Socioeconomic position and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis of the CovidLife study

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been linked to an increase in mental health problems. This study examined their association with socioeconomic position (SEP), as well as potential confounding and mediating factors. Methods: We analysed data from the CovidLife study (N=14,387; 66.4% female; mean [SD] age, 57.4 [13.9] years). Data were collected in an online survey of UK adults (aged 18 years or over) between 17 April and 7 June 2020. SEP measures included area deprivation (the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation [SIMD]), education level, household income, and employment status. Mental health was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Worry indices were derived using principal component analysis. Logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between SEP and mental health. Results: Low SEP was associated with increased odds of depression and anxiety (odds ratio [OR] range 1.18-2.69). These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, and psychiatric history. Multivariable adjustment for medical worry and isolation during the pandemic had the largest attenuating effects (ranges 18-60% and 4-46%, respectively) on mental health outcomes. When adding further adjustment for the remaining SEP markers and all potential confounding and mediating factors, depression was associated with high area deprivation and low education level and income, whilst anxiety was only associated with low education level. No dose-response relationship was observed. Conclusions: SEP was inversely associated with mental health, which was mostly explained by medical worry and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health interventions might target these factors to prevent widening inequalities in mental health. Future studies should use longitudinal data to investigate the association.

Download Full-text

The Perceived Impact of The First UK Covid-19 Lockdown on Companion Animal Welfare and Behaviour: A Mixed-Method Study of Associations with Owner Mental Health

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116171 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6171

Author(s):

Emily Shoesmith ◽

Luciana Santos de Assis ◽

Lion Shahab ◽

Elena Ratschen ◽

Paul Toner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Animal Welfare ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Principal Component ◽

Companion Animal ◽

Free Text ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Human Animal

Background: Companion animals may be a positive presence for their owners during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the welfare of a companion animal is strongly influenced by the behaviour of their owners, as well as their physical and social environment. We aimed to investigate the reported changes in companion animal welfare and behaviour and to examine the association between these changes and companion animal owners’ mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of UK residents over 18 years of age was conducted between April and June 2020 (n = 5926). The questionnaire included validated, bespoke items measuring outcomes related to mental health, human-animal bonds and reported changes in animal welfare and behaviour. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe experiences associated with human-animal relationships during the first UK lockdown phase. Results: Animal owners made up 89.8% of the sample (n = 5323), of whom 67.3% reported changes in their animal’s welfare and behaviour during the first lockdown phase (n = 3583). These reported changes were reduced to a positive (0–7) and negative (0–5) welfare scale, following principal component analysis (PCA) of 17 items. Participants reported more positive changes for cats, whereas more negative changes were reported for dogs. Thematic analysis identified three main themes relating to the positive and negative impact on companion animals of the Covid-19 pandemic. Generalised linear models indicated that companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores pre-lockdown reported fewer negative changes in animal welfare and behaviour. However, companion animal owners with poorer mental health scores since lockdown reported more changes, both positive and negative, in animal welfare and behaviour. Conclusion: Our findings extend previous insights into perceived welfare and behaviour changes on a very limited range of species to a wider a range of companion animals. Owner mental health status has a clear, albeit small, effect on companion animal welfare and behaviour.

Download Full-text

DOES CAFFEINE INTAKE INFLUENCE MENTAL HEALTH OF MEDICAL STUDENTS?

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine ◽

10.37268/mjphm/vol.21/no.2/art.626 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 22-28

Author(s):

Zaleha Md Isa ◽

Afraah Amani Anuar ◽

Amirul Danial Azmi ◽

Sanjeevaraj Tamil Selvan ◽

Noor Shafiqah Hisham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Caffeine Intake ◽

Caffeine Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Relationship Of

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) consumption among students is known to increase alertness and energy, as well as to alleviate stress. There has been an increase of caffeine consumption amongst young adults. Currently, there are no studies regarding caffeine consumption and its influence on mental health among Malaysians. We aimed to determine the relationship of caffeine consumption with depression, anxiety and stress among medical students. A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Data were collected via an online survey using two questionnaires, namely the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires on Caffeine Intake and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 262 medical students completed the survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 9.2%, 16.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Majority of students (98.5%) consumed caffeine from coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate drinks/food. The median daily caffeine consumption among consumers was 67.98 (25th,75th percentile: 24.83, 139.71) mg/day. There was a significant association between race and anxiety (p=0.038) in which the Malay students had the highest prevalence (21.1%), followed by Indian (16.1%), other races (15.4%) and Chinese students (3.8%). Caffeine consumption did not influence mental health of medical students in this study. Anxiety is the most prominent mental health problem among them. We recommend a programme tailored to medical students in recognising symptoms of mental health problems so that early intervention can be carried out.

