scholarly journals Predictors of Mental Health Problems in Formal and Informal Caregivers of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sołtys ◽  
Ernest Tyburski

Abstract Background: Caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with significant mental burden e.g., depression and anxiety, and difficulties with social, familial, and professional functioning. To date, few studies have examined variables which would allow for a comprehensive and detailed study of the relationship between personal resources and caregiver health status, with a majority of studies focusing on factors that contribute to increased caregiver's burden. Moreover, the available evidence fails to address differences in the functioning of formal and informal carers. Paying proper attention to the problems of nursing home staff can help identify important risk factors. Therefore, this study compared mental health problems in informal and formal caregivers and examined the relationship between mental resources and mental health problems in both groups of caregivers. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 100 formal (n = 50) and informal (n = 50) caregivers of AD patients. Personal resources were measured with the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SCQ), while mental health was assessed with the Depression Assessment Questionnaire (DAQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Multivariate stepwise regression was performed separately for both investigated groups. Results: There were no significant differences between informal and formal caregivers in terms of psychological variables, i.e., sense of coherence, social support, self-efficacy, or mental health problems. In contrast, there were different significant predictors of mental health problems in both groups. Comprehensibility (SCQ) was a significant predictor of mental health problems measured by DAQ and self-efficacy (GSES) was a significant predictor of mental health problems measured by GHQ in informal caregivers. For formal caregivers, emotional support (SSQ) and comprehensibility (SCQ) were significant predictors of mental health problems measured by DAQ, while tangible support (SSQ) and meaningfulness (SCQ) were significant predictors of mental health problems measured by GHQ. Conclusions: Personal resources are significant predictors of mental health outcomes in caregivers of AD patients. Preventive actions should therefore include assessment of factors affecting caregivers’ mental health in order to provide them with necessary care and create appropriate support groups.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sołtys ◽  
Ernest Tyburski

Abstract Background: To date, differences in the functioning of formal and informal caregivers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients have not been often analyzed. Paying proper attention to the problems of nursing home staff can help identify important risk factors. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) compare depressive symptoms and mental health problems in informal and formal caregivers and (2) examine the relationship between mental resources, depressive symptoms, and mental health problems in both groups of caregivers. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 100 formal ( n = 50) and informal ( n = 50) caregivers of AD patients. Personal resources were measured with the Social Support Questionnaire, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire, while mental health was assessed with the Depression Assessment Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire. Multivariate stepwise regression was performed separately for both investigated groups. Results: Statistical analysis showed that comprehensibility was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms and self-efficacy was a significant predictor of mental health problems in informal caregivers. For formal caregivers, emotional support and comprehensibility were significant predictors of depressive symptoms, while tangible support and meaningfulness were significant predictors of mental health problems. Conclusions: Personal resources are significant predictors of depressive symptoms and mental health outcomes in caregivers of AD patients. Preventive actions should therefore include assessment of factors affecting caregivers’ mental health in order to provide them with necessary care and create appropriate support groups.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Van Der Heijde ◽  
L Douwes ◽  
P Vonk

Abstract Background A substantial part of PhD students is struggling with mental health problems. These complaints can lead to dropping out and societal costs. Various bottlenecks that students may face during the PhD process can undermine mental health. We aim to test what bottlenecks are predictive of mental health problems. Furthermore, we aim to address the responsibility of the University. Methods In a cross-sectional survey design (N = 427), both mental health status, and possible bottlenecks of the PhD trajectory were studied amongst PhD students at the University of Amsterdam. Mean age was 29 years; 29% was male; 71% female. Participants were recruited through emails and newsletters (response rate 14%). Regression analysis’ were performed with depression and anxiety as dependents (k6, ek10). We controlled for gender, age, international PhD student yes/no. Results PhD students that score higher on anxiety, are more often international students (β=.09; p<.05), score significantly higher on negative work home interference (β=.46; p<.001), and on negative home work interference (β=.12; p<.01), score significantly lower on social support (β=.19; p<.001) and on self-efficacy (β=-.18; p<.001). [F(15, 413) = 20.00; p = .000]. PhD students that score higher on depression score significantly higher on negative work home interference (β=-.54; p<.001), and on negative home work interference (β=-.07; p<.05), score significantly lower on social support (β=-.23; p<.001) and on self-efficacy (β=.03; p<.001). [F(15, 416) = 41.68; p = .000]. Conclusions The bottlenecks that we found to be predictive of a worse mental health status can be addressed in the university context through providing information to PhD students, PhD supervisors and PhD student counselors. Extra attention needs to be paid to international PhD students. The University could offer interventions such as coaching, career guidance, relaxation training, time management, intervision, and sports to meet support needs. Key messages Work home interference, home work interference, social support and self-efficacy are important aspects of mental health in PhD students. Extra attention needs to be paid to international PhD students. The University has a responsibility and an interest regarding its PhD students’ mental health and wellbeing: appropriate interventions can be deployed for the support needs of PhD students.


