scholarly journals Association of source country gender inequality with experiencing assault and poor mental health among young female immigrants to Ontario, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Lebenbaum ◽  
Therese A. Stukel ◽  
Natasha Ruth Saunders ◽  
Hong Lu ◽  
Marcelo Urquia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Source Country ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Female Immigrants ◽  
Self Harm

Abstract Background Gender inequality varies across countries and is associated with poor outcomes including violence against women and depression. Little is known about the relationship of source county gender inequality and poor health outcomes in female immigrants. Methods We used administrative databases to conduct a cohort study of 299,228 female immigrants ages 6–29 years becoming permanent residence in Ontario, Canada between 2003 and 2017 and followed up to March 31, 2020 for severe presentations of suffering assault, and selected mental health disorders (mood or anxiety, self-harm) as measured by hospital visits or death. Poisson regression examined the influence of source-country Gender Inequality Index (GII) quartile (Q) accounting for individual and country level characteristics. Results Immigrants from countries with the highest gender inequality (GII Q4) accounted for 40% of the sample, of whom 83% were from South Asia (SA) or Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The overall rate of assault was 10.9/10,000 person years (PY) while the rate of the poor mental health outcome was 77.5/10,000 PY. Both GII Q2 (Incident Rate Ratio (IRR): 1.48, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.08, 2.01) and GII Q4 (IRR: 1.58, 95%CI: 1.08, 2.31) were significantly associated with experiencing assault but not with poor mental health. For females from countries with the highest gender inequality, there were significant regional differences in rates of assault, with SSA migrants experiencing high rates compared with those from SA. Relative to economic immigrants, refugees were at increased risk of sustaining assaults (IRR: 2.96, 95%CI: 2.32, 3.76) and poor mental health (IRR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.50, 2.01). Higher educational attainment (bachelor’s degree or higher) at immigration was protective (assaults IRR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.51, 0.80; poor mental health IRR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.80). Conclusion Source country gender inequality is not consistently associated with post-migration violence against women or severe depression, anxiety and self-harm in Ontario, Canada. Community-based research and intervention to address the documented socio-demographic disparities in outcomes of female immigrants is needed.

scholarly journals Social services Interventions and the Mental Health and Mortality of care leavers: a population based data linkage study in Northern Ireland and Finland

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aideen Maguire ◽  
Anne Kouvonen ◽  
Dermot O'Reilly ◽  
Hanna Remes ◽  
Joonas Pitkänen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Psychiatric Hospital ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm

BackgroundResearch has highlighted the poor mental health of looked after children compared to those never in care. However, little is known on what becomes of these children and their mental health trajectories after they leave the care of social services. In addition, previous studies are limited in their ability to differentiate between type of social care intervention received; kinship care, foster care or residential care. AimTo utilise nationwide social services data from two countries (Northern Ireland (NI) and Finland), with similar populations but different intervention policies, linked to a range of demographic and health datasets to examine the mental health outcomes of young adults in the years following leaving care. MethodsData from both countries on children born 1991-2000 were linked to social services data, hospital admissions, prescribed medication data and death records. Mental health outcomes were defined after the age of 18years (when statutory care provision ends) examined by care intervention and included admissions to psychiatric hospital, for self-harm and death by suicide. ResultsThe gender split in care in Finland is reflective of the population but more males are in care in NI. Initial results from Finnish data suggest those exposed to care in childhood have an increased risk of self-harm, psychiatric hospital admission and suicide after the age of 18years compared to those never in care. After adjusting for gender, age of entry to care and deprivation at birth those exposed to any care intervention had 3 times the risk of suicide (HR=3.06, 95% CI 1.18,7.98). Risk increased with duration in care but was equivalent across care intervention types. Analysis on the NI data is underway. ConclusionFull results will be available December 2019 and will explore which care pathways are most associated with poor mental health outcomes informing discussion around intervention opportunities and policy.