Download Full-text

Associations among Solo Dining, Self-Determined Solitude, and Depression in South Korean University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147392 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7392

Author(s):

Sunjoo Jang ◽

Haeyoung Lee ◽

Seunghye Choi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

South Korean

Although solo dining motivated by self-determined solitude can be a positive and healthy experience for individuals, solo dining that is not motivated by self-determined solitude can trigger physical and mental health problems. This study examined the associations among solo dining, self-determined solitude, and depression in university students. Accordingly, an online survey was conducted on 372 university students. The results show that students who live alone, those in poor health, and those with more frequent solo dining experiences had higher depression scores than others. Whereas satisfaction with solo dining was high when voluntary solitude was high, female students displayed higher depression scores when they had low self-determined solitude or high non-self-determined solitude, and when they had a higher frequency of eating lunch alone, compared to their male counterparts. University undergraduates who live and dine alone, owing to non-self-determined solitude, are highly vulnerable to mental health problems, including depression. Hence, interventions that foster social connectedness and entail the identification of factors accounting for students’ non-self-determined solitude should be developed.

Download Full-text

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical and Mental Health of 5-12 Years Old Children from Parents’ Perspective: A cross-sectional Study

Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management ◽

10.24083/apjhm.v16i3.981 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 92-102

Author(s):

Isha Tajane ◽

Aamena Golwala ◽

Devanshi Nangia ◽

Isha Chavan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Recovery Period ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychosocial Wellbeing ◽

Crisis Recovery ◽

The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced children to spend increased amounts of time at home resulting in adverse effects on their physical and psychosocial wellbeing. Parents need to be aware about the changes in the mental and physical health of the children. Objectives: To identify the physical and mental health problems the children are facing because of the lockdown and to assess the awareness of such problems amongst the parents. Design: A cross sectional online survey was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health of the children from parents' perspectives. Setting: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Main Outcome Measure: Parent reported questionnaire. Results and conclusion: There were a significant increase in the number of hours spent on mobile phones, sitting, and sleeping during the lockdown as compared to before the lockdown whereas the number of hours spent on physical activity significantly decreased and also impacted their mental health. By taking part in the survey, the parents of the children became aware of the changes occurring in their child. These findings can guide immediate programmatic and policy efforts to preserve and promote child health during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period, and to inform strategies to mitigate potential harm during future pandemics.

Download Full-text

Changes in Substance Use and Mental Health Burden among Women during the Second Wave of COVID-19 in Germany

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189728 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9728

Author(s):

Henrike Schecke ◽

Madeleine Fink ◽

Alexander Bäuerle ◽

Eva-Maria Skoda ◽

Adam Schweda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Burden ◽

Second Wave

Unlike men, who are disproportionately affected by severe disease progression and mortality from COVID-19, women may be more affected by the economic, social and psychological consequences of the pandemic. Psychological distress and mental health problems are general risk factors for increases in the use of alcohol and other substances as a dysfunctional coping mechanism. Methods: An analysis was carried out of the female subset (n = 2153) of a population-based, cross-sectional online survey (October–December 2020), covering the “second wave” of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Results: Among women, 23% increased their alcohol use, 28.4% increased their nicotine use and 44% increased their illicit substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty percent reported major depressive symptoms and 23.4% symptoms of generalized anxiety. Generalized anxiety proved to be a significant predictor of increases in alcohol and nicotine use in logistic regression. Discussion: The mental health burden remained high during the second wave of COVID-19 and alcohol, nicotine and other substance use increased. However, the association between mental health and substance use was weak. Psychological distress does not seem to be the main motivator of substance use.

Download Full-text

Exposure to COVID-19-Related Information and its Association With Mental Health Problems in Thailand: Nationwide, Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25363 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pajaree Mongkhon ◽

Chidchanok Ruengorn ◽

Ratanaporn Awiphan ◽

Kednapa Thavorn ◽

Brian Hutton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Related Information ◽

Information Exposure

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on both the physical and mental health of individuals worldwide. Evidence regarding the association between mental health problems and information exposure among Thai citizens during the COVID-19 outbreak is limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the relationship between information exposure and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. METHODS Between April 21 and May 4, 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional, nationwide online survey of the general population in Thailand. We categorized the duration of exposure to COVID-19-related information as follows: <1 h/day (reference group), 1-2 h/day, and ≥3 h/day. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, and the Insomnia Severity Index for symptoms of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and insomnia, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between information exposure and the risk of developing the aforementioned symptoms. An ancillary analysis using multivariable multinomial logistic regression models was also conducted to assess the possible dose-response relationship across the severity strata of mental health problems. RESULTS Of the 4322 eligible participants, 4004 (92.6%) completed the online survey. Of them, 1481 (37.0%), 1644 (41.1%), and 879 (22.0%) participants were exposed to COVID-19-related information for less than 1 hour per day, 1 to 2 hours per day, or 3 or more hours per day, respectively. The major source of information related to the COVID-19 pandemic was social media (95.3%), followed by traditional media (68.7%) and family members (34.9%). Those exposed to information for 3 or more hours per day had a higher risk of developing symptoms of depression (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.76; P=.03), anxiety (adjusted OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.43-2.46; P<.001), and insomnia (adjusted OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.17-1.97; P=.001) than people exposed to information for less than 1 hour per day. Meanwhile, people exposed to information for 1 to 2 hours per day were only at risk of developing symptoms of anxiety (adjusted OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.69; P=.008). However, no association was found between information exposure and the risk of perceived stress. In the ancillary analysis, a dose-response relationship was observed between information exposure of 3 or more hours per day and the severity of mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that social media is the main source of COVID-19-related information. Moreover, people who are exposed to information for 3 or more hours per day are more likely to develop psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Longitudinal studies investigating the long-term effects of COVID-19-related information exposure on mental health are warranted.

