scholarly journals INTRODUCING A FALL “WELLBEING” WEEK AT UBCO

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Elnaggar ◽  
Megan Lochhead
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
The Status ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Student mental health and well-being are increasingly a focus of post-secondary institutions across Canada. Many academic institutions have opted to offer a fall reading week as a means of reducing student stress and improving their mental health. This paper presents a review of the academic research that has been done to study the impact of a fall reading week on students’ mental health and wellbeing. The paper also presents the status of the fall reading break in the top 30 Canadian Universities. Based on the results of this research, the authors have developed a proposal of introducing a fall reading week at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus (UBCO). The proposal has been accepted in concept by the Provost’s Office as well as by the Senate’s Academic Policy Committee for possible implementation.  

scholarly journals Fall Break Fallout: Exploring Student Perceptions of the Impact of an Autumn Break on Stress

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 45-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Agnew ◽  
Heather Poole ◽  
Ayesha Khan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Stress Intervention ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Academic Assessments ◽  
The Impact

The mental health of post-secondary students has dominated recent discourse surrounding higher education. Accordingly, many institutions have introduced a break in the fall term, designed to support student well-being. As part of an interdisciplinary, longitudinal study examining the effects of the fall break on student stress, we held focus groups with undergraduates. We observed mixed feedback surrounding this intervention. Students appreciated the fall break as an opportunity to reduce their stress, yet they frequently reported negative impacts of the break on the timing of academic assessments and their ability to effectively manage study time. Based on extensive dialogue with students, we provide recommendations for institutions which have implemented or are considering implementing a fall break as a way to support student mental health. We aim to address the paucity of qualitative research on student stress and develop a deeper understanding of the factors driving students’ responses to stress intervention policies.

scholarly journals The impact on the mental health and well-being of unpaid carers affected by social distancing, self-isolation and shielding during the COVID 19 pandemic in England – a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabo Akafekwa ◽  
Elizabeth Dalgarno ◽  
Arpana Verma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
List Type ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The People ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores the impact of the COVID 19 lockdown measures on the mental health and well-being of unpaid carers, who make up the largest number of the carer population in England.Study designA systematic review research protocol was designed and used to conduct the review along with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the synthesis of Qualitative Research - ENTREQ statement [43]. Pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. EndNote X9 reference management was used and the search process was represented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram [76]. Appraisal of the included research was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) [57]. Line by line coding was done using inductive thematic synthesis and EPPI Reviewer 4 software [60].ResultsFour themes emerged; immediate worries or fears, adapting to change, post pandemic fears and use of technology.ConclusionThe measures put in place during the first lockdown period have had detrimental impacts on unpaid carers, putting them at greater risk of burnout. However, use of digital platforms could have a positive impact on well-being. Recommendations for further research are provided.What is new?Key findings?Discontinued or reduced access to activities and services during the first lockdown during the pandemic has had a negative impact on both people who require care and their carers.Carers prioritise the mental health and wellbeing needs of the people they care for over their own.Further qualitative research from different groups of carers would be useful to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic measures on unpaid carers.Use of digital technology and digital platforms may be useful tools for carers both during the pandemic and after.What this adds to what is known?There have been very few qualitative studies on the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of unpaid carers, this review has synthesised their findings and will contribute to future research.Unpaid carers are known to be at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing outcomes, this review demonstrates that they are even more at risk due to the increased reliance on them during the pandemic.What is this implication and what should change?There is limited qualitative data available from a range of different groups of carers for example, spouse carers, parent carers, carers of people who have specific needs or conditions. Therefore, purposeful sample research to determine the needs of groups of carers during the COVID 19 pandemic could be valuable.Unpaid carers who do not have appropriate support are more at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing outcomes. During the pandemic services have had to adapt to the various rules implemented. Digital adaptations to the provision of support to both carers and the people they care for could be beneficial both during and after the pandemic.

scholarly journals Coping With COVID-19: The Impact of the Pandemic on Latina Immigrant Women’s Mental Health and Well-being

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812110506
Author(s):  
India J. Ornelas ◽  
Stephanie Tornberg-Belanger ◽  
Jennifer E. Balkus ◽  
Perla Bravo ◽  
S. Adriana Perez Solorio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Latina Immigrants ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Moderate Range ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Introduction We sought to describe how Latina immigrants living in King County coped with the pandemic, including their attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19, and the impact of the pandemic on their mental health and wellbeing. Method We conducted surveys by phone with adult Spanish-speaking Latina immigrants ( n = 137) in the summer of 2020. Results Very few women had been infected with COVID-19, and 23% reported having been tested. Most frequent reasons for not being tested were not knowing where to go (14%), concerns over the cost (15%), and not wanting to know if they were infected (12%). Most participants had concerns about paying for housing (76%) and food (73%). Depression and anxiety symptoms were in the moderate range. Almost all participants were practicing recommended preventive behaviors. Conclusion Although few participants had COVID-19 infection, the pandemic had significant impacts on their mental health and ability to meet basic needs.

