scholarly journals Exploring the Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Mental Health Disorders in Saudi Arabian Adults: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora A Althumiri ◽  
Mada H Basyouni ◽  
Nasser F BinDhim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND The relationship between physical activity and mental health, especially the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), has received increasing attention in recent years. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the association between fulfilling the World Health Organization (WHO) global recommendations on physical activity and the risk and symptoms of MDD and GAD in the Saudi population. METHODS This study was a secondary analysis of data from a large nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June and July 2020. In this study, a proportional quota sampling technique was used to obtain an equal distribution of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. The main mental health screening tool used for the risk of MDD was the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Risk of GAD was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Participants self-reported whether they fulfill the WHO global recommendations on (1) moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (MIPA) and (2) vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (VIPA). The results were then analyzed based on the following two categories: fulfilling the WHO global recommendations or not. RESULTS The data analysis included 8333 participants recruited in the main study between June and July 2020. The response rate was 81.45% (8333/10,231). Of them, 50.3% (4192/8333) were female, and the mean age was 36.5 years, with a median age of 36 years and a range from 18 to 90 years. The average total PHQ-9 score was 5.61, and the average total GAD-7 score was 4.18. For men, the average total PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were associated with fulfilling recommendations for MIPA; however, there were no associations for VIPA in both sexes. Fulfilling the WHO’s recommendations for MIPA was associated with considerably fewer depressive symptoms in six of the nine items in the PHQ-9. Moreover, fulfilling recommendations for MIPA was associated with considerably fewer anxiety symptoms in six of the seven items in the GAD-7. However, fulfilling recommendations for VIPA was significantly associated with more depressive symptoms in one of the PHQ-9 items (“Thoughts that you would be better off dead or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way;” <i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS This study has shown that fulfilling guidelines on MIPA is associated with less overall risk of MDD and GAD in males and fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms generally in a nonclinical population. In the general population, an increase in MIPA may improve well-being and general mental health.

scholarly journals Exploring the Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Mental Health Disorders in Saudi Arabian Adults: Cross-sectional Study

10.2196/25438 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e25438
Author(s):  
Nora A Althumiri ◽  
Mada H Basyouni ◽  
Nasser F BinDhim
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background The relationship between physical activity and mental health, especially the symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), has received increasing attention in recent years. Objective The aim of this study was to explore the association between fulfilling the World Health Organization (WHO) global recommendations on physical activity and the risk and symptoms of MDD and GAD in the Saudi population. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of data from a large nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June and July 2020. In this study, a proportional quota sampling technique was used to obtain an equal distribution of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. The main mental health screening tool used for the risk of MDD was the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Risk of GAD was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Participants self-reported whether they fulfill the WHO global recommendations on (1) moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (MIPA) and (2) vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (VIPA). The results were then analyzed based on the following two categories: fulfilling the WHO global recommendations or not. Results The data analysis included 8333 participants recruited in the main study between June and July 2020. The response rate was 81.45% (8333/10,231). Of them, 50.3% (4192/8333) were female, and the mean age was 36.5 years, with a median age of 36 years and a range from 18 to 90 years. The average total PHQ-9 score was 5.61, and the average total GAD-7 score was 4.18. For men, the average total PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were associated with fulfilling recommendations for MIPA; however, there were no associations for VIPA in both sexes. Fulfilling the WHO’s recommendations for MIPA was associated with considerably fewer depressive symptoms in six of the nine items in the PHQ-9. Moreover, fulfilling recommendations for MIPA was associated with considerably fewer anxiety symptoms in six of the seven items in the GAD-7. However, fulfilling recommendations for VIPA was significantly associated with more depressive symptoms in one of the PHQ-9 items (“Thoughts that you would be better off dead or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way;” P<.001). Conclusions This study has shown that fulfilling guidelines on MIPA is associated with less overall risk of MDD and GAD in males and fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms generally in a nonclinical population. In the general population, an increase in MIPA may improve well-being and general mental health.

Mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, in the province of Alberta (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hany ElGindi ◽  
Reham Shalaby ◽  
April Gusnowski ◽  
Wesley Vuong ◽  
Shireen Surood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, threats to mental health, psychological safety, and well-being are evident, particularly among the first responders and the healthcare staff. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the prevalence and the potential predictors of the likely stress, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder among healthcare workers (HCW). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was used through a survey link sent to gather demographic information and responses on several self-report scales, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) among the various HCW groupings who subscribed to the Text4Hope program. RESULTS This study revealed that the HCW expressed an estimated high prevalence of moderate/high stress rates 840 (81.2%), while the likelihood of moderate/severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were 369 (38.6%), and 317 (32.7%), respectively, during COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses and other HCW were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms, compared to physicians, (F (2, 159.47) =15.89, 95% CI= (-5.05) -(-2.04). Younger age groups of HCW (≤30 y) were more prone to report likely stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, compared to HCW 41-50y and >50y (Odd’s ratio range: 1.82- 3.03). Similarly, females and those who reported a lack of social support (separated/divorced and single) among HCW, had a higher likelihood to report likely stress and depressive symptoms, respectively (OR=1.8 and 1.6). CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study revealed the significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and indicated significant vulnerability among groups of HCW in Alberta. CLINICALTRIAL Ethical approval for this research was obtained through the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Board (Pro00086163).

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: A Challenge for Healthcare Professionals and Assessment of Anxiety Symptoms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Maestro ◽  
Sabina Šegalo ◽  
Dinko Remić ◽  
Arzija Pašalić ◽  
Anes Jogunčić
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Worldwide, COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of infected people and thousands of deaths. Due to enormous pressure on health-care systems and its inadequate preparedness, utter collapse is expected. In the current epidemic response, healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge and practice are crucial, while the impact on their mental health is still unknown.Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs redeployed to COVID points in the Public Institution Health Centre of Sarajevo Canton. According to guidelines and information provided by the World Health Organization and Ministries of Health, a questionnaire was developed. In addition, General Anxiety Disorder-7 as a screening tool for anxiety disorders was used.Results: Of 180 respondents, 26 (14.4%) were in direct contact with the sick patient. In total, 79 (43.9%) respondents consider their personal protective equipment is in accordance with the guidelines of the world health authorities. A total of 72 (39.7%) of respondents used the same mask for several days. In general, the danger from new coronavirus was considered minimal by 59 (32,6%) HCWs. Based on the achieved score for assessing the anxiety disorder, in 63 (35%) subjects, the presence of severe symptoms was detected.Conclusion: This study found that most HCWs do not have enough knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified that there are differences in the sources of information and gap in perceptions of the native origin of the virus. Considering the frequency of anxiety symptoms among HCWs, interventions are necessary in order to preserve their mental health.

scholarly journals The Association Between Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Resting-State Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation Is Modified by Self-Reported Physical Activity: Results From The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cillian P McDowell ◽  
Louise Newman ◽  
Derek C Monroe ◽  
John D O’Connor ◽  
Silvin P Knight ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Saturation Index ◽  
World Health ◽  
Generalized Anxiety

Abstract Individuals with anxiety disorders exhibit lower intrinsic functional connectivity between prefrontal cortical areas and subcortical regions. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is sensitive to the acute and chronic effects of physical activity (PA), while the anxiolytic effects of PA are well known. The current study examined the association of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and its interaction with PA, with resting-state, left PFC oxygenation. This cross-sectional study used data from participants (N = 2444) from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, a nationally representative prospective study of community-living adults aged 50 and older in Ireland. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short-Form determined fulfillment of criteria for GAD. The short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire determined adherence to the World Health Organization PA guidelines. Resting-state, left PFC oxygenation was continuously measured via a Portalite. Tissue saturation index (TSI) was calculated as the ratio of oxygenated hemoglobin to total tissue hemoglobin (expressed as a percentage) for the final minute of a 5-minute supine-rest period. Multivariable linear regression quantified associations of GAD with TSI in the total population and population stratified by PA status. Participants with GAD had lower TSI (b = −1.416, p = .008) compared to those without GAD. However, this association was modified by PA. Among participants who met the PA guidelines, TSI did not differ according to GAD status (b = −0.800, p = .398). For participants who did not meet the guidelines, TSI was significantly lower among those with GAD (b = −1.758, p = .004). These findings suggest that PA may help to protect brain health among older adults with GAD.

