Evolution and Sustainability of the Helping Hands Volunteer Program: Consumer Recovery and Mental Health Comparisons Six Years On

2006 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank P. Deane ◽  
Retta Andresen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Volunteer Program ◽  
Mental Health Consumers ◽  
Volunteer Participation ◽  
Consumer Recovery

AbstractThe Helping Hands program commenced in 1999 and partners volunteers with mental health consumers for support and to increase social contact, recreational and friendship opportunities. The aim of the present study is to describe the evolution and sustainability of the program over the first 6 years. A description of consumers accessing the program using recovery-oriented measures and traditional measures of behavioural functioning is also provided. Service data was collected on the development of the program, service utilisation, volunteer participation and funding patterns. Cross-sectional measures of recovery and baseline and follow-up Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) were collected on 27 participants. Results showed that the Helping Hands program has evolved significantly since start-up with the development of numerous recreational, health and support groups and 48 active volunteers and 62 active clients. Consumer feedback indicates that the service increases the quality of life of participants considerably. Current clients showed less severe disability at referral than did the original group. There were improvements in the area of relationships on the HoNOS for those who had baseline and follow-up measures. The high volunteer participation rates and positive consumer outcomes represent significant value in return for the modest level of funding.

Effect of Mental Hospital Volunteer Work on Career Choice

1969 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
Murdo M. Dowds ◽  
James A. Kulik ◽  
Karl E. Scheibe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Mental Hospital ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Volunteer Work ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Volunteer Program ◽  
Career Plans ◽  
Academic Year

This study was designed to investigate the effect of participation in a mental hospital volunteer program on students' subsequent career plans and activities. Responses of the volunteers on follow-up questionnaires were compared with those of two control groups of college students not in the program. The number of volunteers planning careers in mental health professions increased significantly after participation in the program while the control groups showed little change in career plans. The volunteers also evaluated their summer's experience as highly important for their future vocational plans, and a high percentage planned to spend their next summer engaged in mental health activities. The program had only limited effects, however, on the academic-year behaviors of the volunteers.

scholarly journals Self-reported health status, treatment decision and survival in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis in a Western Norway population undergoing conservative treatment: a cross-sectional study with 18 months follow-up

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e016489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjersti Oterhals ◽  
Rune Haaverstad ◽  
Jan Erik Nordrehaug ◽  
Geir Egil Eide ◽  
Tone M Norekvål
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Treatment Decision ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Western Norway ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
Self Reported Health Status

ObjectivesTo investigate symptoms and self-reported health of patients conservatively treated for aortic stenosis (AS) and to identify factors associated with treatment decision and patient outcomes.DesignA cross-sectional survey with an 18-month follow-up.SettingOne tertiary university hospital in Western Norway.ParticipantsIn all, 1436 patients were diagnosed with AS between 2000 and 2012, and those 245 still under conservative treatment in 2013 were included in this study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcome measures were symptoms and self-reported health status. Secondary outcomes were treatment decision and patient survival after 18 months.ResultsA total of 136 patients with mean (SD) age 79 (12) years, 52% men responded. Among conservatively treated patients 77% were symptomatic. The symptom most frequently experienced was dyspnoea. Symptomatic patients reported worse physical and mental health compared with asymptomatic patients (effect size 1.24 and 0.74, respectively). In addition, symptomatic patients reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with asymptomatic patients. However, symptom status did not correlate with haemodynamic severity of AS. After 18 months, 117 (86%) were still alive, 20% had undergone surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and 7% transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). When adjusting for age, gender, symptomatic status, severity of AS and European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE), patients with severe AS had more than sixfold chance of being scheduled for AVR or TAVI compared with those with moderate AS (HR 6.3, 95% CI 1.9 to 21.2, p=0.003). Patients with EuroSCORE ≥11 had less chance for undergoing AVR or TAVI compared with those with EuroSCORE ≤5 (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.46, p=0.007).ConclusionsSymptoms affected both physical and mental health in conservatively treated patients with AS. Many patients with symptomatic severe AS are not scheduled for surgery, despite the recommendations in current guidelines. The referral practice for AVR is a path for further investigation.

The relationship between disability and suicide: prospective evidence from the Ten to Men cohort

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 707-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Milner ◽  
Anne-Marie Bollier ◽  
Eric Emerson ◽  
Anne Kavanagh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background People with disabilities often face a range of social and economic adversities. Evidence suggests that these disadvantages result in poorer mental health. Some research also indicates that people with disabilities are more likely experience thoughts about suicide than people without disability, although most of this research is based on small cross-sectional samples. Methods We explored the relationship between self-reported disability (measured at baseline) and likelihood of reporting thoughts of suicide (measured at follow up) using a large longitudinal cohort of Australian males. A logistic regression model was conducted with thoughts of suicide within the past 12 months (yes or no) as the outcome and disability as the exposure. The models adjusted for relevant confounders, including mental health using the SF-12 MCS, and excluded males who reported thoughts of suicide at baseline. Results After adjustment, there was a 1.48 (95% CI: 0.98–2.23, P = 0.063) increase in the odds of thoughts of suicide among men who also reported a disability. The size of association was similar to that of being unemployed. Conclusions Males reporting disability may also suffer from thoughts of suicide. We speculate that discrimination may be one explanation for the observed association. More research on this topic is needed.

