scholarly journals Worry and mental health in the Covid-19 pandemic: vulnerability factors in the general Norwegian population

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ines Blix ◽  
Marianne Skogbrott Birkeland ◽  
Siri Thoresen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Vulnerability Factors ◽  
Recent Exposure ◽  
Norwegian Population

Abstract Background There is an urgent need for knowledge about the mental health consequences of the ongoing pandemic. The aim of this study was to identify vulnerability factors for psychological distress and reduced life satisfaction in the general population. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the role of COVID-related worries for psychological distress and life satisfaction. Methods A presumed representative sample for the Norwegian population (n = 1041, response rate = 39.9%) responded to a web-survey in May 2020. The participants were asked about potential vulnerability factors including increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (underlying illness, older age), socioeconomic disadvantage (living alone, unemployment, economic problems), and pre-existing mental health vulnerability (recent exposure to violence, previous mental health challenges). Additional measures included COVID-related worry, psychological distress, and life satisfaction. Results More than one out of four reported current psychological distress over the threshold for clinically significant symptoms. Socioeconomic disadvantages, including living alone and pre-existing economic challenges, and pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities, including recent exposure to violence and previous mental health problems, were associated with a higher level of psychological distress and a lower level of life satisfaction. A higher level of COVID-related worry was significantly associated with a higher level of psychological distress, and a lower level of life satisfaction, even when adjusting for all the vulnerability factors. Conclusion This study identified several vulnerability factors for mental health problems in the pandemic. Individuals recently exposed to violence and individuals with pre-existing mental health problems are at particular risk. Worrying about the consequences of the pandemic contributes negatively to current mental health. However, worry cannot explain the excess distress in vulnerable groups. Future research should focus on how COVID-related strains contribute to mental health problems for vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Worry and Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Vulnerability Factors in the General Norwegian Population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ines Blix ◽  
Marianne Skogbrott Birkeland ◽  
Siri Thoresen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Vulnerability Factors ◽  
Recent Exposure ◽  
Norwegian Population

Abstract BackgroundThere is an urgent need for knowledge about the mental health consequences of the ongoing pandemic. The aim of this study was to identify vulnerability factors for psychological distress and reduced life satisfaction in the general population. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the role of COVID-related worries for psychological distress and life satisfaction. Methods A presumed representative sample for the Norwegian population (n=1041, response rate=39.9%) responded to a web-survey in May 2020. The participants were asked about potential vulnerability factors including increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (underlying illness, older age), socioeconomic disadvantage (living alone, unemployment, economic problems), and pre-existing mental health vulnerability (recent exposure to violence, previous mental health challenges). Additional measures included COVID-related worry, psychological distress, and life satisfaction. ResultsMore than one out of four reported current psychological distress over the threshold for clinically significant symptoms. Socioeconomic disadvantages, including living alone and pre-existing economic challenges, and pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities, including recent exposure to violence and previous mental health problems, were associated with a higher level of psychological distress and a lower level of life satisfaction.ConclusionThis study identified several vulnerability factors for mental health problems in the pandemic. Individuals recently exposed to violence and individuals with pre-existing mental health problems are at particular risk. Worrying about the consequences of the pandemic contributes negatively to current mental health. However, worry cannot explain the excess distress in vulnerable groups. Future research should focus on how COVID-related strains contribute to mental health problems for vulnerable groups.