Gendered experiences of unemployment, suicide and self-harm: a population-level record linkage study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
R. Cunningham ◽  
A. Milner ◽  
S. Gibb ◽  
V. Rijnberg ◽  
G. Disney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm

Abstract Background Unemployment and being not in the labour force (NILF) are risk factors for suicide, but their association with self-harm is unclear, and there is continuing debate about the role of confounding by prior mental health conditions. We examine associations between employment status and self-harm and suicide in a prospective cohort, taking into account prior mental-health-related factors. Methods We used linked data from the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure. The outcomes were chosen to be hospital presentation for self-harm and death by suicide. The exposure was employment status, defined as employed, unemployed, or NILF, measured at the 2013 Census. Confounders included demographic factors and mental health history (use of antidepressant medication, use of mental health services, and prior self-harm). Logistic regression was used to model effects. Analyses were stratified by gender. Results For males, unemployment was associated with an increased risk of suicide [odds ratio (OR): 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–1.84] and self-harm (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.45–1.68) after full adjustment for confounders. NILF was associated with an increased risk of self-harm (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.32–1.55), but less of an association was seen with suicide (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.94–1.49). For females, unemployment was associated with an increased risk of suicide (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.93–1.80) and of self-harm (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.43–1.62), and NILF was associated with a similar increase in risk for suicide (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 0.98–1.75) and self-harm (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.26–1.40). Discussion Exclusion from employment is associated with a considerably heightened risk of suicide and self-harm for both men and women, even among those without prior mental health problems.

scholarly journals Young Parents’ Experiences of Pregnancy and Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Moltrecht ◽  
Louise J. Dalton ◽  
Jeffrey R. Hanna ◽  
Clare Law ◽  
Elizabeth Rapa
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Young Parents ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Parents Experiences

Abstract Young parents (aged 16-24 years) in the perinatal period are at an increased risk of poor mental health especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to multiple risk factors including social and economic instability. COVID-19 related restrictions had profound implications for the delivery of perinatal care services and other support structures for young parents. Investigating young parents’ experiences during the pandemic, including their perceived challenges and needs, is important to inform good practice and provide appropriate support for young parents. Qualitative interviews were conducted with young parents (n=21) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom from February – May 2021. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Three key themes were identified to describe parents’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents reported specific COVID-19 related anxieties and stressors, including worries around contracting the virus and increased feelings of distress due to uncertainty created by the implications of the pandemic. Parents described feeling alone both at home and during antenatal appointments and highlighted the absence of social support as a major area of concern. Also, parents felt their perinatal care had been disrupted by the pandemic and experienced difficulties accessing care online or over the phone. This study highlights the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young parents, including their mental wellbeing and the perinatal support they were able to access. Insights from this study can inform the support and services offered to families going forward. Specifically, the findings emphasise the importance of (a) supporting both parents during perinatal appointments, (b) providing parents with mental health support early on and (c) finding ways to facilitate communication pathways between professionals and parents.

Life, lifestyle and location: examining the complexities of psychological distress in young adult Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 541-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Davison ◽  
T. Nagel ◽  
G. R. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm

Mental health is fundamental to an individual’s health and well-being. Mental health disorders affect a substantial portion of the Australian population, with the most vulnerable time in adolescence and young adulthood. Indigenous Australians fare worse than other Australians on almost every measure of physical and mental health. Cross-sectional data from young adults (21–27 years) participating in the Life Course Program, Northern Territory, Australia, is presented. Rates of psychological distress were high in remote and urban residing Indigenous and urban non-Indigenous young adults. This rate was more pronounced in young women, particularly in Indigenous remote and urban residing women. Young adults with high psychological distress also had lower levels of positive well-being, higher perceived stress levels, experienced a higher number of major life events and were at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and/or self-harm. This study supports the need for a continued focus on early screening and treatment at this vulnerable age. The significant association seen between psychological distress and other markers of emotional well-being, particularly risk of suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, highlights the need for a holistic approach to mental health assessment and treatment. A concerted focus on improving the environs of young adults by lowering levels of stress, improving access to adequate housing, educational and employment opportunity, will assist in improving the emotional health of young adults.

scholarly journals Changes in millennial adolescent mental health and health-related behaviours over 10 years: a population cohort comparison study

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1650-1664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveetha Patalay ◽  
Suzanne H Gage
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Social Behaviours

