Assessment of physical and mental well-being among students of Bangladesh during COVID-19 Pandemic

The outburst of COVID-19 influenced the lives of all segment of society as people were requested to self-quarantine in their homes to stop the outspread of the virus. The lockdown had consequential impacts on mental health, triggering psychological problems encompassing frustration, stress, and depression. The outbreak of Covid-19 has significantly affected the lives of all parts of the society. One of the most instant changes launched was the closure of educational institutions to decelerate the spreading of the virus. Students no longer had availability of institution-based physical activities such as physical education, recess, and walking to/from universities/colleges/school. Inadequate physical activities and enormous sedentary behavior amid students exhibits a noteworthy problem because health behavior patterns can result in heightened risk for a number of hazardous health conditions (e.g., overweight/obesity, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome) in later. The objective of this study was to explore the pervasiveness of physical and mental health condition among Bangladeshi students during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also focuses on recognizing the stimulus of various states of physical and mental conditions throughout COVID-19 pandemic. The cross sectional data was gathered by means of interviews or self-responses among the university students from various districts of Bangladesh on July to August 2020. The study was performed with structured questionnaire. To reduce threats of Covid-19 infection, in this investigation, participants were interviewed over telephone instead of face to face interaction. In order to explore the effects of this pandemic on the lives of students, we performed a survey in which a total of 576 participants were participated. In this survey, among them 377 (66%) are male and 197 (34%) female. It was discovered that 92% of participants appreciate participating in physical activities & rest of them (8%) don’t like to participate in physical activities. In addition, our study also revealed 46% of the students having trouble in sleep and 45% students feels concentration problem. The findings of this study show that greater numbers of the students are not in sound physical or mental conditions. They are bored, helpless, anxious and depressed than previous. This study shows that the mental conditions of female students are more affected by Covid-19 compared to male students. 82% of female students are stressed about their study, future life and so on. 46% female students are feeling helpless, 61% become upset and 60% feel bored during lockdown and close of education institution. COVID-19 is striking threat both on physical and mental health since its outbreak. During this challenging time, it is necessary to continue taking care of physical and mental health.

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Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10081577 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1577

Author(s):

Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽

Ilana Eli ◽

Nir Uziel ◽

Joanna Smardz ◽

Anahat Khehra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Culturally Different ◽

Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-08-2020-0110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Annika McGivern ◽

Stephen Shannon ◽

Gavin Breslin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

History Of

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.

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Baby Boomers Who Provide Informal Care for People Living with Dementia in the Community

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189694 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9694

Author(s):

Christina E. Miyawaki ◽

Erin D. Bouldin ◽

Christopher A. Taylor ◽

Lisa C. McGuire

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Baby Boomers ◽

Baby Boomer ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Health Condition ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Chi Square ◽

Weighted Estimates

One in four Baby Boomers fills the informal caregiver role in the United States. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of Baby Boomers who are informal caregivers for people living with dementia and compare their physical and mental health status to caregivers for persons with conditions other than dementia using 2015–2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (N = 10,602). We identified caregiving status (assisting a family member/friend with a long-term illness or disability in the past month, managing personal care, and not caring for a child/grandchild) and whether the care recipient’s major health condition was dementia. We calculated weighted estimates and used chi-square tests and log-binomial regression for comparisons of selected characteristics. Among Baby Boomer caregivers, 15.4% were caring for someone with dementia. Dementia caregivers were more likely to be female, caring for a parent/parent-in-law, and providing care longer than caregivers for persons without dementia. After adjusting for sociodemographic and caregiving characteristics, the prevalence of fair/poor health, frequent mental distress, and chronic conditions were similar across types of caregivers. Although no differences in caregiver’s physical and mental health by care recipient’s dementia status were found, we should underscore the importance of maintaining Baby Boomer caregivers’ health and well-being.

