Youth Mentor Dietary Outcomes and Waist Circumference Improvement: Camp NERF Study Findings

Background. The health impact of youth mentors serving in the delivery of child nutrition and physical activity (PA) interventions on youth mentors themselves has been understudied. Objective. The primary objective of the current study was to examine the impact of engaging youth mentors in the delivery of a summertime childhood obesity prevention intervention on youth mentors’ behavioral health. Method. Data were collected at baseline and postintervention. A survey of validated nutrition, mental health, PA, and psychosocial questionnaires was administered. Diet was assessed via 24-hour recall. Height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were measured. In-depth interviews were conducted with youth mentors. Results. Eleven youth mentors enrolled: 60% were female, mean age was 16.1 ± 0.38 years, and 100% were Black. Mean kilocalories ( p = .05), sugar-sweetened beverage intake ( p = .08), and waist circumference ( p = .04) decreased. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 youth mentors, and three themes emerged: perceived improvement in nutrition, PA, and mental health-related behaviors; formation of a positive role modeling relationship with the child campers; and strengthening of higher education goals and future career aspirations. Conclusions. Youth mentor staffing may be an important intervention strategy for changing health behaviors among youth mentors. Results from this study can be used to inform utilization of youth mentors in the delivery of this and similar health behavior interventions in the future.

Download Full-text

Trauma and orthopaedic team members’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Bone & Joint Open ◽

10.1302/2046-3758.16.bjo-2020-0053.r1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (6) ◽

pp. 316-325 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Amit Thakrar ◽

Ali Raheem ◽

Karen Chui ◽

Edward Karam ◽

Lilanthi Wickramarachchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Health Impact ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Team Members ◽

Black African ◽

Black British ◽

African Caribbean ◽

The Impact

Aims Healthcare systems have been rapidly restructured to meet COVID-19 demand. Clinicians are working to novel clinical guidelines, treating new patient cohorts and working in unfamiliar environments. Trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) has experienced cancellation of routine clinics and operating, with redistribution of the workload and human resources. To date, no studies have evaluated the mental health impact of these changes on the T&O workforce. We report the results of a novel survey on the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of our orthopaedic workforce and the contributory factors. Methods A 20-question survey-based cross-sectional study of orthopaedic team members was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary objective was to identify the impact of the pandemic on mental health in the form of major depressive disorder (MDD) and general anxiety disorder (GAD). The survey incorporated the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-2), which is validated for screening of MDD, and the generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-2), which is validated for screening of GAD. Results There were 62 respondents (18 females and 44 males). As compared to the general population, we noted a greater estimated prevalence of GAD (17.7% vs 5.9%, p = 0.0009297) and MDD (19.4% vs 3.3%, p = 0.0000007731). The prevalence of MDD symptoms was greatest among senior house officers (SHOs) (p = 0.02216). Female respondents scored higher for symptoms of MDD (p = 0.03583) and GAD (p = 0.0001086). Those identifying as ‘Black, African, Caribbean or Black British’ displayed a higher prevalence of GAD symptoms (p = 0.001575) and felt least supported at work (p = 0.001341). Conclusion Our study, in the first of its kind, shows a significant prevalence of GAD and MDD in the workforce. We found that SHOs, females and those of Black, African, Caribbean, or Black British origin were disproportionately affected. Action should be taken to help prevent adverse mental health outcomes for our colleagues during the pandemic. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:316–325.

Download Full-text

Trauma and orthopaedic team members’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Bone & Joint Open ◽

10.1302/2633-1462.16.bjo-2020-0053.r1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (6) ◽

pp. 316-325 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Amit Thakrar ◽

Ali Raheem ◽

Karen Chui ◽

Edward Karam ◽

Lilanthi Wickramarachchi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Health Impact ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Team Members ◽

Black African ◽

Black British ◽

African Caribbean ◽

The Impact

Download Full-text

Mental Health of Refugees and Migrants during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Experienced Discrimination and Daily Stressors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126354 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6354

Author(s):

Eva Spiritus-Beerden ◽

An Verelst ◽

Ines Devlieger ◽

Nina Langer Primdahl ◽

Fábio Botelho Guedes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Health Impact ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Daily Stressors ◽

