scholarly journals The Swiss Corona Stress Study: November 2021

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique de Quervain ◽  
Amanda Aerni ◽  
Ehssan Amini ◽  
Dorothée Bentz ◽  
David Coynel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Subjective Perception ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Stress Study ◽  
Major Depressive Symptoms

This paper reports the results of the 4th survey of the Swiss Corona Stress Study. During the survey period from November 16-28, 2021, 11167 people from all over Switzerland participated in the anonymous online survey. Stress factors: There were major differences between the group of vaccinated persons (58 percent of respondents) and the group of unvaccinated persons in terms of the stress factors associated with the subjective perception of stress. The greatest differences were found in the stress caused by measures such as the certificate requirement, which the majority of the unvaccinated perceived as stressful, while the majority of the vaccinated perceived it as relieving. The burden of conflicts in the family, among friends or at the workplace due to corona measures or vaccination was high among both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. However, it was significantly higher among the latter. There were also large differences - here with a higher burden among vaccinated persons - in the fear about the health consequences of Covid-19, such as the concern that someone in the closest circle could become seriously ill. Fears of suffering from Long Covid in case of an infection, or that children might bring the coronavirus home and infect parents or grandparents, were also more prevalent among vaccinated than unvaccinated respondents. Among respondents with their own children between the ages of 4 and 11 (a total of 2079 people), only 17 percent among vaccinated parents were not at all afraid that their child will become infected with the coronavirus. Among unvaccinated parents, the figure was 68 percent. Depressive symptoms: The proportion of respondents with moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms (PHQ>=15) was 19 percent, with vaccination status not playing a relevant role. In April 2020 (lockdown), this proportion was 9 percent; in May 2020 (partial lockdown), 12 percent; and in November 2020 (second wave), 18 percent. Risk factors for moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms were:- Young age: Severe depressive symptoms were most common in the youngest group (14 to 24 years old), with a share of 33 percent. Among participants who attended school or college/university, depressive symptoms were most strongly related to stress from pressure to perform at school. - Financial losses: Individuals whose financial reserves decreased during the pandemic were more likely to experience major depressive symptoms (32 percent) than those with unchanged or increased reserves (13 percent). - Previous mental health issues: Individuals with mental health problems prior to the pandemic are more likely to experience major depressive symptoms (34 percent) than individuals who reported having no mental health problems prior to the pandemic (14 percent). Substance use: Among those taking tranquilizers or sleeping pills (3544 persons), 53.6 percent reported an increase, 3.5 percent a decrease, and 42.9 percent no change in use during the pandemic (Figure 4). A similar pattern emerges for persons using nicotine, alcohol, or cannabis. The extent of use of these substances is related to the severity of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms.

scholarly journals Relationships with caregivers and mental health outcomes among adolescents living with HIV: a prospective cohort study in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulia Shenderovich ◽  
Mark Boyes ◽  
Michelle Degli Esposti ◽  
Marisa Casale ◽  
Elona Toska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Positive Caregiving ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Mental health problems may impact adherence to anti-retroviral treatment, retention in care, and consequently the survival of adolescents living with HIV. The adolescent-caregiver relationship is an important potential source of resilience. However, there is a lack of longitudinal research in sub-Saharan Africa on which aspects of adolescent-caregiver relationships can promote mental health among adolescents living with HIV. We draw on a prospective longitudinal cohort study undertaken in South Africa to address this question. Methods The study traced adolescents aged 10–19 initiated on antiretroviral treatment in government health facilities (n = 53) within a health district of the Eastern Cape province. The adolescents completed standardised questionnaires during three data collection waves between 2014 and 2018. We used within-between multilevel regressions to examine the links between three aspects of adolescent-caregiver relationships (caregiver supervision, positive caregiving, and adolescent-caregiver communication) and adolescent mental health (depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms), controlling for potential confounders (age, sex, rural/urban residence, mode of infection, household resources), n=926 adolescents. Results Improvements in caregiver supervision were associated with reductions in anxiety (0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99, p=0.0002) but not depression symptoms (0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00, p=.151), while changes in positive caregiving were not associated with changes in mental health symptoms reported by adolescents. Improvements in adolescent-caregiver communication over time were associated with reductions in both depression (IRR=0.94, 95% CI 0.92–0.97, p<.0001) and anxiety (0.91, 95% CI 0.89–0.94, p<.0001) symptoms reported by adolescents. Conclusions Findings highlight open and supportive adolescent-caregiver communication and good caregiver supervision as potential factors for guarding against mental health problems among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa. Several evidence-informed parenting programmes aim to improve adolescent-caregiver communication and caregiver supervision, and their effect on depression and anxiety among adolescents living with HIV should be rigorously tested in sub-Saharan Africa. How to improve communication in other settings, such as schools and clinics, and provide communication support for caregivers, adolescents, and service providers through these existing services should also be considered.