scholarly journals Psychological impact of COVID-19 in the Swedish population: Depression, anxiety, and insomnia and their associations to risk and vulnerability factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance M. McCracken ◽  
Farzaneh Badinlou ◽  
Monica Buhrman ◽  
Karin C. Brocki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Vulnerability Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, with its associated restrictions on daily life, is like a perfect storm for poor mental health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing during the ongoing pandemic in Sweden. Method: Standardized measures of depression, anxiety, and insomnia as well as measures of risk and vulnerability factors known to be associated with poor mental health outcomes were administered through a national, online, cross-sectional survey (n = 1,212; mean age 36.1 years; 73% women). Result: Our findings show significant levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in Sweden, at rates of 30%, 24.2%, and 38%, respectively. The strongest predictors of these outcomes included poor self-rated overall health and a history of mental health problems. The presence of COVID-19 symptoms and specific health and financial worries related to the pandemic also appeared important. Conclusions: The impacts of COVID-19 on mental health in Sweden are comparable to impacts shown in previous studies in Italy and China. Importantly, the pandemic seems to impose most on the mental health of those already burdened with the impacts of mental health problems. These results provide a basis for providing more support for vulnerable groups, and for developing psychological interventions suited to the ongoing pandemic and for similar events in the future.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress, Loneliness, and Boredom Among the General Population of Tyrol, Austria During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franziska Tutzer ◽  
Beatrice Frajo-Apor ◽  
Silvia Pardeller ◽  
Barbara Plattner ◽  
Anna Chernova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Federal State

Background: COVID-19-related mental health problems are considered a public health challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate psychological distress, loneliness, and boredom among the general population of the federal state of Tyrol, Austria.Methods: Residents of Tyrol aged ≥ 18 years were recruited via dissemination of a link through social media and other advertisements and invited to complete an online survey from June 26th to August 20th, 2020. Next to the collection of sociodemographic and COVID-19 related variables the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL), the Three-Item Loneliness Scale (TILS), and the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale-Short Form (MSBS-SF) were used to assess psychological distress, loneliness, and boredom.Results: 961 participants took part in the survey (68.3% woman). Of these, 14.4% were burdened from psychological distress (BSCL), 22.6% reached a TILS score ≥ 7 and were therefore classified as severely lonely, and boredom levels lay by a mean of 25.9 ± 11.0 points in the MSBS-SF (range: 7–56). Women, singles, low-income people as well as those who were unemployed were significantly more often affected by all of the selected outcomes compared to the remaining sample and they had significantly more frequently consumed alcohol or other substances since the outbreak of the pandemic in order to feel better. In addition, young and middle-aged adults were particularly burdened by loneliness and boredom.Discussion: Our findings identify vulnerable groups and factors associated with higher psychological distress, loneliness, and boredom in the context of the pandemic. In order to prevent mental health problems it will be critical to identify options of maintaining social contacts and remaining active despite pandemic-related restrictions.

scholarly journals Changes in psychological distress and psychosocial functioning in young people visiting headspace centres for mental health problems

2015 ◽  
Vol 202 (10) ◽  
pp. 537-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra J Rickwood ◽  
Kelly R Mazzer ◽  
Nic R Telford ◽  
Alexandra G Parker ◽  
Chris J Tanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Young People ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems

Pemberdayaan Siswa SMAN 1 Sumberpucung Dalam Dukungan Kesehatan Jiwa Dan Psikososial Covid-19 Untuk Kelompok Rentan Khususnya Lansia

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 853-866
Author(s):  
Berliany Venny Sipollo ◽  
Mochamad Ali Sodikin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Body ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Young Generation