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 Effect of changes in green spaces on mental health in older adults: a fixed effects analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mark Noordzij ◽  
Marielle A Beenackers ◽  
Joost Oude Groeniger ◽  
Frank J Van Lenthe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Green Space ◽  
Residential Environment ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Sectional Analysis

BackgroundUrban green spaces have been linked to different health benefits, but longitudinal studies on the effect of green spaces on mental health are sparse and evidence often inconclusive. Our objective was to study the effect of changes in green spaces in the residential environment on changes in mental health using data with 10 years of follow-up (2004–2014).MethodsData from 3175 Dutch adults were linked to accessibility and availability measures of green spaces at three time points (2004/2011/2014). Mental health was measured with the Mental Health Inventory-5. Fixed effects analyses were performed to assess the effect of changes in green spaces on mental health.ResultsCross-sectional analysis of baseline data showed significant associations between Euclidean distances to the nearest green space and mental health, with an increase of 100 m correlating with a lower mental health score of approximately 0.5 (95% CI −0.87 to −0.12) on a 0–100 scale. Fixed effects models showed no evidence for associations between changes in green spaces and changes in mental health both for the entire sample as well as for those that did not relocate during follow-up.ConclusionsDespite observed cross-sectional correlations between the accessibility of green space in the residential environment and mental health, no evidence was found for an association between changes in green spaces and changes in mental health. If mental health and green spaces are indeed causally linked, then changes in green spaces in the Eindhoven area between 2004 and 2014 are not enough to produce a significant effect.

Mental Well-Being and Its Associated Factors Among Myanmar Migrant Workers in Penang, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 320-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mila Nu Nu Htay ◽  
Swe Swe Latt ◽  
Khine Sandar Maung ◽  
Wai Wai Myint ◽  
Soe Moe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Mental Well Being

International migration has become a global phenomenon bringing with it complex and interrelated issues related to the physical and mental well-being of the people involved. This study investigated the mental well-being and factors associated with mental health among Myanmar migrant workers (MMW) in Malaysia. The cross-sectional study was conducted in Penang, Malaysia by using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index Scale (WHO-5) and the Mental Health subscale of 36 items in the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Among 192 migrant workers who were understudied, 79.2% had poor mental well-being according to the WHO-5 scale. The duration of stay in Malaysia and without receiving financial aid from their employers despite having a physical illness were significantly associated with poor mental well-being. Mental health support groups should target migrant workers for mental health education and find ways to provide assistance for them. Furthermore, premigration training should be delivered at the country of origin that also provides information on the availability of mental health support in the host country.

The first 30 months of the MindSpot Clinic: Evaluation of a national e-mental health service against project objectives

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 1227-1239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nickolai Titov ◽  
Blake F Dear ◽  
Lauren G Staples ◽  
James Bennett-Levy ◽  
Britt Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Project Objectives

Objective: The MindSpot Clinic provides online mental health services to Australian adults with anxiety and depression. This paper describes users of MindSpot between January 2013 and June 2015. Outcomes are considered against three key objectives: improving access to mental health services, improving public awareness of how to access services and providing evidence-based treatments. Method: Website traffic data were examined to determine patterns of use. Demographic characteristics, past service utilisation and reasons for contacting MindSpot were analysed. Outcomes for patients enrolled in a MindSpot treatment course were also analysed. Primary outcomes were scores on the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-Item, Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Civilian Version, administered at assessment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Results: The website was visited by almost 500,000 Australians, of which 33,990 adults started assessments, and 25,469 people completed assessment and were eligible for analysis. Mean age was 36.4 years (standard deviation = 13.3 years; range = 18–94 years), and 72% were female. The proportion living in rural or remote regions and who identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander closely matched national statistics. The majority (82%) reported that they were not currently in contact with mental health services. Most patients sought an assessment, information about treatment options, or referral to another service, and only 24% of those completing an assessment commenced a MindSpot treatment course. Of these, large clinical effects ( d: 0.7–2.4; average symptom reductions: 25.5% to 61.6%) were found from assessment to follow-up on all outcome measures. Deterioration ranged from 1.0% to 4.3%. Conclusion: Based on the number of website visits, completed assessments and treatment outcomes, MindSpot achieved its three programme objectives. This model of service provision has considerable value as a complement to existing services, and is proving particularly important for improving access for people not using existing services.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH AMONG BANGLADESHI SENIOR CITIZENS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shahadat Hossen ◽  
Abu Hayat Md Rafiqul Rezvi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Condition ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a dangerous virus that was first emerged in China at December 2019. It has already infected more than 128 million people and killed more than 2.8 million people. The main purpose of this paper is to find out the present mental condition of Bangladeshi Senior Citizens in Dhaka city to overcome their loneliness or boringness. A systematic cross-sectional online survey regarding COVID-19 has been conducted from June 15 to June 25, 2020. After developing questionnaires utilizing Google form, it has been sent out to the participants using an online platform and the responses of the participants have been recorded. A total of 280 participants (100 female and 180 male) completed the survey. The average age of them is about 60 years. It has been observed that maximum male participants (58.3%) felt financial stress and maximum female participants (56%) felt horrified due to COVID-19. Additionally, it has been found that maximum male and female participants were utilized more time in social media then the normal time. Since COVID-19 has already become a major issue all over the world, it is necessary to identify the mental health conditions and activities of people during this pandemic situation so that appropriate measures can be taken. More research should be conducted regarding mental health impact and possible solutions. Hopefully, it will ease to provide fruitful information especially for the community health workers with a view to helping them tackle these psychological fitness-related issues in response to other similar societal disasters. After the pandemic, follow-up should be made in order to improve mental health.

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