scholarly journals Postnatal Mental Health, Handwashing Practices, and Infant Illness in Rural China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Jiang ◽  
Nourya Cohen ◽  
Mika Ohtori ◽  
Jie Gao ◽  
Qingzhi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Western China ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
The Past

Abstract Background: Maternal mental health problems are a major burden to global public health and play an important role in infant wellbeing. While western countries have extensively studied the associations between maternal mental disorders, infant health, and hygiene practices, little is known in developing settings. This study investigates the correlations between postnatal mental health problems and infant illness as well as handwashing practices of mothers in rural western China.Methods: The research team followed a multi-stage random cluster sampling method to select a total of 720 mothers of infants aged 0-6 months from poverty counties in rural western China. Surveys questions about mental health were based on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and questions about infant illness and handwashing practices followed evaluative surveys of prior studies. Adjusted ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions were run to examine how postnatal mental health problems (including depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) are associated with infant illnesses and maternal handwashing practices.Results: We found significant associations between all three symptoms of postnatal mental health and whether the infant had shown symptoms of illness twice in the past two weeks; depression and anxiety symptoms are significantly associated with whether the infant had been taken to the doctor in the past two weeks. Additionally, depression symptoms had a significant negative association with all categories of handwashing practices, and symptoms of anxiety and stress were significantly associated with handwashing count and frequently washing hands after cleaning infant’s bottom.Conclusion: These results indicate that postnatal mental health problems are significantly associated with infant illness and suggest that postnatal mental health interventions may be effective in mitigating poor infant health outcomes.

scholarly journals Maternal Mental Health, Handwashing Practices, and Infant Illness in Rural China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Jiang ◽  
Nourya Cohen ◽  
Mika Ohtori ◽  
Jie Gao ◽  
Qingzhi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Western China ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
The Past

Abstract Background: Maternal mental health problems are a major burden to global public health and play an important role in infant wellbeing. While western countries have extensively studied the associations between maternal mental disorders, infant health, and hygiene practices, little is known in developing settings. This study investigates the correlations between maternal mental health problems and infant illness as well as handwashing practices of mothers in rural western China.Methods: The research team followed a multi-stage random cluster sampling method to select a total of 720 mothers of infants aged 0-6 months from poverty counties in rural western China. Surveys questions about mental health were based on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and questions about infant illness and handwashing practices followed evaluative surveys of prior studies. Adjusted ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions were run to examine how maternal mental health problems (including depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) are associated with infant illnesses and maternal handwashing practices.Results: We found significant associations between all three symptoms of maternal mental health and whether the infant had shown symptoms of illness twice in the past two weeks; depression and anxiety symptoms are significantly associated with whether the infant had been taken to the doctor in the past two weeks. Additionally, depression symptoms had a significant negative association with all categories of handwashing practices, and symptoms of anxiety and stress were significantly associated with handwashing count and frequently washing hands after cleaning infant’s bottom.Conclusion: These results indicate that maternal mental health problems are significantly associated with infant illness and suggest that postnatal mental health interventions may be effective in mitigating poor infant health outcomes.

scholarly journals Relationships with caregivers and mental health outcomes among adolescents living with HIV: a prospective cohort study in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia Shenderovich ◽  
Mark Boyes ◽  
Michelle Degli Esposti ◽  
Marisa Casale ◽  
Elona Toska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Positive Caregiving ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Mental health problems may impact adherence to anti-retroviral treatment, retention in care, and consequently the survival of adolescents living with HIV. The adolescent-caregiver relationship is an important potential source of resilience. However, there is a lack of longitudinal research in sub-Saharan Africa on which aspects of adolescent-caregiver relationships can promote mental health among adolescents living with HIV. We draw on a prospective longitudinal cohort study undertaken in South Africa to address this question. Methods The study traced adolescents aged 10–19 initiated on antiretroviral treatment in government health facilities (n = 53) within a health district of the Eastern Cape province. The adolescents completed standardised questionnaires during three data collection waves between 2014 and 2018. We used within-between multilevel regressions to examine the links between three aspects of adolescent-caregiver relationships (caregiver supervision, positive caregiving, and adolescent-caregiver communication) and adolescent mental health (depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms), controlling for potential confounders (age, sex, rural/urban residence, mode of infection, household resources), n=926 adolescents. Results Improvements in caregiver supervision were associated with reductions in anxiety (0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, p=0.0002) but not depression symptoms (0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00, p=.151), while changes in positive caregiving were not associated with changes in mental health symptoms reported by adolescents. Improvements in adolescent-caregiver communication over time were associated with reductions in both depression (IRR=0.94, 95% CI 0.92–0.97, p<.0001) and anxiety (0.91, 95% CI 0.89–0.94, p<.0001) symptoms reported by adolescents. Conclusions Findings highlight open and supportive adolescent-caregiver communication and good caregiver supervision as potential factors for guarding against mental health problems among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa. Several evidence-informed parenting programmes aim to improve adolescent-caregiver communication and caregiver supervision, and their effect on depression and anxiety among adolescents living with HIV should be rigorously tested in sub-Saharan Africa. How to improve communication in other settings, such as schools and clinics, and provide communication support for caregivers, adolescents, and service providers through these existing services should also be considered.