ABSTRAK Pandemi COVID-19 merupakan bencana non alam yang berdampak tidak hanya pada kesehatan fisik saja tetapi berdampak pula terhadap kesehatan jiwa dan psikososial masyarakat. Dampak kesehatan jiwa dan psikososial ini dapat menurunkan sistem imunitas tubuh manusia khususnya kelompok rentan yaitu kelompok lansia. Semakin seseorang merasa cemas yang berlebihan, maka tubuh mengalami kegagalan dalam menghasilkan antibodi untuk melawan virus.. Klien yang terdiagnosis positif COVID-19 merasa sangat takut dengan bayangan kematian, dan secara sosial diisolasi yang akan menimbulkan stigma sehingga mungkin terjadi ansietas dan depresi yang bila berlanjut dapat menyebabkan keputusasaan yang akan memperburuk kondisi fisik. Pemberdayaan generasi muda dalam hal ini adalah siswa SMAN 1 Sumberpucung dalam mendukung kesehatan jiwa dan psikosial lansia, yaitu lansia yang berada dalam keluarga siswa. Metode yang digunakan di masa pandemic COVID-19 dengan kegiatan atau pelatihan DKJPS (Dukungan Kesehatan Jiwa dan Psikososial) dievaluasi selama 1,5 bulan berupa melakukan upaya promosi kesehatan (peningkatan imunitas fisik dan imunitas jiwa) dan pencegahan masalah kesehatan (pencegahan penularan dan pencegahan masalah kesehatan jiwa) yang pada akhirnya disebut sebagai Adaptasi Kebiasaan Baru (AKBmelalui virtual menggunakan zoom dan platform Whatsapp Group Chat dengan metode ceramah, Tanya jawab, diskusi dan demonstrasi. Hasil Jumlah audience: 50 siswa dan jumlah lansia dan pra lansia: 11 orang Kata Kunci : Kesehatan Jiwa, Psikososial, Generasi Muda, Lansia  ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic is a non-natural disaster that has an impact not only on physical health but also on the mental and psychosocial health of the community. This mental and psychosocial health impact can reduce the immune system of the human body, especially vulnerable groups, namely the older adults. The more a person feels excessively anxious; the body fails to produce antibodies to fight the virus. Clients who are diagnosed positive for COVID-19 feel very afraid of the image of death and are socially isolated which will lead to stigma so that anxiety and depression may occur if it continues. Can cause despair that will worsen the physical condition. The empowerment of the younger generation in this case is the students of SMAN 1 Sumberpucung in supporting the mental and psychosocial health of the older adults, which was the older adults who are in the student's family. The method used during the COVID-19 pandemic with DKJPS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) activities or training was evaluated for 4 weeks in the form of health promotion efforts (increasing physical immunity and mental immunity) and prevention of health problems (prevention of transmission and prevention of mental health problems. ) which is finally referred to as New Habit Adaptation (AKB through virtual using zoom and the Whatsapp Group Chat platform with the methods of lecturing, question and answer, discussion and demonstration Results Number of audiences: 50 students and the number of older adults and pre-elderly: 11 people Keywords: Mental Health, Psychosocial, Young Generation, Older Adults

Living in Uncertain Times: Pre-existing Mental Health Symptoms, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Perceived COVID-19 Threat as Predictors of Psychological Distress During the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn M Bell ◽  
Diane Holmberg
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Intolerance Of Uncertainty ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Distress Intolerance ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Threat Levels

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people are facing heightened uncertainty about the future and increasing rates of psychological distress. Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and perceived COVID-19 threat may be contributing to mental health problems. This study investigated changes in mental health problems prior to and during the first two pandemic waves in the U.S., and the extent to which IU and perceived COVID-19 threat predicted these problems. MTurk participants (n=192; 50% women) were recruited from a pre-pandemic study in December 2019/January 2020 for a follow-up study on COVID-19 experiences, across five timepoints between April and August 2020. IU, perceived COVID-19 threat, and mental health problems (i.e., worry, COVID-19 fear, and trauma symptoms) were assessed. On average, mental health problems were not elevated, relative to pre-pandemic levels, and remained stable across time. Heightened IU and perceived COVID-19 threat were associated with more mental health problems. Surprisingly, objective measures of COVID-19 threat (e.g., state case rates) showed no associations with IU, and were slightly negatively correlated with psychological distress and perceived threat. Pre-existing mental health symptoms, IU and perceived COVID-19 threat may foster vulnerability to mental health problems during the pandemic, more so than objective threat levels.

scholarly journals Mediating Effect of Personal Meaning in the Prediction of Life Satisfaction and Mental Health Problems Based on Coronavirus Suffering

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gökmen Arslan ◽  
Murat Yıldırım ◽  
Mega M. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Personal Meaning ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Health And Well Being