Download Full-text

Factors Associated with Mental Health Results among Workers with Income Losses Exposed to COVID-19 in China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17155627 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (15) ◽

pp. 5627 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Xin Li ◽

Peixin Lu ◽

Lianting Hu ◽

Tianhui Huang ◽

Long Lu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Severity Index ◽

Health Problems ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Factors Associated

The outbreak and worldwide spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a high prevalence of mental health problems in China and other countries. This was a cross-sectional study conducted using an online survey and face-to-face interviews to assess mental health problems and the associated factors among Chinese citizens with income losses exposed to COVID-19. The degrees of the depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress symptoms of our participants were assessed using the Chinese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Insomnia Severity Index-7 (ISI-7), and the revised 7-item Impact of Event Scale (IES-7) scales, respectively, which found that the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress caused by COVID-19 were 45.5%, 49.5%, 30.9%, and 68.1%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mental health outcomes among workers with income losses during COVID-19. Participants working in Hubei province with heavy income losses, especially pregnant women, were found to have a high risk of developing unfavorable mental health symptoms and may need psychological support or interventions.

Download Full-text

COVID-19 preventive behaviors among people with anxiety and depression: Findings from Japan

10.1101/2020.06.19.20135293 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Andrew Stickley ◽

Tetsuya Matsubayashi ◽

Hajime Sueki ◽

Michiko Ueda

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Face Mask ◽

Health Problems ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Japanese Adults

AbstractLittle is known about COVID-19 preventive behaviors among individuals with mental health problems. This study used cross-sectional online survey data from 2000 Japanese adults collected in April and May, 2020, to examine the association between anxiety and depression and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that both anxiety and depression were associated with lower odds for engaging in preventive behaviors such as wearing a face mask and hand washing. Our results highlight the importance of facilitating the performance of preventive behaviors in individuals with mental health problems to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in this population.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Social Support on Students’ Behavior in the Context of Iraqi Medical Education

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2021.7688 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (E) ◽

pp. 1553-1559

Author(s):

I. D. Al-Hasani ◽

H. S. Salih ◽

A. T. Abdul Wahid ◽

Mohammed Jabarah

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Medical Students ◽

Social Life ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are reflected and linked to human behavior in many aspects. Medical students are susceptible to a wide variety of events that compromise their mental well-being, social life as well as their academic achievements. AIM: This study aimed to find the impact of social support on medical students’ behavior in Iraq via assessing their depression, anxiety, and stress status. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey-based study targeted all medical students in Iraq. The employed questionnaires covered mental health status of participants by evaluating their perceptions of depression, anxiety, and stress using. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant influence of social support on students’ perceptions of depression and anxiety, but not of their perception of stress. CONCLUSION: Lending social support to medical student is crucial to improve their depression and anxiety with all the positive results that the support brings to their behavior and social life. However, they need more than the social support to keep them safe from academic and daily life stressors.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of mental health problems in frontline healthcare workers after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China: a cross-sectional study

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-021-01743-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wen-Ping Guo ◽

Qing Min ◽

Wei-Wei Gu ◽

Liang Yu ◽

Xiao Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Problems ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Problems ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract Background More than 210,000 medical workers have fought against the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei in China since December 2019. However, the prevalence of mental health problems in frontline medical staff after fighting COVID-19 is still unknown. Methods Medical workers in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province were invited to participate a cross-sectional and convenience sampling online survey, which assessed the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results A total of 1,091 responses (33% male and 67% female) were valid for statistical analysis. The prevalence was anxiety 53%, insomnia 79%, depression 56%, and PTSD 11%. Healthcare workers in Wuhan were more likely to face risks of anxiety (56% vs. 52%, P = 0.03) and PTSD (15% vs. 9%, P = 0.03) than those in other cities of Hubei. In terms of educational attainment, those with doctoral and masters’ (D/M) degrees may experience more anxiety (median of 7.0, [interquartile range (IQR) 2.0–8.5] vs. median 5.0 [IQR 5.0–8.0], P = 0.02) and PTSD (median 26.0 [IQR 19.5–33.0] vs. median 23.0 [IQR 19.0–31.0], P = 0.04) than those with lower educational degrees. Conclusions The mental problems were an important issue for the healthcare workers after COVID-19. Thus, an early intervention on such mental problems is necessary for healthcare workers.

Download Full-text