Does the risk of poor mental health rise before widowhood?

Background A large body of literature has shown that transition into widowhood has detrimental effects on the surviving spouse’s health leading to elevated risks of mortality, poor mental health and hospitalisation. However, few studies have examined health outcomes before widowhood. Anticipatory grief and long term care giving are likely to lead to poor mental health conditions. Aim This paper examined whether the risk of depression and anxiety rose before the widowhood event using linked administrative data. Methods The study population was drawn from the Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS) linked to prescribing data, available from 2009. We included all cohort members who were married in 2001 and who were aged 50 and over by 2009. We then followed the cohort for 5 years from 2009 to 2013 (N=~58,000). Andersen-Gill models were used to explore the risk of prescription of antidepressant and antianxiety drugs before and after loss of spouse adjusting for a number of confounders. The analysis was carried out separately for men and women. Results We found that the risk of depression and anxiety were higher 6 months before widowhood for women (0-3 months, HR=1.17, 95%CI 1.07-1.28; 3-6 months, HR=1.15, 95%CI 1.05-1.27) but not for men (0-3 months HR=1.07, 95% CI 0.90-1.26; 3-6 months HR=1.01, 95% CI 0.84-1.21). The risk after widowhood for men became significantly higher lasting for 2 years (0-3 months HR=1.40, 95% CI 1.21-1.61; 21-24 months HR=1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.52). For women the elevated risk remained at a heightened level up to 2 years (0-3 months HR=1.50, 95% CI 1.29-1.75; 21-24 months HR=1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.60). Conclusion It has been previously shown that widowhood has negative effects on a surviving partners’ health. This research shows that this effect is also apparent in women before their partner’s deaths.

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Economic crisis and mental health – findings from Spain

Die Psychiatrie ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1669559 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (02) ◽

pp. 95-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

A. I. Masedo Gutierrez ◽

B. Moreno-Küstner

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Economic Crisis ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Anxiolytic Drugs ◽

Education Act ◽

The Impact

Summary Objective: Recent studies have begun to look at the impact of the economic crisis on mental health. This paper tries to summarize the most important findings with regard to effects of the economic crisis on mental health in Spain on the basis of a comprehensive literature review. Results: Most of the studies agree on the negative consequences on mental health of the Spanish economic crisis. A decrease in self-perceived mental health, an increase of depression and anxiety and an increase in consumption of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs is observed during the economic crisis. The consequences of the economic crisis differ by sub-groups. Empirical Spanish studies have shown different effects of the recession on mental health depending of individuals’ socioeconomic position and educational level. Among immigrants and especially men, unemployed people and low-salary employees, the prevalence of poor mental health was higher after the economic crisis. Higher levels of education act as a protective factor against the deterioration of mental health following the economic crisis. Conclusion: The economic crisis has had negative effects on mental health in Spain, and further studies in this area could help provide useful information with a view to improving the mental health status of the Spanish population.

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PASIFIKA FUTURES WHĀNAU ORA: F’INE – Nurturing the Future for Pasifika LGBTQI

Pacific Health Dialog ◽

10.26635/phd.2019wos.624 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Saneta Manoa ◽

Phylesha Brown-Acton ◽

Tatryanna Utanga ◽

Seini Jensen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

The Future ◽

Specific Provider

F’INE Aotearoa, through Pasifika Futures Whānau Ora programme, is supporting Pacific Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) individuals and their families to transform their lives and achieve their aspirations. The LGBTQI community in New Zealand experience significant disadvantage across a range of areas affecting wellbeing, including higher rates of poor mental health, depression and anxiety 1,2,3. For Pacific LGBTQI, the disadvantages are compounded further. F’INE, an LGBTQI specific provider in New Zealand, is working to change this.

