scholarly journals Positive mental health and perceived change in mental health among adults in Canada during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Author(s):  
Colin A. Capaldi ◽  
Li Liu ◽  
Raelyne L. Dopko

Introduction Canadian surveys from spring/summer 2020 suggest the prevalence of some positive mental health (PMH) outcomes have declined compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, less is known about the state of PMH during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We compared adults’ self-rated mental health (SRMH), community belonging and life satisfaction in Fall 2020 versus 2019 in the overall population and across sociodemographic characteristics using cross-sectional data from the Survey on COVID-19 and Mental Health (September–December, 2020) and the 2019 Canadian Community Health Survey. We also conducted regression analyses to examine which sociodemographic factors were associated with reporting in Fall 2020 that one’s mental health was about the same or better compared to before the pandemic. Results Fewer adults reported high SRMH in Fall 2020 (59.95%) than in 2019 (66.71%) and fewer reported high community belonging in Fall 2020 (63.64%) than in 2019 (68.42%). Rated from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied), average life satisfaction was lower in Fall 2020 (7.19) than in 2019 (8.08). Females, those aged under 65 years, those living in a population centre, and those absent from work due to COVID-19 had lower odds of reporting that their mental health was about the same or better in Fall 2020. Conclusion The PMH of adults was lower during the pandemic’s second wave. However, the majority of individuals still reported high SRMH and community belonging. The findings identify certain sociodemographic groups whose mental health appears to have been more negatively impacted by the pandemic. Continued surveillance is important in ensuring mental health builds back better and stronger in Canada after the pandemic.

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-91
Author(s):  
Mélanie Varin ◽  
Elia Palladino ◽  
Tanya Lary ◽  
Melissa Baker

This At-a-glance presents updated estimates for the Positive Mental Health Surveillance Indicator Framework for adults aged 18 years and older. Using data from the 2015 and 2017 Canadian Community Health Survey, we calculated the prevalence of positive mental health and associated determinants. Estimates for positive mental health outcomes for adults ranged from 68.1% to 87.1%. We also explored the associations between sociodemographic factors and positive mental health among adults in Canada. Our findings suggest sociodemographic differences in odds of self-rated mental health, happiness, life satisfaction, and psychological and social well-being.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 281-288
Author(s):  
Mélanie Varin ◽  
Melissa Baker ◽  
Elia Palladino ◽  
Tanya Lary

The 2019 edition of the Canadian Chronic Disease Indicators (CCDI) provides recent estimates of the burden of chronic conditions and measures of general health and associated determinants in Canada. Using data from the CCDI and 2017 Canadian Community Health Survey, we explored the relationship between sociodemographic factors and selfreported mental health. Our findings suggest that sex (males vs females: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.22); age (65–79 vs 35–49 year age group: aOR = 1.48); education (postsecondary graduate vs less than high school: aOR = 1.68); household income adequacy (highest quintile [Q5] vs lowest [Q1]: aOR = 2.25); and immigrant status (recent immigrants vs nonimmigrants: aOR= 2.29) were significantly associated with higher self-reported mental health.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110310
Author(s):  
Lei Chai ◽  
Jia Xue

Purpose: The present study examines the extent to which (mis)matched weight and weight perceptions predict adolescents’ self-rated health, mental health, and life satisfaction. Design: Quantitative, cross-sectional study. Setting: Data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)—a nationally representative sample collected by Statistics Canada. Participants: Canadian adolescents aged between 12 and 17 (n = 8,081). Measures: The dependent variables are self-rated health, mental health, and life satisfaction. The independent variable is (mis)matched weight and weight perceptions. Analysis: We perform a series of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models. Results: Overweight adolescents with overweight perceptions are associated with poorer self-rated health (b = −.546, p < .001 for boys; b = −.476, p < .001 for girls), mental health (b = −.278, p < .001 for boys; b = −.433, p < .001 for girls), and life satisfaction (b = −.544, p < .001 for boys; b = −.617, p < .001 for girls) compared to their counterparts with normal weight and normal weight perceptions. Similar patterns have also been observed among normal weight adolescents with overweight perceptions (e.g., normal weight adolescents with overweight perceptions are associated with poorer self-rated health (b = −.541, p < .01 for boys; b = −.447, p < .001 for girls)). Conclusion: Normal weight adolescents are not immune to adverse self-rated health, mental health, and life satisfaction because their weight perceptions are also a contributing factor to health and well-being consequences.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael C. Stone ◽  
Brad A. Meisner ◽  
Joseph Baker

