Mental health benefits from lifestyle physical activity interventions: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-372
Author(s):  
Samantha G. Farris ◽  
Ana M. Abrantes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Lifestyle Physical Activity

Lifestyle physical activity (LPA) interventions are a promising alternative to structured exercise interventions for addressing mental health problems. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature on LPA interventions in any population in order to determine (a) the extent to which mental health outcomes were examined and (b) whether benefits in mental health outcomes were observed. Mental health outcomes were defined as depression, anxiety, perceived stress, health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being. A total of 73 articles were identified as LPA intervention, of which 24.7% (n = 18) reported the effect of LPA intervention on mental health outcomes. The most commonly evaluated mental health outcome was depression, and to a lesser extent anxiety and perceived stress. Overall, findings point to promising effects of LPA interventions across common mental health problems. Key areas for future research are discussed in light of emergent limitations in existing published studies.

scholarly journals The mental health impact of the covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers, and interventions to help them: a rapid systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Elizabeth Muller ◽  
Elisabet Vivianne Hafstad ◽  
Jan Peter William Himmels ◽  
Geir Smedslund ◽  
Signe Flottorp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Sleeping Problems

Background: The covid-19 pandemic has heavily burdened, and in some cases overwhelmed, healthcare systems throughout the world. Healthcare workers are not only at heightened risk of infection, but also of adverse mental health outcomes. Identification of organizational, collegial and individual risk and resilience factors impacting the mental health of healthcare workers are needed to inform preparedness planning and sustainable response. Methods: We performed a rapid systematic review to identify, assess and summarize available research on the mental health impact of the covid-19 pandemic on healthcare workers. On 11 May 2020, we utilized the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's Live map of covid-19 evidence, the visualization of a database of 20,738 screened studies, to identify studies for inclusion. We included studies reporting on any type of mental health outcome in any type of healthcare workers during the pandemic. We described interventions reported by the studies, and narratively summarized mental health-related outcomes, as study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. We assessed study quality using design-specific instruments. Results: We included 59 studies, reporting on a total of 54,707 healthcare workers. The prevalence of general psychological distress across the studies ranged from 7-97% (median 37%), anxiety 9-90% (median 24%), depression 5-51% (median 21%), and sleeping problems 34-65% (median 37%). Seven studies reported on implementing mental health interventions, and most focused on individual symptom reduction, but none reported on effects of the interventions. In most studies, healthcare workers reported low interest in and use of professional help, and greater reliance on social support and contact with family and friends. Exposure to covid-19 was the most commonly reported correlate of mental health problems, followed by female gender, and worry about infection or about infecting others. Social support correlated with less mental health problems. Discussion: Healthcare workers in a variety of fields, positions, and exposure risks are reporting anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and distress during the covid-19 pandemic, but most studies do not report comparative data on mental health symptoms. before the pandemic. There seems to be a mismatch between risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes among healthcare workers in the current pandemic and their needs and preferences, and the individual psychopathology focus of current interventions. Efforts to help healthcare workers sustain healthy relationships to colleagues, family and friends over time may be paramount to safeguard what is already an important source of support during the prolonged crisis. Expanding interventions' focus to incorporate organizational, collegial and family factors to support healthcare workers responding to the pandemic could improve acceptability and efficacy of interventions. Other: The protocol for this review is available online. No funding was received.

scholarly journals Well-Being and Perceived Stress of Adolescent Young Carers: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Wepf ◽  
Agnes Leu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Young Carers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAdolescent young carers have been described as a hidden group at risk of mental health problems. However, research has not yet clarified the effect of caring when considering the related family situation. We aimed to examine the impact of a caring role on adolescents’ mental health and to gain knowledge about adolescent young carers’ specific needs. We collected cross-sectional data from adolescents (15–21 years, N = 2525) recruited through educational institutions in German-speaking Switzerland. Based on self-reported answers regarding the presence or absence of a family member with health problems and youth’s caring activities, the participants were grouped into three subsamples. We compared mental health outcomes (well-being and perceived stress) in current carers and their peers, and we conducted multiple regression analyses for predicting these outcomes among all adolescents and the subsample of carers. Adolescent young carers had lower levels of well-being and higher levels of perceived stress than their peers. However, when controlling for background variables, well-being levels were lower only when carers were compared to adolescents from a healthy family background. Indicators of family instability predicted mental health outcomes independently of being a carer. More recognition for the caring role predicted better well-being and perceived stress outcomes, and more support in caring predicted better well-being but not perceived stress outcomes. The findings suggest that a caring role is not necessarily related to decreased well-being in adolescents, but it is associated with higher levels of perceived stress. The way professionals and services respond to young carers’ specific needs should be improved.

