Mental Health and Well-Being of University Students in Okinawa

With increasing frequency and severity of mental health issues among university students globally as well as limited studies on the mental health of Japanese university students, this study examined the factors that impact the mental health issues of university students in Okinawa. A total of 441 undergraduate students from 3 universities participated in this cross-sectional study. Average age of participants was 20 (range = 18–46, SD = 2.6). Four factors that significantly predicted depression among university students in Okinawa included self-esteem, family economic status, resiliency, and year in school (R2 = 0.37). Two factors that significantly predicted anxiety included self-esteem and family economic status (R2 = 0.26). Three factors that significantly predicted stress included self-esteem, family economic status, and year in school (R2 = 0.28). This study contributes to the understanding of specific factors that impact depression, anxiety, and stress for this population. University administrators and faculty have an opportunity to implement programs and services to make positive impact that could reduce mental health problems and improve well-being for students on their campuses.

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The Continuing Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Well-Being and Mental Health of ICU Healthcare Workers in Turkey: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Later-Phase Study

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine ◽

10.1177/08850666211070740 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088506662110707

Author(s):

Huseyin Duru

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Health Issues ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Heavy Workload ◽

Median Change

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on physical well-being and mental health of ICU healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods A total of 51 ICU HCWs working at a tertiary care hospital were included in this cross-sectional study conducted before (January 2019-January 2020) and during (January 2021-April 2021) COVID-19 pandemic. Data on sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, COVID 19 history and current mental health issues via Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were recorded. Results Overall, 62.7% of participants were nurses, heavy workload (working ≥200 h/month) was reported by 76.5% of participants and previous history of COVID-19 was confirmed by 62.7%. Current mental health issues involved poor sleep quality in majority (96.1%) of participants, anxiety (51.0%), depression (51.0%) in at least half of them and a moderate degree of emotional exhaustion Heavy workload was associated with more remarkable decrease in sleep duration (median change: −0.5 vs. −1.0 h/day, P = .020), Vit B12 (median change: 60[−48-293] vs. −65[−371-262] pg/mL, P < .001) and Vit D (median change: −1.6[−13.1-20] vs. −9.7[−39.7-21.8] ng/mL, P = .004) during pandemic, while working hours per month were also significantly higher in those with versus without anxiety (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .003) and with versus without depression (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .037). Conclusion Our findings indicate high prevalence of mental health issues including anxiety and depression as well as poor sleep quality and emotional burnout among ICU HCWs, particularly those with heavy workload.

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Mental Health Issues in Institutionalized Adolescent Orphans

International Journal of Indian Psychology ◽

10.25215/0301.045 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aijaz Ahmed Bhat ◽

Dr. Sadaqat Rahman ◽

Nasir Mohammad Bhat

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Dependence ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Separation Anxiety ◽

Economic Status ◽

Health Problems ◽

Separation Anxiety Disorder ◽

Health Issues ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Mental Health Issues

The aim of the study was to determine the nature and extend of Mental Health issues in institutionalized adolescent orphans of District Kupwara. A case study of orphans aged 11 to 17 years from 04 orphanages in Kupwara. A structured and internationally standardized interview schedule MINI Kid (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Kids) was used for data collection and socio-demographic sheet was also used for additional information. Kapuswaour’s scale was used to see the Socio-economic status of kids. Data were cleaned and analyzed by SPSS version 16.00 windows. Eleven participants (13.75%) met DSM 1V criteria for MDE, 6.5% reported suicidal tendencies, 11.25% showed dysthymic symptoms, 10% panic disorder, 20% agoraphobia, 7.5% separation anxiety disorder, 16.25% social phobia, 15% specific phobia, 6.25% PTSD symptoms, 1.25% substance dependence (Non-alcoholic), 3.75% ADHD, 1.25% conduct disorder, 3.75% ODD, 8.75% GAD and nineteen participants i.e. 23.75% showed co-morbid conditions. Orphan-hood brings a host of various mental health vulnerabilities. A cultural recognition of Mental Health problems and the long term negative consequences of these issues need to be developed and interventions to address these vulnerabilities and risks for mental health problems among institutionalized orphans.

