Differentiating objective and subjective dimensions of social isolation and apprasing their relations with physical and mental health in italian older adults

Abstract Background International research shows that social isolation is harmful for health, especially for the elderly. Its objective and subjective dimensions are important to distinguish as each stands in a different relation with health. The first aim of the present study is the validation of three scales measuring objective and subjective isolation in an Italian elderly population. The second aim is to analyze subjective and objective social isolation and to appraise their association with health among seniors. Methods This cross-sectional survey collected data from 306 over 65 s participants. Questionnaires were administered face-to-face by one author and encompassed: social disconnectedness scale; perceived isolation scale; abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale; measures of general and mental health, and depression. Results The three scales measuring social isolation demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and validity. Objective and subjective social isolation were not directly associated with physical health, whereas subjective isolation is strongly linked to worse mental health and depression. Higher level of subjective isolation was associated with lower level of physical health through the mediation of mental health. Subjective isolation served as a mediator in the relation between objective isolation and health. Moderation analysis demonstrated that low values of objective isolation predicted high values of mental health but only when subjective isolation was low. None of these relations were moderated by socio-demographic variables. Conclusion Subjective and objective isolation are clearly two separate dimensions and the scales validated in this paper showed to be potentially culturally invariant. Researchers should work to find instruments able to depict the complexity of the construct of social isolation.

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Neighborhood Walkability and Physical and Mental Health among Older Adults Living in a Deprived Community

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2355 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 620-621

Author(s):

Rie Suzuki ◽

Jennifer Blackwood ◽

Shailee Shah ◽

Noah Webster

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Health ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neighborhood Walkability ◽

Walking Programs

Abstract Background Identifying the factors to improve the quality of life (QOL) is vital to decrease morbidity and mortality rates among older adults. Although unfavorable neighborhood features have a significant negative impact on QOL, few studies have investigated these relationships in a deprived community. The purpose of the study was to understand how neighborhood walkability is associated with QOL using the SF-36 among urban-dwelling older adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited in 2018 and 2019 at regional health clinics in Flint, MI. To be eligible, participants had to be over 65 years old and Flint residents. Results Of the 132 participants, the majority were female (66%), African American (77%), single, divorced, or widowed (75%), and educated below GED level (84%). After adjusting for gender, assistive device use, medication, and the Supplemental Security Income receipt, multiple regression analysis revealed that those with better perceptions of land-mixed use and accessibility within their neighborhood were more likely to have better physical health (β = .36, p<.05). However, the perceptions of greater pedestrian safety were associated with the poor physical and mental health (PCS; β = -0.19, p <.05; MCS; β = -0.25, p < .05). Perceptions of the presence of walking hazards and crime were not significantly associated with QOL. Discussion Findings suggest that neighborhood walkability characteristics are associated with physical health. The development of walking programs with accessible neighborhoods will be urgent to improve the health-related QOL for older adults living in a targeted community.

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Differential Effects of Personal-Level vs Group-Level Racial Discrimination on Health among Black Americans

Ethnicity & Disease ◽

10.18865/ed.26.3.453 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 453 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Nao Hagiwara ◽

Courtney J. Alderson ◽

Briana Mezuk

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Racial Discrimination ◽

Black Americans ◽

The United States ◽

Group Level ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Personal Level

Objective: Racial/ethnic minorities in the United States not only experience discrimination personally but also witness or hear about fellow in-group members experiencing discrimination (ie, group-level discrimination). The objective of our study was to examine whether the effects of group-level discrimination on mental and physical health are different from those of personal level discrimination among Black Americans by drawing upon social psychology research of the Personal/Group Discrimination Discrepancy. Design and Setting: We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from a larger study. Participants: One hundred and twenty participants, who self-identified as Black/ African Americans during the laboratory sessions (57.5% women, mean age = 48.97, standard deviation = 8.58) in the parent study, were included in our analyses. Main Predictor Measures: Perceived personal- level discrimination was assessed with five items that were taken from two existing measures, and group-level racial discrimination was assessed with three items. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported physical and mental health were assessed with a modified version of SF-8. Results: Perceived personal-level racial discrimination was associated with worse mental health. In contrast, perceived group-level racial discrimination was associated with better mental as well as physical health. Conclusions: Perceived group-level racial discrimination may serve as one of several health protective factors even when individuals perceive personal-level racial discrimination. The present findings demonstrate the importance of examining both personal- and group-level experiences of racial discrimination as they independently relate to health outcomes for Black Americans. Ethn Dis. 2016;26:453-460; doi:10.18865/ ed.26.3.453