Tobacco smoking and mental disorders in Australian adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742110096
Author(s):  
David Lawrence ◽  
Sarah E Johnson ◽  
Francis Mitrou ◽  
Sharon Lawn ◽  
Michael Sawyer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Current Smoking ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Current Tobacco

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) examine the strength of the association between mental disorders/mental health problems, risk behaviours and tobacco smoking among Australian adolescents, (2) compare rates of tobacco smoking among Australian adolescents with major depressive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and/or conduct disorder in 2013/14 vs 1998, and (3) identify the extent to which an association between tobacco smoking and mental health problems among adolescents can be attributed to non-mental health risk factors. Methods: The study utilised data from the first (1998) and second (2013/14) child and adolescent components of the National Surveys of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Both surveys identified nationally representative samples of Australian young people aged 4–17 years, living in private dwellings. Information was collected from parents and 13- to 17-year-olds about mental disorders, mental health problems, risk behaviours and tobacco smoking. Results: In the 2013/14 survey, the rate of current tobacco smoking among those with a mental disorder was 20% compared to 5% in those without a mental disorder. Rates were highest for young people with conduct disorder (50%), major depressive disorder (24%) and anxiety disorders (19%). In 2013/14, 38% of current tobacco smokers had a mental disorder and 32% reported self-harm and/or suicidal ideation vs 10% and 5%, respectively, among adolescents who had never smoked. Females with mental disorders or reporting self-harm or suicidal ideation had higher rates of current smoking than males. Other significant factors associated with current smoking included school-related problems, binge eating and having had more than one sexual partner. Conclusion: While smoking rates in 13- to 17-year-olds with mental disorders had declined since 1998, the strength of the association between mental disorders and smoking had increased, especially among females. Our findings highlight the need to address the tobacco smoking among adolescents with mental disorders, particularly females.

scholarly journals Does Mother–Child Interaction Mediate the Relation Between Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Children’s Mental Health Problems?

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 1257-1268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marleen M. E. M. van Doorn ◽  
Rowella C. W. M. Kuijpers ◽  
Anna Lichtwarck-Aschoff ◽  
Denise Bodden ◽  
Mélou Jansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Children’S Mental Health ◽  
Children's Mental Health ◽  
Maternal Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Child Interaction ◽  
Mother Child Interaction

scholarly journals Job Dissatisfaction Mediated the Associations Between Work Stress and Mental Health Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Qiu ◽  
Ruiqi Li ◽  
Yilu Li ◽  
Jun He ◽  
Feiyun Ouyang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Job Dissatisfaction ◽  
Working Adults

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships and the underlying mechanisms between work stress and mental health problems, and potential mediation effects through job dissatisfaction in a working population.Methods: A large population-based study among workers in China was conducted. The self-reported scales of assessing job dissatisfaction and work stress were included in the questionnaire. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 were used for assessment of mental health. Univariate logistic regression was conducted to test the associations between work stress and mental health. Path analysis was conducted to test the proposed mediation model.Results: Of the 6,190 included employees, 27.72% reported that they perceived work stress, 14.84% of them reported that they were not satisfied with their work, 5.01% of the employees reported depressive symptoms, and 3.75% of the employees reported anxiety symptoms. The results of univariate logistic regression showed that employees who perceived work stress were more likely to report anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.03–3.79) or depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.22–2.12). The path analysis showed that work stress was positively associated with job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between work stress and mental health problems among Chinese working adults.Conclusion: This study suggests the importance of psychosocial work environment for mental health among Chinese working adults. Work dissatisfaction is a stressor that may induce negative consequences on the mental health among Chinese workers. Interventions to help workers with stress management may be beneficial for their mental health.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms, Help-Seeking, and Barriers to Mental Healthcare Among Healthcare Professionals in Lithuania