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Depression and experience of incarceration in North Central Nigeria: a situation analysis at Makurdi medium security prison

International Journal of Mental Health Systems ◽

10.1186/s13033-020-00408-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Emeka Nwefoh ◽

Chinyere M. Aguocha ◽

Grace Ryan ◽

Philip Ode ◽

Festus O. Ighagbon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Well Being ◽

Prison Inmates ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Medium Security

Abstract Background Human rights watchdogs have described conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and detention centers as damaging to the physical and mental health of inmates. While the prevalence of mental disorders is high, access to appropriate healthcare is grossly inadequate. Understanding the current state of prison inmates’ mental health and well-being is an essential first step to addressing this important issue. This study aims to document the mental health and experiences of incarceration of inmates of the largest medium security prison in Nigeria’s Benue State. Methods A cross-sectional survey and descriptive analysis was carried out with a random sample of 381 prison inmates of Benue State Makurdi Medium Security Prison. Survey tools included: (1) a structured questionnaire on participants’ experiences in prison, and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool for depression. Results Most participants were young men (95.5%, mean age 27.95) and had completed secondary school (63.5%). While prison authorities had identified only 27 participants as having a mental disorder, 144 (37.8%) screened positive for depression. Twenty six had received professional counseling while in prison. Of the six participants who were already taking a psychotropic medication at the time of imprisonment, four received medication after being imprisoned. Approximately half, (52%) of participants were dissatisfied with prison health care. Conclusions Despite the high prevalence of depression among prison inmates, few cases are detected and treated. Prison staff may not recognize depression as a mental disorder, and the mental health care available is generally poor. Inadequate mental health and social care not only affects prison inmates’ well-being, but may also impact recidivism and health outcomes upon release. Prison inmates should be screened routinely for depression and other less-commonly recognized mental health conditions, and appropriate treatment made available.

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Public concerns during the COVID-19 lockdown – a multicultural cross-sectional study in three countries (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.23820 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽

Ilana Eli ◽

Nir Uziel ◽

Joanna Smardz ◽

Anahat Khehra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Culturally Different ◽

Patient Health

BACKGROUND In late December 2019, a new pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection, began to spread around the world. The new situation gave rise to severe health threats, economic uncertainty, and social isolation, causing potential deleterious effects on the physical and mental health of the people. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate worries, anxiety and depression in the public during the initial Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19; Coronavirus) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different communities: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland) and North American (Canada). METHODS A cross-sectional online anonymous survey was conducted simultaneously in Israel, Poland and Canada during the lockdown periods in these countries. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on original personal concerns regarding the Coronavirus pandemic and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) which is a brief screening tool used for assessing anxiety and depression. A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. The data obtained from the survey were statistically analysed. RESULTS The results of the survey showed that Poles were the most concerned about being infected by the virus, with higher scores found among women and elders. Canadians worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends and both physical and mental health, while Poles, despite being the most concerned about virus contamination, worried the least about their physical health and Israeli worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadians obtained the highest total score in PHQ-4, as well as in both the anxiety and depression subscales of the questionnaire, while the scores of Israelis were the lowest. All the findings were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The study showed that various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of response strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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Yoga practice in the UK: a cross-sectional survey of motivation, health benefits and behaviours

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031848 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. e031848 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Tina Cartwright ◽

Heather Mason ◽

Alan Porter ◽

Karen Pilkington

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Yoga Practice ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Positive Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Related ◽