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being of people living with a long-term physical health condition: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Fisher ◽  
A. Roberts ◽  
A. R. McKinlay ◽  
D. Fancourt ◽  
A. Burton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions caused major global disruption. Individuals with long-term physical health conditions (LTCs) are at higher risk of severe illness and often subject to the strictest pandemic guidance, so may be disproportionally affected. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore how living with a LTC during the COVID-19 pandemic affected people’s mental health and wellbeing. Methods Participants were people living with LTCs who participated in telephone/video call interviews based on a semi-structured topic guide. Key themes and subthemes were determined using deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Results The sample included 32 participants with LTCs (most commonly cancer, respiratory conditions or cardiovascular diseases), mean age 57 (SD 13) years, 66% female and 72% white British. There were four overarching themes specific to living with a LTC. These were 1) high levels of fear and anxiety related to perceived consequences of catching COVID-19, 2) impact of shielding/isolation on mental health and wellbeing, 3) experience of healthcare during the pandemic and 4) anxiety created by uncertainty about the future. Fourteen subthemes were identified, including concerns about accessing essential supplies and the importance of social support. Individuals who lived alone and were advised to shield could be profoundly negatively affected. Conclusions This study found that there were a number of aspects of living with a LTC during the pandemic that had a significant impact on mental health and well-being. There should be focus on how best to provide practical and social support to people with LTCs during a pandemic, particularly if they have to shield or isolate.

Post-Secondary Stress and Mental Well-Being: A Scoping Review of the Academic Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-32
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden ◽  
Heather Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
Post Secondary Students

Post-secondary students have been identified as an at-risk population for chronic stress and poor mental health. We conducted a scoping review of the academic literature surrounding student stress and mental well-being as the first phase of research in the development of Canada’s National Standard for the Psychological Health and Safety of Post-Secondary Students. Major thematic findings included student stress, resilience through effective coping and help-seeking, and programs or strategies to improve campus mental health. Recommendations include a call for increased mental health promotion and mental illness prevention activities that are sensitive to diverse cultures, ethnicities, religions, and sexualities.

scholarly journals Cross-Canada Release of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI): A Study Protocol (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Linden
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Multiple Time ◽  
Secondary Student ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Stress ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

