scholarly journals Anticipated socio-political developments and related personal responses as structural determinants of mental health problems: A population-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Yang ◽  
Rui She ◽  
Mason MC Lau ◽  
Joseph TF Lau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Disturbance ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Need Satisfaction ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Sense Of Security ◽  
Probable Depression

Background: Socio-political circumstances, including security, poverty, national wealth, income inequality, social integration and political conflicts, determine population health. Anticipated socio-political developments refer to the perceived improvement/deterioration in these circumstances in the future year. Aims: This study tested relationships between this anticipation and population mental health (probable depression/depressive symptoms and life satisfaction) and the mediation roles of negative personal responses toward socio-political situations (frustration, emotional disturbance, self-efficacy in political involvement, perceived sense of security, and satisfaction about societal ability in fulfilling individuals’ needs) in explaining these relationships. Method: The telephone survey randomly interviewed 420 (59.5% female) adults in Hong Kong. Questionnaire included scales assessing the aforementioned variables. Results: Most participants (71.7%) had pessimistic anticipations over socio-political developments; 11.3% of the participants were classified as having probable depression. Anticipated deterioration in socio-political developments was significantly associated with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction; emotional disturbance, sense of security and need satisfaction were partial mediators of these relationships. Need satisfaction and sense of security showed the strongest mediation effects both for mediations that involved depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Conclusion: Both politicians’ awareness and mental health promotion are required to alleviate the negative impact of negative socio-political perception on mental health.

scholarly journals Social anxiety symptoms and body image dissatisfaction in medical students: prevalence and correlates

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Oliveira Regis ◽  
Ana Teresa A. Ramos-Cerqueira ◽  
Maria Cristina P. Lima ◽  
Albina R. Torres
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Anxiety ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Body Image Dissatisfaction ◽  
Female Sex ◽  
Making Friends

ABSTRACT Objective Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and body image dissatisfaction (BID) are common problems among college students, but few studies focused on medical students. We aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity and correlates of SAD symptoms and BID among medical students of a Brazilian public university. Methods A cross-sectional study with 479 students, using structured instruments: Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Bivariate analyses were followed by logistic regression models to obtain independent predictors of SAD symptoms, BID and both outcomes combined. Results Most students were single (99%) and female (58.7%). The prevalence rates of SAD symptoms (SPIN ≥ 19) and BID (BSQ ≥ 81) were 36.3% and 34.7%, respectively. Depressive symptoms (BDI ≥ 19) occurred in 8.8% of the sample. SAD symptoms were independently associated with: BID, thoughts of abandoning the course, difficulty making friends, depressive symptoms, and mental health treatment prior to university. Besides SAD symptoms, BID was associated with female sex, difficulty making friends, depressive symptoms, and body mass index (BMI). Seventy-eight students (16.3%) presented SAD symptoms and BID, which was associated with female sex, difficulty making friends, dissatisfaction with the course, depressive symptoms and BMI. Conclusion SAD symptoms and BID are common and related problems that should be screened for among medical students. The identification of specific correlates could contribute to the elaboration of preventive measures, minimizing the distress and negative impact of these mental health problems on relationships and academic performance.

Race, Emotional Reliance, and Mental Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christy L. Erving ◽  
Courtney S. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Psychosocial Risk Factor ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Racial Variations

Prior research shows that emotional reliance, an indicator of interpersonal dependence, is an important psychosocial risk factor for mental health problems. However, few have considered black-white differences in emotional reliance or the role it may play in racial variations in mental health outcomes. Using a community epidemiologic sample of adults in Nashville, Tennessee, the current study builds on the small literature on emotional reliance by exploring three aims. First, we evaluate racial differences in emotional reliance. Second, we examine the association between emotional reliance and mental health. Last, we assess the relationships among race, emotional reliance, and mental health. Findings reveal that emotional reliance is generally associated with higher depressive symptoms, more anxiety symptoms, and lower levels of life satisfaction. However, the magnitude of these relationships is greater for blacks compared to whites. We discuss the implications of these findings and areas of promising future research.