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The cost of mental and physical health disability in childhood and adolescence to families in the UK: findings from a repeated cross-sectional survey using propensity score matching

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018729 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e018729 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Francesca Solmi ◽

Mariya Melnychuk ◽

Stephen Morris

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Childhood And Adolescence ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Family ◽

Additional Costs ◽

The Uk ◽

The Cost ◽

Mental And Physical Health

ObjectiveIn the UK, families of disabled children are entitled to receive disability benefits to help meet costs associated with caring for their child. Evidence of actual costs incurred is scant, especially for mental health disability. In this study, we aimed to quantify the cost of mental and physical health disability in childhood and adolescence to families in the UK using the concept of compensating variation (CV).DesignRepeated cross-sectional survey.SettingThe UK general populationParticipants85 212 children drawn from 8 waves of the Family Resources Survey.OutcomesUsing propensity score matching we matched families with a disabled child to similar families without a disabled child and calculated the extra income the former require to achieve the same living standards as the latter, that is, their CV. We calculated the additional costs specifically associated with several definitions of mental health and physical health disability.ResultsFamilies of a child with any mental health disability, regardless of the presence of physical health comorbidity, needed an additional £49.31 (95% CI: 21.95 to 76.67) and, for more severe disabilities, an additional £57.56 (95% CI: 17.69 to 97.44) per week to achieve the same living standards of families without a disabled child. This difference was greater for more deprived families, who needed between £59.28 (95% CI: 41.38 to 77.18) and £81.26 (95% CI: 53.35 to 109.38) more per week depending on the extent of mental health disability. Families of children with physical health disabilities, with or without mental health disabilities, required an additional £35.86 (95% CI: 13.77 to 57.96) per week, with economically deprived families requiring an extra £42.18 (95% CI: 26.38 to 57.97) per week.ConclusionsMental and physical health disabilities among children and adolescents were associated with high additional costs for the family, especially for those from deprived economic backgrounds. Means testing could help achieve a more equitable redistribution of disability benefit.

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Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-08-2020-0110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Annika McGivern ◽

Stephen Shannon ◽

Gavin Breslin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

History Of

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.

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Older adults experiences of technology use for socialization during the COVID-19 pandemic: A random cross-sectional survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28010 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kristen R. Haase ◽

Theodore Cosco ◽

Lucy Kervin ◽

Indira Riadi ◽

Megan E. O'Connell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

British Columbia ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Technology Use ◽

Random Sampling ◽

Population Based ◽

Critical Approach ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Technology has become the most critical approach to maintain social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults (over age 65) are perceived as most physiologically vulnerable to COVID-19 and at risk of secondary mental health challenges related to social isolation imposed by virus containment strategies. To mitigate concerns regarding sampling bias we used a random sampling of older adults to understand uptake and acceptance of technologies to support socialization during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE To conduct a random population-based assessment of the barriers and facilitators to engaging in technology use for virtual socialization amongst older adults in the Canadian province of British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey using random-digit dialing to participants over age 65 living in British Columbia. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with open-text responses analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Respondents included 400 older adults with an average age of 72 years old and 63.7% female. Most respondents (89.5%) were aware of how to use technology to connect with others and slightly more than half (56%) reported using technology differently to connect with others during the pandemic. 55.9% of respondents reported adopting new technology since the beginning of the pandemic. Older adults reported key barriers to using technology including: (1) lack of access (including finance, knowledge, and age); (2) lack of interest (including a preference for telephone, and a general lack of interest in computers); and (3) physical barriers (resultant of cognitive impairments, stroke, and arthritis). Older adults reported numerous facilitators, including: (1) knowledge of technologies (whether self-taught or via external courses); (2) reliance on others (family, friends, and general internet searching); (3) technology accessibility (including environments, user-friendly technology, and receiving clear instructions); and (4) social motivation (because everyone else is doing it). CONCLUSIONS Much data on older adults use of technology is limited by sampling biases, but the current study that used random sampling demonstrated that older adults used technology to mitigate social isolation during the pandemic. Virtual socialization is most promising to mitigate potential mental health effects related to virus containment strategies. Addressing barriers by mobilizing telephone training and task lists, and mobilizing facilitators described by participants such as facilitated socialization activities are important strategies that can be implemented within and beyond the pandemic to bolster the mental health needs of older adults.