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Pharmacists’ and Mental Health, Between Perceptions and Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-805582/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amal Akour ◽

Shiraz Halloush ◽

Mohammad Nusair ◽

Muna Barakat ◽

Fatima Abdulla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Issues ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Patient Counseling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Adequate Education ◽

Mental Health Patients

Abstract Background Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are usually underdiagnosed and undertreated. Medications are one primary modality in the management of mental health problems. Hence, pharmacists have a vital role in supporting patients regarding medications’ efficacy and safety. However, the potential role of pharmacists in managing mental health issues in Jordan has not been well established. Aim This study aimed at assessing attitudes and actual practices of Jordanian pharmacists regarding providing mental health services. Method: This was a cross-sectional study that used a convenience sample of 347 pharmacists using a self-reported-based questionnaire, which took place in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Results Participating pharmacists had a positive attitude towards providing care for patients with mental health problems. However, their actual practice did not resonate with their enthusiasm, especially when it comes to long-term follow-up of disease symptom, medications’ side effects and adherence. Pharmacists were eager to collaborate with their colleagues, but the level of actual cooperation was less than desired. The most commonly reported barrier was the lack of education on mental health issues (71.5%), followed by lack of privacy in the pharmacy settings (53.9%). To effectively involve pharmacist in the care of mental health patients, pharmacists should receive adequate education/training in the mental health topics, and pharmacies should be redesigned to provide a private area for patient counseling. Conclusion To effectively involve pharmacist in the care of mental health patients, pharmacists should receive adequate education/training in the mental health topics, and pharmacies should be redesigned to provide a private area for patient counseling.

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Do Parenting Style and Adolescents’ Self-esteem Contribute to Mental Health Problems among Young Adolescents in Malaysia? An Adolescents’ Perspective

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia ◽

10.31436/imjm.v19i2.1568 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

Author(s):

I.D. Noordin ◽

I.B. Idris ◽

R. Hod ◽

N.A. Muhammad ◽

H. Mohd Yusoff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Parenting Style ◽

Family Income ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Health Problems ◽

Mental Health Status ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Adolescence is a crucial phase in life, as this is the time when they are developing their identity, while at the same time forming relationships with others, including their family members. This study investigated adolescents’ mental health status in Malaysia and its associated factors including self -esteem and parenting style that are experienced by them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 248 school-going adolescents aged 13 and 14 years in Selangor, Malaysia. The validated Malay version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was utilized to assess adolescents’ mental health status. In addition, the adolescents’ self-esteem was also assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Questionnaire while the Parental Bonding Instrument was used to assess their parent’s parenting style. Results: Almost 20% of the adolescents were found to have mental health problems such as emotional and conduct problems, hyperactivity disorder and peer problems. Using multivariate analysis, factors that were associated with mental health problems were family income (AOR=2.788, 95% CI=1.397, 5.563), adolescents’ self-esteem (AOR=0.799, 95% CI=0.668, 0.955) and their perception on parental control (AOR=1.175, 95% CI=1.020, 1.353). Conclusion: This study shows that one fifth of these adolescents had mental health problems. Low socio-economic factors, over controlling parents and poor self-esteem were associated with these problems. In conclusion, it is important to educate parents on effective parenting style, as improper parenting may cause psychological distress among adolescents. Improving families’ socioeconomic status and adolescents’ self-esteem can also enhance their mental health and well-being.

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University Students’ Perceptions of Links Between Substance Use and Mental Health

Emerging Adulthood ◽

10.1177/2167696817748106 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (6) ◽

pp. 399-410 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amanda Hudson ◽

Kara Thompson ◽

Parnell D. MacNevin ◽

Meredith Ivany ◽

Michael Teehan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

University Students ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Issues ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Substance Use Problems ◽

Insight Into

There is a consensus among addictions researchers and clinicians that mental health concerns and substance use problems are often interrelated. It is less clear to what extent the general public, and university students in particular, understand connections between substance use and mental health. The current study aimed to understand university students’ perceived links between substance use and mental health by conducting three semistructured focus groups ( N = 24 participants, 67% female). Thematic analysis of the data yielded five themes: (1) Students use substances to cope with mental health issues, (2) substance use can lead to mental health problems, (3) links between mental health and substance use are cyclical, (4) substance use is an aspect/indicator of mental health, and (5) substance use and mental health are not always linked. Findings provide insight into the understudied area of perceived links between substance use and mental health and have implications for campus programming.