Mental Health Among Adolescents from Returned Portuguese Immigrant Families

2010 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Félix Neto
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Immigrant Families ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Older Adolescents ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Portuguese Adolescents

This study investigated mental health problems and their predictors among adolescents from returned immigrant families. The sample consisted of 360 returned adolescents (mean age = 16.8 years; SD = 1.9). The mean duration of a sojourn in Portugal for the sample was 8.2 years (SD = 4.5). A control group of 217 Portuguese youths were also included in the study. Adolescents from immigrant families reported mental health levels similar to those of Portuguese adolescents who have never migrated. Girls showed more mental health problems than boys. Younger adolescents showed fewer mental health problems than older adolescents. Adaptation variables contributed to mental health outcomes even after acculturation variables were accounted for. Implications of the study for counselors are discussed.

scholarly journals Mental health of women and children experiencing family violence in conflict settings: a mixed methods systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Delan Devakumar ◽  
Alexis Palfreyman ◽  
Amaran Uthayakumar-Cumarasamy ◽  
Nazifa Ullah ◽  
Chavini Ranasinghe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Family Violence ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Conflict Settings

Abstract Background Armed conflict has significant impacts on individuals and families living in conflict-affected settings globally. Scholars working to prevent violence within families have hypothesised that experiencing armed conflict leads to an increase in family violence and mental health problems. In this review, we assessed the prevalence of family violence in conflict settings, its association with the mental health of survivors, moderating factors, and the importance of gender relations. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies that assessed the prevalence of family violence and the association between family violence and mental health problems, within conflict settings (PROSPERO reference CRD42018114443). Results We identified 2605 records, from which 174 full text articles were screened. Twenty-nine studies that reported family violence during or up to 10 years after conflict were eligible for inclusion. Twenty one studies were quantitative, measuring prevalence and association between family violence and mental health problems. The studies were generally of high quality and all reported high prevalence of violence. The prevalence of violence against women was mostly in the range of 30–40%, the highest reported prevalence of physical abuse being 78.9% in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For violence against children, over three-quarters had ever experienced violence, the highest prevalence being 95.6% in Sri Lanka. Associations were found with a number of mental health problems, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder. The risk varied in different locations. Eight qualitative studies showed how men’s experience of conflict, including financial stresses, contributes to their perpetration of family violence. Conclusions Family violence was common in conflict settings and was associated with mental health outcomes, but the studies were too heterogenous to determine whether prevalence or risk was greater than in non-conflict settings. The review highlights an urgent need for more robust data on perpetrators, forms of family violence, and mental health outcomes in conflict-affected settings in order to help understand the magnitude of the problem and identify potential solutions to address it.

scholarly journals Green walking groups: A mixed-methods review of the mental health outcomes for adults with mental health problems

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-171
Author(s):  
Tom Swinson ◽  
Jennifer Wenborn ◽  
Paul Sugarhood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Natural Environments

Introduction Evidence suggests group walking in natural environments is more beneficial to the general population’s mental health than walking indoors, in urban environments, and alone. Such ‘green walking groups’ have been suggested as an occupational therapy intervention that could be suitable for adults with mental health problems. However, there have been no reviews of the mental health outcomes of participating in green walking groups for this population. Method A mixed-methods literature review was conducted. A range of databases was systematically searched electronically. Papers that met pre-defined inclusion criteria were selected, critically appraised, and qualitative and quantitative data were extracted. Thematic analysis was used to identify key qualitative outcomes. Findings Six papers were included and eight mental health outcomes identified. The evidence suggests participants can experience connections with other people, connections with nature, and a sense of freedom. There is some limited evidence to support improvements to mood, self-esteem, reflection on life tasks, and symptoms of depression, with mixed evidence for experiencing a sense of achievement. Conclusion This review can be used to build the evidence base for the link between occupation and mental health, and inform the clinical decision-making of occupational therapists, who are well-placed to design and implement green walking groups.

scholarly journals Child and Family Outcomes Following Pandemics: A Systematic Review and Recommendations on COVID-19 Policies

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 1124-1143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa C. Fong ◽  
Grace Iarocci
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Family Outcomes

