Strategies to improve mental health and well-being within the UK construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 173 (2) ◽  
pp. 64-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc A Campbell ◽  
Joseph G Gunning
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

A positive psychology study and intervention on the well-being of French PhD students in biology

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Marais ◽  
Rebecca Shankland ◽  
Pascale Haag ◽  
Robin Fiault ◽  
Bridget Juniper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Reference Sample ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Human Costs ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Control ◽  
Health And Well Being

In France, little data are available on mental health and well-being in academia, and nothing has been published about PhD students. From studies abroad, we know that doing a PhD is a difficult experience resulting in high attrition rates with significant financial and human costs. Here we focused on PhD students in biology at university Lyon 1. A first study aimed at measuring the mental health and well-being of PhD students using several generalist and PhD-specific tools. Our results on 136 participants showed that a large fraction of the PhD students experience abnormal levels of stress, depression and anxiety, and their mean well-being score is significantly lower than that of a British reference sample. French PhD student well-being is specifically affected by career uncertainty, perceived lack of progress in the PhD and perceived lack of competence, which points towards possible cultural differences of experiencing a PhD in France and the UK. In a second study, we carried out a positive psychology intervention. Comparing the scores of the test and control groups showed a clear effect of the intervention on reducing anxiety. We discuss our results and the possible future steps to improve French PhD students’ well-being.

scholarly journals Use of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Syed Sheriff ◽  
Helen Adams ◽  
Evgenia Riga ◽  
Andrew K. Przybylski ◽  
Laura Bonsaver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Online Culture ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
June July ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

Aims and method To gain a deeper understanding of the use of online culture and its potential benefits to mental health and well-being, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on usage, perceived mental health benefits and health status were collected in an online cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in June–July 2020. Results In total, 1056 people completed the survey. A high proportion of participants reported finding online culture helpful for mental health; all but one of the benefits were associated with regular use and some with age. Reported benefits were wide-ranging and interconnected. Those aged under 25 years were less likely to be regular users of online culture or to have increased their use during lockdown. Clinical implications There may be benefits in targeting cultural resources for mental health to vulnerable groups such as young adults.

scholarly journals The health and well-being effects of drought: assessing multi-stakeholder perspectives through narratives from the UK

2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (4) ◽  
pp. 2073-2095
Author(s):  
Kimberly Bryan ◽  
Sarah Ward ◽  
Liz Roberts ◽  
Mathew P. White ◽  
Owen Landeg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractThe global literature on drought and health highlights a variety of health effects for people in developing countries where certain prevailing social, economic and environmental conditions increase their vulnerability especially with climate change. Despite increased focus on climate change, relatively less is known about the health-drought impacts in the developed country context. In the UK, where climate change–related risk of water shortages has been identified as a key area for action, there is need for better understanding of drought-health linkages. This paper assesses people’s narratives of drought on health and well-being in the UK using a source-receptor-impact framing. Stakeholder narratives indicate that drought can present perceived health and well-being effects through reduced water quantity, water quality, compromised hygiene and sanitation, food security, and air quality. Heatwave associated with drought was also identified as a source of health effects through heat and wildfire, and drought-related vectors. Drought was viewed as potentially attributing both negative and positive effects for physical and mental health, with emphasis on mental health. Health impacts were often complex and cross-sectoral in nature indicating the need for a management approach across several sectors that targets drought and health in risk assessment and adaptation planning processes. Two recurring themes in the UK narratives were the health consequences of drought for ‘at-risk’ groups and the need to target them, and that drought in a changing climate presented potential health implications for at-risk groups.

scholarly journals Occupational stress management for UK construction professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 819-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saheed O. Ajayi ◽  
William Jones ◽  
Maria Unuigbe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose The increasing awareness of stress as an issue in the construction industry, and the increased realisation of the more effective approach of preventing stress as opposed to treating mental health, has placed a great responsibility on industries that rely heavily on the performance of their workforce. In line with this, this paper aims to investigate the causes of stress and the best strategies for improving professional resilience and stress management proficiency in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Using exploratory sequential mixed method research design, the top factors that cause stress, mitigate stress and build resilience are identified and discussed. Findings The findings show thematic similarities in the causes of stress, by displaying a reoccurring theme relating to the quality and lack of information, as well as poor communication among the construction professionals. This implies that poor collaboration and “over-the-wall syndrome” of the construction industry does not only contribute to defective output and reworks, it also has significant impacts on the health and well-being of the professionals. Recommendations are made on how to mitigate stress in the industry, by addressing its root-causes and implementing the identified mitigation strategies. This includes a realistic approach to budgeting and project duration, as well as improved communication and collaboration. Originality/value Finding of this study could help in mitigating stress and mental health concerns that are currently plaguing the construction industry.