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Daniel Rogoža ◽  
Robertas Strumila ◽  
Eglė Klivickaitė ◽  
Edgaras Diržius ◽  
Neringa Čėnaitė
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Patient Health

Background: Previous research suggests that healthcare professionals (HCPs) experience high levels of work-related psychological distress, including depressive symptoms. Due to the stigma of mental health problems and other barriers, HCPs are likely to be hesitant to seek appropriate mental healthcare. We aimed to explore these phenomena among HCPs in Lithuania.Methods: A web survey inquiring about depressive symptoms, help-seeking, and barriers to mental healthcare was conducted. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). 601 complete questionnaires were included in the analyses. The barriers to help-seeking were identified using the inductive content analysis approach. Descriptive, non-parametric, and robust statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.Results: Most of the respondents have reported depression-like symptoms over the lifetime, although only about a third of them sought professional help. Of those, roughly half preferred a private specialist. The stigma and neglect of mental health problems were the most common barriers to help-seeking. Around half of the HCPs believed that seeking mental healthcare can imperil their occupational license. About a quarter of the HCPs screened positive for clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Statistically significant differences in the PHQ-9 score were found between categories of healthcare specialty, marital status, religious beliefs, workplace, and years of work as a HCP. Fewer years of work and younger age were associated with the higher PHQ-9 score.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that HCPs in Lithuania may be inclined not to seek appropriate mental healthcare and experience poor mental health, although stronger evidence is needed to verify these findings. 

scholarly journals Mental health problems of children and adolescents, with and without migration background, living in Vienna, Austria

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Teresa Gutmann ◽  
Metin Aysel ◽  
Zeliha Özlü-Erkilic ◽  
Christian Popow ◽  
Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Migration Background ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Related Stress

Abstract Background Compared to their indigenous peers, migrant children and adolescents are at increased risk for mental health problems. The aim of our study was to compare psychological disorders of children and adolescents with Turkish migration background and their native Austrian peers. Methods We analysed 302 children and adolescents aged between 7 and 18 years. The sample consisted of 100 Austrian and 100 Turkish outpatients with mental health problems, and 102 healthy controls, 52 with Austrian and 50 with Turkish background, recruited from various Viennese local child and youth centres. Results Native patients had more frequently externalizing problems (42.1%) compared to the Turkish-speaking sample (28%). However, in the control group, Turkish-speaking children and adolescents had higher levels of internalizing, depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to their native peers. Conclusions We found noticeable differences in psychological problems among children and adolescents with and without migration background. We assume that migration-related stress factors are responsible for these differences. Also, children and adolescents with migration background seek for psychological help less frequently than their indigenous peers.

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and infant emotional reactivity: a 20-year two-cohort study of preconception and perinatal exposures

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Spry ◽  
Margarita Moreno-Betancur ◽  
Denise Becker ◽  
Helena Romaniuk ◽  
John B. Carlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Prior Exposure ◽  
Differential Sensitivity ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum

AbstractBackgroundMaternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum predicts later emotional and behavioural problems in children. Even though most perinatal mental health problems begin before pregnancy, the consequences of preconception maternal mental health for children's early emotional development have not been prospectively studied.MethodsWe used data from two prospective Australian intergenerational cohorts, with 756 women assessed repeatedly for mental health problems before pregnancy between age 13 and 29 years, and during pregnancy and at 1 year postpartum for 1231 subsequent pregnancies. Offspring infant emotional reactivity, an early indicator of differential sensitivity denoting increased risk of emotional problems under adversity, was assessed at 1 year postpartum.ResultsThirty-seven percent of infants born to mothers with persistent preconception mental health problems were categorised as high in emotional reactivity, compared to 23% born to mothers without preconception history (adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.1). Ante- and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms were similarly associated with infant emotional reactivity, but these perinatal associations reduced somewhat after adjustment for prior exposure. Causal mediation analysis further showed that 88% of the preconception risk was a direct effect, not mediated by perinatal exposure.ConclusionsMaternal preconception mental health problems predict infant emotional reactivity, independently of maternal perinatal mental health; while associations between perinatal depressive symptoms and infant reactivity are partially explained by prior exposure. Findings suggest that processes shaping early vulnerability for later mental disorders arise well before conception. There is an emerging case for expanding developmental theories and trialling preventive interventions in the years before pregnancy.

