scholarly journals Mapping population mental health concerns related to COVID-19 and the consequences of physical distancing: a Google trends analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duleeka Knipe ◽  
Hannah Evans ◽  
Amanda Marchant ◽  
David Gunnell ◽  
Ann John
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Social Stressors ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

Background: The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic is a major international public health challenge.  Governments have taken public health protection measures to reduce the spread of the virus through non-pharmalogical measures. The impact of the pandemic and the public health response on individual and population mental health is unknown.  Methods: We used Google Trends data (1 Jan 2020 - 1 Apr 2020) to investigate the impact of the pandemic and government measures to curb it on people’s concerns, as indexed by changes in search frequency for topics indicating mental distress, social and economic stressors and mental health treatment-seeking. We explored the changes of key topics in Google trends in Italy, Spain, USA, UK, and Worldwide in relation to sentinel events during the pandemic. Results: Globally there appears to be significant concerns over the financial and work-related consequences of the pandemic, with some evidence that levels of fear are rising. Conversely searching for topics related to depression and suicide fell after the pandemic was announced, with some evidence that searches for the latter have risen recently. Concerns over education and access to medication appear to be particular social stressors. Whilst searches for face-to-face treatments have declined, those for self-care have risen. Conclusions: Monitoring Google trends shows promise as a means of tracking changing public concerns. In weeks to come it may enable policy makers to assess the impact of their interventions including those aiming to limit negative consequences, such as government funded financial safety nets.

scholarly journals Mapping population mental health concerns related to COVID-19 and the consequences of physical distancing: a Google trends analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duleeka Knipe ◽  
Hannah Evans ◽  
Amanda Marchant ◽  
David Gunnell ◽  
Ann John
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Social Stressors ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

Background: The 2020 Coronavirus pandemic is a major international public health challenge.  Governments have taken public health protection measures to reduce the spread of the virus through non-pharmalogical measures. The impact of the pandemic and the public health response on individual and population mental health is unknown.  Methods: We used Google Trends data (1 Jan 2020 -  30 Mar 2020) to investigate the impact of the pandemic and government measures to curb it on people’s concerns, as indexed by changes in search frequency for topics indicating mental distress, social and economic stressors and mental health treatment-seeking. We explored the changes of key topics in Google trends in Italy, Spain, USA, UK, and Worldwide in relation to sentinel events during the pandemic. Results: Globally there appears to be significant concerns over the financial and work-related consequences of the pandemic, with some evidence that levels of fear are rising. Conversely relative searching for topics related to depression and suicide fell after the pandemic was announced, with some evidence that searches for the latter have risen recently. Concerns over education and access to medication appear to be particular social stressors. Whilst searches for face-to-face treatments have declined, those for self-care have risen. Conclusions: Monitoring Google trends shows promise as a means of tracking changing public concerns. In weeks to come it may enable policy makers to assess the impact of their interventions including those aiming to limit negative consequences, such as government funded financial safety nets.

scholarly journals Exploring experiences and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young racially minoritised people in the United Kingdom: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rochelle Ann Burgess ◽  
Nancy Kanu ◽  
Tanya Matthews ◽  
Owen Mukotekwa ◽  
Amina Smith-Gul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
The Impact

Within high-income-countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted people from racially minoritised backgrounds. There has been significant research interrogating the disparate impact of the virus, and recently, interest in the long-term implications of the global crisis on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. However, less work explores the experiences of young people from racialised backgrounds as they navigate the pandemic, and the specific consequences this has for their mental health. Forty young people (age 16-25) from black, mixed and other minority backgrounds and living in London, participated in consecutive focus group discussions over a two-month period, to explore the impact of the pandemic on their lives and emotional wellbeing. Thematic analysis identified seven categories describing the impact of the pandemic, indicating: deepening of existing socioeconomic and emotional challenges; efforts to navigate racism and difference within the response; and survival strategies drawing on communal and individual resources. Young people also articulated visions for a future public health response which addressed gaps in current strategies. Findings point to the need to contextualize public health responses to the pandemic in line with the lived experiences of racialised young people. We specifically note the importance of long-term culturally and socio-politically relevant support interventions. Implications for policy and practice are discussed

scholarly journals Is Google Trends a useful tool for tracking mental and social distress during a public health emergency? A time-series analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duleeka Knipe ◽  
David Gunnell ◽  
Hannah Evans ◽  
Ann John ◽  
Daisy Fancourt
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Population Mental Health ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Uk