scholarly journals UK veterans’ mental health and well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e049815
Author(s):  
Marie-Louise Sharp ◽  
Danai Serfioti ◽  
Margaret Jones ◽  
Howard Burdett ◽  
David Pernet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hazardous Drinking ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol Use ◽  
Hazardous Alcohol ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and well-being of UK ex-service personnel (veterans) before and during the pandemic, and to assess associations of COVID-19 experiences and stressors with mental health, alcohol use and loneliness.DesignAn additional wave of data was collected from a longitudinal cohort study of the UK Armed Forces.SettingOnline survey June–September 2020.ParticipantsCohort members were included if they had completed a questionnaire at phase 3 of the King’s Centre for Military Health Research health and well-being study (2014–2016), had left the Armed Forces after regular service, were living in the UK, had consented to follow-up and provided a valid email address. Invitation emails were sent to N=3547 with a 44% response rate (n=1562).Primary outcome measuresCommon mental health disorders (CMDs) (measured using the General Health Questionnaire, 12 items—cut-off ≥4), hazardous alcohol use (measured using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, 10 items—cut off ≥8) and loneliness (University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale— 3 items-cut-off ≥6).ResultsVeterans reported a statistically significant decrease in hazardous drinking of 48.5% to 27.6%, while CMD remained stable (non-statistically significant increase of 24.5% to 26.1%). 27.4% of veterans reported feelings of loneliness. The COVID-19 stressors of reporting difficulties with family/social relationships, boredom and difficulties with health were statistically significantly associated with CMD, hazardous drinking and loneliness, even after adjustment for previous mental health/hazardous alcohol use.ConclusionsOur study suggests a COVID-19 impact on veterans’ mental health, alcohol use and loneliness, particularly for those experiencing difficulties with family relationships. Veterans experienced the pandemic in similar ways to the general population and in some cases may have responded in resilient ways. While stable levels of CMD and reduction in alcohol use are positive, there remains a group of veterans who may need mental health and alcohol treatment services.

scholarly journals Culturally-tailored Peer Support for Doctors and Nurses of Indian Origin

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sunil Daga ◽  
Viju Varadarajan ◽  
Manasvi Dwaraknath ◽  
Saraswati Hosdurga ◽  
Rajeev Metri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Indian Origin ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

The mental health and well-being needs of healthcare workers have risen sharply, fuelled by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Migrant healthcare workers are affected not only by events in the country where they work but also by events in countries where their family and friends reside. Despite, increase in psychological distress, migrant HCWs don’t use the existing resources to support their needs.   This paper summarises discussions from the workshop focusing on reasons/barriers in uptake of mental health and well-being resources in the UK, the scope of peer support initiatives and its boundaries in supporting colleagues in the UK and India. Finally, it makes recommendations on the governance structure and checklist when organising peer support for healthcare workers. 

scholarly journals Evaluating PsychEd: a mental health and well-being educational programme for secondary schools

BJPsych Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Pittock ◽  
Laura Meagher ◽  
Stephen M. Lawrie
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Negative Comments ◽  
Scottish Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

BackgroundYoung people's mental health and well-being is an important concern in the UK. Provision of education and support to schools has been highlighted as an area for improvement; however, evidence-based programmes are scarce and costly.AimsTo provide an acceptable education programme to improve pupils' confidence and knowledge of mental health and well-being. It covered the mental and emotional well-being outcomes set by the Scottish Government in their schools' curriculum.MethodLessons were designed by A.P. and delivered by volunteer doctors and medical students, and supervised by a psychiatrist. Outcomes were measured using questionnaires before and after lessons with optional comments.ResultsPsychEd was piloted in 2016 in six schools to pupils between the ages of 11 and 18. There was a statistically significant improvement in pupil confidence and knowledge after the lessons (P < 0.001). Of the pupils 84% felt that having lessons on mental health was useful. Qualitative feedback was also collected and coded into positive, constructive and negative comments. In total, 72% of pupil comments were positive.ConclusionsPsychEd showed promising results. Future areas of development include reaching a greater number of local authority schools, longer training for volunteers and provision of teaching materials to teachers for their own use.Declaration of interestNone.

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