scholarly journals Mental health consequences of long-term stays in refugee camps: Preliminary evidence from Moria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
willemine van de Wiel ◽  
Carla Castillo-Laborde ◽  
Francisco Urzúa I. ◽  
Michelle Fish ◽  
Willem F. Scholte
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis

Abstract Background Ever since the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal, most refugees that enter Greece via sea are confined to the island on which they arrive until their asylum claims are adjudicated, where they generally reside camps. Some of these camps have detention-like characteristics and dire living conditions, such as Moria camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Aid-organizations have stated that the situation in camp Moria deteriorates the mental health of its inhabitants and there is qualitative evidence to support this. This study explores the quantitative relationship between the incidence of acute mental health crises and the length of stay in the camp. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely collected data on 856 consultations of 634 different patients during 90 nights at an emergency clinic in Moria camp. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore whether the length of stay in the camp was predictive of the occurrence of an acute mental health crisis. Results Of the 634 patients, the majority were men (59·3%), the average age was 23·2 years [0–71], and 24·3% was <18 years. 25·5% (n=218) of consultations were related to mental health problems; 17·0% (n=37) of these met the study’s case definition of an acute mental health crisis. Such crises were positively associated with the length of stay in the camp (p=0011); the odds ratio of a mental health crisis increases with 1·03 for every 10% increase in days of residence in the camp. This is notable when considering the average length of stay in the camp is 71 days. Conclusion This study offers quantitative support for the notion that the adverse conditions in Moria camp deteriorate the mental health of its inhabitants as suggested in qualitative research. Although this study does not provide evidence of causality, it is likely that the poor and unsafe living conditions, challenging refugee determination procedures, and a lack of mental health services in the camp are significant contributing factors. We urgently call for Europe’s policymakers to honor the ‘51 Geneva refugee convention and terminate the neglectful situation on the Greek archipelago.

scholarly journals Mental health consequences of long-term stays in refugee camps: preliminary evidence from Moria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Willemine van de Wiel ◽  
Carla Castillo-Laborde ◽  
I. Francisco Urzúa ◽  
Michelle Fish ◽  
Willem F. Scholte
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis

Abstract Background Ever since the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal, most refugees that enter Greece via sea are confined to the island on which they arrive until their asylum claims are adjudicated, where they generally reside in camps. Some of these camps have detention-like characteristics and dire living conditions, such as Moria camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Aid-organizations have stated that the situation in camp Moria deteriorates the mental health of its inhabitants and there is qualitative evidence to support this. This study explores the quantitative relationship between the incidence of acute mental health crises and the length of stay in the camp. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely collected data on 856 consultations of 634 different patients during 90 nights at an emergency clinic in Moria camp. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore whether the length of stay in the camp was predictive of the occurrence of an acute mental health crisis. Results Of the 634 patients, the majority were men (59·3%), the average age was 23·2 years [0–71], and 24·3% was < 18 years. 25·5% (n = 218) of consultations were related to mental health problems; 17·0% (n = 37) of these met the study’s case definition of an acute mental health crisis. Such crises were positively associated with the length of stay in the camp (p = 0·011); the odds ratio of a mental health crisis increases with 1·03 for every 10% increase in days of residence in the camp. This is notable when considering the average length of stay in the camp is 71 days. Conclusion This study offers quantitative support for the notion that the adverse conditions in Moria camp deteriorate the mental health of its inhabitants as suggested in qualitative research. Although this study does not provide evidence of causality, it is likely that the poor and unsafe living conditions, challenging refugee determination procedures, and a lack of mental health services in the camp are significant contributing factors. We urgently call for Europe’s policymakers to honour the ‘51 Geneva refugee convention and terminate the neglectful situation on the Greek archipelago.

scholarly journals Mental health consequences of long-term stays in refugee camps: Preliminary evidence from Moria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
willemine van de Wiel ◽  
Carla Castillo-Laborde ◽  
Francisco Urzúa I. ◽  
Michelle Fish ◽  
Willem F. Scholte
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Refugee Camps ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis

