scholarly journals Mental health following an initial period of COVID-19 restrictions: findings from a cross-sectional survey in the Republic of Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Maria Isabela Troya ◽  
Mary Joyce ◽  
Ali Khashan ◽  
Claire Buckley ◽  
Kasturi Chakraborti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Republic Of Ireland ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

Background: We assessed the mental health of individuals in the general population, during an initial period of easing of COVID-19 restrictions in the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Methods: Data were collected through a nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey, during the first period of easing of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic between May and July 2020. Mental health was examined using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety Depression Scale. Poisson regression analyses were conducted to estimate risk ratios with robust variance estimation of the association between selected demographic factors and the risk of having depression and anxiety symptoms. Results: Of the 1,983 participants, 27.7% (n = 549; 95% CI: 0.26 - 0.30) reported depression and anxiety symptoms, while 74 (3.8%; 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.05) disclosed self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Females (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.37 - 1.87, p < 0.0005), employed individuals who experienced a change in work status (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.24 - 1.82, p < 0.0005), participants cocooning due to a health condition (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08 - 1.66, p< 0.01), participants who were self-isolating (RR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.51, p=0.025) and moderate-heavy drinkers (RR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.47, p<0.01) were at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Young people aged 18-29 years and those in the two lowest income categories were most likely to report self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with further waves and associated restrictions, the impact on mental health in the population as a whole and in specific subgroups must be considered. Study protocol registration: doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.13103.2

scholarly journals Loneliness, coping, suicidal thoughts and self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic: a repeat cross-sectional UK population survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e048123
Author(s):  
Ann John ◽  
Sze Chim Lee ◽  
Susan Solomon ◽  
David Crepaz-Keay ◽  
Shari McDaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Conditions ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesThere has been speculation on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown on suicidal thoughts and self-harm and the factors associated with any change. We aimed to assess the effects and change in effects of risk factors including loneliness and coping, as well as pre-existing mental health conditions on suicidal thoughts and self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignThis study was a repeated cross-sectional online population-based survey.Participants and measuresNon-probability quota sampling was adopted on the UK adult population and four waves of data were analysed during the pandemic (17 March 2020 to 29 May 2020). Outcomes were suicidal thoughts and self-harm associated with the pandemic while loneliness, coping, pre-existing mental health conditions, employment status and demographics were covariates. We ran binomial regressions to evaluate the adjusted risks of the studied covariates as well as the changes in effects over time.ResultsThe proportion of individuals who felt lonely increased sharply from 9.8% to 23.9% after the UK lockdown began. Young people (aged 18–24 years), females, students, those who were unemployed and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions were more likely to report feeling lonely and not coping well. 7.7%–10.0% and 1.9%–2.2% of respondents reported having suicidal thoughts and self-harm associated with the pandemic respectively throughout the period studied. Results from cross-tabulation and adjusted regression analyses showed young adults, coping poorly and with pre-existing mental health conditions were significantly associated with suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Loneliness was significantly associated with suicidal thoughts but not self-harm.ConclusionsThe association between suicidality, loneliness and coping was evident in young people during the early stages of the pandemic. Developing effective interventions designed and coproduced to address loneliness and promote coping strategies during prolonged social isolation may promote mental health and help mitigate suicidal thoughts and self-harm associated with the pandemic.

Impact of perceived social support and parental bonding in predicting suicidal intent among self-harm patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Naila Yaqoob ◽  
Sadaf Ahsan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Demographic Variable ◽  
Parental Bonding ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Suicidal Intent ◽  
Suicide Intent ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Impact

