scholarly journals Through the Looking Glass of Social Media. Focus on Self-Presentation and Association with Mental Health and Quality of Life. A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study.

Author(s):  
Jens Christoffer Skogen ◽  
Gunnhild Hjetland Johnsen ◽  
Tormod Bøe ◽  
Randi Træland Hella ◽  
Ann Kristin Knudsen

Abstract Background Social media use among adolescents has been linked to mental health and well-being. However, most of the studies investigating this association focus primarily on frequency and duration of use, providing little knowledge of how various types of social media activities may be differentially linked to mental health and well-being. A recent narrative review highlighted that self-presentation may be an important factor to investigate in order to better understand the link between use of social media and well-being among adolescents. The aims of the present study were to investigate the association between focus on self-presentation on social media and mental health and quality of life among adolescents. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the overall and gender-stratified associations between self-presentation and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as a general measure of quality of life. Methods This study employs a cross-sectional survey-based design. A total of 513 (56%) students enrolled at a senior high school in Norway participated. The mean age of the participants were 17.1 years (1.1 standard deviations), and 58% were boys. Associations between focus on self-presentation on social media and symptoms of anxiety and depression and quality of life were investigated using blobbograms, standardized mean difference and gender-specific linear regression models. Results Overall, a high focus on self-presentation on social media was associated with more mental health problems and reduced quality of life. The strength of the associations with symptoms of depression (0.64 standardised mean difference (SMD)) and anxiety (0.60 SMD) was medium to large, while it was medium for quality of life (-0.45 SMD). In gender-stratified analyses, the association was similar for boys and girls in relation to symptoms of anxiety. For symptoms of depression, the association was stronger for girls compared to boys. Focus on self-presentation on social media was only significantly associated with quality of life among girls. Conclusions In sum, our findings are preliminary evidence of a medium strong relationship between focus on self-presentation on social media and symptoms of anxiety and depression for both genders, albeit with potential important gender differences. Potential implications and public health relevance of the findings are discussed.

Author(s):  
Jens Christoffer Skogen ◽  
Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland ◽  
Tormod Bøe ◽  
Randi Træland Hella ◽  
Ann Kristin Knudsen

Social media (SOME) use among adolescents has been linked to mental health and well-being. SOME self-presentation has been highlighted as an important factor to better understand the potential links. The aims of this study were to investigate the association between focus on SOME self-presentation and mental health and quality of life among adolescents. We used a cross-sectional survey, with N = 513 (56%; mean age 17.1 years; 58% boys) students from a senior high school in Norway. Associations between focus on SOME self-presentation and symptoms of anxiety and depression and quality of life were investigated using blobbograms, standardized mean difference (SMD), and gender-specific linear regression models. A high focus on SOME self-presentation was associated with more mental health problems and reduced quality of life. The strength of the associations with symptoms of depression (0.75SMD) and anxiety (0.71SMD) was large, while it was medium-large for quality of life (−0.58SMD). The association was similar across gender in relation to symptoms of anxiety. For symptoms of depression and quality of life, the association was stronger for girls compared to boys. Our findings yield preliminary evidence of a potential relationship between focus on SOME self-presentation and mental health.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaked Ashkenazi ◽  
Ole Linvaag Huseby ◽  
Gard Kroken ◽  
Luis Adrian Soto ◽  
Marius Pents ◽  
...  

Background and purpose In response to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, self-isolation practices aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19 have severely complicated the medical management of patients suffering from endometriosis and their physical and mental well- being. Endometriosis, the main cause for chronic pelvic pain (CPP), is a highly prevalent disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue in locations outside the uterine cavity that affects up to 10% of women in their reproductive age. This study aimed to explore the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic on patients suffering from endometriosis across multiple countries, and to investigate the different approaches to the medical management of these patients based on their self- reported experiences. Methods A cross-sectional survey, partially based on validated quality of life questionnaires for endometriosis patients, was initially created in English, which was then reviewed by experts. Through the process of assessing face and content validity, the questionnaire was then translated to fifteen different languages following the WHO recommendations for medical translation. After evaluation, the questionnaire was converted into a web form and distributed across different platforms. An analysis of 2964 responses of participants from 59 countries suffering from self-reported endometriosis was then conducted. Results The data shows an association between COVID-19 imposed compromises with the reported worsening of the mental state of the participants, as well as with the aggravation of their symptoms. For the 1174 participants who had their medical appointments cancelled, 43.7% (n=513) reported that their symptoms had been aggravated, and 49.3% (n=579) reported that their mental state had worsened. In comparison, of the 1180 participants who kept their appointments, only 29.4% (n=347) stated that their symptoms had been aggravated, and 27.5% (n=325) stated their mental health had worsened. 610 participants did not have medical appointments scheduled, and these participants follow a similar pattern as the participants who kept their appointments, with 29.0% (n=177) reporting aggravation of symptoms and 28.2% (n=172) reporting that their mental state had worsened. Conclusions These findings suggest that COVID-19 pandemic has had a clinically significant negative effect on the mental and physical well-being of participants suffering from endometriosis based on their self-reported experiences. Thus, they show the importance of further assessment and reevaluation of the current and future management of this condition in medical practices worldwide. Keywords Endometriosis, COVID-19, questionnaire, Quality of life, Mental health, Physical health


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 92-93
Author(s):  
Ghimire Ghimire ◽  
Devendra Singh ◽  
Sara McLaughlin ◽  
Dhirendra Nath ◽  
Hannah McCarren ◽  
...  

