Relationship between Maternal Mood Disorders and Dietary Intake of 3-Year-Olds

Maternal depression affects parenting and children’s early development, but its effect on dietary intake is unknown. While husbands’ involvement in parenting and having friends to talk to may reduce childcare stress, this has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, mothers were stratified by the presence or absence of mood disorders, and the effects of support from their husbands and friends on the dietary intake of their 3-year-old children were examined. This cross-sectional analysis included 920 mother-child pairs examined at the National Center for Child Health and Development in Japan. Dietary intake was assessed using a brief dietary history questionnaire, and physical measurements were taken when the children were 3 years old. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to screen for maternal mood disorders, 3 years after delivery. The presence or absence of the husband’s assistance with housework and childcare, mental support, and friends was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire when the child was 3 years old. Differences in the children’s physical measurements, energy, and food intake with the presence or absence of support for subjects with or without mood disorders were compared. Mothers with support from husbands or friends had significantly fewer mood disorders. Support from friends and family did not affect the children’s physical development and whether or not mothers had mood disorder symptoms. However, children’s vegetable intake was higher if mothers were supported. Children of mothers with mood disorders had a significantly higher vegetable intake and fruit intake, depending on the support from friends ( P = 0.046 , P = 0.037 ); thus, such support may increase children’s vegetable and fruit intake. The results of this study revealed the importance of supportive friends and family regarding childcare.

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The mental health of Australian medical practitioners during Covid-19

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/10398562211010807 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 103985622110108

Author(s):

Michelle Anne Adams ◽

Matthew Brazel ◽

Richard Thomson ◽

Hannah Lake

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Junior Doctor ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Mental Health Diagnosis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Health Diagnosis

Objectives: To ascertain whether doctors were experiencing higher rates of distress during Covid-19 and whether this was impacted by demographic factors. Our hypotheses were that being a junior doctor, having a previous mental health diagnosis and treating Covid-19 positive patients would predict higher rates of distress. Methods: Cross-sectional survey conducted via Survey Monkey. Voluntary participants were recruited from the mailing list of a national-based referral service for doctors to psychiatrists. Distress was measured using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Demographic factors were analysed for predictive value of a higher rating on the K10. Areas of concern in relation to Covid-19 and preference for support services were measured on a Likert scale and compared to levels of distress. Results: The rate of very high distress was 15%. Being a junior doctor and having a previous mental health diagnosis were predictive factors of a higher K10 score. K10 was not affected by likelihood of contact with Covid-19-positive patients. Social isolation had a larger impact on mental health in the context of a previous psychiatric diagnosis. Face-to-face assessments were preferred. Conclusions: Rates of distress in doctors have been higher than baseline during Covid-19. Some groups have been particularly vulnerable.

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Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136700 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6700

Author(s):

Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽

Song-Lih Huang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Telephone Survey ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

The Government ◽

Distress Scale

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

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Relationships Between Food Security, Fruit and Vegetable Availability, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Elementary Children and Their Parents

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_136 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 285-285

Author(s):

Michaela Sossamon ◽

Derek Miketinas

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Elementary Children ◽

Fruit Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

School Garden ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fruit Availability ◽

At Home

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this cross-sectional analysis is to explore baseline findings on the relationships between food security, fruit and vegetable availability, and fruit and vegetable intake in elementary children and their parents before the start of a school-garden program. Methods Third-grade students (n = 154) and their parents were recruited from a Texas elementary school that participates in a school-garden program. Prior to the start of the program, student participants along with one of their parents completed the National Cancer Institute's All-Day Screener to assess fruit, juice, and vegetable intake. Parent participants also completed other validated questionnaires to assess home availability of fruits and vegetables and food security. Regression and ANOVA were used to examine the relationships between food security, fruit and vegetable availability at home, and fruit and vegetable intake in parent and student participants. Results A total of 64 students provided consent, and 39 students (∼58% female), each with one parent (∼97% female), completed the questionnaires. Parents who reported low food security had significantly greater total fruit and vegetable intake (4.7 servings/day) along with their children (6.0 servings/day) compared with parents (2.8 servings/day) and children (3.3 servings/day) with high food security. Fruit availability at home was positively correlated with fruit intake in parents (β = 0.18; P = .0261; R2 = 0.13; ) but not children (P = .8931). No significant associations were found between vegetable availability and vegetable intake in student or parent participants. Conclusions These baseline findings indicate greater fruit and vegetable intake for children and parents with low food security, which may be due to differences in fruit intake rather than vegetable intake. Although greater fruit intake was associated with fruit availability in the home for parents, this association was not observed for children. Funding Sources None.

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Stress gradation of medical practitioners during the pandemic (covid-19) along with ways to de-stress; a cross sectional study at tertiary care hospitals using Kessler’s 10 psychological distress scale.

