainment, mental health and reduce risk-taking behaviours.

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