BACKGROUND The prevalence of mental health related problems including stress, psychological distress, and symptoms of mental illnesses continue to increase among Canadian post-secondary student populations. Excessive stress in this population has been linked to a number of negative academic and health outcomes. Despite attempts to improve mental health at post-secondary institutions, a persistent gap exists in the evaluation of the specific sources of stress for students within the post-secondary setting. OBJECTIVE A cross-Canada, multi-site launch of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI), engaging post-secondary institutions across the country as partners, will facilitate improved measurement of the sources of student stress in addition to contributing towards improved tailoring of upstream mental health services and supports. METHODS Created in collaboration with students, the PSSI is a validated 46-item tool assessing stressors across five domains: academics, learning environment, campus culture, interpersonal, and personal. The tool was designed to be applicable to students at all years, levels, and areas of study. At each participating institution, students are recruited to participate in an online survey including questions concerning sociodemographic characteristics, stress, mental health, and resiliency. Data is collected longitudinally at multiple time points over the course of each academic year. Analyses, including appropriate data visualization, will be conducted to determine the impact of specific stressors on mental health, linking responses over time to allow for the observation of changes in trends over time. RESULTS N/A CONCLUSIONS The PSSI is an intuitive and evidence-informed tool that can aid post-secondary institutions in evaluating the sources of student stress on their campus. This multi-year project will make a significant contribution to the current literature regarding post-secondary student stress, and allow institutions across the country to improve the tailoring of upstream mental health services to directly support the unique needs of their student body. Opportunities for knowledge translation and exchange are discussed. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being of people living with a long-term physical health condition: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Fisher ◽  
A Roberts ◽  
A.R. McKinlay ◽  
D Fancourt ◽  
A Burton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions caused major global disruption. Individuals with long-term physical health conditions (LTCs) are at higher risk of severe illness and often subject to the strictest pandemic guidance, so may be disproportionally affected. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore how living with a LTC during the COVID-19 pandemic affected people’s mental health and wellbeing.Sample and methods32 participants, mean age 57 (SD 13) years, 66% female and 72% white British, who reported having LTCS (most commonly cancer, respiratory conditions or cardiovascular diseases), participated in telephone/video call interviews based on a semi-structured topic guide. Key themes and subthemes were determined using deductive and inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThere were four overarching themes specific to living with a LTC. These were 1) high levels of fear and anxiety related to perceived consequences of catching COVID-19, 2) impact of shielding/isolation on mental health and wellbeing, 3) experience of healthcare during the pandemic and 4) anxiety created by uncertainty about the future. Fourteen subthemes were identified, including concerns about accessing essential supplies and the importance of social support. Individuals who lived alone and were advised to shield could be profoundly negatively affected.ConclusionsThis study found that there were a number of aspects of living with a LTC during the pandemic that had a significant impact on mental health and well-being. There should be focus on how best to provide practical and social support to people with LTCs during a pandemic, particularly if they have to shield or isolate.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Coping Strategies in Health Sciences Students at the University of Seville: A Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1661
Author(s):  
Rocío de-Diego-Cordero ◽  
Cristina Martínez-del-Carmen ◽  
Patricia Bonilla Sierra ◽  
Ana-Magdalena Vargas-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Sciences Students ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The new infection by coronavirus has supposed a challenge to all health systems worldwide, affecting our psychosocial health. Education as we knew it has changed, which is why university students, attending Health Sciences courses in this case, have been affected by the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the preventative measures and restrictions associated with COVID-19 on multiple mental health and psychological well-being indicators in Health Sciences students at the University of Seville. A descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study in the University of Seville by means of an online questionnaire elaborated was conducted. Of the final sample (n = 68), more than 60% of the students acknowledged having received specific training by their university and/or health institution where they perform practices on COVID-19 measures; however, they negatively emphasized not having received psychosocial aid or support in most of the cases (94.12%). As the health situation imposed by COVID-19 is considered long-lasting, the proposal is to plan short- and long-term strategies for promotion and intervention in the mental health of students and future health care workers.

Sink or Night Float: University of British Columbia Radiology Residents' Experience with Overnight Call

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena P. Scali ◽  
Evgeny Strovski ◽  
Bruce B. Forster ◽  
Colin Mar ◽  
Silvia D. Chang
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Educational Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Night Float ◽  
University Of British Columbia ◽  
Call System ◽  
Radiology Residency ◽  
Radiology Residents ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In July 2012, in response to residents' concerns regarding the impact of the traditional 24-hour call system on their personal well-being and educational experience, the University of British Columbia Radiology residency program adopted a 12-hour night float system. This shift takes place in the context of increasing concerns, both across Canada and internationally, about resident well-being and the impact of prolonged duty hours on patient care. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed to all 25 postgraduate years 2-5 University of British Columbia radiology residents 12 months after the introduction of night float. This study sought to solicit residents' feedback about these changes and to identify potential future changes to optimize the call system. Results The response rate was 100%; 96% of residents were in favor of continuing with night float rather than the traditional call system; 72% of residents reported that their judgement was affected secondary to being on night float. Although most residents described varying degrees of impairment, the rate of acute discrepancies between resident preliminary and attending radiologist final reports decreased by more than half, from 2% to less than 1%. Conclusions The vast majority of our residents were in favor of maintaining the night float call system. Night float had a beneficial effect on the resident educational experience: by eliminating the pre-call morning and post-call day off rotation, residents gained an additional 24 days per year on other clinical rotations.

The impact of the campus climate and mental health literacy on students’ wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethan McGuirk ◽  
Patricia Frazer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Campus Climate ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The prevalence of mental health (MH) issues amongst post-secondary students is on the rise. This study aims to assess if a student’s mental well-being (MWB) is impacted by a range of predictors such as gender, education level, mental health literacy (MHL) and the post-secondary campus climate. Design/methodology/approach A correlational, cross-sectional design was implemented amongst a student population (N = 100). A questionnaire was administered electronically to participants’. Levels of MWB, campus climate and MHL were evaluated alongside a number of demographics. Findings Campus climate was a significant predictor of student MWB. Gender differences were discovered amongst MHL levels. MHL was found to be significantly associated with the level of education. Originality/value This study is one of few evaluating the relationship between MWB, MHL and the post-secondary campus climate. Based on these findings, the post-secondary campus may predict student MWB, therefore can be possibly augmented to assist students. Additionally, MHL interventions should focus on education level and gender-specific cohorts to enhance student MWB.

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