scholarly journals Unique and Combined Contribution of Peer Victimization and Maltreatment in Childhood to Young Adults’ Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidality: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author(s):  
Melissa Macalli ◽  
Massimiliano Orri ◽  
Christophe Tzourio ◽  
Sylvana M. Côté

Abstract BackgroundChild maltreatment and peer victimization are known to be major risk factors for depression and suicidal behavior. Furthermore, child maltreatment increases the risk for victimization by peers. Our objective was to distinguish the contribution of maltreatment by parents and peer victimization to mental health problems in young adulthood. Specifically, we tested whether peer victimization alone or in combination with parental maltreatment before 18 years was associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors at age 21 years.MethodsWe used data collected in the i-Share (internet-based students’ health research enterprise) study in France from February 2013 to September 2019 (N = 2271 participants). We conducted multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses to assess the unique and cumulative contribution of peer victimization and parental maltreatment with anxiety, depression, and suicidality. ResultsAlmost one third of students (28.8%) reported at least one mental health problem; 29.8% reported peer victimization only; 7.5% reported parental maltreatment only; and 10.3% reported both maltreatment and victimization. In multivariate models, compared to participants who did not experience maltreatment or peer victimization, those who experienced peer victimization only were more likely to present anxiety (aOR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.50-2.40), depression (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.46-2.60), or suicidal ideation without (aOR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26-2.09) and with attempt (aOR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.51-4.85). Similar associations were observed for those who were maltreated only. Those experiencing both maltreatment and peer victimization were at increased risk for depression (aOR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.79-3.86) and for suicidal ideation with (aOR: 9.19; 95% CI: 4.98-16.92) and without attempt (aOR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.86-3.76).ConclusionsIndividual and combined exposure to parental maltreatment and peer victimization in childhood or adolescence was associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors. Peer victimization seems to have a specific role on mental health disorders not otherwise explained by polyvictimization. Since peer victimization is a frequent and evitable child abuse type, the findings have implications for policies to prevent and deal with.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Macalli ◽  
Massimiliano Orri ◽  
Christophe Tzourio ◽  
Sylvana M. Côté

Abstract Background Childhood maltreatment and peer victimization are major risk factors for depression and suicidal behavior. Furthermore, childhood maltreatment increases the risk of peer victimization. Our objective was to distinguish between the contributions of parental maltreatment and peer victimization to the development of mental health problems in young adulthood. Specifically, we tested whether peer victimization alone or in combination with parental maltreatment before 18 years old was associated with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors at age 21 years. Methods We analyzed data collected from questionnaires administered in the i-Share (Internet-based Students’ Health ResearchEnterprise) study in France from February 2013 to September 2019 (N = 2271 participants). We performed multinomial and binary logistic regression analyses to assess the single and combined contributions of childhood peer victimization and parental maltreatment to anxiety, depression, and suicidality in adulthood. Results Nearly one third of students (28.8%) reported at least one mental health problem; 29.8% reported peer victimization alone; 7.5% reported parental maltreatment alone; and 10.3% reported both parental maltreatment and victimization. In multivariate models, compared to participants that did not experience maltreatment or peer victimization, those that experienced peer victimization alone were more likely to report anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.50–2.40), depression (aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.46–2.60), or suicidal ideation, without (aOR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.26–2.09) or with a suicide attempt (aOR: 2.70; 95% CI: 1.51–4.85). Similar associations were observed for participants that experienced maltreatment alone. Participants that experienced both maltreatment and peer victimization were at increased risk of depression (aOR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.79–3.86) and suicidal ideation, with (aOR: 9.19; 95% CI: 4.98–16.92) and without a suicide attempt (aOR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.86–3.76). Conclusions Separate and combined exposures to parental maltreatment and peer victimization in childhood or adolescence were associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Peer victimization appeared to play a specific role in mental health disorders that were not otherwise explained by polyvictimization. Currently, peer victimization is a frequent, but avoidable type of child abuse; therefore, these findings have implications for policies for preventing and dealing with peer victimization.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
F El-Khoury ◽  