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and childhood injury: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Hope ◽  
Jessica Deighton ◽  
Nadia Micali ◽  
Catherine Law
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
Childhood Injury ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Uk Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveWe assessed whether maternal mental health problems increased rates for child injury during the preschool years and mid-childhood, and the extent to which associations could be accounted for by a range of potential explanatory factors.DesignWe analysed the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative sample with data collected throughout childhood. Multinomial regression was used to investigate whether two measures of maternal mental health (diagnosed depression/anxiety and psychological distress) were associated with subsequent childhood injury. Models adjusted for sociodemographics, parenting and child externalising behaviours.Main outcome measureMaternal report of unintentional injuries (none, 1, 2+) recorded at three data collection periods (3–5 years; 5–7 years; 7–11 years).ResultsThe analytic sample comprised n=9240 families who participated 3–11 years with complete data on exposures and outcomes (multiply imputing missing covariates). Exposure to maternal mental health problems was associated with increased rates of subsequent childhood injuries. Associations attenuated after adjustment for potential explanatory factors, although they remained elevated. For example, high maternal distress was associated with injuries 3–5 years (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR): 1 injury=1.18, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.61; 2+ injuries=2.22, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.02); injuries 5–7 years (aRRR: 1 injury=1.31, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.76; 2+ injuries=1.84, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.09); and injuries 7–11 years (aRRR: 1 injury=1.03, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.31; 2+ injuries=1.33, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.81).ConclusionsChildren exposed to mothers with mental health problems had higher rates of childhood injury than those not exposed. If further investigation of this association suggests causality then it will be important to test measures that address mothers’ mental health issues with a view to reducing injuries among their children.

scholarly journals Severe and enduring mental health problems within an established substance misuse treatment partnership

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 216-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Walsh ◽  
Alex Copello
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
The Past ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Effective Service

Aims and methodThe study reports findings of an investigation into the presence of severe and enduring mental health problems within the four statutory and non-statutory teams of an established substance misuse treatment partnership.ResultsOf a total of 772 clients in the four teams surveyed, 69 (8.9%) were identified as having severe and enduring mental health problems and problem substance use in the past 12 months. Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used by this predominantly male group. Different rates were found across the four teams, with higher numbers in the non-statutory teams. The clients displayed significant levels of self-harm and suicide risk and were responsible for 131 acute service contacts over the past 12 months.Clinical implicationsClients with severe and enduring mental health problems engaged with substance misuse services display high levels of complex need. It is important to identify the best and most effective service response to this group.

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and infant emotional reactivity: a 20-year two-cohort study of preconception and perinatal exposures

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Spry ◽  
Margarita Moreno-Betancur ◽  
Denise Becker ◽  
Helena Romaniuk ◽  
John B. Carlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Prior Exposure ◽  
Differential Sensitivity ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum

AbstractBackgroundMaternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum predicts later emotional and behavioural problems in children. Even though most perinatal mental health problems begin before pregnancy, the consequences of preconception maternal mental health for children's early emotional development have not been prospectively studied.MethodsWe used data from two prospective Australian intergenerational cohorts, with 756 women assessed repeatedly for mental health problems before pregnancy between age 13 and 29 years, and during pregnancy and at 1 year postpartum for 1231 subsequent pregnancies. Offspring infant emotional reactivity, an early indicator of differential sensitivity denoting increased risk of emotional problems under adversity, was assessed at 1 year postpartum.ResultsThirty-seven percent of infants born to mothers with persistent preconception mental health problems were categorised as high in emotional reactivity, compared to 23% born to mothers without preconception history (adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.1). Ante- and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms were similarly associated with infant emotional reactivity, but these perinatal associations reduced somewhat after adjustment for prior exposure. Causal mediation analysis further showed that 88% of the preconception risk was a direct effect, not mediated by perinatal exposure.ConclusionsMaternal preconception mental health problems predict infant emotional reactivity, independently of maternal perinatal mental health; while associations between perinatal depressive symptoms and infant reactivity are partially explained by prior exposure. Findings suggest that processes shaping early vulnerability for later mental disorders arise well before conception. There is an emerging case for expanding developmental theories and trialling preventive interventions in the years before pregnancy.