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2021.28.09.6238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (09) ◽

pp. 1239-1244

Author(s):

Umair Toqueer ◽

Muhammad Usama Zardad ◽

Mahwish Toqueer ◽

Anila Riyaz ◽

Sana Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Junior Doctors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Tertiary Care Hospitals ◽

Distress Scale ◽

The Impact

Objectives: To determine stress grades of doctors working in tertiary care hospitals by using a standard measuring tool i.e. Kessler 10 psychological distress scale along with finding out different coping methods adopted by doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Tertiary Care Hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Period: 15 March 2020 to 20 June 2020. Material & Methods: A structured questionnaire was sent online to the junior and senior doctors working during the pandemic. The data was automatically collected with the help of Google docs and then analysed using SPSS 26. Results: Of the 219 doctors who completed the questionnaire 142 were males (64.8%) and 77 were females (35.2%). Interestingly, analysis of the score revealed that 38.8% of the doctors were found likely to be well, 16.4% of the doctors were likely to have mild disease and 20.5% were likely to have a moderate disorder while 24.2% were likely to have a severe disorder. Further analysis showed that the mean of Kessler’s score was greater for junior doctors as compared to Consultants which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.044). Conclusion: The impact of Corona virus disease (COVID-19) on the stress levels of health workers warrants considerable attention as it was declared a pandemic. Assessing the psychological impact and ways to tackle them will not only help the health care workers during this pandemic but will be beneficial in future pandemics as well.

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Relationship Between School Gardening and Self-Efficacy Towards Weekly Fruit & Vegetable Intake

Advanced Journal of Graduate Research ◽

10.21467/ajgr.9.1.59-70 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 59-70

Author(s):

Hussein Mukasa Kafeero ◽

David Kavuma ◽

Scovia Mbabazi

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

World Health ◽

United States Department ◽

School Gardens ◽

School Garden ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Quantitative Research Methods

The study was designed to understand the relationship between school gardens and student’s self-efficacy and its effect on weekly intake of fruits and vegetables. The survey used two Ugandan secondary schools; one having a well established school garden with all students having equal opportunities to participate in the growing, harvesting and consumptions of fruits and vegetables, another not. The study followed a cross-sectional study design employing quantitative research methods. The target population comprised of late adolescents 18-22 years attending the two-selected secondary school; one in Kampala and another in Luwero districts. The school in Luwero district engaged students in gardening activities while the school in Kampala did not. Self-administered structured questionnaire was given to students to answer questions in line with the specific objectives. Data was analyzed by using Mann Whitney U test, Pearson Rank Correlation, Odds ratio and test of proportion. The mean ages of the girls and boys in the school exposed to gardening activities were 19.10±1.4 and 19.2±2.86 respectively while those for students in the unexposed school were 18.62±1.21 and 19.11±1.29 respectively. The study had more males (56.3%) than females (43.7%). Neither group met the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendation of ≥35 servings per week (≥5 servings per day) for both fruits and vegetables consumption. However, the exposed students had more weekly servings of fruits and vegetables (P>0.05) and had higher self-efficacy towards dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (P=0.007). School garden based intervention can significantly improve student’s self-efficacy towards fruit & vegetable dietary intake increasing the weekly consumption of fruits and vegetables. The findings of the study will inform policy makers on the role of school gardens in enhancing fruit and vegetable intake by in-school adolescents as they develop the Uganda’s school health policy.

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Stages of Change for Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake in a Japanese Population

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v11n7p139 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 139

Author(s):

Da-Hong Wang ◽

Michiko Kogashiwa ◽

Naoko Mori ◽

Shikibu Yamashita ◽

Wakako Fujii ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stages Of Change ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Linear Trend ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Maintenance Stage

OBJECTIVE: Thhis study aimed to investigate the reason why people choose to consume less vegetable and fruit through examining how the stage of change and psycho-social parameters relate to vegetable and fruit intake. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study in 4 regions of Japan in which 2308 individuals (1012 men and 1296 women) aged 18 years or older who completed the questionnaires were included in the study. RESULTS: The results showed 56% of the participants were in the precontemplation stage (not thinking about consuming recommended amount of fruit and vegetable) and their average amounts of vegetable and fruit intake were far below the level of current recommendations, and subjects in the precontemplation stage showed lower scores of attitude and self efficacy. Men were more likely to be in precontemplation (67.7%) and less likely to be in action/maintenance stage (7.9%) than women (46.9%, 12.1%, respectively) (p < 0.001). We also observed the scores of attitude (p = 0.06) and self-efficacy (p < 0.01) rose as the stage went up from the precontemplation to action/maintenance for increasing vegetable and fruit intake. Moreover, a linear trend was found toward higher vegetable (p < 0.05) and fruit (p = 0.121) intake from precontemplation to action/maintenance stage. CONCLUSION: The present evidence suggests more attention should be focused on strategy for perceptions of personal need for recommended amount of vegetable and fruit intake for those who are in the precontemplation stage. Moreover, effective programs on enhancement of self-efficacy and attitude toward vegetable and fruit consumption are needed for increasing the vegetable and fruit intake.

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COVID-19: Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries

Globalization and Health ◽

10.1186/s12992-021-00768-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Aziz Rahman ◽

Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam ◽

Patraporn Tungpunkom ◽

Farhana Sultana ◽

Sheikh M. Alif ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Well Being ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

And Coping ◽

Distress Scale

Abstract Background The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. Objectives We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. Results A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). Conclusions The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.