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Saúde mental e a prática de atividades físicas na quarentena: um ensaio de discussão teórica

Caderno de Educação Física e Esporte ◽

10.36453/cefe.2021.n2.25207 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 107-112

Author(s):

Matheus Cabanha Paniago Almada ◽

Romano Deluque Júnior ◽

Cesar Augusto Marton ◽

Mariane Moreira Ramiro do Carmo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Contact ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Theoretical Discussion ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Health It ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Physical Exercises

OBJETIVO: Discutir os modos como um estado de quarentena e de distanciamento social, por motivos de pandemia, alteram os hábitos de atividade física da população e incidem em impactos diante da saúde mental das pessoas inseridas no referido contexto. MÉTODOS: O presente estudo pretende ser um ensaio de discussão teórica, com delineamentos explicativos/analíticos, utilizando-se de artigos recentemente publicados e indexados, para identificar os pontos negativos e positivos do distanciamento social e da quarentena, bem como, discutir os seus efeitos na saúde mental. Pretende-se ainda, argumentar em favor da prática de atividades físicas, como ferramenta redutora da tensão e da ansiedade, tão características do atual cenário pandêmico. RESULTADOS: Considerando que uma situação de distanciamento social, ou de quarentena, alteram os hábitos da população, verifica-se que as mudanças de rotinas fazem emergir sentimentos de frustração e tédio, além disso, a falta de contato físico e social provoca a sensação de isolamento perante o resto do mundo e angústia aquele que vivencia o fenômeno. Uma estratégia para combater os efeitos negativos na saúde mental decorrente a quarentena e o iso-lamento social, é a prática de atividades físicas. Dentre os benefícios da prática de atividades físicas para a saúde mental, demonstrou-se que a mesma, quando feita regularmente, está associada a diminuição de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade. CONCLUSÃO: Sabendo dos impactos psicológicos que são gerados nesse período, e fazendo uma associa-ção com os estudos que demonstram os benefícios das atividades físicas, é possível afirmar que a prática dos pode ser uma estratégia eficiente de enfrentamento, porém, estudos es-pecíficos devem ainda ser realizados.ABSTRACT. Mental health and physical activity practice in quarantine: a theoretical discussion essay.OBJECTIVE: To discuss the ways in which a state of quarantine and social detachment, for reasons of a pandemic, changes the habits of the population and impacts on the mental health of people in the context. METHODS: The present study intends to be a theoretical discussion essay, with explanatory / analytical designs, which uses recently published and indexed articles, to identify the negative and positive points of social detachment and quarantine, as well as to discuss its effects on mental health. It is also intended to argue in favor of the practice of physical activities, as a tool to reduce tension and anxiety, so characteristic of the current pandemic scenario. RESULTS: Considering that a situation of social detachment, or quarantine changes the habits of the population, it is also verified that changes in routines emerge feelings of frustration and boredom, in addition, the lack of physical and social contact causes feeling of isolation from the rest of the world and distressing those who experience the phenomenon. A strategy to combat the negative effects on mental health resulting from quarantine and social isolation, is the practice of physical exercises. Among the benefits of physical exercise for mental health, it has been shown that regular physical activity is associated with decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Knowing the psychological impacts that are generated in this period, and making an association with the studies that demonstrate the benefits of physical exercises, it is possible to say that the practice of activities can be an efficient coping strategy, however, specific studies must still be performed.

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1184Combined association of living alone and dietary variety with mental health in older Japanese adults

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.269 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Toshiki Hata ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Living Alone ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Dietary Variety ◽

Japanese Adults ◽

Living Together

Abstract Background We examined whether dietary variety (DV) might alleviate poor mental health (MH) of living-alone (LA) older adults. Methods Cross-sensational data from 15073 (7566 men; 7507 women) residents aged 65-84 years were assessed using the WHO-Five Well-being Index to determine poor MH (defined by a score ≤ 12) and DV (low and high DV defined by a score ≤ 3 and ≥ 4, respectively). Participants were divided into living together with high DV (G1), living together with low DV (G2), LA with high DV (G3), and LA with low DV (G4). Logistic regression analyses stratified by gender were performed to examine the association of poor MH with LA and DV. Results Prevalence of LA, low DV, and poor MH were 13.6%, 63.3%, and 26.1%, respectively, in men, and 21.2%, 54.6%, and 24.8%, respectively, in women. Compared with the G1, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals) for worse MH were 1.69 (1.49-1.93) for G2, 2.04 (1.50-2.78) for G3, and 3.34 (2.70-4.11) for G4 in men. Corresponding ORs were 1.73 (1.52-1.96), 1.02 (0.83-1.26), and 1.66 (1.36-2.01) in women. Conclusions The association of poor MH with LA was more apparent in older adults with low DV than in those with high DV; however, this association differed with gender. Key message Eating a variety of food may help alleviate the negative effects of living alone on mental health in older adults.

