Canadian Adolescents’ Internalized Symptoms in Pandemic Times: Sex Differences and Association with Sociodemographic Characteristics, Confinement Habits, and Support

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristel Tardif-Grenier ◽  
Isabelle Archambault ◽  
Véronique Dupéré ◽  
Amy Marks ◽  
Elizabeth Olivier
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Internalized Symptoms

Abstract Background Adolescents, especially girls, are more at risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms and it can be assumed that the stress and social isolation experienced during confinement has had negative consequences on adolescents’ mental health. However, not all of them experienced confinement in the same way. This study is aimed at determining which sociodemographic characteristics (age, family composition, achievement), confinement habits (schedule, new hobby, sleep duration, cellphone and computer use, sports, schoolwork), and sources of support (parents and teachers) are associated with more or less internalized symptoms (anxiety and depression) in Canadian adolescents. Given the increased vulnerability of girls, the results take gender into account. Methods Between April 8 and 30 (2020) and through an online survey, 895 Canadian adolescents (74% girls) aged between 12 and 17 years (M = 14.73) were recruited. Path analysis was performed to identify significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics, confinement habits, and support variables with internalized symptoms. Independent samples t-tests and invariance tests were conducted to compare boys and girls. Data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27 and Mplus8. Results Certain confinement habits (time spent using cellphones, doing sports and schoolwork, finding a new hobby) and support (parents working outside the home) variables were significantly and negatively associated with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Regarding the sex differences, girls had higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, used their cellphones more, while boys used their computers more. Only the association between sleep duration and physical symptoms of anxiety significantly differed between boys and girls. However, it was not significant for both groups. Conclusions The results of this study help to better understand the experience of adolescents in confinement and how it is different for boys and girls. It sheds light on the characteristics and habits likely to characterize those who are more at risk of experiencing distress and thus make it possible to better support adolescents during this difficult period.

scholarly journals Exploring the Frequency of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a Brazilian Sample during the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4847
Author(s):  
Fabiana Silva Ribeiro ◽  
Flávia H. Santos ◽  
Luis Anunciação ◽  
Lucas Barrozo ◽  
Jesus Landeira-Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Brazilian Sample

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency of international concern, and the main measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 were social distancing, quarantine, and self-isolation. Although these policies are effective in containing the spread of the virus, they might represent a challenge to psychological well-being, increasing levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Aims: We explored the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms during COVID-19 restrictions and associations with sociodemographic factors in a Brazilian sample. Method: Data of a total of 936 Brazilian adults (68.2% women) aged 18 to 77 years old (M = 38.95, SD = 13.91) were collected through an online survey. Results: In general, we observed a frequency of 17.36% for severe anxiety and 66.13% for severe depression symptoms, in which younger participants (18–39 years old) and women showed higher scores in anxiety and depression scales compared to older age groups. Logistic regressions showed that women were more likely to present severe symptoms of anxiety (20.4%) compared to men (10.9%), as well as respondents in the educational sector (24.3%) compared to those in the health sector (10%). Conclusions: We highlight the importance of mental health professionals in developing strategies to help younger adults to mitigate the effects of social restriction.

scholarly journals Prevalence of symptoms and quality of life of cancer patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina de Góes Salvetti ◽  
Caroline Silva Pereira Machado ◽  
Suzana Cristina Teixeira Donato ◽  
Adriana Marques da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Loss Of Appetite

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the prevalence of symptoms and their relationship with the quality of life of cancer patients. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study with 107 patients evaluated using a sociodemographic instrument, the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and the quality of life scale (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate the relationship between symptoms and quality of life. Results: prevalence of female patients (56.1%), 55 years as the mean age and 10 years of schooling. Fatigue (76.6%), insomnia (47.7%), pain (42.1%), loss of appetite (37.4%), anxiety (31.8%) and depression (21.5%) were identified. Anxiety and depression symptoms presented a negative correlation with quality of life and positive correlation with physical symptoms. Conclusions: fatigue, insomnia, pain and loss of appetite were the most common and most intense symptoms. Anxiety and depression symptoms presented a negative correlation with quality of life and positive correlation with physical symptoms.

