Digital Technologies for Mental Health Improvements in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhui Li
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Intervention Participant ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Automatic Search ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Digital technologies have been used to support mental health services for two decades, but the COVID-19 pandemic creates a unique opportunity for greater utilization and more data-driven assessment of these digital technologies. OBJECTIVE This research aims to provide a systematic review of the characteristics and effectiveness of digital inventions that were employed to improve mental health in the real context of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A combination of search terms was applied for automatic search of publications in the relevant databases. The key features of included studies were extracted, including the intervention, participant, and study details. RESULTS A total of 14 eligible studies were included in the final review, which were conducted across different geographic regions and among diverse cultural groups. Ten studies mainly examined the impact of digital technologies on healthy individuals, while only one study developed specific interventions for the isolated COVID-19 depressed patients in hospitals. Digital technologies identified in this study mainly include web-based interventions, smartphone or social media applications such as SMS messages, mobile games, and even video conferencing app. But only five of them were aligned with theoretical approaches from standardized psychological treatments. Most of the studies have reported positive effects of digital technologies, either on improving general mental and emotional well-being or addressing specific conditions (e.g., depression, loneliness). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that digital technologies hold promise in bridging the mental health-care gap during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for more rigorous studies to identify pertinent features that are likely to achieve more effective mental health outcomes.

scholarly journals The impact of leishmaniasis on mental health and psychosocial well-being: A systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. e0223313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malini Pires ◽  
Barry Wright ◽  
Paul M. Kaye ◽  
Virgínia da Conceição ◽  
Rachel C. Churchill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Do Child Tax Benefits Affect the Well-being of Children? Evidence from Canadian Child Benefit Expansions

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Milligan ◽  
Mark Stabile
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Family Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Child Benefits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Child Benefit

We exploit changes in child benefits in Canada to study the impact of family income on child and family well-being. Using variation in child benefits across province, time, and family type, we study outcomes spanning test scores, mental health, physical health, and deprivation measures. The findings suggest that child benefit programs had significant positive effects on test scores, maternal health, and mental health, among other measures. We find strong and interesting differences in the effects of benefits by child sex: benefits have stronger effects on educational outcomes and physical health for boys, and on mental health outcomes for girls. (JEL I12, I31, I38, J13)

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Perspectives on Using Digital Technology to Maintain Good Mental Health: Interactive Group Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob A Andrews ◽  
Laura JE Brown ◽  
Mark S Hawley ◽  
Arlene J Astell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental States ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Good Mental Health ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND A growing number of apps to support good mental health and well-being are available on digital platforms. However, very few studies have examined older adults’ attitudes toward the use of these apps, despite increasing uptake of digital technologies by this demographic. OBJECTIVE This study sought to explore older adults’ perspectives on technology to support good mental health. METHODS A total of 15 older adults aged 50 years or older, in two groups, participated in sessions to explore the use of digital technologies to support mental health. Interactive activities were designed to capture participants’ immediate reactions to apps and websites designed to support mental health and to explore their experiences of using technology for these purposes in their own lives. Template analysis was used to analyze transcripts of the group discussions. RESULTS Older adults were motivated to turn to technology to improve mood through mechanisms of distraction, normalization, and facilitated expression of mental states, while aiming to reduce burden on others. Perceived barriers to use included fear of consequences and the impact of low mood on readiness to engage with technology, as well as a lack of prior knowledge applicable to digital technologies. Participants were aware of websites available to support mental health, but awareness alone did not motivate use. CONCLUSIONS Older adults are motivated to use digital technologies to improve their mental health, but barriers remain that developers need to address for this population to access them.

scholarly journals Mental Health of Children and Adolescents Amidst COVID-19 and Past Pandemics: A Rapid Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3432
Author(s):  
Salima Meherali ◽  
Neelam Punjani ◽  
Samantha Louie-Poon ◽  
Komal Abdul Rahim ◽  
Jai K. Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
School Closure ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Psychosocial Services ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID‑19 pandemic and associated public health measures have disrupted the lives of people around the world. It is already evident that the direct and indirect psychological and social effects of the COVID‑19 pandemic are insidious and affect the mental health of young children and adolescents now and will in the future. The aim and objectives of this knowledge-synthesis study were to identify the impact of the pandemic on children’s and adolescent’s mental health and to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions employed during previous and the current pandemic to promote children’s and adolescents’ mental health. Methodology: We conducted the systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included experimental randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, observational studies, and qualitative studies. Results: Of the 5828 articles that we retrieved, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. We thematically analyzed them and put the major findings under the thematic areas of impact of the pandemic on children’s and adolescents’ mental health. These studies reported that pandemics cause stress, worry, helplessness, and social and risky behavioral problems among children and adolescents (e.g., substance abuse, suicide, relationship problems, academic issues, and absenteeism from work). Interventions such as art-based programs, support services, and clinician-led mental health and psychosocial services effectively decrease mental health issues among children and adolescents. Conclusion: Children and adolescents are more likely to experience high rates of depression and anxiety during and after a pandemic. It is critical that future researchers explore effective mental health strategies that are tailored to the needs of children and adolescents. Explorations of effective channels regarding the development and delivery of evidenced-based, age-appropriate services are vital to lessen the effects and improve long-term capacities for mental health services for children and adolescents. Key Practitioner Message: The COVID-19 pandemic’s physical restrictions and social distancing measures have affected each and every domain of life. Although the number of children and adolescents affected by the disease is small, the disease and the containment measures such as social distancing, school closure, and isolation have negatively impacted the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of children and adolescents is of great concern. Anxiety, depression, disturbances in sleep and appetite, as well as impairment in social interactions are the most common presentations. It has been indicated that compared to adults, this pandemic may continue to have increased long term adverse consequences on children’s and adolescents’ mental health. As the pandemic continues, it is important to monitor the impact on children’s and adolescents’ mental health status and how to help them to improve their mental health outcomes in the time of the current or future pandemics.