Objective: The present study investigated the impact of perceived social-support and parental-bonding in predicting suicidal intent among self-harm patients.Methods: Cross-sectional research design was used in current study. Study was conducted at Foundation University, Rawalpindi from February, 2019 to September, 2019. A purposive sample of 50 self-harm patients was collected from different mental health departments of hospitals of Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Peshawar. Participants were administered Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Parental-Bonding Instrument (PBI) and Beck Suicide Intention Scale (BSIS). Data was analyzed through SPSS using correlation, t test and regression. Differences on the basis of demographic variable were also studied.Results: The main results of the study specified that social support and parental bonding’ factor ‘care’ had significant negative correlation with suicide intent. Moreover, it negatively predicted suicide intent. Whereas, parental boding’ factor ‘overprotectiveness’ had significant positive correlation with suicide intent and significantly positively predicted suicide intent. Conclusion: The outcomes of present study emphasized that social-support and parental bonding both can play substantial roles in saving lives. Researchers and mental health experts will be able to start examine about the factors that distinguish deliberate self-harm from attempted suicide as well as the characteristics common to both conducts. Continuous...

scholarly journals Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Meyer ◽  
Cillian McDowell ◽  
Jeni Lansing ◽  
Cassandra Brower ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Societal Changes ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic altered many facets of life. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-related public health guidelines on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, mental health, and their interrelations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 3052 US adults 3–8 April 2020 (from all 50 states). Participants self-reported pre- and post-COVID-19 levels of moderate and vigorous PA, sitting, and screen time. Currently-followed public health guidelines, stress, loneliness, positive mental health (PMH), social connectedness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were self-reported. Participants were grouped by meeting US PA guidelines, reporting ≥8 h/day of sitting, or ≥8 h/day of screen time, pre- and post-COVID-19. Overall, 62% of participants were female, with age ranging from 18–24 (16.6% of sample) to 75+ (9.3%). Self-reported PA was lower post-COVID among participants reporting being previously active (mean change: −32.3% [95% CI: −36.3%, −28.1%]) but largely unchanged among previously inactive participants (+2.3% [−3.5%, +8.1%]). No longer meeting PA guidelines and increased screen time were associated with worse depression, loneliness, stress, and PMH (p < 0.001). Self-isolation/quarantine was associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to social distancing (p < 0.001). Maintaining and enhancing physical activity participation and limiting screen time increases during abrupt societal changes may mitigate the mental health consequences.

Prevalence and association of discrimination and bullying and the impact on mental health in an occupational setting

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Stratton ◽  
Michael J. Player ◽  
Ariane Dahlheimer ◽  
Isabella Choi ◽  
Nicholas Glozier
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Male Dominated ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

PurposeDiscrimination and bullying contribute to mental ill-health in the workplace. At face value, they would seem linked but are often dealt with by different legislations. Workplace studies generally focus on bullying and population studies on discrimination. The authors aimed to evaluate the prevalence and relationship of discrimination and bullying in a male-dominated workforce, associated factors and relative impact on mental ill-health.Design/methodology/approachAn online cohort survey was conducted amongst employees of an Australian mining company, measuring discrimination, bullying, demographics and workplace and health factors over two months. Cross-sectional and prospective analyses assessed the prevalence of each, their association and their effects on depression and anxiety.FindingsA total of 580 employees (82% male) participated. There was no association between workplace bullying (n = 56, 9.7%) and discrimination (n = 160, 27.6%). Discrimination, but not bullying, was associated with higher depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation and lower well-being and resilience. After controlling for demographic, workplace and health and well-being factors, depression had the main effect on discrimination ß = 0.39, p = 0.003. Discrimination predicted an increase in depression scores at follow-up F (1, 129) = 4.88, p = 0.029.Originality/valueIn this male-dominated industry, discrimination was more prevalent than bullying. Discrimination, but not bullying, was associated with poorer mental health both cross sectionally and prospectively. Supporting the need to assess and manage discrimination and bullying in the workplace independently and the need for interventions to reduce a broader range of adverse interpersonal behaviours.

scholarly journals Mental health in the general population over 1 year of the Covid-19 pandemic: findings from Ireland