AbstractBackgroundGoogle Trends data are increasingly used by researchers as an indicator of population mental health, but few studies have investigated the validity of this approach.MethodsRelative search volumes (RSV) for the topics depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicide, suicidal ideation, loneliness, and abuse were obtained from Google Trends. We used graphical and time-series approaches to compare daily trends in searches for these topics against population measures of these outcomes recorded using validated scales (PHQ-9; GAD-7; UCLA-3) in a weekly survey (n=∼70,000) of the impact COVID-19 on psychological and social experiences in the UK population (12/03/2020 to 21/08/ 2020).ResultsSelf-reported levels of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, loneliness and abuse decreased during the period studied. There was no evidence of an association between self-reported anxiety, self-harm, abuse and RSV on Google Trends. Trends in reported depression symptoms and suicidal ideation declined over the study period, whereas Google topic RSV increased (p=0.03 and p=0.04 respectively). There was some evidence that suicidal ideation searches preceded reported self-harm (p=0.05), but graphical evidence suggested this was an inverse association. However, there was statistical and graphical evidence that self-report and Google searches for loneliness (p<0.001) tracked one another.LimitationsNo age/sex breakdown of Google Trends data are available. Survey respondents were not representative of the UK population and no pre-pandemic data were available.ConclusionGoogle Trends data do not appear to be a useful indicator of changing levels of population mental health during a public health emergency, but may have some value as an indicator of loneliness.

scholarly journals Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call for Action

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 411-412
Author(s):  
G. Kalcev ◽  
A. Preti ◽  
G. Orrù ◽  
M.G. Carta
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Health Response ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
The Impact

The current COVID-19 pandemic is likely to affect the physical and mental health and the well-being of people globally. The physicians and nurses on the frontline of patients care will be among the most affected in their psychosocial well-being, being exposed to trauma consequences and burnout syndrome. It is still unknown whether the COVID-19 infection will have direct neuropsychiatric consequences. The impact of the quarantine lockdown on mental health, too, has to be taken into account. The inclusion of mental health as part of national public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic is mandatory in assisting all those in need.

scholarly journals Using Google Trends to assess the impact of Global Public Health Days on online health information-seeking behaviour in Arabian Peninsula

2021 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aymane Ajbar ◽  
Thomas A. Shepherd ◽  
Michelle Robinson ◽  
Christian D. Mallen ◽  
James A. Prior
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Arabian Peninsula ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Health Information Seeking ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Online Health Information Seeking ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Global Public Health Days (GPHD) are public health interventions which serve to improve public awareness of specific health conditions. Google Trends is a publicly available tool that allows the user to view the popularity of a searched keyword during a specified time period and across a predetermined region. Our objective was to use Google Trends to assess the impact of four GPHD (World Heart Day, World Mental Health Day, World Diabetes Day and World Hypertension Day) on online health information-seeking behaviour (OHISB), 4 weeks before and a week after the GPHD, across six countries of the Arabian Peninsula (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates). Methods Relative Search Volume (RSV) was extracted for the aforementioned countries from 28 days before the GPHD and 7 days afterwards. Statistical analysis, undertaken using joinpoint regression software, showed that GPHD have significant changes for Saudi Arabia (Diabetes, Mental Health and Heart day) and UAE (Mental Health day) but were short-lived with a fall in RSV of up to 80% after peak interest. Conclusion GPHD appears to be effective in some countries while further research is needed to investigate the reason of its limitations.

scholarly journals Public Health measures to control the spread of COVID-19 amongst the migrant population in Malta