African American Women and Depression: Promoting the Need for Culturally Competent Treatment

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernice Kennedy ◽  
Chalice Jenkins ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
African American ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
American Woman ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
American Women

Abstract Depression is gradually increasing in African American women. These women are experiencing role changes and additional life stressors. Depressed African American women may perceive themselves as being devalued by society with fewer support systems to buffer stressful events. Depressive symptoms may develop into clinical depression and a further decrease in the quality of life for the African American woman. The assumption that all women share similar experiences does not allow for differences to emerge regarding the diagnostic process, measuring tools, and successful treatment strategies for various cultures. The authors developed a Multifaceted Model of Depression in African American Women for improving treatment of African American women with depression and future research needs. Cultural background plays a vital role in how the symptoms of mental illnesses are developed, reported, interpreted, and how women are treated. African Americans who subscribed to the Strong Black Women Archetype (SBWA) are naturally strong, resilient, self-contained, and self-sacrificing. This self-reliance prevents them from reaching out for social support. This, in turn, can contribute to depressive symptoms with negative health outcomes. The African American women are more apt to have less access to routine medical care where early diagnosis and interventions can be done, so their mental health problems (e.g., depression, stress, etc.) are often more developed, complicated, and their social supports more depleted when they do access treatment. When African American women do have access to mental health care, they receive poor quality care compared to Whites.

scholarly journals Health risk assessment and countermeasure analysis of the elderly population exposed to PM2.5 microenvironment

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yan Xu ◽  
Wantian Cui
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Exposure Concentration ◽  
Physical Diseases ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: China’s atmospheric PM2.5 pollution is serious, and PM2.5 exerts a negative impact on the human respiratory system, cardiovascular, and mental health, and even more serious health risk for the elderly with weak immunity. OBJECTIVE: This work aims to analyse the impacts of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure on the health of the elderly and provide corresponding countermeasures. METHODS: The survey subjects are 118 retired elderly people in the community. PM2.5 exposure concentrations are monitored in summer (June 10 ∼ July 10, 2019) and winter (November 25 ∼ December 25, 2019). RESULTS: The exposure concentration in winter is higher than that in summer, with statistical difference (P <  0.05). Under the impact of PM2.5 microenvironment exposure, smoking in the elderly can increase the concentration of PM2.5, and long-term exposure to PM2.5 in the elderly can cause mental health problems. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure of the elderly to the PM2.5 microenvironment leads to physical diseases and even psychological problems, which requires attention.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms in Swiss University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Volken ◽  
Annina Zysset ◽  
Simone Amendola ◽  
Anthony Klein Swormink ◽  
Marion Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
National Population ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Containment Measures

Background: COVID-19 containment measures and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic may have contributed to changes in mental health risks and mental health problems in university students. Due to the high burden of the disease, depression is of particular concern. However, knowledge about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Swiss university students during the pandemic is limited. We therefore assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their change during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of Swiss university students. Methods: We assessed depressive symptoms in two cross-sectional cohorts of university students (n = 3571) in spring and autumn 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with a matched sample of the Swiss national population (n = 2328). Binary logistic regression models estimated prevalence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Adjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms in female (30.8% (95% CI: 28.6–33.0)) and male students (24.8% (95% CI: 21.7–28.1)) was substantially higher than in the matching female (10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.2)) and male (8.5% (6.6–11.0)) pre-pandemic national population. Depressive symptoms in the two consecutive student cohorts did not significantly differ. Conclusions: More than a quarter of Swiss university students reported depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was substantially higher as compared to the matched general population. Universities should introduce measures to support students in such times of crisis and gain an understanding of the factors impacting mental health positively or negatively and related to university structures and procedures.

scholarly journals Predictors of persistent maternal depression trajectories in early childhood: results from the EDEN mother–child cohort study in France

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 1999-2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. van der Waerden ◽  
C. Galéra ◽  
M.-J. Saurel-Cubizolles ◽  
A.-L. Sutter-Dallay ◽  
M. Melchior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Preschool Period ◽  
Persistent Depression ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

BackgroundMaternal depression in the pre- and postpartum period may set women on a course of chronic depressive symptoms. Little is known about predictors of persistently elevated depressive symptoms in mothers from pregnancy onwards. The aims of this study are to determine maternal depression trajectories from pregnancy to the child's fifth birthday and identify associated risk factors.MethodMothers (N = 1807) from the EDEN mother–child birth cohort study based in France (2003–2011) were followed from 24–28 weeks of pregnancy to their child's fifth birthday. Maternal depression trajectories were determined with a semi-parametric group-based modelling strategy. Sociodemographic, psychosocial and psychiatric predictors were explored for their association with trajectory class membership.ResultsFive trajectories of maternal symptoms of depression from pregnancy onwards were identified: no symptoms (60.2%); persistent intermediate-level depressive symptoms (25.2%); persistent high depressive symptoms (5.0%); high symptoms in pregnancy only (4.7%); high symptoms in the child's preschool period only (4.9%).Socio-demographic predictorsassociated with persistent depression were non-French origin;psychosocial predictorswere childhood adversities, life events during pregnancy and work overinvestment;psychiatric predictorswere previous mental health problems, psychological help, and high anxiety during pregnancy.ConclusionsPersistent depression in mothers of young children is associated to several risk factors present prior to or during pregnancy, notably anxiety. These characteristics precede depression trajectories and offer a possible entry point to enhance mother's mental health and reduce its burden on children.