How writing and using Insight Poetry helped me to overcome my illness

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anonymous
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

In 1986 I suffered a severe mental breakdown. I have had serious mental health problems for 15 years. Over the past 15 months, my mental and physical health have improved considerably. During this time, I have been writing and using Insight Poetry to help overcome my illness.

Gender and validity of self-rated health in nineteen European countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 647-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerio Baćak ◽  
Sigrún Ólafsdóttir
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Concurrent Validity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
European Continent ◽  
Self Rated Health

Aims: The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the concurrent validity of self-rated health for mental and physical health in Europe; and (2) evaluate whether self-rated health predicts health problems differentially by gender. Methods: Data are from 19 European countries surveyed in the 2014 European Social Survey. We applied ordinary least squares regression to examine the association between self-rated health and summary indicators of physical and mental health problems. Results: We observed an association between self-rated health and both physical and mental health problems in all countries. Gender differences in the concurrent validity of self-rated health were documented in eleven out of 19 countries. Conclusions: Self-rated health is a valid and efficient measure of physical and mental health across the European continent, with significantly greater concurrent validity among women.

scholarly journals The relationship between internet addiction and mental health problems such as depression symptoms, anxiety and insomnia before and during Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 215-225
Author(s):  
Natalia Biedroń ◽  
Marta Szabat ◽  
Jan Dąbrowski ◽  
Karolina Dębek ◽  
Ilona Gąbka
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Internet Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Effects

Introduction: On the account of the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments around the world have imposed multiple restrictions on public life to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Social disruption and forced isolation contributed to increased stress as well as increased use of the Internet.Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health problems, including Internet addiction, and to link Internet addiction with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression symptoms and insomnia.Material and methods: The data for the article was found using the PubMed and Google Scholar websites.Description of the state of knowledge: Internet addiction (IA) is becoming an increasingly serious problem of the modern world. The problem of Internet abuse is associated with various risk factors that are dependent on gender or family relationships, as well as mental disorders.Many studies have confirmed that the Covid-19 pandemic caused negative mental health effects, contributing to increased anxiety and depression symptoms. To reduce stress, people started using the internet more often. This compensatory mechanism can cause even more mental health problems by increasing anxiety, symptoms of depression and insomnia.Summary: Research by many scientists shows that the Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating the mental health problems associated with IA. Research shows that during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is especially important to be able to manage stress through non-internet-related activities to help prevent IA.

scholarly journals Postnatal Mental Health, Breastfeeding Beliefs, and Breastfeeding Practices in Rural China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Jiang ◽  
Evelyn Zhang ◽  
Nourya Cohen ◽  
Mika Ohtori ◽  
Sabrina Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Breastfeeding Attitude

Abstract Background The importance of breastfeeding in low- and middle- income countries is well recognized, yet the importance of postnatal mental health on breastfeeding practices and beliefs in these settings has been understudied. This study investigates the associations between maternal mental health problems and breastfeeding beliefs as well as practices in rural China. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 742 mothers of infants under six months old in rural Sichuan Province, China. Surveys collected data on maternal mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms), breastfeeding beliefs (attitudes and self-efficacy), and breastfeeding practices. Ordinary least squares regression, multiple logistic regression and heterogeneous effect analyses were used to determine the associations between maternal mental health and breastfeeding outcomes. Results Among all respondents, 13% showed symptoms of depression, 16% anxiety, and 9% stress. The prevalence of full breastfeeding was 59.3%. Breastfeeding attitude was significantly associated with symptoms of depression (p = 0.023) and breastfeeding self-efficacy with symptoms of depression (p = 0.001) and symptoms of stress (p = 0.020). However, there were no significant associations between symptoms of mental health problems and full breastfeeding. The heterogeneous effects analyses revealed that full breastfeeding was negatively associated with stress symptoms when the infant was from a high-income family (p = 0.011). In addition, full breastfeeding was negatively associated with the father having a higher education level (p = 0.026, p = 0.048, and p = 0.020) and the infant being older than 2 months old (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.00), regardless of maternal mental health problem symptoms. Conclusion Symptoms of maternal mental health problems are significantly associated with breastfeeding attitude and self-efficacy, yet has less of an association with breastfeeding practices. To improve breastfeeding practices, interventions need a multi-dimensional approach that should not only focus on improving maternal mental well-being but also consider demographic background characteristics.

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