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Melillo ◽  
R M C Medialdea-Carrera
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Communication Barriers ◽  
Migrant Population ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Issue In the last 10 years, the migrant population residing in Malta has increased exponentially. The COVID-19 epidemic impacted disproportionally migrants which are often in disadvantaged positions due to the lower socioeconomic status, communication barriers and lower education levels. Description of the Problem During the COVID-19 epidemic migrants were particularly affected due to multiple factors including communication barriers, restriction measures imposed, loss of employment, challenges accessing the healthcare system, travel ban and mental health issues. Ports were closed preventing disembarkation of migrant boats and asylum request applications were put on hold. Results As of the 16th of June, a total of 30.2% (n = 198) confirmed COVID-19 cases were migrants. A strategy to support migrants was designed and implemented. The COVID-19 outbreak in a migrant centre resulted in all the 800 residents being placed in lock-down for 38 days (5th April till 13th May) and a total of 50 COVID-19 cases. Migrant boats that arrived before ports were closed were placed under quarantine. Migrants reported difficulties seeking healthcare, using the helpline, and higher exposure risk due to overcrowded living conditions. Lessons Migrants faced additional challenges due to the impact of the pandemic. The public health response measures implemented for the general population were not always feasible or accessible for the migrant population including hygiene recommendations, access to testing, isolation and quarantine and access to accurate scientific information. The mental health impact of COVID-19 among migrant populations was enhanced due to loneliness, lack of communication with their families and financial instability. Challenges accessing the healthcare system, understanding the restriction measures and the evolving public health recommendations were highlighted. Future strategies to control epidemics should always include specific plans to support migrant populations. Key messages The public health strategy must incorporate specific plans to support migrants in order to control and reduce the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. Transdisciplinary policy needs to be developed considering the ethical, socio-economical, psychological and human right aspects of the migrant population.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Public Health Response on People with Eating Disorder Symptomatology: A National Australian Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Miskovic-Wheatley ◽  
Eyza Koreshe ◽  
Marcellinus Kim ◽  
Rachel Simeone ◽  
Sarah Maguire
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
State Mental Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Symptom Profile ◽  
Health Response ◽  
The Impact ◽  
State Mental

Abstract Background Associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is a mental health crisis. People with lived experience of eating disorders (ED) may be particularly vulnerable due to exasperating factors including social isolation, co-occurring conditions, etc. This study investigates the association of the pandemic with ED symptomatology to consider impact and identify risk factors for clinical consideration. Methods Australian participants over 16 years self-reported ED diagnosis and/or symptomatology. An online survey was conducted due to reach, cost-effectiveness, safety and suitability. Participants recorded ED status, co-occurring mental health conditions, completed validated measures of ED illness, state mental health and loneliness, and changes in ED symptoms during the pandemic. Results Of 1723 participants (mode age 24.9 years, 91.6% identifying as female, EDE Global Score x = 4.08, SD = 1.18), 88.0% reported an increase in body image concerns, 74.1% in food restriction, 66.2% binge eating and 46.8% driven exercise during the pandemic. Increased ED symptomatology was associated with poorer state mental health and loneliness across the ED symptom profile. Most participants were negatively impacted by various aspects of the public health response, more so for those with more acute illness. Conclusions With 40.5% of participants not having sought formal diagnostic assessment and less than half in treatment, this study provides evidence for the detrimental impact of the pandemic on people with a lived experience of an eating disorder, especially for those not yet supported by the health care system. This presents baseline data - investigation is ongoing to 6 month follow up to assess longer-term impact.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Phase

Background: To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week shut-down of public life in March/April 2020 which was followed by a gradual withdrawal of these restriction measures in May/June 2020. We expect that the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods: We conducted three analyses to assess the association between COVID-19 public health restriction measures and loneliness: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an analysis of the correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness based on cross-sectional survey data from early May 2020, and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes in loneliness (Corona panel data) from late March to early June 2020. Results: We found (1) loneliness levels to have increased in 2020 in comparison with previous years, (2) an association between the number of restriction measures older adults reported to be affected from and loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during shut-down compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Discussion: Our results provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus we do not expect strong negative consequences for older adults mental health downstream. Nonetheless, effects of longer and/or repeated future restriction measures aiming at social distancing should be closely monitored.

scholarly journals Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers

2021 ◽  
pp. 089198872199681
Author(s):  
Kerry Hanna ◽  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Hilary Tetlow ◽  
Kym Ward ◽  
Justine Shenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background: To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers. Method: Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives. Results: 20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures. Conclusions: The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.

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