Research Problem: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a multi-faceted crisis worldwide. Researchers and health authorities in various parts of the world echoed the dire condition of the public's mental health. This study sought to examine the mediating effect of personal meaning on the association between coronavirus (COVID-19)-related suffering, mental health problems, and life satisfaction. Participants included 231 adults (mean age = 46.65 ± 13.98; 68% female) and completed measures of suffering related to COVID-19, meaning, life satisfaction, and mental health problems online.Results: Findings from mediation analysis showed that suffering had significant associations with personal meaning, mental health, and well-being. Furthermore, personal meaning was significantly associated with adults' mental health and well-being and mediated the negative effect of suffering on mental health and well-being.Discussion: Overall, results from this study indicate that personal meaning is an important promotive factor that may help to understand the negative effect of coronavirus-related suffering on mental health and well-being amid the public health crisis.

scholarly journals Medical Home for Adolescents: Low Attainment Rates for Those With Mental Health Problems and Other Vulnerable Groups

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally H. Adams ◽  
Paul W. Newacheck ◽  
M. Jane Park ◽  
Claire D. Brindis ◽  
Charles E. Irwin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Home ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Vulnerable Groups

Psychological distress among Vietnamese adults attending Vietnamese-speaking general practices in South Western Sydney: prevalence and associations

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thi Nguyen ◽  
Sarah Dennis ◽  
Huy An ◽  
Sanjyot Vagholkar ◽  
Siaw Teng Liaw
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Past History ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
General Practices ◽  
Exposure To Trauma

Objective The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of psychological distress among Vietnamese adults attending Vietnamese-speaking general practices and explore possible risk factors in this population. Methods A cross-sectional survey of Vietnamese adult patients was conducted at 25 general practices with Vietnamese-speaking general practitioners (GPs) in south-western Sydney between October 2012 and February 2013. Patients completed the Kessler (K10) scale and a demographic questionnaire, available in Vietnamese or English. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results Of the 350 patients invited to participate, 247 completed surveys (response rate 71%). One-quarter (25%) of participants had a very high K10 score for psychological distress, nearly twice that reported in the NSW Health Survey. Participants with high exposure to trauma were at increased risk of psychological distress (odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 2.4–14.4; P < 0.0001) compared with those with mild or no trauma exposure. Similarly, risk was increased if there was a past history of mental health problems and a lack of personal and social support. Conclusion The high prevalence of mental health problems in adult Vietnamese people attending Vietnamese-speaking general practices is associated with exposure to trauma. This highlights the importance of personal, social and professional support in effective management. Vietnamese-speaking GPs who see Vietnamese or similar refugee groups should actively seek out a history of exposure to trauma, a past history of mental illness and the existence of support systems.

scholarly journals The Needs of Older People with Mental Health Problems: A Particular Focus on Dementia Patients and Their Carers

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joaquim Passos ◽  
Carlos Sequeira ◽  
Lia Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Older People ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Dementia Patients

The problems and needs of older people are often associated with mental illness, characterized by a set of clinical manifestations, which constitute important domains for investigation and clinical practice. This paper presents the results of a pilot study whose main purpose was to identify met and unmet needs and to analyze the relationship between those needs, psychopathology and functionality in older people with mental health problems. A sample of 75 patients aged 65 or over, of both sexes, diagnosed with mental illness using ICD-9. The main diagnoses were depression (36%) and dementia (29.3%). Most patients had cognitive impairment (MMSE, 52%; CDT, 66.7%), depression (GDS, 61.3%), anxiety (ZAS, 81.3%), and moderate dependence (BI, 49.3% and LI, 77.3%). The main unmet needs found were daytime activities (40%), social benefits (13.3%), company (10.7%), psychological distress (9.3%), and continence (8%). The majority of these unmet needs occur with dementia patients. The majority of the carers of these patients had global needs (met and unmet) in terms of psychological distress. Findings also reveal that a low level of functionality is associated with dementia diagnoses. The association analyses suggest that dementia is an important determinant of the functional status and needs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document