Health Crisis ◽

The Impact ◽

Migrant Groups

The COVID-19 pandemic is a defining global health crisis of our time. While the impact of COVID-19, including its mental health impact, is increasingly being documented, there remain important gaps regarding the specific consequences of the pandemic on particular population groups, including refugees and migrants. This study aims to uncover the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of refugees and migrants worldwide, disentangling the possible role of social and daily stressors, i.e., experiences of discrimination and daily living conditions. Descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the responses of N = 20,742 refugees and migrants on the self-reporting global ApartTogether survey. Survey findings indicated that the mental health of refugees and migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly impacted, particularly for certain subgroups, (i.e., insecure housing situation and residence status, older respondents, and females) who reported experiencing higher levels of increased discrimination and increases in daily life stressors. There is a need to recognize the detrimental mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on particular refugee and migrant groups and to develop interventions that target their unique needs.

Download Full-text

The current pandemic, a complex emergency? Mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on highly vulnerable communities in Guatemala

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00207640211027212 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002076402110272

Author(s):

Dana Alonzo ◽

Marciana Popescu ◽

Pinar Zubaroglu-Ioannides

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Health Resources ◽

Health Impact ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Mental Health Symptoms ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Complex Emergency ◽

The Impact

Background: On March 5th, Guatemala declared a ‘State of Calamity’ in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and strict lockdown measures were initiated. The psychological consequences of these measures are yet to be fully understood. There is limited research on the psychological impact of the virus in the general population, and even less focused on Latin America and high-risk communities characterized by poverty, limited mental health resources, and high rates of stigma around mental illness. The goal of this study is to examine the psychological impact of COVID-19 across several highly vulnerable districts in Guatemala. Methods: A semi-structured phone interview was conducted of 295 individuals in multiple districts in Guatemala City to assess self-perceived mental health consequences related to the pandemic. Sociodemographic, medical, and mental health data were collected. Chisquares and t-tests used for categorical and continuous variables, as appropriate, to describe the sample. Binary logistic regressions were estimated to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and mental health symptoms (anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, escalation of pre-existing mental health symptoms, and a sense of safety). Results: The results indicate high levels of anxiety and stress in all target communities. Significant differences based on gender, age, and the number of children in the household were identified: women and older adults experience higher rates of stress and anxiety associated with the pandemic; while families with greater number of children experience higher levels of burnout. Conclusion: Contextualizing the current pandemic as a complex emergency can help inform further studies focusing on socioeconomic challenges and higher vulnerabilities as preconditions affecting the impact of the pandemic on mental health. Given the limited available resources for mental health care in Guatemala, informal networks of care may play an important role in meeting the needs of those individuals experiencing increased psychological distress resulting from the pandemic.

Download Full-text

Scoping review of mental health in prisons through the COVID-19 pandemic

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046547 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e046547

Author(s):

Luke Johnson ◽

Kerry Gutridge ◽

Julie Parkes ◽

Anjana Roy ◽

Emma Plugge

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Impact ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Prison Staff ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveTo examine the extent, nature and quality of literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of imprisoned people and prison staff.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsychExtra, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for any paper from 2019 onwards that focused on the mental health impact of COVID-19 on imprisoned people and prison staff. A grey literature search focused on international and government sources and professional bodies representing healthcare, public health and prison staff was also performed. We also performed hand searching of the reference lists of included studies.Eligibility criteria for selection of studiesAll papers, regardless of study design, were included if they examined the mental health of imprisoned people or prison staff specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. Imprisoned people could be of any age and from any countries. All languages were included. Two independent reviewers quality assessed appropriate papers.ResultsOf 647 articles found, 83 were eligible for inclusion, the majority (58%) of which were opinion pieces. The articles focused on the challenges to prisoner mental health. Fear of COVID-19, the impact of isolation, discontinuation of prison visits and reduced mental health services were all likely to have an adverse effect on the mental well-being of imprisoned people. The limited research and poor quality of articles included mean that the findings are not conclusive. However, they suggest a significant adverse impact on the mental health and well-being of those who live and work in prisons.ConclusionsIt is key to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic on people who live and work in prisons. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for getting the balance between infection control imperatives and the fundamental human rights of prison populations.