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Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci10110786 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 786

Author(s):

Celia Kwan ◽

Mojgan Gitimoghaddam ◽

Jean-Paul Collet

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Long Term Impact

Loneliness and social isolation have negative consequences on physical and mental health in both adult and pediatric populations. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) are often excluded and experience more loneliness than their typically developing peers. This scoping review aims to identify the type of studies conducted in children with NDD to determine the effects of loneliness and/or social isolation. Three electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO) were searched from inception until 5 February 2019. Two independent reviewers screened the citations for inclusion and extracted data from the included articles. Quantitative (i.e., frequency analysis) and qualitative analyses (i.e., content analysis) were completed. From our search, 5768 citations were screened, 29 were read in full, and 12 were included. Ten were case-control comparisons with cross-sectional assessment of various outcomes, which limited inference. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder were the most commonly studied NDD. This review showed that loneliness among children with NDD was associated with negative consequences on mental health, behaviour, and psychosocial/emotional development, with a likely long-term impact in adulthood. Lack of research in this area suggests that loneliness is not yet considered a problem in children with NDD. More studies are warranted using prospective designs and a larger sample size with a focus on the dynamic aspect of loneliness development.

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The glass is not half empty: optimism, pessimism, and health among older adults

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610219000498 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 135-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael D. Barnett ◽

Ellen A. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Physical Health ◽

Short Form ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Life Orientation Test ◽

Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTObjectives:Optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs that have demonstrated independent relationships with aspects of health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether optimism or pessimism is more closely linked with physical and mental health among older adults.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Participants:Community-dwelling older adults (N = 272) ages 59–95 in the southern United States.Measurements:The Life Orientation Test—Revised and the Short Form 8.Results:At the bivariate level, optimism was associated with higher physical health and mental health, while pessimism was associated with lower physical health and mental health. Multiple-regression analyses as well as comparison of correlation coefficients found that pessimism was more closely associated with physical health and mental health than optimism.Conclusions:These results add to the literature suggesting that, in terms of older adults’ health and well-being, avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic.

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Depression and experience of incarceration in North Central Nigeria: a situation analysis at Makurdi medium security prison

International Journal of Mental Health Systems ◽

10.1186/s13033-020-00408-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Emeka Nwefoh ◽

Chinyere M. Aguocha ◽

Grace Ryan ◽

Philip Ode ◽

Festus O. Ighagbon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Well Being ◽

Prison Inmates ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Medium Security

Abstract Background Human rights watchdogs have described conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and detention centers as damaging to the physical and mental health of inmates. While the prevalence of mental disorders is high, access to appropriate healthcare is grossly inadequate. Understanding the current state of prison inmates’ mental health and well-being is an essential first step to addressing this important issue. This study aims to document the mental health and experiences of incarceration of inmates of the largest medium security prison in Nigeria’s Benue State. Methods A cross-sectional survey and descriptive analysis was carried out with a random sample of 381 prison inmates of Benue State Makurdi Medium Security Prison. Survey tools included: (1) a structured questionnaire on participants’ experiences in prison, and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool for depression. Results Most participants were young men (95.5%, mean age 27.95) and had completed secondary school (63.5%). While prison authorities had identified only 27 participants as having a mental disorder, 144 (37.8%) screened positive for depression. Twenty six had received professional counseling while in prison. Of the six participants who were already taking a psychotropic medication at the time of imprisonment, four received medication after being imprisoned. Approximately half, (52%) of participants were dissatisfied with prison health care. Conclusions Despite the high prevalence of depression among prison inmates, few cases are detected and treated. Prison staff may not recognize depression as a mental disorder, and the mental health care available is generally poor. Inadequate mental health and social care not only affects prison inmates’ well-being, but may also impact recidivism and health outcomes upon release. Prison inmates should be screened routinely for depression and other less-commonly recognized mental health conditions, and appropriate treatment made available.