Abstract Background Over the last decade, millions of refugees have arrived in Europe. Upon arrival refugees reside in designated refugee camps which, even though originally designed to home refugees on a short stay basis only, developed into long-stay facilities. Some of these camps have detention-like characteristics and dire living conditions. One such example is Moria camp on the island of Lesvos, Greece, which has been repeatedly reported for being overcrowded, unhygienic, and unsafe. This study explores the incidence of acute mental health crises and their relationship with the length of stay in the camp. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely collected data on 857 consultations during 90 nights at an emergency night clinic in Moria camp. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore whether the length of stay in the camp was predictive of the occurrence of acute mental health crises. Results Of all consultations (n=857), 25⋅5% (n=219) were related to mental health problems; 17⋅4% (n=38) of these met the study’s case definition of acute mental health crisis. Such crises were positively associated with the length of stay in the camp (p=0⋅044); the odds ratio increases with 1·03 for every 10% increase in days of residence. This is notable when considering the average length of stay in the camp (71 days). Conclusion Acknowledging that this study does not provide causal effects on the relation between length of stay and mental health crises, the established link can hardly be related to anything else but the inhumane living conditions in the camp, its inhabitants’ lack of future expectations, and the scarce provision of mental health services. This form of neglect urgently calls for attention of the medical world and Europe’s policy makers.

scholarly journals Increase in prevalence of current mental disorders in the context of COVID-19: analysis of repeated nationwide cross-sectional surveys

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Winkler ◽  
T. Formanek ◽  
K. Mlada ◽  
A. Kagstrom ◽  
Z. Mohrova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis

Abstract Aims The United Nations warned of COVID-19-related mental health crisis; however, it is unknown whether there is an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders as existing studies lack a reliable baseline analysis or they did not use a diagnostic measure. We aimed to analyse trends in the prevalence of mental disorders prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We analysed data from repeated cross-sectional surveys on a representative sample of non-institutionalised Czech adults (18+ years) from both November 2017 (n = 3306; 54% females) and May 2020 (n = 3021; 52% females). We used Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as the main screening instrument. We calculated descriptive statistics and compared the prevalence of current mood and anxiety disorders, suicide risk and alcohol-related disorders at baseline and right after the first peak of COVID-19 when related lockdown was still in place in CZ. In addition, using logistic regression, we assessed the association between COVID-19-related worries and the presence of mental disorders. Results The prevalence of those experiencing symptoms of at least one current mental disorder rose from a baseline of 20.02 (95% CI = 18.64; 21.39) in 2017 to 29.63 (95% CI = 27.9; 31.37) in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of both major depressive disorder (3.96, 95% CI = 3.28; 4.62 v. 11.77, 95% CI = 10.56; 12.99); and suicide risk (3.88, 95% CI = 3.21; 4.52 v. 11.88, 95% CI = 10.64; 13.07) tripled and current anxiety disorders almost doubled (7.79, 95% CI = 6.87; 8.7 v. 12.84, 95% CI = 11.6; 14.05). The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in 2020 was approximately the same as in 2017 (10.84, 95% CI = 9.78; 11.89 v. 9.88, 95% CI = 8.74; 10.98); however, there was a significant increase in weekly binge drinking behaviours (4.07% v. 6.39%). Strong worries about both, health or economic consequences of COVID-19, were associated with an increased odds of having a mental disorder (1.63, 95% CI = 1.4; 1.89 and 1.42, 95% CI = 1.23; 1.63 respectively). Conclusions This study provides evidence matching concerns that COVID-19-related mental health problems pose a major threat to populations, particularly considering the barriers in service provision posed during lockdown. This finding emphasises an urgent need to scale up mental health promotion and prevention globally.