Abstract Objective A systematic review of mental health outcomes and needs of children and families during past pandemics was conducted based on the PRISMA protocol. The objectives were to evaluate the quality of existing studies on this topic, determine what is known about mental health outcomes and needs of children and families, and provide recommendations for how COVID-19 policies can best support children and families. Methods Seventeen studies were identified through a search of PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Results Studies examining child outcomes indicate that social isolation and quarantining practices exert a substantial negative impact on child anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fear symptoms. Potential risk factors such as living in rural areas, being female, and increasing grade level may exacerbate negative mental health outcomes for children. Studies examining parental and family outcomes indicate that parents experience high stress, anxiety, and financial burden during pandemics. The age of the parent and family socioeconomic status (SES) appeared to mitigate negative outcomes, where older parents and higher SES families had lower rates of mental health problems. Parents’ fear over the physical and mental health of their children, concerns over potential job loss and arranging childcare contributes to elevated stress and poorer well-being. Conclusions Findings from this review suggest current gaps in COVID-19 policies and provide recommendations such implementing “family-friendly” policies that are inclusive and have flexible eligibility criteria. Examples include universal paid sick leave for parents and financial supports for parents who are also frontline workers and are at an elevated risk for contracting the disease.

scholarly journals Mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for infection prevention: A systematic umbrella review of the global evidence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Mahbub Hossain ◽  
Abida Sultana ◽  
Neetu Purohit
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Umbrella Review ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Global Evidence

Background: Transmission of infectious diseases is often prevented by quarantine and isolation of the populations at risk. These approaches restrict the mobility, social interactions, and daily activities of the affected individuals. In recent novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine and isolation are being adopted in many contexts, which necessitates an evaluation of global evidence on how such measures impact the mental health outcomes among populations. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation for preventing infectious diseases.Materials and methods: We searched nine major databases and additional sources and included articles if they were systematically conducted reviews, published as peer-reviewed journal articles, and reported mental health outcomes of quarantine or isolation in any population.Results: Among 1364 citations, only eight reviews met our criteria. Most of the primary studies in those reviews were conducted in high-income nations and in hospital settings. These articles reported a high burden of mental health problems among patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare providers who experienced quarantine or isolation. Prevalent mental health problems among the affected individuals include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, psychological distress, posttraumatic stress disorder, insomnia, fear, stigmatization, low self-esteem, lack of self-control, and other adverse mental health outcomes.Conclusion: This umbrella review found severe mental health problems among individuals and populations who have undergone quarantine and isolation in different contexts. This evidence necessitates multipronged interventions including policy measures for strengthening mental health services globally and promoting psychosocial wellbeing among high-risk populations.

Children of Parents with a Mental Illness — The COPMI Project

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-105
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Fudge
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Outcomes For Children ◽  
The Impact

When adults experience mental health problems, the effect on their family members can be immense. The impact on the person's children, both of the parent's behaviour and of their treatment, can be profound but is frequently overlooked by service providers for a range of reasons. The current national COPMI project has been initiated to promote better mental health outcomes for children of parents with a mental illness, especially by providing information and good practice guidance for services and people in the community who work with these families and their children.

scholarly journals The use of coping strategies “shift-persist” mediates associations between physical activity and mental health problems in adolescents: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Dahlstrand ◽  
Peter Friberg ◽  
Jonatan Fridolfsson ◽  
Mats Börjesson ◽  
Daniel Arvidsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Psychosomatic Symptoms ◽  
School Time

Abstract Background Self-perceived mental health problems among adolescents has had an upward trend. Concurrently, adolescents’ physical activity (PA) has been falling whilst sedentary time (SED) has increased. There is a lack of research using accelerometer measured PA and SED to study their relationships to perceived stress and psychosomatic symptoms, both frequently observed mental health problems among adolescents. Whether coping strategies is one of the mechanisms underlying such relationship is less clear. Methods A total of 2283 13-year olds were enrolled in the baseline examination of the STARS (STudy of Adolescence Resilience and Stress) study in Western Sweden. Light-, moderate-, vigorous-intensity PA (LPA, MPA and VPA) and SED were measured using hip-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. A total of 1284 adolescents provided valid accelerometer data (at least 4 days with ≥10 h per day). PA and SED during school-time and leisure-time were analysed separately. Surveys were utilized to monitor perceived stress, psychosomatic symptoms and the use of coping strategies “shift-persist”. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were performed adjusting for gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and puberty development. Results We observed that more time spent in PA was associated with less stress in adolescents. The associations were observed for LPA (Odds ratio for LPA per 60 min: 0.557 (95% CI 0.399–0.776), VPA (Odds ratio for VPA per 15 min: 0.688 (95% CI 0.588–0.806) and MVPA (Odds ratio for MVPA per 15 min: 0.795 (95%CI 0.718–0.879) during leisure time, but not during school time. Similar associations were observed between leisure time PA and psychosomatic symptoms. The associations remained statistically significant even after adjusting for the confounders. Further, our data showed that adolescents who engaged more time in PA during leisure time were more likely to adopt the coping strategies of “shift-persist”. Mediation analysis showed that the use of “shift-persist” mediated the associations between leisure time PA and stress/psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions Leisure time physical activity, irrespective of intensity, may facilitate successful coping with stress and stress-related mental health problems in adolescents.

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