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Risk Marker or Risk Mechanism? The Effect of Family, Household, and Parental Imprisonment on Children and Adults’ Social Support and Mental Health

Criminal Justice and Behavior ◽

10.1177/0093854818782711 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (8) ◽

pp. 1154-1173 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Kirsten L. Besemer ◽

Steve G. A. van de Weijer ◽

Susan M. Dennison

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

The United States ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Data Set ◽

Close Family Member ◽

The Social ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Close Family

There is robust evidence of associations between parental imprisonment (PI) and a variety of harms to children, but the consequences of other forms of family imprisonment are largely unknown. Using Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA), a nationally representative Australian data set, this article looked at the direct effects of PI, household member imprisonment (HI), or close family member imprisonment (CFI) on the social support and mental health of nonincarcerated adults and young people. Recent PI, HI, or CFI had no association with social support. Recent CFI did increase men’s risk of poor mental health, but not women’s or young people’s. We consider the implications of these findings in the context of strong negative effects of paternal imprisonment on mothers in the United States.

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The Transition of Medical Students Through Residency: Effects on Physical Activity and Other Lifestyle-Related Behaviors

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2015-0256 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 488-493 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alba Pardo ◽

Anna Mitjans ◽

Lucía Baranda ◽

Manel Salamero ◽

James McKenna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

First Year ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Before And After ◽

Negative Effect

Background:Little is known about lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare-seeking behaviors during the transition from medical school graduation to residency training, a period characterized by increased rates of stress and lack of free time due to demanding working conditions. All of these issues are likely to affect physical activity (PA) level. This study explored the evolution of PA and other lifestyle behaviors during this transition.Methods:A cross-sectional study and a cohort study were conducted with medical students (2010) and physicians before and after the first year of residency (2013 and 2014). A self-administered questionnaire assessed PA, health and lifestyle behaviors.Results:From a sample of 420 medical students and 478 residents, 74% comply with current PA guidelines. PA decreased by 16% during residency. Low levels of PA were found among (i) females and in respondents who reported (ii) poor self-perceived health and (iii) unhealthy body weight (P < .05). Low PA level was also significantly associated with poor mental health in first-year residents.Conclusions:The transition has a negative effect on physicians’ PA level that may affect physicians’ own health and patient care. Medical programs should encourage residents to engage in PA to assure physicians’ personal and mental health.

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Help Wanted: Mental Health and Social Stressors Among Latino Day Laborers

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988319838424 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 155798831983842 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Clara M. Hill ◽

Emily C. Williams ◽

India J. Ornelas

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Life Experiences ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Stressful Life ◽

Future Research ◽

Day Laborers ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Social Stressors ◽

Latino Day Laborers ◽

Stressful Life Experiences

Latino day laborers may be especially vulnerable to poor mental health due to stressful life experiences, yet few studies have described patterns of mental health outcomes and their correlates in this population. Patterns of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7), and associations with demographic characteristics, social stressors, and substance use in a recruited sample of male Latino day laborers ( n = 101) are described. High rates of depression and anxiety were identified. Specifically, 39% screened positive for moderate or severe depression and 25% for moderate or severe anxiety. Higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with being single, being homeless or in temporary housing, experiencing discrimination, acculturation stress, and marijuana use. While tobacco and unhealthy alcohol use were common in this sample (39% and 66%, respectively), they were not associated with depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that depression and anxiety are common among Latino day laborers and associated with stressful life experiences. Future research should further assess ways to ameliorate social stressors and reduce risk for poor mental health.