Abstract Background There is evidence that mental health problems are increasing and substance use behaviours are decreasing. This paper aimed to investigate recent trends in mental ill health and health-related behaviours in two cohorts of UK adolescents in 2005 and 2015. Methods Prevalences in mental health (depressive symptoms, self-harm, anti-social behaviours, parent-reported difficulties) and health-related behaviours (substance use, weight, weight perception, sleep, sexual intercourse) were examined at age 14 in two UK birth cohorts; Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, N = 5627, born 1991–92) and Millennium Cohort Study (MCS, N = 11 318, born 2000–02). Prevalences and trend estimates are presented unadjusted and using propensity score matching and entropy balancing to account for differences between samples. Results Depressive symptoms (9% to 14.8%) and self-harm (11.8% to 14.4%) were higher in 2015 compared with 2005. Parent-reported emotional difficulties, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems were higher in 2015 compared with 2005 (5.7–8.9% to 9.7–17.7%). Conversely, substance use (tried smoking, 9.2% to 2.9%; tried alcohol, 52.1% to 43.5%, cannabis, 4.6% to 3.9%), sexual activity (2% to 0.9%) and anti-social behaviours (6.2–40.1% to 1.6–27.7%) were less common or no different. Adolescents in 2015 were spending less time sleeping (<8 h 5.7% to 11.5%), had higher body mass index (BMI) (obese, 3.8% to 7.3%) and a greater proportion perceived themselves as overweight (26.5% to 32.9%). The findings should be interpreted bearing in mind limitations in ability to adequately harmonize certain variables and account for differences in attrition rates and generalizability of the two cohorts. Conclusions Given health-related behaviours are often cited as risk factors for poor mental health, our findings suggest relationships between these factors might be more complex and dynamic in nature than currently understood. Substantial increases in mental health difficulties, BMI and poor sleep-related behaviours highlight an increasing public health challenge.

scholarly journals Influence of Prolonged Visual Display Terminal Use and Exercise on Physical and Mental Conditions of Internet Staff in Hangzhou, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1829
Author(s):  
Xiao Cheng ◽  
Mengna Song ◽  
Jingxia Kong ◽  
Xinglin Fang ◽  
Yuqing Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Visual Display ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Exercise Frequency ◽  
Visual Display Terminal ◽  
Increased Risk

To examine the effects of prolonged visual display terminal (VDT) working hours and exercise frequency on VDT-related symptoms, we recruited 944 Chinese internet staff for the study. A self-administered questionnaire survey was used to obtain the hours of daily VDT work, exercise frequency, and the physical and mental health of the participants. The daily VDT working time of participants was 8.7 hours. Musculoskeletal pain and eye complaints were prevalent, and the participants had poor mental health status. When daily VDT operation time was more than 11 hours, VDT-related symptoms, including backache (odds ratios (OR) = 3.59), wrist pain (OR = 1.88), hip pain (OR = 2.42), dry eyes (OR = 2.22), and ocular soreness (OR = 2.16) were more likely to occur, and an increased risk of serious occupational stress (OR = 6.75) and job burnout (OR = 2.66) was found in internet workers. Compared with those who never exercised, appropriate exercise frequency (three times per week) was helpful to relieve pain in the shoulders (OR = 0.28), neck (OR = 0.45), back (OR = 0.30), lower back (OR = 0.25), and wrists (OR = 0.38), as well as to prevent vision loss (OR = 0.33) and job burnout (OR = 0.42). Therefore, avoiding excessive VDT exposure and performing moderate exercise could protect the physical and mental health of internet staff from the adverse effects of VDT.

scholarly journals Women's Mental Health in the Time of Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Thibaut ◽  
Patricia J. M. van Wijngaarden-Cremers
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Violence Against Women ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Subject ◽  
At Home

Even if the fatality rate has been twice higher for men than for women, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected women more than men, both as frontline workers and at home. The aim of our article was to analyze the differences observed in mental health and violence between men and women in the COVID outbreak. For this purpose, we have used all papers available in PubMed between January and July 2020 as well as data from non-governmental associations. We have thus successively analyzed the situation of pregnancy during the pandemic; the specific psychological and psychiatric risks faced by women both as patients and as workers in the health sector, the increased risk of violence against women at home and at workplace and, finally the risk run by children within their families. In conclusion, research on the subject of mental health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic is still scarce, especially in women. We hope that this pandemic will help to recognize the major role of women at home and at the workplace.