scholarly journals Increase of depressive symptoms among adolescents during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany - results from a German panel study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elias Naumann ◽  
Ellen von den Driesch ◽  
Almut Schumann ◽  
Carolin Thönnissen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Immigrant Background ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Short Time

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed social life within a very short time. Lockdown policies often consider the trade-off between containing the spread of the pandemic and the negative impact for the economy. Policy makers should pay more attention to the psychological and social impacts of the lockdown.ObjectivesHow did the mental health of adolescents in Germany change during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown in Germany?Material and MethodsAnalyses are based on longitudinal data from Germany and a random sample of the birth cohorts 2001-03. Respondents were 15-17 years old at the first interview in 2018/19. 854 adolescents participated in the second wave of the survey in May and June 2020. Depressiveness is assessed with the State-Trait Depression Scale.ResultsDuring the first lockdown, adolescents show a significant increase in depressive symptoms. Prior to the lockdown, 10.2 percent had clinically relevant depressive symptoms [CI: 8.0; 12.4]. In spring 2020, the prevalence increased to 25.2 percent [CI: 22.0; 28.4]. Young women have a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms than men of the same age. Immigrant background is an equally strong risk factor. The prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents with an immigrant background increased from 11% to 33%.DiscussionTo address this increased mental health risk and the inequalities, policy makers and society should ensure access and availability of target-group-specific and low-threshold prevention and counselling.

scholarly journals Exploring the quality of life and psychological symptoms of university students in Cyprus during the Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 110-121
Author(s):  
Hadjicharalambous Demetris ◽  
Loucia Demetriou ◽  
Koulla Erotocritou
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Idioms Of Distress

The onset of the infectious disease Covid19 originating in Wuhan, China, took over the world in December 2019 and was declared a pandemic in January 2020.  Empirical evidence resulting from relevant research illustrated that the effects of the pandemic itself but also of the strict measures to contain the spread of the virus on the mental health and well-being of affected populations were just as unanticipated as the pandemic itself. Data led to the identification of six idioms of distress: (1) Demoralization and pessimism towards the future, (2) anguish and stress, (3) self-depreciation, (4) social withdrawal and isolation, (5) somatization, (6) withdrawal into oneself. Our research explores the psychological impact of the Covid19 pandemic on college students and their quality of life. The study took place in Cyprus with 356 young participants, whereas 256 were female (72%) and 100 were male (28%). They all completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 and the Life Satisfaction Inventory (LSI). The present study's findings revealed that six factors, including residence without family, the deterioration of the financial situation of the family, the loss of employment, the deterioration of social relationships, young age, and gender, have significantly affected in a negative way the mental health and quality of life of young people. Research findings revealed that the strict lockdown and physical/social isolation measures had a significant adverse effect on our sample, whereas participants showed increased symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and somatization. Young adults who lost their jobs during the pandemic or had a significant decrease in their family income, and students who stayed away from their families, experienced a negative impact on their quality of life and had to cope with more mental health problems.

scholarly journals Job Dissatisfaction Mediated the Associations Between Work Stress and Mental Health Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Qiu ◽  
Ruiqi Li ◽  
Yilu Li ◽  
Jun He ◽  
Feiyun Ouyang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Job Dissatisfaction ◽  
Working Adults

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships and the underlying mechanisms between work stress and mental health problems, and potential mediation effects through job dissatisfaction in a working population.Methods: A large population-based study among workers in China was conducted. The self-reported scales of assessing job dissatisfaction and work stress were included in the questionnaire. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 were used for assessment of mental health. Univariate logistic regression was conducted to test the associations between work stress and mental health. Path analysis was conducted to test the proposed mediation model.Results: Of the 6,190 included employees, 27.72% reported that they perceived work stress, 14.84% of them reported that they were not satisfied with their work, 5.01% of the employees reported depressive symptoms, and 3.75% of the employees reported anxiety symptoms. The results of univariate logistic regression showed that employees who perceived work stress were more likely to report anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.03–3.79) or depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.22–2.12). The path analysis showed that work stress was positively associated with job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between work stress and mental health problems among Chinese working adults.Conclusion: This study suggests the importance of psychosocial work environment for mental health among Chinese working adults. Work dissatisfaction is a stressor that may induce negative consequences on the mental health among Chinese workers. Interventions to help workers with stress management may be beneficial for their mental health.

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