The Uk

ObjectivesDespite the popularity of yoga and evidence of its positive effects on physical and mental health, little is known about yoga practice in the UK. This study investigated the characteristics of people who practise yoga, reasons for initiating and maintaining practice, and perceived impact of yoga on health and well-being.Design, setting and participantsA cross-sectional online anonymous survey distributed through UK-based yoga organisations, studios and events, through email invites and flyers. 2434 yoga practitioners completed the survey, including 903 yoga teachers: 87% were women, 91% white and 71% degree educated; mean age was 48.7 years.Main outcome measuresPerceived impact of yoga on health conditions, health outcomes and injuries. Relationships between yoga practice and measures of health, lifestyle, stress and well-being.ResultsIn comparison with national population norms, participants reported significantly higher well-being but also higher anxiety; lower perceived stress, body mass index and incidence of obesity, and higher rates of positive health behaviours. 47% reported changing their motivations to practise yoga, with general wellness and fitness key to initial uptake, and stress management and spirituality important to current practice. 16% of participants reported starting yoga to manage a physical or mental health condition. Respondents reported the value of yoga for a wide range of health conditions, most notably for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions. 20.7% reported at least one yoga-related injury over their lifetime. Controlling for demographic factors, frequency of yoga practice accounted for small but significant variance in health-related regression models (p<0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this first detailed UK survey were consistent with surveys in other Western countries. Yoga was perceived to have a positive impact on physical and mental health conditions and was linked to positive health behaviours. Further investigation of yoga’s role in self-care could inform health-related challenges faced by many countries.

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Prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in Medicare-enrolled, autistic older adults

Autism ◽

10.1177/1362361319890793 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 755-764 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Brittany N Hand ◽

Amber M Angell ◽

Lauren Harris ◽

Laura Arnstein Carpenter

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Psychotic Disorders ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Conditions ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Conditions

While there is emerging evidence on the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among autistic adults, less is known about this population’s needs during older adulthood (aged 65+). We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study of 2016–2017 Medicare data to compare the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in a national sample of autistic older adults (N = 4685) to a matched population comparison (N = 46,850) cohort. Autistic older adults had significantly greater odds of nearly all physical health conditions including epilepsy (odds ratio = 18.9; 95% confidence interval = 17.2–20.7), Parkinson’s disease (odds ratio = 6.1; 95% confidence interval = 5.3–7.0), and gastrointestinal conditions (odds ratio = 5.2; 95% confidence interval = 4.9–5.5). Most mental health conditions were more common among autistic older adults, including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (odds ratio = 25.3; 95% confidence interval = 22.4–28.7), attention deficit disorders (odds ratio = 24.4; 95% confidence interval = 16.2–31.0), personality disorders (odds ratio = 24.1; 95% confidence interval = 17.8–32.5), and suicidality or self-inflicted injury (odds ratio = 11.1; 95% confidence interval = 8.9–13.8). Health conditions commonly associated with advanced age in the general population (e.g. osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis) were also significantly more common among autistic older adults. By highlighting the significant physical and mental health needs for which autistic older adults require care, our findings can inform healthcare systems, healthcare providers, and public health initiatives seeking to promote well-being in this growing population.

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The Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and the Well-Being of Polish Students: The Risk Factors of the Emotional Distress during COVID-19 Lockdown

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10050944 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 944

Author(s):

Dariusz Juchnowicz ◽

Jacek Baj ◽

Alicja Forma ◽

Kaja Karakuła ◽

Elżbieta Sitarz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Emotional Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Scale

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to (1) evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress levels among students from Polish universities during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) assess the risk factors of the higher intensity of emotional distress. We conducted an online survey using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to assess well-being. The study included 2172 respondents (73% female, 27% male) with a mean age of 22.1 ± 2.2. Moderate to extremely severe scores of depression, anxiety, and stress were reported by 43.4%, 27.3%, and 41.0% of the respondents, respectively. Higher scores of DASS-21 were related to female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 3.01), studying sciences (OR = 2.04), co-residence with the roommates (OR = 1.25), suffering from a mental disorder (OR = 5.88), loneliness (OR = 293.30), the usage of psychiatric support before pandemic (OR = 8.06), poor economic situation (OR = 13.49), and the lower scores were found for being currently employed (OR = 0.4). This study highlights an urgent need for (1) crisis-oriented psychological and psychiatric support for students during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) preparing appropriate psychological interventions to improve the mental health of students for a possible similar situation in the future.