THE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH AND RELATED FACTORS: A WEB-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY HEALTH STUDENT IN THE PANDEMIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (20) ◽  
pp. 723-737
Author(s):  
Ayfer BAYINDIR ÇEVİK ◽  
Elçin Sebahat KASAPOĞLU
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
University Students ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Previous Diagnosis ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and anxiety of university students about the Covid-19 epidemic at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study. The sample consists of 1243 health students. The data were collected through an online questionnaire consisting of three parts. The questionnaire included questions to assess the socio-demographic characteristics of students, their level of knowledge, awareness and behavior about the Covid-19 pandemic, and the impact of the epidemic on their psychological health. The GAD-7 scale was used to assess students' anxiety levels. Results: In this study; 79.60% of the Health Care Students (HCSs) did not attend any training on COVID-19. Their sources of information were internet/social media (97.18%) and TV (97.18%). In the COVID-19 knowledge assessment test, it was found that 65.7% of them had a high level of knowledge. Most of HCSs thought that their knowledge about COVID-19 was very good (55%). The correct answer means of the 31 questions on the COVID-19 knowledge questionnaire were 22.07±1.70. In this questionnaire, it stated that the most effective methods of protection were the use of a mask in crowded environments (99.1%). Most of the HCSs stated that outbreak was affected their mental health negatively (73.1%) and some of them named this state as "Coronaphobia" (33.2%). In this study was found that some HCSs have a generalized anxiety disorder (22.6%) and anxiety experienced due to COVID "completely affected" their lives (19.5%). The average knowledge score of the students who received applied training in the hospital at the beginning of the pandemic (22.29±1.58) and anxiety level of students (6.77±5.85) was higher than those who did not receive applied training in the hospital (5.84±5.47, p<0.05). The GAD-7 scores for those with a previous diagnosis of psychological disease were 2 times higher than those without a previous diagnosis (p<0.05)Conclusion: At the beginning of the pandemic, students who received hands-on training at the hospital had higher knowledge and awareness levels. Generalized Anxiety Disorder was observed more frequently in those with a previous psychological disorder than in other students. Keywords: Anxiety; coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19); knowledge; health students; pandemic and mental health

scholarly journals Screening of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Patients with Epilepsy: Using a Valid and Reliable Indonesian Version of Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astri Budikayanti ◽  
Andira Larasari ◽  
Khamelia Malik ◽  
Zakiah Syeban ◽  
Luh Ari Indrawati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
World Health ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy

Introduction. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common types of anxiety disorder in epilepsy population, comprising 21.9%, that would further impair patients’ quality of life. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) is the only screening tool for GAD that has been validated in patients with epilepsy (PWE). It is a self-reporting instrument that can be completed in less than three minutes; hence, its usage is appropriate in primary healthcare and neurology outpatient clinic. This study aimed to obtain a valid and reliable Indonesian version of GAD-7, assess its accuracy, and finally evaluate the prevalence of GAD in Indonesian PWE along with its contributing factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta. The GAD-7 was translated and adapted using World Health Organization (WHO) steps. Validity, reliability, test-retest reliability, and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated. Then, epilepsy outpatients were screened for GAD using the Indonesian version of GAD-7. Results. Internal validity and reliability for Indonesian version of GAD-7 were satisfactory with validity coefficient of 0.648 to 0.800 (p<0.01) and Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.867. The best cutoff value to detect GAD in Indonesian PWE was >6 with the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 100%, 84.4%, 100%, and 55.8%, respectively. ROC analysis showed the area under the curve of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–0.99). The total subjects screened with the validated Indonesian version of GAD-7 were 146, and 49% were screened as having GAD. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics had no statistically significant association with the presence of GAD. Conclusion. The Indonesian version of GAD-7 was a valuable screening tool to detect GAD in PWE. GAD was screened in a quite high proportion of PWE. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were not proven to play role in its development.

Moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder symptoms are associated with physical inactivity in people with HIV/AIDS: a study from Uganda

2020 ◽  
pp. 095646242094299
Author(s):  
James Mugisha ◽  
Peter K Byansi ◽  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Richard S Bbosa ◽  
Tine Van Damme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Health

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the prevalence of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and its association with physical activity in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Uganda. Two hundred and ninety-five PLHIV (median [interquartile range] age = 37.0 years [16.0]; 200 women) completed the GAD-7, Physical Activity Vital Sign, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. An adjusted odds ratio for physical inactivity in people with moderate to severe GAD symptoms was calculated using binary logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of moderate to severe GAD symptoms was 9.1%. Those with moderate to severe GAD symptoms had a 16.8 times higher odds (95% CI = 5.0–55.9) for not complying with the physical activity recommendations. The current study shows that moderate to severe GAD symptoms are strongly associated with physical inactivity in PLHIV living in a country such as Uganda.

scholarly journals COVID-19–Related Stigma and Mental Health of Children and Adolescents During Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110594
Author(s):  
Burcu Ozbaran ◽  
Furkan Turer ◽  
Hazal Y. Yilancioglu ◽  
Sezen Kose ◽  
Birsen Senturk Pilan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
And Gender

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms of the children/grandchildren of COVID-19 patients, children/grandchildren of healthcare workers who have not infected COVID-19, and children/grandchildren of the control group. Parent and children’s perception about COVID-19–related stigma is also investigated and compared between groups. The perception about COVID-19–related stigma between different age and gender groups among children also investigated and compared. The mental health of the 71 participants aged 6–18 years was evaluated via a telemedicine-based semi-structured interview between March and April 2020. Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and COVID-19–Related Stigma Form were administered to the participants. A significant negative correlation was found between age and separation anxiety disorder ( p = .005) and a significant positive correlation was found between age and generalized anxiety disorder ( p = .035) in the SCARED-Child report. Generalized anxiety disorder was found to be higher in females compared to males. A significant difference was found between the groups of parents in the COVID-19–Related Stigma Form. Patients infected with COVID-19, healthcare workers, and the control group have different perceptions about COVID-19–related stigma. The age of the children have an impact on stigma perceptions. Anxiety symptoms of children affected by age and gender. Future studies are recommended to determine the other factors associated with perceptions about COVID-19–related stigma among children and parents.

scholarly journals Generalized anxiety disorder and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from China during the early rapid outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Chen ◽  
Junling Gao ◽  
Junming Dai ◽  
Yimeng Mao ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Generalized Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common but urgent mental health problem during disease outbreaks. Resilience buffers against the negative impacts of life stressors on common internalizing psychopathology such as GAD. This study assesses the prevalence of GAD and examines the protective or compensatory effect of resilience against worry factors during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Chinese citizens aged ≥18 years from January 31 to February 2, 2020. A total of 4827 participants across 31 provinces and autonomous regions of the mainland of China participated in this study. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and a self-designed worry questionnaire were used to asses anxiety disorder prevalence, resilience level, and anxiety risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the associations of resilience and worry factors with GAD prevalence after controlling for other covariates. Results The prevalence of anxiety disorder was 22.6% across the 31 areas, and the highest prevalence was 35.4% in Hubei province. After controlling for covariates, the results suggested a higher GAD prevalence among participants who were worried about themselves or family members being infected with COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 3.40, 95%CI 2.43–4.75), worried about difficulty obtaining masks (AOR 1.92, 95%CI 1.47–2.50), worried about difficulty of distinguishing true information (AOR 1.65, 95%CI 1.36–2.02), worried about the prognosis of COVID-19 (AOR 2.41, 95%CI 1.75–3.33), worried about delays in working (AOR 1.71, 95%CI 1.27–.31), or worried about decreased income (AOR 1.45, 95%CI 1.14–1.85) compared with those without such worries. Additionally, those with a higher resilience level had a lower prevalence of GAD (AOR 0.59, 95%CI 0.51–0.70). Resilience also showed a mediating effect, with a negative influence on worry factors and thereby a negative association with GAD prevalence. Conclusion It may be beneficial to promote public mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak through enhancing resilience, which may buffer against adverse psychological effects from worry factors.

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