Mental Disorder Symptoms Among Nurses in Canada

2020 ◽  
pp. 084456212096189
Author(s):  
Andrea M. Stelnicki ◽  
R. Nicholas Carleton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Cumulative Stress ◽  
Canadian Population ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Healthcare Administrators ◽  
Clinically Significant

Background Nurses face regular exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events as part of their occupational responsibilities. Cumulative stress due to repeated exposure to such events is associated with poor mental health and an increased risk of developing clinically significant symptoms consistent with some mental disorders. Purpose The current study was designed to estimate rates of mental disorder symptoms among nurses in Canada and identify demographic characteristics that are associated with increased risk for mental disorder symptoms. Method An online survey was conducted with Canadian nurses in both English and French. Participants were recruited largely through the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) member unions, non-CFNU member unions, and social media. The survey assessed current mental disorder symptoms using well-validated screening measures. Results A total of 4267 participants (93.8% women) completed the survey. Almost half of participants screened positive for a mental disorder (i.e., 47.9%). No gender differences emerged. Significant differences in proportions of positive screens based on each measure were found across demographic groups (e.g., age, province of residence, type of nurse). Conclusions The rate of positive screens appears much higher than mental disorder prevalence rates in the general Canadian population, but there were important methodological differences. The current results provide potentially important information to support researchers and healthcare administrators to investigate possible ways to mitigate and manage mental health in nursing workplaces.

scholarly journals Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children

2015 ◽  
Vol 207 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren C. Ng ◽  
Catherine M. Kirk ◽  
Frederick Kanyanganzi ◽  
Mary C. Smith Fawzi ◽  
Vincent Sezibera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Matched Case ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Control Study

BackgroundSuicide is a leading cause of death for young people. Children living in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are disproportionately high, may be at increased risk.AimsTo identify predictors, including HIV status, of suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children aged 10–17.MethodMatched case–control study of 683 HIV-positive, HIV-affected (seronegative children with an HIV-positive caregiver), and unaffected children and their caregivers.ResultsOver 20% of HIV-positive and affected children engaged in suicidal behaviour in the previous 6 months, compared with 13% of unaffected children. Children were at increased risk if they met criteria for depression, were at high-risk for conduct disorder, reported poor parenting or had caregivers with mental health problems.ConclusionsPolicies and programmes that address mental health concerns and support positive parenting may prevent suicidal ideation and behaviour in children at increased risk related to HIV.

scholarly journals Association of Occupational Distress and Low Sleep Quality with Syncope, Presyncope, and Falls in Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12283
Author(s):  
Nicola Magnavita ◽  
Reparata Rosa Di Prinzio ◽  
Gabriele Arnesano ◽  
Anna Cerrina ◽  
Maddalena Gabriele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Performance ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions

Syncope and presyncope episodes that occur during work could affect one’s safety and impair occupational performance. Few data are available regarding the prevalence of these events among workers. The possible role of sleep quality, mental stress, and metabolic disorders in promoting syncope, presyncope, and falls in workers is unknown. In the present study, 741 workers (male 35.4%; mean age 47 ± 11 years), employed at different companies, underwent clinical evaluation and blood tests, and completed questionnaires to assess sleep quality, occupational distress, and mental disorders. The occurrence of syncope, presyncope, and unexplained falls during working life was assessed via an ad hoc interview. The prevalence of syncope, presyncope, and falls of unknown origin was 13.9%, 27.0%, and 10.3%, respectively. The occurrence of syncope was associated with an increased risk of occupational distress (adjusted odds ratio aOR: 1.62, confidence intervals at 95%: 1.05–2.52), low sleep quality (aOR: 1.79 CI 95%: 1.16–2.77), and poor mental health (aOR: 2.43 CI 95%: 1.52–3.87). Presyncope was strongly associated with occupational distress (aOR: 1.77 CI 95%: 1.25–2.49), low sleep quality (aOR: 2.95 CI 95%: 2.08–4.18), and poor mental health (aOR: 2.61 CI 95%: 1.78–3.84), while no significant relationship was found between syncope or presyncope and metabolic syndrome. These results suggest that occupational health promotion interventions aimed at improving sleep quality, reducing stressors, and increasing worker resilience might reduce syncope and presyncope events in the working population.

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