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Tendencies and attitudes towards dietary supplements use among undergraduate female students in Bangladesh

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249897 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0249897

Author(s):

Ishrat Jahan ◽

Abul Bashar Mohammad Neshar Uddin ◽

A. S. M. Ali Reza ◽

Md. Giash Uddin ◽

Mohammad Shahadat Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplements ◽

Well Being ◽

Public University ◽

Female Students ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Increasing Trend ◽

Undergraduate Female ◽

Risk Of Disease ◽

Health And Well Being

Background Dietary supplements (DS) are products that improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and reduce the risk of disease. Evidence indicates a rising prevalence of the use of these products worldwide especially among the age group 18–23 years. Aim The study investigates the tendencies and attitudes of Bangladeshi undergraduate female students towards dietary supplements (DS). Methods A three-month (March 2018-May 2018) cross-sectional face-to-face survey was conducted in undergraduate female students in Chittagong, Bangladesh using a pre-validated dietary supplement questionnaire. The study was carried among the four private and three public university students of different disciplines in Chittagong to record their prevalent opinions and attitudes toward using DS. The results were documented and analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Results Ninety two percent (N = 925, 92.0%) of the respondents answered the survey questions. The prevalence of DS use was high in undergraduate female students. The respondents cited general health and well-being (n = 102, 11.0%) and physician recommendation (n = 101, 10.9%) as a reason for DS use. Majority of the students (n = 817, 88.3%) used DS cost monthly between USD 0.12 and USD 5.90. Most of the students (n = 749, 81.0%) agreed on the beneficial effect of DS and a significant portion (n = 493, 53.3%) recommended for a regular use of DS. Highly prevalent use of dietary supplements appeared in Chittagonian undergraduate female students. They were tremendously positive in using DS. The results demonstrate an increasing trend of using DS by the undergraduate females for both nutritional improvement and amelioration from diseases. Conclusion Dietary supplements prevalence was so much higher in students of private universities as compared to students of public universities. Likewise, maximal prevalence is indicated in pharmacy department compared to other departments. Students preferred brand products, had positive opinions and attitudes towards dietary supplements.

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Depression and Experience of Incarceration in North Central Nigeria: A Situation Analysis at Makurdi Medium Security Prison

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25721/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

EMEKA NWEFOH ◽

chinyere MIRIAN aguocha ◽

GRACE RYAN ◽

PHILIP ODE ◽

FESTUS Ighagbon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Well Being ◽

Prison Inmates ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Medium Security

Abstract Background: Human rights watchdogs have described conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and detention centers as damaging to the physical and mental health of inmates. While the prevalence of mental disorders is high, access to appropriate healthcare is grossly inadequate. Understanding the current state of prison inmates’ mental health and well-being is an essential first step to addressing this important issue. This study aims to document the mental health and experiences of incarceration of inmates of the largest medium security prison in Nigeria’s Benue State.Methods: A cross-sectional survey and descriptive analysis was carried out with a random sample of 381 prison inmates of Benue State Makurdi Medium Security Prison. Survey tools included: (1) a structured questionnaire on participants’ experiences in prison, and (2) the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a screening tool for depression. Results: Most participants were young men (95.5%, mean age 27.95) and had completed secondary school (63.5%). While prison authorities had identified only 27 participants as having a mental disorder, 144 (37.8%) screened positive for depression. Twenty six had received professional counseling while in prison. Of the six participants who were already taking a psychotropic medication at the time of imprisonment, four received medication after being imprisoned. Approximately half, (52%) of participants were dissatisfied with prison health care. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of depression among prison inmates, few cases are detected and treated. Prison staff may not recognize depression as a mental disorder, and the mental health care available is generally poor. Inadequate mental health and social care not only affects prison inmates’ well-being, but may also impact recidivism and health outcomes upon release. Prison inmates should be screened routinely for depression and other less-commonly recognized mental health conditions, and appropriate treatment made available.Keywords: depression, prison, Experience of Incarceration

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