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Risk factors for mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in ophthalmic personnel and students in USA (& Canada): a cross-sectional survey study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03535-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yi Pang ◽

Meng Li ◽

Connor Robbs ◽

Jingyun Wang ◽

Samiksha F. Jain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Survey Study ◽

Health Issues ◽

Eye Care ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Issues

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic poses mental health challenges to frontline healthcare workers. Eye care professionals may be especially susceptible to mental health problems due to high-risk exposures to patients. Yet, no prior research has studied mental health issues among eye care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic among eye care professionals. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among eye care professionals and students in the United States and Canada from June 23 to July 8, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 8505 eye care professionals and students received email invitations to the survey and 2134 participated. We measured mental health outcomes including symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress using validated scales, as well as potential risk factors including demographic characteristics, state-level COVID-19 case counts, participants’ patient interactions, childcare responsibilities, and pre-pandemic stress levels. Linear multiple regression and logistic regression analyses were used to determine relationships between risk factors and mental health outcomes. Results We found that 38.4% of eyecare professional participants in the survey met screening threshold as probable cases of anxiety, depression, or both during the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for self-reported pre-pandemic stress level and state COVID-19 case daily cases, significant risk factors for depression, anxiety, and psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic included: being female, younger age, and being Black or Asian. Interestingly, we found two somewhat surprising protective factors against depression symptoms: more frequent interactions with patients and having a greater proportion of childcare responsibilities at home. Conclusions This study showed a high prevalence of mental health problems and revealed disparities in mental health among eye care personnel and students: Female, younger, Black, and Asian populations are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. These results indicate that it is critical to identify mental health issues more effectively and develop interventions among this population to address this significant and growing public health issue. The strategies and policies should be reflective of the demographic disparities in this vulnerable population.

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Exploring the impacts of COVID-19 related social distancing on loneliness, psychological needs and symptomatology

Research in Psychotherapy Psychopathology Process and Outcome ◽

10.4081/ripppo.2020.492 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Bruno Faustino ◽

António Branco Vasco ◽

João Delgado ◽

António Farinha-Fernandes ◽

José Carlos Guerreiro

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Needs ◽

Self Report ◽

Health Issues ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Cross Sectional Design

Loneliness may be a consequence of social distancing, a measure imposed by several governments to try to reduce the contagion of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite being necessary, this measure may have thus caused a rise in mental health issues, leading to higher psychological distress and symptomatology. Thus, it is also important to explore how loneliness relates to the regulation of psychological needs. This study aims to explore the relationships between loneliness, symptomatology, and the regulation of psychological needs. 142 individuals (M age=32.7, SD=10.9), answered self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional design. Results show that loneliness is positively correlated with symptomatology and difficulties in the regulation of psychological needs, with these relationships being mediated by psychological distress and psychological well-being. We discuss our results with a focus on loneliness and related psychopathological symptomatology, as they seem to be core factors in the regulation of psychological needs.

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Assessing the Mental Health of Brazilian Students Involved in Risky Behaviors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17103647 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (10) ◽

pp. 3647 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Daise Fernanda Santos Souza Escobar ◽

Priscilla Rayanne e Silva Noll ◽

Thaís Ferreira de Jesus ◽

Matias Noll

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Behaviors ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Risky Behaviors ◽

Unsafe Sex ◽

Health Issues ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Brazilian Students ◽