Abstract Objectives Sexual violence against women is endemic and is linked with a host of mental health problems and suicidal behaviour. We test whether sexual violence is more prevalent and have more damaging psychological effects among women compared to men, and quantify its mediating role in the association between sex and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Methods We used data from the “Health Barometer” (Baromètre Santé) 2017 a cross-sectional phone survey, which recruited a nationally representative sample of French adults aged 18 to 75 years in 2017 (n = 25319). Data were weighted to be representative of the French adult population. Outcomes included suicidal ideation, imagery of suicide, and suicide attempts in the preceding year. We conducted mutlivariable mediation analysis using the counterfactual approach to evaluate the contribution that lifetime sexual violence has in the association between sex and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Results We found that women are five times more likely to have experienced sexual victimisation, and are more at risk of any suicidal ideation and imagery of suicide in the preceding year compared to men. Women and men had comparable rates of suicide attempts in the preceding year. We estimated that 47% of the increased risk of suicidal ideation in the preceding year women have compared to men is mediated by lifetime sexual assault. Lifetime sexual assault also explained 39% of the association between sex and having imagery of suicide. Discussion Our findings reiterate the importance of the prevention of sexual violence and an adequate care for sexual assault victims, especially women, in public health and mental health policies and initiatives. Key messages Women are five times more likely to have experienced sexual victimisation compared to men, and are more likely to suffer from suicidal ideation in the preceding year. Experience of lifetime sexual violence contributes substantially (around 50%) to women’s increased likelihood of suicidal ideation compared to men.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F El-Khoury ◽  

Abstract Objectives The experience of sexual violence has been associated with a host of mental health problems, especially among women. However, data on this association from a large sample of general population is surprisingly limited. Also, no study quantifies sex-differences in the effect of sexual victimization on suicide risk. Methods The French “Health Barometer” (Baromètre Santé) is a cross-sectional phone survey, which recruited a nationally representative sample of French adults aged 18 to 75 years in 2017 (n = 25319). Data were weighted to be representative of the French adult population. The Experience and timing of lifetime physical sexual violence, as well as suicide risk were measured for all participants. We conducted adjusted mediation analyses, using the counterfactual approach, to evaluate the contribution that lifetime sexual victimisation has in the association between sex and suicide risk. Results The median age for the first experience of sexual violence was 12. Women were around five times more likely to report lifetime sexual violence compared to men (9.1% vs 1.9%), and were more at risk of any suicidal ideation (Ora =1.20 (95%CI: 1.07-1.36)) and suicidal imagery (Ora=1.39 (95%CI: 1.20 -1.61)). We estimated that 47% of the increased risk of suicidal ideation in the preceding year women have compared to men is mediated by lifetime sexual assault. Lifetime sexual assault also explained 39% of the association between sex and having imagery of suicide. Discussion Our findings reiterate the importance of the prevention of sexual violence and an adequate care for sexual assault victims, especially women, in public health and mental health policies and initiatives.


Author(s):  
Kennedy Amone-P'Olak ◽  
Boniface Kealeboga Ramotuana

In Africa, the structure of the family is changing rapidly. The effects of this change on mental health remain unknown. This study investigated the extent to which different family types (intact, single-mother, and multiple) predict mental health problems in young adults in Botswana (N = 264, mean age = 21.31, SD = 2.40). In a cross-sectional design, the study sampled students registered at various faculties at the University of Botswana. The revised symptoms checklist (SCL-90-R) was used to assess symptoms of mental health problems (depression, anxiety and hostility). Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) of mental health problems for mother-only and multiple family types relative to the intact family type. Compared to the intact family type, single-mother (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.51) and multiple family types (OR = 1.56; CI: 0.88, 2.78) were associated with an increased risk of depression. For anxiety, the ORs were 2.27 (CI: 1.18, 4.38) and 1.10 (CI: 0.56, 1.82) for single-mother and multiple family types respectively. For hostility, the ORs were 2.60 (CI: 1.34, 5.04), and 0.79 (CI: 0.44, 1.42) for single-mother and multiple family types, respectively. Family types predict mental health problems in young adults and therefore the interventions to mitigate the effects should consider family backgrounds and the ramifications of family types for treatment and care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Fakhoury ◽  
Claudine Burton-Jeangros ◽  
Liala Consoli ◽  
Aline Duvoisin ◽  
Delphine Courvoisier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Undocumented migrants live and work in precarious conditions. Few studies have explored the mental health consequences of such environment. The objective of this study is to describe the mental health of migrants at different stages of a regularization program. Methods This cross-sectional study included migrants undocumented or in the process of regularization. We screened for symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance using validated tools. We created a composite outcome of altered mental health including these components plus self-report of a recent diagnosis of mental health condition by a health professional. Results We enrolled 456 participants of whom 246 (53.9%) were undocumented. They were predominantly women (71.9%) with a median age of 43.3 (interquartile range: 15.5) years, from Latin America (63.6%) or Asia (20.2%) who had lived in Switzerland for 12 (IQR: 7) years. Overall, 57.2% presented symptoms of altered mental health. Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance were 36% (95% confidence interval: 31.6–40.6%), 45.4% (95% CI: 40.8–50.1%) and 23% (95% CI: 19.2–27.2), respectively. Younger age (adjusted odd ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5–0.9 for each additional decade), social isolation (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4–4.2), exposure to abuse (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.5), financial instability (aOR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.7) and multi-morbidity (aOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7–6.5) were associated with increased risk of having altered mental health while being in the early stages of the process of regularization had no effect (aOR: 1.3: 95% CI: 0.8–2.2). Conclusions This study highlights the need for multi-pronged social and health interventions addressing the various domains of undocumented migrants living difficulties as complement to legal status regularization policies. Protection against unfair working conditions and abuse, access to adequate housing, promoting social integration and preventive interventions to tackle the early occurrence of chronic diseases may all contribute to reduce the burden of altered mental health in this group. More research is needed to assess the long-term impact of legal status regularization on mental health.