Abstract Traditionally, adult children have served as primary caretakers and providers for older Nepalese adults. However, out-migration of adult children for employment and other opportunities is increasing. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older Nepalese adults in general and in the context of adult children’s migration is poorly understood. This study aims to assess HRQOL of older Nepali adults and its relationship with adult children’s migration. We used existing cross-sectional survey data on 260 older adults from the Krishnapur municipality, which has witnessed a high rate of adult migration. HRQOL was assessed using the SF-12, which provides a physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) health component. Scores for PCS and MCS range from 0-100; a higher score indicates better HRQOL. Simple and multiple linear regression were used to assess correlates of HRQOL. Participants had suboptimal HRQOL [mean (±SD): PCS =40.4±9.2 and MCS=45.2±7.7]. After adjusting for covariates, adult children’s migration was associated with lower MCS scores (β: -2.33, 95%CI: -4.21, -0.44). Individuals with more than one child had higher MCS scores (β: 2.14, 95%CI: 0.19, 4.09). Females (β: -3.64, 95%CI: -7.21, -0.06) and those with a history of unemployment (β: -6.36, 95%CI: -10.57, -2.15) had lower PCS scores than their respective counterparts. The presence of one or more chronic conditions was associated with significantly lower PCS and MCS. Our findings suggest that out-migration of adult children may negatively effect HRQOL among older Nepali adults, specifically their psychological well-being. Additional research is needed to investigate potential moderating factors that may serve as important buffers.


2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e35011125095
Author(s):  
Pedro Henrique Batista de Freitas ◽  
Adriana Lúcia Meireles ◽  
Sabrina Martins Barroso ◽  
Marina de Bittencourt Bandeira ◽  
Mery Natali Silva Abreu ◽  
...  

Objective: to present the profile of quality of life and symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress in university students in the healthcare area. Method: a descriptive study with a quantitative approach to data, carried out with university students in the healthcare field of three Federal Institutions of Higher Education in Minas Gerais. Variables such as sociodemographic, lifestyle, presence of depression symptoms, anxiety and stress, and quality of life (QoL) were measured. The QoL was assessed using the WHOQUOL-bref scale and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress using the DASS-21 scale. A descriptive data analysis was performed. Results: 321 students participated in the study, mostly female (71.0%). More than 50% of the students had symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, regardless of the level of severity, while severe/very severe symptoms were present in more than 20% of them, presenting a higher proportion in the nursing course. The psychological domain had the lowest overall QoL score (58.33), and the best was observed in the social relationships domain (66.67). Nursing students had the lowest scores while physical education students had the best scores in most domains. Medical students had the best score in the environment domain (68.75). Conclusion: Suggest the planning of policies and strategies that promote the physical and mental well-being of students, as well as screening and monitoring of most vulnerable ones, as well as those with mental health problems; such strategies can positively impact QoL.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Elizabeth Muller ◽  
Anne Bukten

Purpose Measuring quality of life (QoL) under incarceration can be used to track successful rehabilitation and risk of re-offending. However, few studies have measured QoL among general incarcerated populations, and it is important to use psychometrically strong measures that pose minimal burdens to respondents and administrators. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The aim of this analysis was to explore the utility of a short generic tool measuring overall QoL, the QOL5, in an incarcerated population. The authors drew data from the Norwegian Offender Mental Health and Addiction Study, a cross-sectional survey of 1,499 individuals from Norwegian prisons. Findings Factor analysis suggested a unidimensional structure that explained 53.2 percent of variance in QoL scores. Intrascale correlations were high and internal consistency was acceptable (α=0.764). The QOL5 was strongly correlated with mental health, moderately correlated with exercise frequency and weakly correlated with ward security. Practical implications The QOL5 is a short measure that presents minimal burden to respondents and administrators. The authors recommend its further use in incarcerated populations to measure overall QoL as well as cross-cultural adaptation and validation in more languages. Originality/value In this analysis of the largest published sample to date of incarcerated individuals and their QoL, the QOL5 appears to be an acceptable and valid measure of overall QoL.


Rev Rene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. e61752
Author(s):  
Abigail Oluwadunni Davis ◽  
Oladapo Michael Olagbegi ◽  
Kayode Orekoya ◽  
Mathew Adekunle ◽  
Olufemi Oyeleye Oyewole ◽  
...  

