scholarly journals The transition from university to work: what happens to mental health? A longitudinal study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Østertun Geirdal ◽  
Per Nerdrum ◽  
Tore Bonsaksen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Professional Lives ◽  
Young Professionals ◽  
Study Programs

Abstract Background When enrolled in university or college, students receive varying degrees of training in managing practical situations in the workplace. However, after graduation, the young professionals meet their responsibilities at work. The experience of the transition between education and work may connote a feeling of professional uncertainty and lack of coping, both of which are important factors related to young professionals’ mental health. The gap between the two areas of knowledge is frequently described as ‘practice shock’. Very few studies of mental health among students and young professional workers have used longitudinal designs. In the present study, we conducted a longitudinal investigation of change and stability in the levels of psychological distress among healthcare professionals, teachers, and social workers from the end of their study programs until 3 years into their subsequent professional lives. We also assessed the extent to which psychological distress at the end of the study program, sociodemographic characteristics, coping with the professional role, the psychosocial workplace environment, and experience of overall quality of life can predict psychological distress 3 years into their professional lives. Methods Psychological distress was measured using the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12). A total of 773 students/young professionals participated at both the end of their study programs and 3 years into their professional lives. Group differences were examined by the chi-squared test, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. McNemar’s test were applied to identify changes in the proportion of cases at the two time points. Linear and logistic regressions were employed to identify factors associated with GHQ-12 Likert scores and GHQ-12 case scores, respectively. Results Psychological distress was significantly reduced at 3 years for health professionals. Among the social workers and teachers, the change in psychological distress was not significant during the same period. Higher current quality of life contributed to lower psychological distress. Conclusions Our findings support assumptions about higher levels of mental health problems as students, with mental health improving as health professionals and social workers move into professional work.

Determinants of Quality of Life during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of a large sample of Brazilian Health Professionals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Jardim de Paula ◽  
Danielle de Souza Costa ◽  
Antônio Geraldo Silva ◽  
Débora Marques de Miranda ◽  
Leandro Malloy-Diniz
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
World Health ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
Explained Variance

Quality of Life (QoL) is a multidimensional estimate of biopsychosocial health and wellbeing.1 The COVID-19 pandemic led to an abrupt change in our lifestyle, demanding resilience and coping mechanisms2. Health care providers are in the frontline of COVID-19 patients’ diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, and there is a well-documented impact of this context on their physical and mental health2. This might impact their wellbeing and reduce their quality of life. In this research letter, we investigated which factors are associated with QoL in Brazilian healthcare professionals. We aim to investigate both protective and risk factors for the four main aspects of QoL: physical, psychological, social relations, and environment. We assessed 97.771 Brazilian adults, most (92.3%) health professionals of different professions from all the five-country regions. All included individuals agreed in a written consent to participate. Participants showed an average of 35.45 years old (±9.49) and were predominantly female (80%). They answered an online questionnaire about sociodemographic aspects, measures of mental health, and quality of life in the first semester of 2020. A detailed description of the sample and procedures can be found elsewhere3. All participants answered the WHOQoL-BREF, a standardized tool for QoL assessment developed by the World Health Organization. Stepwise linear regression analysis was used to assess the role of sociodemographic factors, previously diagnosed mental disorders, COVID-19 related symptoms as well a series of specific questions regarding participants worries and perceptions about the pandemic, including the protective behaviors' adoption (social distancing, usage of masks and sanitizer, among others). A full list of variables (64 in total) is available on the SAMBE webpage (http://abpbrasil.org.br/pcabp/). Since we have a large sample size our statistical power is about 99% (alpha=0.01) to detect small effect sizes. To simplify our results and allow a more direct application to real-life settings we only included significant predictors which showed at least 1% of adjusted explained variance in the stepwise models. The stepwise regression model was summarized in the figure below. All regression models were significant (p<0.001) as well all the predictors reported in the Figure. Total explained variance was 26% for Physical QoL, 27% for Psychological, 13% for Social Relations, and 19% for Environmental. A history of previous depression, presence of Headache, and the perception of worsening in home relationships were risk factors for lower QoL in all four domains. Our results suggest a multidimensional pattern of determinants of QoL in health care professionals in the early days of the pandemic. Interesting features emerged as predictors of QoL such as changes in home relationships, worsening in work productivity, and mental health. Expected and new predictors may shed light on which factors should be considered in interventions aiming at the development of mitigation of impact QoL in these populations.

scholarly journals Quality of Life in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health Problems: An Explorative Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Morisse ◽  
Eleonore Vandemaele ◽  
Claudia Claes ◽  
Lien Claes ◽  
Stijn Vandevelde
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Professional Network ◽  
Universal Properties

The field of intellectual disability (ID) is strongly influenced by the Quality of Life paradigm (QOL). We aimed at investigating whether or not the QOL paradigm also applies to clients with ID and cooccurring mental health problems. This paper aims at stimulating a debate on this topic, by investigating whether or not QOL domains are universal. Focus groups with natural and professional network members were organized to gather qualitative data, in order to answer two questions: (1) Are the QOL dimensions conceptualized in the model of Schalock et al. applicable for persons with ID and mental health problems? (2) What are indicators relating to the above-mentioned dimensions in relation to persons with ID and mental health problems? The results offer some proof for the assumption that the QOL construct seems to have universal properties. With regard to the second question, the study revealed that the natural and professional network members are challenged to look for the most appropriate support strategies, taking specific indicators of QOL into account. When aspects of empowerment and regulation are used in an integrated manner, the application of the QOL paradigm could lead to positive outcomes concerning self-determination, interdependence, social inclusion, and emotional development.