Involvement in physical activity is associated with improved mental health including better social skills, coping mechanisms, and lower rates of depression. However, evidence on whether group or individual active environments better facilitate these benefits remains inconsistent. This cross-sectional cohort study examined the mental health reports of older adults (aged 50+) in relation to participation in group or individual active environments. Logistic multivariate regression analyses were conducted on the Canadian Community Health Survey (cycle 4.1, 2007-2008,n=44,057). Results illustrated that those active in both group and individual environments were 59% less likely to have a mood disorder than those who were not participating in either (P<0.001). Also, those active in both environments were 31% less likely to have a mood disorder than those active in an individual environment (P<0.001). Participating in only group or only individual environments had a similar effect compared to individuals not active in any environments for reducing rates of reported mood disorders (22% and 28%, resp.). However, the findings related to only group environments were not significant. These findings reveal that participating in both group and individual physical activities may have important implications for maintaining older adults' mental health status.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 1687-1694
Author(s):  
Viktor V. Vus ◽  
Elena V. Syurina ◽  
Tanya Brückner ◽  
Evangelos C. Fradelos ◽  
Ioanna V. Papathanasiou ◽  
...  

The aim: Youth are important societal actors. This is especially relevant when considering countries in transition such as Ukraine. This study examines well-being and societal participation – both key signifiers of mental health – of youth in Ukraine. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey with open and closed questions was utilized (n= 1562). Participants were asked to reflect on social concerns and to evaluate their well-being in different life spheres and their own mental health through activities such as interpersonal communication, self-perception and relaxation. Results: Students showed positive mental health through their daily activities, but mental health indicated by life satisfaction ranged according to activities, age, gender and environment. Willingness to volunteer and connection to life can be attributed to feelings of learned helplessness in the face of problems deemed too complex, and participation in volunteering was linked to positive mental health and feelings of empowerment. Conclusions: The study contributes to understanding the status of Ukrainian youth’s mental health and the ways in which mental health is expressed. The results of the research assist in identifying avenues to reduce the impact of social frustration, improve mental health of citizens of transitional countries, and encourage social stability.


Crisis ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Teismann ◽  
Laura Paashaus ◽  
Paula Siegmann ◽  
Peter Nyhuis ◽  
Marcus Wolter ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Suicide ideation is a prerequisite for suicide attempts. However, the majority of ideators will never act on their thoughts. It is therefore crucial to understand factors that differentiate those who consider suicide from those who make suicide attempts. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the role of protective factors in differentiating non-ideators, suicide ideators, and suicide attempters. Method: Inpatients without suicide ideation ( n = 32) were compared with inpatients with current suicide ideation ( n = 37) and with inpatients with current suicide ideation and a lifetime history of suicide attempts ( n = 26) regarding positive mental health, self-esteem, trust in higher guidance, social support, and reasons for living. Results: Non-ideators reported more positive mental health, social support, reasons for living, and self-esteem than suicide ideators and suicide attempters did. No group differences were found regarding trust in higher guidance. Suicide ideators and suicide attempters did not differ regarding any of the study variables. Limitations: Results stem from a cross-sectional study of suicide attempts; thus, neither directionality nor generalizability to fatal suicide attempts can be determined. Conclusion: Various protective factors are best characterized to distinguish ideators from nonsuicidal inpatients. However, the same variables seem to offer no information about the difference between ideators and attempters.


Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document