Objective: to analyze the caregiver burden and the quality of life of informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. Methods: the cross-sectional survey involved 109 caregivers of children with cerebral palsy recruited from physiotherapy clinic at a tertiary hospital. The quality of life and caregiver burden were assessed using the Personal Wellbeing Index Scale and the Modified Caregivers’ Strain Index, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: the mean strain index and quality of life scores of the participants were 11.85 ± 5.72 and 64.68 ± 8.03 respectively. The majority (67.9%) of the caregivers had fair personal well-being, while about one-third (33.0%) had high caregiver’s strain. Child’s age (B=2.454; p<0.005) and caregivers’ occupation (B= -2.547; p=0.001) were predictors of caregiver strain. Conclusion: caring for children with cerebral palsy imposed a substantial burden on the caregivers and child’s age and caregivers’ occupation were predictor variables.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Matzopoulos ◽  
Robert Morlock ◽  
Amy Morlock ◽  
Bernard Lerer ◽  
Leonard B Lerer

Introduction: Popular media coverage, including of recent positive late stage clinical trials in depression and PTSD, and decriminalization initiatives, are transforming the public perception of psychedelics. However, little is known about levels of knowledge and personal use of psychedelic mushroom(s) (PM) among American adults. Methods: We examined PM use and various measures of health status, quality of life and self-reported mental health outcome measures obtained through a national on-line, cross-sectional survey of adults with a demographic composition representative of the US adult population by region, gender, age, and race (weighted N = 251,297,495) from November 2020-March 2021. Results: General mental health and well-being was a popular reason for PM use (63.6%). PM users were less likely to be overweight than non-users, but overall quality of life (VR-12) was lower for mental health (39.5 vs 45.5). PM users reported significantly higher levels of anxiety (GAD-7 scores of 9.6 vs 5.9) and depression (PHQ-9 scores of 11.2 vs 6.8). They were less likely to have health insurance [OR=0.50 (0.35-0.72)], but reported significantly more healthcare services utilization. Discussion and Conclusions: There is a mismatch between our findings of an association between PM use and poor mental health outcomes, and current discourse on the positive health benefits of PM consumption. A significant number of Americans are already self medicating with PM and further research to understand the role of anecdotal knowledge and pseudoscientific information in PM uptake. There is an urgent need for a PM use-related national harm reduction strategy.


2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-155
Author(s):  
Jigna Chaudhary ◽  
Sarfraznawaz F Shah

COVID-19 pandemic has affected India to a great extent. Till date total of 3.30 crore peoples has been cured and discharged and 44.6 lakh are died due to covid -19 in India. COVID-19 has a long-term systemic effect on lungs, liver, spleen, anxiety and depression and persistence of inflammatory response even after getting cured or COVID negative. Which may affect quality of life. So, there is a need to evaluate quality of life in post COVID patients.A cross-sectional study was conducted on the 100 COVID-19 recovered Participants. Participants were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criterion. Basic assessment of symptom history, medical history and hospitalisation was done by investigator. A quality of life was evaluated using short form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft excel-2019.A total of 100 participants 61% were male and 39% were female participants. We found that general health component was greatly affected with 68.50%. Following general health emotional well-being (69.68%), social functioning (68.14), pain (64.38%), limitation due to emotional problems (64.19%), energy/fatigue (63.3%), limitation due to physical health (59.61) and physical functioning (48.27%) were affected.We found that there was mild – moderate affection in quality of life in covid recovered subjects. There was more affection in quality of life in participants with other comorbidities. We also found that there were persistence of breathlessness and fatigue after recovery.


Author(s):  
Regina L.T. Lee ◽  
Wai Tong Chien ◽  
Jason Ligot ◽  
Jennifer M. Nailes ◽  
Keiko Tanida ◽  
...  

Health-related behaviors during adolescence have lifelong impacts. However, there are unclear areas regarding the associations between health-related quality of life and demographic characteristics, as well as physical and psychosocial indicators. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between quality of life and body weight, sleep outcome, social support by age, and cohabitants, given that income, self-esteem, lifestyle, emotional, social and behavioral problems were taken into account among adolescents in East and Southeast Asia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Zhengzhou of China, Hong Kong, Kansai region of Japan, Taipei of Taiwan, Bangkok of Thailand and Manila of the Philippines between 2016 and 2017 among 21,359 urban adolescents aged between 9 and 16. The results showed that adolescents who had better self-esteem and control of emotions and behaviors had much higher level of perceived quality of life. Those who were overweight or obese, sleepy in the daytime, and not living with parents had worse quality of life compared with those who were not. In conclusion, psychosocial well-being should have a higher priority in the promotion of quality of life among Asian adolescents. Nevertheless, further studies are required to explore the differences in perceived quality of life between genders and countries.


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