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Perceived Stigma Towards Psychological Illness in Relation to Psychological Distress Among Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Academic Psychiatry ◽

10.1007/s40596-020-01247-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 44 (5) ◽

pp. 538-544 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dalal Ibrahim Alfayez ◽

Norah Ali AlShehri

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Students ◽

Family Income ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Stigma ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Strongly Agree ◽

Distress Scale

Abstract Objective Due to the high prevalence of psychological distress among medical students and its related functional and cognitive implications, this study aimed to investigate the association between perceived stigma and psychological distress, estimate the prevalence of each level of distress among medical students, and determine the independent significant risk factors of outcome variables for each level of psychological distress. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed that surveyed medical students at King Saud University in 2018. Using the modified and validated stigma scale for receiving psychological help along with Kessler psychological distress scale, the survey measured perceived stigma towards mental illness in relation to the level of psychological distress. Results Among the 524 participants, 395 surveys were completed. Participants had a mean age of 21.56 years old, and 53% were female. The overall prevalence of severe psychological distress was 30.7% (N = 161). Furthermore, 25.6% of participants reported experiencing moderate distress (N = 134). Additionally, a significant association was found between females and severe psychological distress. Moreover, family income was significantly associated with severe psychological distress in the extreme lower and upper groups (5000–10,000 SR and above 20,000 SR). Participants with high levels of psychological distress were more likely than those with low levels to agree or strongly agree with 3 out of 10 items related to perceived stigma. Conclusions Medical students with moderate/severe psychological distress disclosed more concerns regarding stigma, particularly about perceived consequences of their mental health issues being revealed to others. Such opinions could cause physical health problems and decrease quality of life.

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The Relationship Between Dietary Intake and Parental Support with Child Cooking Involvement in a Youth Population (FS16-03-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz050.fs16-03-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Fiona Asigbee ◽

Annie Markowitz ◽

Matthew Landry ◽

Sarvenaz Vandyousefi ◽

Reem Ghaddar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Low Income ◽

Parental Support ◽

Linear Models ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Fruit Intake ◽

Parent Questionnaire

Abstract Objectives This study assessed how child cooking involvement (CCI) and parental support in food preparation (PS) are related to vegetable preference (VP), vegetable intake (VI), and fruit intake (FI) in children participating in the Texas, Grow! Eat! Go! (TGEG) randomized controlled trial. Methods Baseline data from the TGEG intervention, conducted in 28 low-income, primarily Hispanic schools across Texas, was used for this study, and included 1325 3rd grade students and their parents. Schools were assigned to: (1) control group; (2) school garden intervention [Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! (LGEG)]; (3) physical activity intervention [Walk Across Texas (WAT)]; or (4) combined group (LGEG plus WAT). Height (via stadiometer), weight (via Tanita scale), dietary intake and CCI (via child questionnaire), and PS (via parent questionnaire) were collected. General Linear Models examined variations in baseline VP, VI, and FI with baseline CCI and PS. A priori covariates for all analyses included: TGEG treatment group, age, sex, and ethnicity. Results Students were 49.2% male and 42.4% Hispanic with a mean age of 8.3 ± 0.6; 78.3% of the population had overweight/obesity. Children who never cooked with their families preferred fewer vegetables than children who sometimes/always cooked with their parents (7.0 ± 0.6 vs. 8.7 ± 0.5 and 9.4 ± 0.5 vegetables, respectively; P < 0.001). Children who never cooked with their families ate less vegetables than children who sometimes/always cooked with their parents (1.9 ± 0.4 vs. 2.6 ± 0.3 and 3.5 ± 0.3 servings/day, respectively; P = 0.003 and P = 0.000, respectively). Children who never cooked with their families ate less fruit than children who sometimes/always cooked with their parents (1.2 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.1 and 2.09 ± 0.1 servings/day, respectively; P < 0.001). Conclusions Interventions including family cooking activities with children may be an effective way to increase vegetable preference and intake, and fruit intake, especially in high-risk, minority children. Funding Sources The research was supported by funding from the USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, (grant 2011-68001-30138).

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Higher stress scores for female medical students measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) in Pakistan

Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions ◽

10.3352/jeehp.2014.11.27 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 27 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Khadija Qamar ◽

Muhammad Rizwan Bash Kiani ◽

Aisha Ayyub ◽

Atif Ahmed Khan ◽

Mohammad Osama

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Medical Students ◽

Stress Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

The Relationship ◽

Academic Year ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

The aim of this study was to determine the stress level of medical students and the relationship between stress and academic year. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at an undergraduate medical school with a five-year curriculum, in Pakistan, from January 2014 to April 2014. Medical students in the first four years were included in the study. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a self-administered questionnaire, was distributed to the students. A total of 445 medical students completed the questionnaire. The average stress score was 19.61 (SD = 6.76) with a range from 10 to 43. Stress was experienced by 169 students (41.7%). The scores of female students were higher than scores of males, indicating a higher stress level (P = 0.011). The relationship between stress and academic year was insignificant (P = 0.392).

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