scholarly journals Anxiety and depressive symptomatology among children and adolescents exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic - meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 92-92
Author(s):  
Sanja Djurdjevic ◽  
Ghigliazza Conde ◽  
Vesna Dukanac ◽  
Ana Djurdjevic
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
The Impact

Background/Aim: Children and adolescents are the sensitive groups for the development of mental disorders during the crisis. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding anxiety and depressive symptomatology in this population. Method: Investigation is based on a Systematic Review followed by PRISMA protocol including Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and APA Psyc Info data bases to identify relevant studies reporting anxiety and depressive symptoms among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. 27 articles were included. Results: Anxiety symptoms increased from 28.3% before the pandemic to 49.5% during confinement (GAD-7 ? 11) (McNemar test p <0.0001). More depression symptomatology was found as well; weight and sleep changes are disturbances in children and adolescents? mental health. Additionally, female teenagers were experiencing grater declines in mood disorders than male teenagers during the COVID-19 crisis. On one hand, different positive correlations between anxiety and other variables, were found, such as clinical depressive symptoms and anxiety (3/14), smartphone and internet addiction (2/14), lower levels of family income (2/14), perceived threats (2/14), higher grades at school (2/14), loneliness (1/14). On the other hand, positive correlations were reported between depression and children and adolescents that were socially disconnected (3/17). Finally, mothers with higher levels of education and income were associated with more happiness (2/17). Conclusions: COVID-19 has a strong impact in children?s and adolescents? mental health regarding depression and anxiety symptoms. Prevention programs focused on coping strategies should also be considered to be delivered in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. Mental health should become a priority matter for governments and the current pandemic could be an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental well-being and to invest in the betterment of clinical trainings, treatments and mental health research.

The Oxford Handbook of Digital Technologies and Mental Health

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

This book provides an academically oriented and scientifically based description of how technological advances may have contributed to a wide range of mental health outcomes, covering the spectrum from problems and maladies to improved and expanded healthcare services. Digital technologies covered include internet use (including social networking, shopping, gambling, viewing of pornography, etc.), digital gaming, smartphones, mobile applications, virtual reality, and computer-based therapeutic interventions. Both the positive and negative aspects of these various types of digital technologies are discussed. Further, some chapters include a discussion of future developments in the field. The book has been written by international experts in the applications of digital technology across many countries and quality universities. This book consists of eight sections. The first focuses on digital technology in the general population. The second covers problematic conceptual issues in the impact of technology use. The third discusses potential positive impacts of digital technology. The fourth covers potential negative impacts of digital technologies. The fifth evaluates utilizing digital technologies for assessment and legal considerations. The sixth explores using digital technologies to improve overall well-being. The seventh discusses the use of digital technologies to treat specific disorders, and the eighth presents a discussion on treatments of problematic technology use. The book concludes with a brief summary as well as a discussion of future directions for digital technologies.

scholarly journals Systematic Review on the Mental Health and Treatment Impacts of COVID-19 on Neurocognitive Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 746
Author(s):  
Laura Dellazizzo ◽  
Nayla Léveillé ◽  
Clara Landry ◽  
Alexandre Dumais
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorders ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Social Support Services ◽  
The Impact

Objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic has had many public health impacts, especially on vulnerable individuals including adults with neurocognitive disorders (NCD). With increasing literature, this systematic literature review aimed to address the mental health effects of COVID-19 on people with NCD in addition to examine the impact of the pandemic on treatments/resources for NCD. Methods. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Studies were included so long as they assessed the mental health or therapeutic effects of COVID-19 on NCD. Results. Among the retrieved articles, 59 met eligibility criteria. First, the pandemic and resulting self-isolation led to many detrimental effects on psychological well-being. Exacerbation and relapses of neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms were observed, as well as emergences of new psychological symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety). Second, therapeutic and community services for individuals suffering from NCD, such as social support services and outpatient clinics, were disrupted or reduced leading to postponed appointments and evaluations, as well as reduced access to medications. These issues were somewhat palliated with the growth of telemedicine. Conclusion. This systematic review highlights the extent of the effects of the pandemic, and the topics addressed should be taken into consideration by healthcare practitioners, institutions, and policymakers to ensure that proper measures are employed to protect this population from additional harm.