Download Full-text

The impact of online group counselling programs on substance use, mental health, and physical health among adults: A systematic review protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-37015/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Cheryl L Currie ◽

Richard Larouche ◽

M. L. Voss ◽

Erin K. Higa ◽

Rae Spiwak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Substance Use ◽

Physical Health ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Group Counselling ◽

The Impact ◽

Online Group

Abstract Background: COVID-19 has resulted in an increased demand for online mental health services globally. There is emerging evidence for the efficacy for group online interventions that support population-based mental health, but a systematic review is lacking. The primary objective of this rapid systematic review is to summarize the evidence for online group counselling programs for adults. A second objective is to assess, within studies selected for our primary objective, the impact of online group counselling programs that encourage PA on outcomes compared to those that do not.Methods and Design: Randomized controlled trials that assess the impact of online group counselling programs on substance use, mental health, or physical health among community dwelling adults will be searched in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINHAL, and the Central Register of Controlled Trials. The review will be structured using PRISMA guidelines. Studies will be synthesized using the Cochrane Handbook and Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) reporting guideline. Quality will be evaluated using GRADE. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool; with higher quality studies prioritized when drawing conclusions. The role of sex and gender will be considered as well as possible gender biases at all stages of the review.Discussion: This review will examine the effectiveness of online counselling programs that can be delivered to populations in a group format, and thus in a potentially cost-effective way. Findings will inform the decisions of governments, communities, and health care organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Systematic review registration: The protocol has been registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42020187551).

Download Full-text

The mental health impact of the Troubles, 1969–1999

Conflict, Peace and Mental Health ◽

10.7228/manchester/9780719090998.003.0005 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

David Bolton

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Northern Ireland ◽

Health Impact ◽

Peace Accord ◽

The Troubles ◽

Good Friday ◽

Belfast Agreement ◽

Good Friday Agreement ◽

The Impact

This Chapter is the first of two that describe efforts to understand the mental health and related impacts of the conflict in Northern Ireland, often referred to as The Troubles. The Chapter covers the period from the outbreak of violence in the late 1960’s up until the period around the peace accord, the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) of April 1998. The early studies reveal little, if any, major effects on the wellbeing and mental health of the population, but as the years go by, evidence starts to build of the impact of the violence, particularly as the ceasefires of the early and mid 1990’s take hold. The developing understanding of the impact was due in part to the evolution of methods and approaches being used by researchers - which is discussed in more detail at the end of Chapter 5.

Download Full-text

The Southside Simple Suppers Scale-Up (S4): Effects of a Family Meals Program on Head Start Caregivers

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_130 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 279-279

Author(s):

Amy Sharn ◽

Leah May ◽

Miranda Westrick ◽

Ashley Walther ◽

Carolyn Gunther

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Data Collection ◽

Head Start ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Low Income ◽

Family Meals ◽

Post Test ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives Assess the impact of an 8-week Head Start family meals intervention (Simple Suppers) on participating caregiver's weight status and health outcomes. Methods This is a single arm pre- to post-test study. The intervention is occurring during the 2019–20 school year (fall, winter, and spring sessions) at 3 Head Start sites. Caregiver outcomes include: BMI (kg/m2), waist circumference (cm), blood pressure (mm Hg), and mental health measures (depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7))). Regression models factoring in attendance will be used to examine pre- to post-test changes. Results Nineteen caregivers completed data collection for the fall session. 55.6% of families were low-income and 21.1% had low/very low food security. Mean (SD) caregiver age was 37.6 (12.1) yr, 94.7% were female, and 84.2% were non-Hispanic Black. There were no significant changes in BMI, blood pressure, waist circumference, depression, or perceived stress from pre- to post-test according to attendance level, however anxiety significantly decreased with increasing attendance (P < 0.05). Data collection for the remaining sessions will be completed in spring 2020. Conclusions This study can be expected to have a positive impact by understanding the role of healthy family mealtime routines in caregiver's physical and mental health among racial minorities residing in low-income households. Funding Sources USDA NIFA.