scholarly journals A social media-based study on the psychological impact of COVID-19 infections in recovered and recovering patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikesh Kumar ◽  
Mohit Varshney ◽  
Harmandeep Singh ◽  
Amandeep Singh ◽  
Julien S. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Objective: The WHO has stressed to regularly monitor the mental health of populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we conducted this study to examine anxiety and depression among recovered and recovering COVID-19 patients. Subjects and Methods: An online survey was conducted using social media platforms. The study participants were COVID-19 infected individuals who had recovered or still were in the recovery phase from COVID-19. We collected information on demographics, clinical characteristics and physical complications of COVID-19. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using previously validated tools. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied to analyze the data. Results: 53.4% of respondents reported that they had a fear of getting COVID-19 again. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were present in 71.7% and 97.6% of respondents respectively. Both disorders were present in 71.3% of respondents. The respondents with shorter durations of physical symptoms (< 2 weeks) demonstrated less anxiety (OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05 - 0.67) and depression (OR = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01 - 0.37). Conclusion: Anxiety and depression appear as common psychological complications in COVID-19 recovering and recovered patients. Longer durations of COVID-19 related physical symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression.

scholarly journals Examining the Role of Anxiety and Depression in Dietary Choices among College Students

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2061
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Keck ◽  
Helize Vivier ◽  
Jeffrey E. Cassisi ◽  
Robert D. Dvorak ◽  
Michael E. Dunn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Dietary Choices

This study examines the role of anxiety and depression symptoms in predicting dietary choices in emerging adults while accounting for sex differences in these relationships. Participants were 225 English speaking undergraduates enrolled in a university in southeastern United States. Participants were recruited through an online research recruitment application utilized by the university. Participants volunteered for a two-phased anonymous survey monitoring the effects of eating habits and gastrointestinal health in young adults. As part of this effort, participants completed self-reporting measures related to anxiety and depression, as well as an automated, self-administered 24-h diet recall. Multigroup path analysis was used to test primary hypotheses. Overall, a decrease in total caloric intake and an increase in sugar consumption were found as self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression increased. In addition, there were sex differences in the relationship between depression and food choices. Men consumed more saturated fat as well as less fruits and vegetables as self-reported symptoms of depression increased. Results suggest symptoms of depression are a greater risk factor for poor nutrition in male college students than females. The findings provide another justification to screen for psychological distress in student health services given the implications on behavioral lifestyle and health.

scholarly journals The new frontline: exploring the links between moral distress, moral resilience and mental health in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward G. Spilg ◽  
Cynda Hylton Rushton ◽  
Jennifer L. Phillips ◽  
Tetyana Kendzerska ◽  
Mysa Saad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Moral Distress ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Moral Resilience

Abstract Background Global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, confront healthcare workers (HCW) with increased exposure to potentially morally distressing events. The pandemic has provided an opportunity to explore the links between moral distress, moral resilience, and emergence of mental health symptoms in HCWs. Methods A total of 962 Canadian healthcare workers (88.4% female, 44.6 + 12.8 years old) completed an online survey during the first COVID-19 wave in Canada (between April 3rd and September 3rd, 2020). Respondents completed a series of validated scales assessing moral distress, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and moral resilience. Respondents were grouped based on exposure to patients who tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to descriptive statistics and analyses of covariance, multiple linear regression was used to evaluate if moral resilience moderates the association between exposure to morally distressing events and moral distress. Factors associated with moral resilience were also assessed. Findings Respondents working with patients with COVID-19 showed significantly more severe moral distress, anxiety, and depression symptoms (F > 5.5, p < .020), and a higher proportion screened positive for mental disorders (Chi-squared > 9.1, p = .002), compared to healthcare workers who were not. Moral resilience moderated the relationship between exposure to potentially morally distressing events and moral distress (p < .001); compared to those with higher moral resilience, the subgroup with the lowest moral resilience had a steeper cross-sectional worsening in moral distress as the frequency of potentially morally distressing events increased. Moral resilience also correlated with lower stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms (r > .27, p < .001). Factors independently associated with stronger moral resilience included: being male, older age, no mental disorder diagnosis, sleeping more, and higher support from employers and colleagues (B [0.02, |-0.26|]. Interpretation Elevated moral distress and mental health symptoms in healthcare workers facing a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic call for the development of interventions promoting moral resilience as a protective measure against moral adversities.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Related Media Consumption and Mental Health in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1006-1006
Author(s):  
Erta Cenko ◽  
Christopher Kaufmann ◽  
Todd Manini
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, consuming media was critical to identify precautionary behaviors to reduce the spread of the virus, particularly for older adults. Media consumption leads to heightened awareness, but may also negatively affect mental health. We examined whether non-social and social media consumption impacted anxiety and depression relative to pre-COVID-19 symptoms. We conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional survey in May and June 2020. Participants (n=1,168, 73.2 years, 56.8% women, 94.9% White), were asked to estimate their amount of time spent consuming pandemic-related media each day, and to report on anxiety and depressive symptoms both before and after the pandemic onset. We characterized change in anxiety and depression by subtracting scores on current anxiety and depressive symptoms from their recalled symptoms prior to the pandemic. Respondents with high pandemic-related media consumption (&gt;3hrs) were more likely to have increased anxiety, compared to those with low (&lt;1hr) media consumption (OR:1.57, 95%CI:1.09-2.23). Similarly, respondents with increased social media consumption during the pandemic were 64% more likely to have depression, compared to those who did not use social media. This association was bi-directional— those who reduced their social media use were 45% less likely to have depression and 26% less likely to have anxiety, compared to those who never used social media. Older adults consuming more pandemic-related media had increased anxiety. Increased social media consumption was associated with elevated depression symptoms. The potential benefits of media consumption about the COVID-19 pandemic may have unintended negative consequences on mental health.