Author(s):  
Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽  
Song-Lih Huang

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Debowska ◽  
Beata Horeczy ◽  
Daniel Boduszek ◽  
Dariusz Dolinski

Abstract Background The time of widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases can lead to elevated stress and mental health problems among all persons affected, and in particular those sub-groups of the population that are at an increased risk of mental health problems. One such vulnerable group constitutes university students. The aim of this study is to assess stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality among different groups of university students (medical, psychology, and other). Methods Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected survey data among a large sample of 7228 university students from Poland (mean age = 22.78, s.d. = 4.40; 81% female). Data were collected in five waves, during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe (March and April 2020). Results The results demonstrate a significant increase in depression levels as the pandemic was progressing. We also found that female students scored significantly higher than male students on depression, anxiety, and stress. Psychology students recorded the lowest scores on depression and anxiety. Young adult students (aged 18–24 years) had more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality than adult students (⩾25 years). Conclusions These results provide insights into stress and mental health among university students during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings can be used for a more effective identification of students who may struggle during next stages of the pandemic and future crises.


2015 ◽  
Vol 207 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren C. Ng ◽  
Catherine M. Kirk ◽  
Frederick Kanyanganzi ◽  
Mary C. Smith Fawzi ◽  
Vincent Sezibera ◽  
...  

BackgroundSuicide is a leading cause of death for young people. Children living in sub-Saharan Africa, where HIV rates are disproportionately high, may be at increased risk.AimsTo identify predictors, including HIV status, of suicidal ideation and behaviour in Rwandan children aged 10–17.MethodMatched case–control study of 683 HIV-positive, HIV-affected (seronegative children with an HIV-positive caregiver), and unaffected children and their caregivers.ResultsOver 20% of HIV-positive and affected children engaged in suicidal behaviour in the previous 6 months, compared with 13% of unaffected children. Children were at increased risk if they met criteria for depression, were at high-risk for conduct disorder, reported poor parenting or had caregivers with mental health problems.ConclusionsPolicies and programmes that address mental health concerns and support positive parenting may prevent suicidal ideation and behaviour in children at increased risk related to HIV.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuxuan Li ◽  
Haifeng Zhang ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Tao Li ◽  
Wanxin Ma ◽  
...  

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among caregivers of persons living with neurocognitive disorders (PLWND) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and investigate whether the COVID-19-related experiences were associated with the presence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.Methods: From March 1 to 31, 2020, 160 caregivers of PLWND participated in an online cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was administered to measure anxiety symptoms, and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Questions on sleep duration and sleep quality enquired about sleep problems. Six items were used to explore the COVID-19-related experiences, including community-level infection contact and the level of exposure to media information. We computed the prevalence rate of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with these mental health problems.Results: The prevalence rate of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems were 46.9%, 36.3%, and 9.4%. Approximately 55 participants (34.4%) presented with two or more mental health problems. Women had a higher risk of developing anxiety symptoms (OR, 5.284; 95% CI, 2.068–13.503; p = 0.001). Having a mental disorder (OR, 5.104; 95% CI, 1.522–17.114; p = 0.008) was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Caregivers who preferred to access positive information (OR, 0.215; 95% CI, 0.058–0.793; p = 0.021) was associated with decreased risk of sleep problems.Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive symptoms were common among caregivers of older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female was an independent risk factor for experiencing anxiety symptoms. Preexisting mental disorders increased the risk of depressive symptoms among caregivers, while caregivers who prefer to access positive media information decreased sleep problems.


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