The Relationship

Adolescence, which is the transition from childhood to adulthood, is marked by emotional sensitivity and inconsistency and may be affected by mental health problems. In order to fill the gap related to the risky behaviors in students in Brazil, our cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relationship between risky behaviors and indicators of mental health of Brazilian students. We used the data from the National School Health Survey to analyze the relationship between risk behaviors and three symptoms of mental health issues: feeling of being alone, number of close friends, and trouble sleeping due to worries. The sample consisted of 102,072 students in Brazil (48.3% boys and 51.7% girls), aged between 11 to 19 years. The risk behaviors evaluated were substance use, sedentary lifestyle, sexual behavior, and suffering violence and bullying. We have performed a multivariate analysis based on the Poisson regression model, and the measure of effect used was the prevalence ratio (PR) with confidence intervals (CI) of 95%. Our results showed that students with symptoms of mental health issues were involved in risky behaviors, including drug use and unsafe sex. Thus, mental illness outcomes may be associated with risky behaviors, or mental health may be impaired by them. Given these findings, in-school programs focused on improving mental health outcomes should be developed.

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Reducing stigma associated with mental health problems among university students in the Asia-Pacific: A video content analysis of student-driven proposals

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00207640211007511 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402110075

Author(s):

Mellissa Withers ◽

Tasfia Jahangir ◽

Ksenia Kubasova ◽

Mao-Sheng Ran

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Content Analysis ◽

University Students ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Intervention Strategies ◽

Self Management ◽

Health Issues ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Educational Campaigns ◽

Main Intervention

Introduction: Studies have demonstrated that mental health problems among university students may be increasing in both prevalence and severity. This study aimed to identify ways to reduce stigma and improve students’ utilization of mental health services. Methods: We performed a content analysis on video proposals to address stigma and mental health at universities, submitted by 15 teams from nine Asian-Pacific countries as part of a case competition. We examined five domains: (1) tone; (2) cultural context; (3) mental health issue of focus; (4) prevention versus secondary prevention; and (5) main intervention strategies. Results: Five main intervention strategies emerged: (1) educational campaigns; (2) peer interaction and support; (3) counseling; (4) screening; and (5) self-management. The results suggest that mental health literacy is low among students. Educational campaigns and events to increase awareness and reduce stigma were the most commonly incorporated strategy, through film screenings, mental health days, and social media. Building empathy through personal stories from celebrities and other students was also highly recommended. Second, counseling was incorporated in 80% of proposals, with a preference for peers and staff support, and web-based therapy over professional counselors, except in severe cases. Programs to increase social contact were the third most common strategy, suggesting students may feel isolated and disconnected. Creating common spaces for students to interact and pairing of students with and without mental health issues were widely suggested. The use of technology was recommended for self-management of mental health and for mandatory mental health screening, which was generally only recommended for incoming students. Conclusions: Our analysis provides insight into student-generated intervention approaches to prevent and address stigma associated with mental health issues among students. A greater university commitment is needed to provide a range of resources, including education and counseling, to leverage technology, and to foster stronger support networks among students.

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Emotional support received moderates academic stress and mental well-being in a sample of Afghan university students amid COVID-19

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00207640211057729 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402110577

Author(s):

Zane Asher Green ◽

Farkhonda Faizi ◽

Rahmatullah Jalal ◽

Zarifa Zadran

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Academic Stress ◽

Health Issues ◽

Stress Buffering ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Mental Well Being

Background: Academic stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered high levels of anxiety and depression and other severe mental health issues among university students around the globe. In Afghanistan, there is a paucity of research on the academic and mental health issues of Afghan university students and none pertaining to their academic stress and mental well-being amid the pandemic. Aim: This research examines the potential stress-buffering role of emotional support received between academic stress and mental well-being in a sample of Afghan university students during the COVID-19 outbreak. Method: The study sample comprised 508 Afghan university students. An online survey was developed for data collection. Model 1 of the PROCESS macro was used to conduct the moderation analysis. Results: These indicate that moderate and high levels of emotional support received may protect against the negative effects of higher levels of academic stress on mental well-being. Conclusion: This research makes an important contribution to the literature on social support. It may be inferred from the results that Afghan university students who experience academic stress, but have strong emotional support are able to attain greater mental well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak as compared to those with weak emotional support. Results may encourage mental health practitioners, university counselors, education administrators, and faculty to jointly formulate strategies for offering emotional support to Afghan university students.

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