scholarly journals 238 Adolescent Sleep Variability, Social Jetlag, and Mental Health during COVID-19: Findings from a Large Nationwide Study

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A95-A95
Author(s):  
Patricia Wong ◽  
Amy Wolfson ◽  
Sarah Honaker ◽  
Judith Owens ◽  
Kyla Wahlstrom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
High School ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
School Level ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Social Jetlag ◽  
School Schedules ◽  
Instructional Formats

Abstract Introduction Adolescents are vulnerable to short, insufficient sleep stemming from a combined preference for late bedtimes and early school start times, and also circadian disruptions from frequent shifts in sleep schedules (i.e., social jetlag). These sleep disruptions are associated with poor mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted education nationwide, including changes in instructional formats and school schedules. With data from the Nationwide Education and Sleep in TEens During COVID (NESTED) study, we examined whether sleep variability and social jetlag (SJL) during the pandemic associate with mental health. Methods Analyses included online survey data from 4767 students (grades 6-12, 46% female, 36% non-White, 87% high school). For each weekday, participants identified if they attended school in person (IP), online-scheduled synchronous classes (O/S), online-no scheduled classes (asynchronous, O/A), or no school. Students reported bedtimes (BT) and wake times (WT) for each instructional format and for weekends/no school days. Sleep opportunity (SlpOpp) was calculated from BT and WT. Weekday night-to-night SlpOpp variability was calculated with mean square successive differences. SJL was calculated as the difference between the average sleep midpoint on free days (O/A, no school, weekends) versus scheduled days (IP, O/S). Participants also completed the PROMIS Pediatric Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Short Form. Data were analyzed with hierarchical linear regressions controlling for average SlpOpp, gender, and school-level (middle vs high school). Results Mean reported symptoms of anxiety (60.0 ±9.1; 14%≧70) and depression (63.4 ±10.2; 22%≧70) fell in the at-risk range. Shorter average SlpOpp (mean=8.3±1.2hrs) was correlated with higher anxiety (r=-.10) and depression (r=-.11; p’s&lt;.001) T-scores. Greater SlpOpp variability was associated with higher anxiety (B=.71 [95%CI=.41-1.01, p&lt;.001) and depression (B=.67 [.33-1.00], p&lt;.001) T-scores. Greater SJL (mean=1.8±1.2hrs; 94% showed a delay in midpoint) was associated with higher anxiety (B=.36 [.12-.60], p&lt;.001) and depression (B=.77 [.50-1.03], p&lt;.001) T-scores. Conclusion In the context of system-wide education changes during COVID-19, students on average reported at-risk levels of anxiety and depression symptoms which were associated with greater variability in sleep opportunity across school days and greater social jetlag. Our findings suggest educators and policymakers should consider these sleep-mental health associations when developing instructional formats and school schedules during and post-pandemic. Support (if any) T32MH019927(P.W.)