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Self-Reported Food Insecurity and Depression among the Older Population in South Africa

Psych ◽

10.3390/psych2010004 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 34-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ghose Bishwajit ◽

Komlan Kota ◽

Amos Buh ◽

Sanni Yaya

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

South Africa ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Elderly Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

Multivariable Regression

South Africa represents one of the most rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa with a rising burden of age-related psychological morbidities. Despite having one of the highest human development scores in the region, the country faces serious poverty and food insecurity related challenges. Previous studies have shown a positive association between food insecurity and poor mental health among the adult population, however there is no systematic evidence on this association among the elderly population in an African setting. In the present study, we aimed to address this research gap by analyzing cross-sectional data (n = 931) on the over-50 population (>50 years) from the SAGE (Study on global AGEing and adult health) Well-Being of Older People Study (WOPS) of the World Health Organization, conducted between 2010 and 2013. The outcome variable was perceived depression and the explanatory variables included several sociodemographic factors including self-reported food insecurity. The independent associations between the outcome and explanatory variables were measured using multivariable regression analysis. Results showed that close to a quarter of the population (22.6%, 95% CI = 21.4, 24.7) reported having depression in the last 12 months, with the percentage being markedly higher among women (71.4%). In the multivariable regression analysis, self-reported food insecurity was found to be the strongest predictor of depression among both sexes. For instance, severe food insecurity increased the odds of depression by 4.805 [3.325, 7.911] times among men and by 4.115 [2.030, 8.341] times among women. Based on the present findings, it is suggested that national food security programs focus on promoting food security among the elderly population in an effort to improve their mental health status. Nonetheless, the data were cross-sectional and the associations can’t imply causality.

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Factors Associated with Suicidal Thought and Help-Seeking Behaviour in Transition-Aged Youth versus Adults

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0706743716667417 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 61 (12) ◽

pp. 789-796 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Nathalie MacKinnon ◽

Ian Colman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Transition To Adulthood ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Canadian Community Health Survey ◽

Suicidal Thought ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

Objective: Suicide is a leading cause of death for transition-aged youth (TAY), and yet few studies examine correlates of suicidal ideation specifically in this age demographic (age 18-24 years). The transition to adulthood is a unique context, marked by novel stressors (e.g., joining the workforce) and increased independence, which may influence risk factors for suicidal ideation. This study examined correlates of suicidal ideation in TAY and adults and contrasted profiles across age. Methods: We used 4 biannual cycles (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011) of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a population-based cross-sectional survey on health. We used logistic regression to assess the association between suicidal ideation and depression, distress, alcohol use, smoking, exercise, sedentary behaviour, chronic illness, restrictions to daily living, perceived physical and mental health, and perceived social support independently in both TAY ( n = 4427) and adults ( n = 14,452). We subsequently assessed possible interactions with age (18-24 v. 25-44 years) and sex and differences in help-seeking behaviour in a combined model. Result: TAY exhibited higher rates of suicidal ideation than adults did ( P < 0.001). Numerous factors were associated with suicidal ideation in TAY. Notably, alcohol abstinence was associated with decreased suicidal ideation in TAY but not for adults. Moreover, when depressed, TAY were significantly less likely to have received professional mental health help than adults (odds ratio = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.94). Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is more prevalent in TAY than adults, and its consequences may be aggravated by poor treatment-seeking behaviour in at-risk (i.e. depressed) individuals. These different risk profiles substantiate the recent shift toward clinical interventions focusing on transition-aged youth, rather than traditional child (<18 years) and adult (>18 years) services.

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