scholarly journals Association of Child Mental Health with Child and Family Characteristics in Rural China: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5107
Author(s):  
Huan Wang ◽  
Cody Abbey ◽  
Xinshu She ◽  
Scott Rozelle ◽  
Xiaochen Ma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Child Mental Health ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Family Characteristics ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Assessing the mental health problems encountered by school children and understanding the contributing factors are crucial to inform strategies aimed at improving mental health in low-resource contexts. However, few studies have investigated the mental health problems among disadvantaged children in poorer countries. This study examines the prevalence of mental health problems in rural China and their association with child and family characteristics. The study uses survey data from 9696 children in 120 rural primary schools and measures child mental health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Overall, 17.9% of the sample children were found to be in the abnormal range of the SDQ total difficulties scores. The mean score was 12.93 (SD = 4.94). Abnormal scores were associated with child and family characteristics, including older child age (Odds Ratio, OR = 0.704, 95% CI: 0.611, 0.810; p < 0.001), gender (OR = 1.235, 95% CI: 1.112, 1.371; p < 0.001), and academic performance (OR = 0.421, 95% CI: 0.369, 0.480; p < 0.001). Reading time was found to be protective for mental health. Risk factors include excessive screen time (OR = 1.685, 95% CI: 1.409, 2.016; p < 0.001) and being bullied (OR = 3.695, 95% CI: 3.301, 4.136; p < 0.001). Our study suggests that future mental health illness prevention programs in rural China should consider targeting different aspects of children’s social contexts.

scholarly journals Mental health problems in the general population during and after the first lockdown phase due to the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic: Rapid review of multi-wave studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Richter ◽  
Steffi Riedel-Heller ◽  
Simeon Zuercher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
General Populations ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe SARS-Cov-2 pandemic and the lockdown response have increased mental health problems in general populations compared to pre-pandemic times. The course of mental health problems during and after the first lockdown phase has not yet been reviewed.MethodsWe conducted a rapid review of multi-wave studies in general populations with time points during and after the first lockdown phase. Repeated cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were included. The main outcome assessed was whether indicators of mental health problems have changed during and after the first lockdown phase. The study was registered with PROSPERO No. CRD42020218640Findings23 studies with 56 indicators were included in the qualitative review. Studies that reported data from pre-pandemic assessments through lockdown indicated an increase in mental health problems. During lockdown no uniform trend could be identified. After lockdown mental health problems decreased slightly.InterpretationAs mental health care utilization indicators and data on suicides do not suggest an increase in demand during the first lockdown phase, we regard the increase in mental health problems as general distress that is to be expected during a global health crisis. Several methodological, pandemic-related, response-related and health policy-related factors need to be considered when trying to gain a broader perspective on the impact of the first wave of the pandemic and the first phase of lockdown on general populations’ mental health.

scholarly journals The profundity of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-105
Author(s):  
Avilasha Singh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The Future ◽  
Physical Health Problems

Mental health has always been stigmatised and overlooked. Since, anxiety and stress are natural responses while facing a threat of new diseases. Hence, this pandemic has shown us the importance of mental health. During this time there have been many triggers that have caused repercussions in people’s mental health. Mental health crisis is on the rise. So, it is important to be able to tackle mental health problems as effectively as physical health problems, not only now but in the future as well, once and for all.

scholarly journals COVID-19: Emergence of Mental Health Upheaval and Transition in Human Future Perspectives: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 94-100
Author(s):  
Saba Khurshid ◽  
Sidra Mumtaz ◽  
Hafsa Khalil Toor ◽  
Rubina Hanif
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Major Transition

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic is constantly posing warning and creating mental health crisis among people without any discrimination. Therefore, the current study purpose is to explore mental health upheaval and transition in future perspectives due to COVID-19. Using exploratory study design, semi structure interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed by using Thematic Content Analysis. The major themes which were identified showed that COVID-19 is constantly eliciting panic and mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression, fears of death, xenophobia, OCD and uncertainty about future among general population. Results also indicated the major transition in public future perspectives and perception. Concern related to adjustability in life after pandemic is major emerging future concern among Pakistani People. During pandemic outbreak, people are becoming vulnerable to different mental health problems. To overcome these issues successfully, role of mental health professionals cannot be denied. There is strong need to devise activities and strategies which help people to increase resilience and build strong relationships during the period of social distancing. This paper gives a deep insight into mental health problems among general population due to COVID-19 and it also implicates need of psychological services to overcome these issues.