Relationship Between Family Functioning, Parents’ Psychosocial Factors, and Children’s Well-Being

2021 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2110307
Author(s):  
Tania Gaspar ◽  
Diego Gomez-Baya ◽  
Joana S. Trindade ◽  
Fábio Botelho Guedes ◽  
Ana Cerqueira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Psychological Intervention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Parental Mental Health ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Path Analyses ◽  
The Impact

The main objective of this study is to explore the impact of the psychosocial factors (social support, resilience, and mental health) on the family functioning and on the parent’s perception of their children’s well-being. Participants were 1757 parents of children aged 6 to 16 years, 77.3% female ( N = 1359), and 22.7% male ( N = 398), aged between 20 and 80 years ( M = 41.61 and SD = 5.71). A path analyses model indicated that social support and resilience, which were positively associated, presented positive effects on parental mental health and on family functioning. No effect was observed on family functioning by parental mental health after including the effects by social support and resilience. Finally, this model pointed out that better family functioning, more social support, and more resilience skills were related to better child well-being. Implications to research and to prevention and psychological intervention in relation to parental skills and family functioning are presented in order to promote children well-being and healthy development.

scholarly journals COPING STRATEGIES AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THE LGBTQ WITH HIV/AIDS – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 308-338
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ashraff Ahmad ◽  
Azmawaty Mohamad Nor ◽  
Harris Shah Abd Hamid ◽  
Anne Noor Sri Juwaneeta Jamaludin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Coping Strategy ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Positive Coping ◽  
The Impact

Facing stigma on both HIV and sexuality by the larger society puts significant pressure and stress on the LGBTQ living with HIV to cope with their diagnosis. The promotion of coping strategies as an intervention to increase well-being among PLHIV needs to consider current findings to remain relevant. This systematic review took 17 articles from 2008 to 2018 to provide a comprehensive analysis of issues that influenced coping strategies and investigate the association of the chosen coping strategy with their mental health. The results indicated that the impact of double stigma amplifies the challenge faced by the LGBTQ community to deal with their HIV diagnosis and had a significant impact on their mental health wellbeing. Both positive and negative coping styles were present as coping strategies employed with positive coping being used more as a chosen strategy. Each presenting coping strategy was reviewed, with depression and anxiety becoming the baseline indicator to reflect mental health status. This systematic review also revealed that the positive coping strategy does not necessarily lead to a positive psychological state as it is dependent on the changeability of the stressor faced. The findings emphasized the complexities in untangling the influence of coping on wellbeing among PLHIV. More attention should be paid to the mechanisms of stressor appraisal in selecting a more suitable coping strategy.

scholarly journals Connecting healthcare with income maximisation services, and their financial, health and well-being impacts for families with young children: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e056297
Author(s):  
Jade Burley ◽  
Anna MH Price ◽  
Anneka Parker ◽  
Nora Samir ◽  
Anna Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Hardship ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

IntroductionPoverty has far-reaching and detrimental effects on children’s physical and mental health, across all geographies. Financial advice and income-maximisation services can provide a promising opportunity for shifting the physical and mental health burdens that commonly occur with financial hardship, yet awareness of these services is limited, and referrals are not systematically integrated into existing healthcare service platforms. We aim to map and synthesise evidence on the impact of healthcare-income maximisation models of care for families of children aged 0–5 years in high-income countries on family finances, parent/caregiver(s) or children’s health and well-being.Methods and analysisTo be included in the review, studies must be families (expectant mothers or parents/caregivers) of children who are aged between 0 and 5 years, accessing a healthcare service, include a referral from healthcare to an income-maximisation service (ie, financial counselling), and examine impacts on child and family health and well-being. A comprehensive electronic search strategy will be used to identify studies written in English, published from inception to January 2021, and indexed in MEDLINE, EMBase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Proquest, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, Cochrane Library, and Informit Online. Search strategies will include terms for: families, financial hardship and healthcare, in various combinations. Bibliographies of primary studies and review articles meeting the inclusion criteria will be searched manually to identify further eligible studies, and grey literature will also be searched. Data on objective and self-reported outcomes and study quality will be independently extracted by two review authors; any disagreements will be resolved through a third reviewer. The protocol follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. The results will be disseminated widely via peer-reviewed publication and presentations at conferences related to this field.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020195985.

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