Download Full-text

Perspectives on the psychological and emotional burden of having gestational diabetes amongst low-income women in Cape Town, South Africa

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-020-01093-4 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lorrein Shamiso Muhwava ◽

Katherine Murphy ◽

Christina Zarowsky ◽

Naomi Levitt

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

South Africa ◽

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Lived Experiences ◽

Cape Town ◽

Psychological Burden ◽

Pregnancy And Postpartum ◽

The Impact ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Background The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may affect women’s mental wellbeing, functioning and quality of life, with potentially negative effects on treatment adherence. Identifying and addressing the psychological and emotional needs of women with GDM, could have benefits for sustainable long-term behavioural change following the affected pregnancy. This study explored the lived experiences of women with GDM and the impact of GDM on their experience of pregnancy and sense of well-being. Methods Purposive sampling was used to recruit women who had been diagnosed with GDM in their previous pregnancy and received antenatal care at a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. This was a descriptive qualitative study using a combination of focus groups and in-depth interviews for an in- depth exploration of women’s lived experiences of GDM, their context and perceived needs. Data analysis followed an iterative thematic analysis approach. Results Thirty-five women participated in nine focus groups and five in-depth interviews. Women discussed the emotional and psychological burden of having GDM, highlighting (i) their initial emotional reactions to receiving a GDM diagnosis, (ii) their experience of adjusting to the constraints of living with GDM (iii) their feelings of apprehension about childbirth and their maternal role and (iv) their feelings of abandonment in the post-partum period once the intensive support from both health system and family ends. Conclusions The current biomedical model used in the management of GDM, is highly foetal-centric and fails to acknowledge important psychological factors that contribute to women’s overall wellbeing and experience of pregnancy. These results demonstrate the importance of incorporating mental health support in the management and care for women with GDM in public health services, along with facilitating emotional support from partners and family members. Based on our findings, we recommend routine mental health and psychosocial vulnerability screening and monitoring for women diagnosed with GDM throughout pregnancy and postpartum to improve prognoses.

Download Full-text

79 Acceptability and impact of psychosocial screening in the emergency department

Paediatrics & Child Health ◽

10.1093/pch/pxaa068.078 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. e33-e33

Author(s):

Elizabeth Hankinson ◽

Quynh Doan ◽

Bruce Wright ◽

Amanbir Atwal ◽

Punit Virk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Psychosocial Care ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Psychosocial Needs ◽

Self Assessment ◽

Psychosocial Screening ◽

Psychosocial Resource ◽

The Impact ◽

Clinician Assessment

Abstract Background Psychosocial concerns in youth are prevalent and undertreated. Early identification through screening may promote appropriate management before youth present in crisis. Objectives Our primary objective was to assess the acceptability of psychosocial screening in the pediatric emergency department (ED) setting. Secondarily, we report the prevalence of psychosocial issues among youth with non-psychiatric ED presentations, and the impact of screening on mental health resource-seeking behaviour. Design/Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of youth aged 10-17 years at two pediatric EDs. Youth with a mental health-related reason for visiting the ED were excluded. Eligible and consenting youth (and their families) completed a comprehensive psychosocial self-assessment delivered on an electronic tablet, followed by standardized clinician assessment. Consent to participate in the study was used as a proxy measure for acceptability of screening. Participants with identified psychosocial resource needs were followed up at 30 days with a semi-structured telephone/email interview to assess whether they had sought recommended resources and to explore barriers to accessing care. Results Of the 1432 eligible youth given the opportunity to enrol, 795 consented. Among the 637 youth who declined enrolment, 467 specified that they declined for reasons other than not wanting to conduct a psychosocial self-assessment. This suggests that at least 55.5% (95% CI = 52.9%, 58.1%) and up to 88.1% (95% CI = 86.4%, 89.8%) find screening acceptable. Among the 760 participants who completed clinician assessment, 276 (36.3%) were identified as having a psychosocial resource need. Resources were already in place for 105 youth, leaving 171 (22.5%) with newly identified or unmet psychosocial needs. Only 41 (33.1%) of the 124 participants and/or their families who completed a 30-day follow up interview reported attempting to access the recommended resources, despite 92 (74.2%) stating they agreed with the original recommendations. The most common reason for not accessing care was the belief that the recommendations were not yet necessary or were not a priority. Of those who had attempted to access resources, 18 (43.9%) were unsuccessful at the time of interview, with the most common barrier being access delay (e.g. on a waitlist). Conclusion We found that previously unidentified/unmet psychosocial needs are prevalent among youth in the ED, and that screening is generally acceptable. However, a limited number of those who screened positive attempted to access resources, and when they did, access was often unsuccessful or delayed. More work is needed to address barriers to timely psychosocial care.

Download Full-text