scholarly journals Everybody Present: Exploring the Use of an In-Class Meditation Intervention to Promote Positive Mental Health Among University Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-21
Author(s):  
Paula Gardner ◽  
Kaitlyn Kerridge
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

There is a growing mental health crisis among university students in Canada. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effect of an in-class mindfulness intervention on the mental health of undergraduate students. Cross-sectional design was used and data were collected using self-reported questionnaires that included scale-rated and open-ended questions (n = 435). Integrating open-ended themes with statistical findings, the final analysis suggests the intervention had a positive effect on the mental health of student participants. A classroom environment that fosters learning, builds community, and encourages compassion were identified as ways in which the intervention “works” to promote positive mental health.

What Twitter Can Tell Us About User Experiences of Crisis Text Lines: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alanna Coady ◽  
Keeley Lainchbury ◽  
Rebecca Godard ◽  
Susan Holtzman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
User Experiences ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Crisis Services ◽  
Communication Modalities

BACKGROUND Mental health problems are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite the prevalence and cost of mental illness, there are insufficient health services to meet this demand. Crisis hotlines have a number of advantages for addressing mental health challenges and reducing barriers to support. Further, mental health crisis services have recently expanded beyond telephone hotlines to include other communication modalities such as crisis chat and text messaging services, largely in response to the increased use of mobile phones and text messaging for social communication. OBJECTIVE Despite the high uptake of crisis text line services (CTLs) and rising mental health problems worldwide, CTLs remain understudied. Thus the current study aimed to address an urgent need to evaluate user experiences with text-based crisis services. METHODS The current study explored user experiences of CTLs by accessing users’ publicly available Twitter posts that describe personal use and experience with CTLs. Data were qualitatively analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Six main themes were identified from 776 tweets: (1) approval of CTLs, (2) helpful counselling, (3) invalidating or unhelpful counselling, (4) problems with how the service is delivered, (5) features of the service that facilitate accessibility, and (6) indication that the service suits multiple needs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there was strong evidence to support the value of text-based crisis support, as many users reported positive experiences of effective counselling that provided helpful coping skills, de-escalation, and reduction of harm. Results also identified areas in need of improvement, particularly ensuring more timely service delivery and effective communication of empathy and support. Text-based services may require targeted training to apply methods that effectively convey empathy in this medium. Moving forward, CTL services will require systematic attention in the clinical research literature to ensure their continued success and popularity among users.

scholarly journals Mental Health Crisis and Stress Coping among Healthcare College Students Momentarily Displaced from Their Campus Community Because of COVID-19 Restrictions in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7245
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Tahara ◽  
Yuki Mashizume ◽  
Kayoko Takahashi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Stress Coping ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis

College students are one of the most affected groups by self-quarantine due to COVID-19, as they may live in loneliness and anxiety, increasing their risk of mental health crisis. This study aimed to identify risk factors for poor mental health and stress coping strategies among healthcare college students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted over 7 consecutive days starting on 28 April 2020 using a web-based questionnaire. The survey assessed socioeconomic characteristics and the General Health Questionnaire-12 score, self-reported health status, anxiety, and satisfaction with daily life, work, leisure, and new activities. Approximately 70% of 223 respondents had poor mental health. Less communication with friends was the main risk factor for mental health problems. Good health status and satisfaction with leisure and new activities were associated with reduced risk of mental health problems. Students with poor mental health tended to seek social support as a stress coping strategy. This study showed that the mental health of students declined during self-quarantine, and loneliness could be the major reason. There is a need for a new form of communication and learning that deals with the isolation and loneliness of students, especially for students living alone.

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