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
MI Troya
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Heavy Drinking ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Background The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated public health measures on mental health is a cause of increasing concern. We have measured indices of mental health among adults in the general population in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) during the period of May 2020-April 2021. Methods Nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey with data collected in ROI during four study waves involving 3,920 participants: Wave 1: May 26-June 17, 2020 (N = 969), Wave 2: July 1-23, 2020 (N = 1014), Wave 3: September 5-28, 2020 (N = 1008), Wave 4: April 16-28, 2021 (N = 929). Participants were recruited from adults resident in RoI, aged 18 years+ using random-digit-dialling of land lines and mobile phones and interviewed by a professional market research organisation (Ipsos MRBI). Data from Waves 1-4 will be presented including trends over the 12-month period. Finding from Waves 1 and 2 are presented here. Mental health was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS), including standard questions on self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Results Of the 1,983 participants from Waves 1-2, 27.7% (n = 549; 95%CI:0.26%-30%) reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, 74 (3.8%;95%CI:3%-5%) disclosed self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Female participants (RR:1.60, 95%CI:1.37-1.87), employed individuals experiencing work change (RR:1.50,95%CI:1.24-1.82), participants cocooning due to a health condition (RR:1.34,95%CI:1.08-1.66), those self-isolating (RR:1.25,95%CI:1.03-1.51) and those reporting moderate-heavy drinking (RR:1.27,95%CI:1.09-1.47) were at increased risk of depression and anxiety symptoms. Participants aged 18-29 and those in the two lowest income categories were most likely to report self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Conclusions The prevalence of țanxiety and depression in the general population has increased relative to pre-pandemic estimates in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and associated public health measures. Key messages In nationally representative telephone surveys of Irish adults conducted following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression is estimated at approximately 30%. Higher than average levels of anxiety or depression were reported in females, those who had experienced a change in their work, individuals cocooning and those with moderate to heavy drinking.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: A Challenge for Healthcare Professionals and Assessment of Anxiety Symptoms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Maestro ◽  
Sabina Šegalo ◽  
Dinko Remić ◽  
Arzija Pašalić ◽  
Anes Jogunčić
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Worldwide, COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of infected people and thousands of deaths. Due to enormous pressure on health-care systems and its inadequate preparedness, utter collapse is expected. In the current epidemic response, healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge and practice are crucial, while the impact on their mental health is still unknown.Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs redeployed to COVID points in the Public Institution Health Centre of Sarajevo Canton. According to guidelines and information provided by the World Health Organization and Ministries of Health, a questionnaire was developed. In addition, General Anxiety Disorder-7 as a screening tool for anxiety disorders was used.Results: Of 180 respondents, 26 (14.4%) were in direct contact with the sick patient. In total, 79 (43.9%) respondents consider their personal protective equipment is in accordance with the guidelines of the world health authorities. A total of 72 (39.7%) of respondents used the same mask for several days. In general, the danger from new coronavirus was considered minimal by 59 (32,6%) HCWs. Based on the achieved score for assessing the anxiety disorder, in 63 (35%) subjects, the presence of severe symptoms was detected.Conclusion: This study found that most HCWs do not have enough knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified that there are differences in the sources of information and gap in perceptions of the native origin of the virus. Considering the frequency of anxiety symptoms among HCWs, interventions are necessary in order to preserve their mental health.

scholarly journals The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak: A Nationwide Survey in Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Shahriarirad ◽  
Amirhossein Erfani ◽  
Keivan Ranjbar ◽  
Amir Bazrafshan ◽  
Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
General Population ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Disease Outbreak ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Death

Abstract Background: Disease outbreak not only carries the risk of death to the public due to the infection, but it also can lead to unbearable psychological impact on the mental health of the individuals. This study aims to explore and evaluate the burden of psychological problems on the Iranian general population during the outbreak of COVID-19.Method: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the general population of Iran age 15 and above. Demographic variables, depression, and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaires.Results: Among the 8591 participants, the mean age was 34.37 (±11.25) years and 66.4% were female while 33.6% were male. Based on our results, 1295 (15.1%) and 1733 (20.1%) of the general population clinically significant depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. Based on the demographic variables, female gender was associated with a higher risk for developing depression and anxiety symptoms, whereas getting information about the disease from medical journals and articles, being older, and being married were considered as associated protective factors. In terms of depression, being a healthcare worker was an associated risk factor. On the other hand, for anxiety, having higher education was a protective factor while a higher number of individuals in a household was considered as a risk factor.Conclusions: This study identified a major mental health problem in the Iranian population during the time of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, establishing a targeted mental health support program during the time of public emergencies, such as the disease outbreak, is advised.