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

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

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

scholarly journals Killing in Combat; the Diverging Mental Health Impact on Distinct Veteran Populations – A Two-Sample Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Espetvedt Nordstrand ◽  
Christer Lunde Gjerstad ◽  
Odin Hjemdal ◽  
Are Holen ◽  
Tore Tveitstul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
The Impact

This study examined the warzone stressors: killing in combat, experiencing personal threats, or traumatic witnessing during deployment in relation to psychological distress, alcohol consumption and quality of life at long-term follow-up. The study was conducted in two samples of Norwegian veterans who had served in Afghanistan (Study 1, N = 4,053) or in Lebanon (Study 2, N = 10,605), respectively. Data were collected through two postdeployment mental health surveys conducted by the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services. Using linear regressions, we investigated the impact of warzone stressors on posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, alcohol use, and quality of life. In study 1 (Afghanistan veterans), killing was not a significant predictor of psychological distress, alcohol use, or quality of life, when controlling for Personal Threats and Witnessing exposure. In study 2 (Lebanon veterans) killing remained a significant predictor (p < .001) of symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, after controlling for other warzone stressors. However, killing was not a significant predictor of alcohol use or quality of life in Study 2. In summary, killing in combat may be associated with increased reports of psychological distress, but there were distinct results in the two studies. Differences in mission statements, rules of engagement, and mental states during combat could explain the diverging outcomes. The results indicate that it may be erroneous to ubiquitously regard killing in combat as a moral stressor, and highlight the importance of clear rules of engagements that accounts for the “on the ground” reality of soldiers.

Psychosocial concerns in a context of prolonged political oppression: Gaza mental health providers’ perceptions

2022 ◽  
pp. 136346152110629
Author(s):  
Marwan Diab ◽  
Guido Veronese ◽  
Yasser Abu Jamei ◽  
Rawia Hamam ◽  
Sally Saleh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Mental Health Providers ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Psychosocial Conditions

In this qualitative exploratory study, we investigated the perspectives of mental health providers in Gaza, Palestine, regarding the primary concerns of their clients who are exposed to low-intensity warfare and structural violence. We conducted qualitative interviews with 30 psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists providing services to communities in Gaza. Participants were asked to discuss their clients’ most commonly occurring mental health problems, diagnoses, and psychosocial conditions. Thematic analysis identified one superordinate theme (Impact of the Blockade on Mental Health and Quality of Life) and four second-order themes (Concerns about Social Problems, General Concerns about Quality of Life, Concerns about the Mental Health of the Community, and Concerns Related to Children's Mental Health). Participants indicated that the social and political dimensions of mental health and the economic, educational, and health-related consequences of the ongoing blockade of Gaza were the main determinants of psychological burden among their clients. Findings demonstrated the importance of adopting an approach to mental health that includes understanding psychological indicators in a broader framework informed by human rights and social justice. Implications for research and clinical work are discussed, including the role of investments in social capital that may provide individuals with access to resources such as social support, which may in turn promote overall mental health.

Disclosure and Quality of Life Among Unemployed Individuals With Mental Health Problems

2019 ◽  
Vol 207 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Rüsch ◽  
Alexandra Malzer ◽  
Nathalie Oexle ◽  
Tamara Waldmann ◽  
Tobias Staiger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems

The long-term impact of preoperative psychological distress on functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction after total knee arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 102-B (7) ◽  
pp. 845-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham S. Goh ◽  
Ming Han Lincoln Liow ◽  
You Wei Adriel Tay ◽  
Jerry Yongqiang Chen ◽  
Sheng Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Knee Score ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Total Knee

Aims While patients with psychological distress have poorer short-term outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), their longer-term function is unknown. We aimed to 1) assess the influence of preoperative mental health status on long-term functional outcomes, quality of life, and patient satisfaction; and 2) analyze the change in mental health after TKA, in a cohort of patients with no history of mental health disorder, with a minimum of ten years’ follow-up. Methods Prospectively collected data of 122 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA in 2006 were reviewed. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively at two and ten years using the Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Function Score (KSFS); Oxford Knee Score (OKS); and the Mental (MCS) and Physical Component Summary (PCS) which were derived from the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). Patients were stratified into those with psychological distress (MCS < 50, n = 51) and those without (MCS ≥ 50, n = 71). Multiple regression was used to control for age, sex, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and baseline scores. The rate of expectation fulfilment and satisfaction was compared between patients with low and high MCS. Results There was no difference in the mean KSKS, KSFS, OKS, and SF-36 PCS at two years or ten years after TKA. Equal proportions of patients in each group attained the minimal clinically important difference for each score. Psychologically distressed patients had a comparable rate of satisfaction (91.8% (47/51) vs 97.1% (69/71); p = 0.193) and fulfilment of expectations (89.8% vs 97.1%; p = 0.094). The proportion of distressed patients declined from 41.8% preoperatively to 29.8% at final follow-up (p = 0.021), and their mean SF-36 MCS improved by 10.4 points (p < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with poor mental health undergoing TKA may experience long-term improvements in function and quality of life that are comparable to those experienced by their non-distressed counterparts. These patients also achieved a similar rate of satisfaction and expectation fulfilment. Undergoing TKA was associated with improvements in mental health in distressed patients, although this effect may be due to residual confounding. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):845–851.

scholarly journals Burden of mental health problems: quality of life and cost-of-illness in youth consulting Dutch walk-in youth health centres

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
S. M. J. Leijdesdorff ◽  
C. E. M. Huijs ◽  
R. M. C. Klaassen ◽  
A. Popma ◽  
T. A. M. J. van Amelsvoort ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Cost Of Illness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Youth Health ◽  
Health Centres
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document