Anxiety and Depression in European Immigrants in Africa: Spaniards in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S490-S490
Author(s):  
L. Aguado ◽  
A. Porras ◽  
P. Calvo ◽  
A. Tomita ◽  
J. Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Third World

IntroductionIt is easy to find texts, in scientific literature, studying the adaptation of immigrants from developing countries in western countries. However, in these globalization times that we are living, few are the studies performed on members from developed countries emigrating to the third world.Objectives/AimsTo evaluate the factors predisposing to the onset of anxiety or depression symptoms in Spanish immigrants living in South Africa.MethodsThis is an exploratory study with a sample of 51 Spanish residents in South Africa between 24 and 57 years (44% male, 56% female), 44% of which were living there for more than two years. An online survey was administered, collecting data related to reasons and conditions for their moving to the country and traumatic events living during the stay. For the screening of depression and anxiety symptoms Hopkins Symptom Scale (HSCL-25) was used. Finally, we carried about several analysis using Chi2 test. For statistical analysis SPSS was utilized.ResultsThirty percent of the sample showed positive scores on anxiety symptoms scale, and 24% scored positive for depression. Job related items as being unemployed (P < 0.001) was associated to symptoms of depression. Insecurity/violence (P < 0.021) and race discrimination (P < 0.009) were the main factors related to anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsFactor related to employment, security and discrimination, has been significantly associated to the onset of anxiety and depression symptoms. Other factors related to the moving to the country or social relationships have shown no relations. More studies are needed to provide information about adaptation and factors related to mental health in Occidental immigrants in developing countries.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in Use of Smoking Cessation Services and Resources: A Real-World Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1179173X2090150
Author(s):  
Navitha Jayakumar ◽  
Michael Chaiton ◽  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Peter Selby ◽  
Robert Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Nicotine Patch ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Smoking Cessation Services ◽  
Men Health

Objectives: Smoking cessation interventions with sex considerations have been found to effectively increase cessation rates. However, evidence is limited and weak. This study examined sex differences in the use of smoking cessation services or resources among Ontario adults. Methods: Data are from the Smokers’ Panel, an ongoing online survey of Ontario adult smokers and recent quitters. The analysis included 1009 male and 1765 female participants. Bivariate analysis was used to examine differences in sociodemographic characteristics and smoking-related variables by use of cessation services/resources. Logistic regression was then used to identify sociodemographic characteristics and smoking-related variables associated with the use of cessation services/resources. Results: The analysis shows that there were significant sex differences in the use of individual interventions. Female participants were more likely to use nicotine patch (63% vs 58%; adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.67), varenicline (29% vs 24%; AOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.13-1.66), Smokers’ Helpline phone (14% vs 10%; AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.79), Smokers’ Helpline online (27% vs 21%; AOR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.18-1.74), self-help materials (23% vs 16%; AOR: 1.81 95% CI: 1.46-2.26), and alternative methods (23% vs 19%; AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.14-1.73) compared with male participants, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: Consistent with other findings, the study shows sex differences in the use of smoking cessation services or resources among adult smokers. Women are more likely to use recommended cessation resources such as nicotine patch, varenicline, and Smokers’ Helpline than men. Health professionals should use this increased willingness to help female smokers quit. However, men may be underserved and more men-specific interventions need to be developed and evaluated.

scholarly journals The Impact of Parental Stress on Italian Adolescents’ Internalizing Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8074
Author(s):  
Ziqin Liang ◽  
Claudia Mazzeschi ◽  
Elisa Delvecchio
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Internalizing Symptoms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Expressive Suppression ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Impact

The challenges and consequences of COVID-19 imposed massive changes in adolescents’ daily routines (e.g., school closures, home confinement, and social distancing rules), which impacted their mental health. This longitudinal study aimed to better understand the changes in adolescents’ internalizing symptoms and the underlying mechanisms of parental stress due to COVID-19. We asked 1053 parents of adolescents to complete an online survey during the second and fifth weeks and at the end of home confinement (i.e., four weeks later). Results showed that parents reported their adolescents’ anxiety and depression symptoms were more severe at Time 2 than at the first administration. Anxiety symptoms slightly decreased at Time 3, while there was no significant change in depression symptoms. Moreover, parents’ expressive suppression mediated the association between parental stress and adolescents’ anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. The findings suggest that as restriction increased, adolescents’ anxiety and depression became more severe. Moreover, due to the link between parental stress and adolescents’ internalizing disorders helping families to cope with the distress due to the pandemic may have a positive impact on parents, the child, and the family as a whole (i.e., the family climate).

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