scholarly journals Mental health and illness of medical students and newly graduated doctors during the pandemic of SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251525
Author(s):  
Lis Campos Ferreira ◽  
Rívia Siqueira Amorim ◽  
Fellipe Matos Melo Campos ◽  
Rosana Cipolotti
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Illness ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: SARS-Cov-2 virus pandemic causes serious emotional consequences. It has occurred widespread medical courses suspension, and graduations were anticipated. Field hospitals, set up to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, were the main workplaces of newly graduated doctors. Objective: To assess the impact of SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of medical interns and newly graduated doctors. Method: This is a cross-sectional study performed using a digital platform. Links to forms were sent in two moments: moment 1 (M1), at the beginning of the pandemic, in the first half of April/2020 and moment 2 (M2), after six months of pandemic, in the second half of September/2020. All students from the medical internship and all doctors graduated since 2018 from the three medical schools in Sergipe-NE-Brazil were invited. Results: 335 forms were answered in April and 148 in September. In M1 88.9% considered themselves exposed to excess of information about COVID-19, which was associated with anxiety symptoms (p = 0.04). Long family physical distance was also associated with these symptoms, as increased appetite (p = 0.01), feeling shortness of breath (p = 0.003) and sweating (p = 0.007). Fear of acquire COVID-19 was reported as intense by almost half of participants, and of transmitting by 85.7% in M1. In M2 41.2% reported the death of friends or relatives. Psychiatric illness was described by 38.5% and psychotropic drugs use by 30.1% in M1, especially those who lived alone (p = 0.03) and the single ones (p = 0.01). Alcohol intake was reported by 54.3%, and among doctors graduated in 2020 it increased from 50% in M1 to 85% in M2 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of medical students and newly graduated doctors. Exposure to excessive COVID-19 information and family physical distance were associated to anxiety symptoms. Among doctors graduated in 2020, alcohol intake increased during pandemic evolution.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-harm and suicidal behaviour: update of living systematic review

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1097
Author(s):  
Ann John ◽  
Emily Eyles ◽  
Roger T. Webb ◽  
Chukwudi Okolie ◽  
Lena Schmidt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable morbidity, mortality and disruption to people’s lives around the world. There are concerns that rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour may rise during and in its aftermath. Our living systematic review synthesises findings from emerging literature on incidence and prevalence of suicidal behaviour as well as suicide prevention efforts in relation to COVID-19, with this iteration synthesising relevant evidence up to 19th October 2020. Method:  Automated daily searches feed into a web-based database with screening and data extraction functionalities. Eligibility criteria include incidence/prevalence of suicidal behaviour, exposure-outcome relationships and effects of interventions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outcomes of interest are suicide, self-harm or attempted suicide and suicidal thoughts. No restrictions are placed on language or study type, except for single-person case reports. We exclude one-off cross-sectional studies without either pre-pandemic measures or comparisons of COVID-19 positive vs. unaffected individuals. Results: Searches identified 6,226 articles. Seventy-eight articles met our inclusion criteria. We identified a further 64 relevant cross-sectional studies that did not meet our revised inclusion criteria. Thirty-four articles were not peer-reviewed (e.g. research letters, pre-prints). All articles were based on observational studies. There was no consistent evidence of a rise in suicide but many studies noted adverse economic effects were evolving. There was evidence of a rise in community distress, fall in hospital presentation for suicidal behaviour and early evidence of an increased frequency of suicidal thoughts in those who had become infected with COVID-19. Conclusions:  Research evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on suicidal behaviour is accumulating rapidly. This living review provides a regular synthesis of the most up-to-date research evidence to guide public health and clinical policy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on suicide risk as the longer term impacts of the pandemic on suicide risk are researched.

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