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Reducing worry and rumination in young adults via a mobile phone app: study protocol of the ECoWeB (Emotional Competence for Well-Being in Young Adults) randomised controlled trial focused on repetitive negative thinking

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03536-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Edge ◽

Alexandra Newbold ◽

Thomas Ehring ◽

Tabea Rosenkranz ◽

Mads Frost ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Young People ◽

Emotional Competence ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Repetitive Negative Thinking ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

The Uk

Abstract Background Promoting well-being and preventing poor mental health in young people is a major global priority. Building emotional competence skills via a mobile app may be an effective, scalable and acceptable way to do this. A particular risk factor for anxiety and depression is elevated worry and rumination (repetitive negative thinking, RNT). An app designed to reduce RNT may prevent future incidence of depression and anxiety. Method/design The Emotional Competence for Well-Being in Young Adults study developed an emotional competence app to be tested via randomised controlled trials in a longitudinal prospective cohort. This off-shoot study adapts the app to focus on targeting RNT (worry, rumination), known risk factors for poor mental health. In this study, 16–24 year olds in the UK, who report elevated worry and rumination on standardised questionnaires are randomised to (i) receive the RNT-targeting app immediately for 6 weeks (ii) a waiting list control who receive the app after 6 weeks. In total, the study will aim to recruit 204 participants, with no current diagnosis of major depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis, across the UK. Assessments take place at baseline (pre-randomisation), 6 and 12 weeks post-randomisation. Primary endpoint and outcome for the study is level of rumination assessed on the Rumination Response Styles Questionnaire at 6 weeks. Worry, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and well-being are secondary outcomes. Compliance, adverse events and potentially mediating variables will be carefully monitored. Discussion This trial aims to better understand the benefits of tackling RNT via an mobile phone app intervention in young people. This prevention mechanism trial will establish whether targeting worry and rumination directly via an app provides a feasible approach to prevent depression and anxiety, with scope to become a widescale public health strategy for preventing poor mental health and promoting well-being in young people. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04950257. Registered 6 July 2021 – Retrospectively registered.

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Experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional analysis of risk perceptions and mental health in a student cohort

10.1101/2020.12.21.20248467 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ru Jia ◽

Holly Knight ◽

Holly Blake ◽

Dame Jessica Corner ◽

Chris Denning ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sectional Analysis

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the COVID-19 risk perceptions and mental health of university students on returning to campus in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was completed during the first four weeks of the academic year (October 2020) by 897 university students. The survey included demographics and measures of experiences of COVID-19 testing, self-isolation, shielding, perceived risk, mental health and indices capturing related psychological responses to the pandemic.ResultsWe observed higher levels of depression and anxiety, but not stress, in students compared with pre- pandemic normative data, but lower than levels reported earlier in the pandemic in other similar cohorts. Depression, anxiety and stress were independently associated with greater loneliness and reduced positive mood. Greater worry about COVID-19 was also independently associated with anxiety and stress. Female students and those with pre-existing mental health disorders were at greatest risk of poor mental health outcomes.ConclusionAlthough students perceived themselves at only moderate risk of COVID-19, the prevalence of depression and anxiety among university students should remain a concern. Universities should provide adequate support for students’ mental health during term-time. Interventions to reduced loneliness and worry, and improve mood, may benefit students’ overall mental well-being.

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Prospective examination of mental health in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.1101/2021.07.29.21261196 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ru Jia ◽

Holly Knight ◽

Kieran Ayling ◽

Carol Coupland ◽

Jessia Corner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Positive Mood ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Female Students ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Mental Health Difficulties ◽

The Impact

Background: The impact of changing social restrictions on the mental health of students during the COVID-19 pandemic warrants exploration. Aims: To prospectively examine changes to university students mental health during the pandemic. Methods: Students completed repeated online surveys at three time points (October 2020 (baseline), February 2021, March 2021) to explore relationships between demographic and psychological factors (loneliness and positive mood) and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress). Results: A total of 893 students participated. Depression and anxiety levels were higher at all timepoints than pre-pandemic normative data (p<.001). Scores on all mental health measures were highest in February, with depression and anxiety remaining significantly higher in March than baseline. Female students and those with previous mental health disorders were at greatest risk of poor mental health outcomes. Lower positive mood and greater loneliness at baseline were associated with greater depression and anxiety at follow-ups. Baseline positive mood predicted improvement of depression and anxiety at follow-ups. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety were significantly higher than pre-pandemic norms, with female students and those with previous mental health difficulties being at greatest risk. Given these elevated rates, universities should ensure adequate support is available to meet potentially increased demand for services.

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