2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 744-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Sabri ◽  
Johns Hopkins University ◽  
Carol Coohey ◽  
Jacquelyn Campbell

This study examined the relationship between multiple types of victimization experiences, psychological and social resources, and co-occurring mental health problems among substance-using adolescents. Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from a multisite research project in which adolescents ages 11–18 years participated in a comprehensive screening program for substance misuse. Multiple types of victimization, low self-efficacy beliefs, lack of support for victimization issues, and available sources of emotional support were positively related to co-occurring mental health problems. These findings suggest that treatment planning and interventions may focus on helping adolescents cope effectively with their victimization experiences and addressing their mental health needs. Particular emphasis may be placed on enhancing self-efficacy and social skills so that adolescents may benefit from their available sources of social support.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asres Bedaso ◽  
Jon Adams ◽  
Wenbo Peng ◽  
David Sibbritt

Abstract Background Pregnancy is a time of profound physical and emotional change as well as an increased risk of mental illness. While strengthening social support is a common recommendation to reduce such mental health risk, no systematic review or meta-analysis has yet examined the relationship between social support and mental problems during pregnancy. Methods The PRISMA checklist was used as a guide to systematically review relevant peer-reviewed literature reporting primary data analyses. PubMed, Psych Info, MIDIRS, SCOPUS, and CINAHL database searches were conducted to retrieve research articles published between the years 2000 to 2019. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale tool was used for quality appraisal and the meta-analysis was conducted using STATA. The Q and the I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity. A random-effects model was used to pool estimates. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger’s regression test and adjusted using trim and Fill analysis. Result From the identified 3760 articles, 67 articles with 64,449 pregnant women were part of the current systematic review and meta-analysis. From the total 67 articles, 22 and 45 articles included in the narrative analysis and meta-analysis, respectively. From the total articles included in the narrative analysis, 20 articles reported a significant relationship between low social support and the risk of developing mental health problems (i.e. depression, anxiety, and self-harm) during pregnancy. After adjusting for publication bias, based on the results of the random-effect model, the pooled odds ratio (POR) of low social support was AOR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.41) for studies examining the relationship between low social support and antenatal depression and AOR: 1.97 (95% CI: 1.34, 2.92) for studies examining the relationship between low social support and antenatal anxiety. Conclusion Low social support shows significant associations with the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm during pregnancy. Policy-makers and those working on maternity care should consider the development of targeted social support programs with a view to helping reduce mental health problems amongst pregnant women.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-85
Author(s):  
Sandy Krammer ◽  
Hedwig Eisenbarth ◽  
David Hügli ◽  
Michael Liebrenz ◽  
Philipp Kuwert

2021 ◽  
pp. 009164712199240
Author(s):  
Noah S. Love ◽  
Cassidy A. Merlo ◽  
M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall ◽  
Peter C. Hill

The present study examined attachment to God and quest as potential moderators of the relationship between religious doubt and mental health. A sample of Christian participants ( N = 235) completed a survey which included measures of attachment to God, quest, religious doubt, and mental health. As hypothesized, attachment to God and quest significantly moderated an individual’s experience of religious doubt. Low avoidant attachment to God (i.e., a more secure attachment) was associated with a more negative relationship between cognitive religious doubt and positive mental health than high avoidant attachment. In contrast, low avoidant attachment to God also ameliorated the positive relationship between affective religious doubt and mental health problems. Low anxious attachment was associated with a stronger negative relationship between both measures of religious doubt (i.e., cognitive and affective) and positive mental health. In addition, high soft quest weakened all four of the relationships between measures of religious doubt and mental health. High hard quest ameliorated the positive relationship between both measures of religious doubt and mental health problems. These results indicate that an individual’s attachment to God and the way an individual is oriented toward religion each play a role in the mental health outcomes associated with religious doubt.


Author(s):  
Rachel A. Fusco ◽  
Yan Yuan ◽  
Hyunji Lee ◽  
Christina E. Newhill

Low-income young adults are more likely to have exposure to trauma, which increases risk for mental health problems. Although adequate sleep promotes good health, people with histories of trauma are more likely to have sleep problems. The current study explored whether poor sleep mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and mental health. A sample of 143 low-income 18–24-year-old young adults completed depression, anxiety, and trauma exposure measures and wore sleep monitors for four nights. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine both direct and indirect effects of variables. Results showed that higher trauma exposure was associated with depression and anxiety. Mean sleep hours per night was fewer than six, far below recommended guidelines for optimal health and functioning. Fewer sleep hours partially mediated the relationship between both trauma exposure and depression and anxiety, and the direct effect from trauma remained significant after adjusting for the partial mediation from sleep.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1588
Author(s):  
Sunhwa Shin ◽  
Eunhye Lee

The purpose of this study was to confirm the relationship between internal health locus of control, mental health problems, and subjective well-being in adults during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the mediating effect of mental health problems on the relationship between internal health locus of control and subjective well-being was examined. A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted via online survey. The participants were 600 adults over 20 years of age living in South Korea. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis and SPSS Process Macro (Model 4). As a result of the study, the internal health locus of control had a significant negative effect on mental health problems. In addition, in the process of the internal health locus of control affecting subjective well-being, the mediating effect of mental health problems was significantly shown. In the period of an infectious disease pandemic such as COVID-19, it is necessary to establish a strong internal health locus of control of individuals and to promote monitoring and treatment introduction for those with a low internal health locus of control. In addition, it was discussed that controlling mental health problems can improve subjective well-being, which is life satisfaction and happiness.


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