scholarly journals Psychological Aspects of Contraception, Unintended Pregnancy, and Abortion

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 239-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia R. Steinberg ◽  
Lisa R. Rubin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Unintended Pregnancy ◽  
Maternity Leave ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Psychological Aspects ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies

The knowledge of important biopsychosocial factors linking women’s reproductive health and mental health is increasing. This review focuses on psychological aspects of contraception, unintended pregnancy, and abortion because these are common reproductive health experiences in U.S. women’s lives. This review addresses the mental-health antecedents and consequences of these experiences, mostly focusing on depression and depressive symptoms before and after unintended pregnancy and contraception. As mental-health antecedents, depressive symptoms predict contraceptive behaviors that lead to unintended pregnancy, and mental-health disorders have been associated with having subsequent abortions. In examining the mental-health consequences, most sound research does not find abortion or contraceptive use to cause mental-health problems. Consequently, evidence does not support policies based on the notion that abortion harms women’s mental health. Nevertheless, the abortion-care setting may be a place to integrate mental-health services. In contrast, women who have births resulting from unintended pregnancies may be at higher risk of postpartum depression. Social policies (e.g., paid maternity leave, subsidized child care) may protect women from mental-health problems and stress of unplanned children interrupting employment, education, and pre-existing family care responsibilities.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Risk Factors of Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep Problems Among Caregivers of People Living With Neurocognitive Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuxuan Li ◽  
Haifeng Zhang ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Tao Li ◽  
Wanxin Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Prevalence Rate ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorders ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems among caregivers of persons living with neurocognitive disorders (PLWND) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and investigate whether the COVID-19-related experiences were associated with the presence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.Methods: From March 1 to 31, 2020, 160 caregivers of PLWND participated in an online cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was administered to measure anxiety symptoms, and the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Questions on sleep duration and sleep quality enquired about sleep problems. Six items were used to explore the COVID-19-related experiences, including community-level infection contact and the level of exposure to media information. We computed the prevalence rate of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep problems. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with these mental health problems.Results: The prevalence rate of anxiety, depression, and sleep problems were 46.9%, 36.3%, and 9.4%. Approximately 55 participants (34.4%) presented with two or more mental health problems. Women had a higher risk of developing anxiety symptoms (OR, 5.284; 95% CI, 2.068–13.503; p = 0.001). Having a mental disorder (OR, 5.104; 95% CI, 1.522–17.114; p = 0.008) was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Caregivers who preferred to access positive information (OR, 0.215; 95% CI, 0.058–0.793; p = 0.021) was associated with decreased risk of sleep problems.Conclusion: Anxiety and depressive symptoms were common among caregivers of older adults with dementia or mild cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female was an independent risk factor for experiencing anxiety symptoms. Preexisting mental disorders increased the risk of depressive symptoms among caregivers, while caregivers who prefer to access positive media information decreased sleep problems.

scholarly journals The relationship between internet addiction and mental health problems such as depression symptoms, anxiety and insomnia before and during Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 215-225
Author(s):  
Natalia Biedroń ◽  
Marta Szabat ◽  
Jan Dąbrowski ◽  
Karolina Dębek ◽  
Ilona Gąbka
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Internet Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Effects

Introduction: On the account of the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments around the world have imposed multiple restrictions on public life to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Social disruption and forced isolation contributed to increased stress as well as increased use of the Internet.Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health problems, including Internet addiction, and to link Internet addiction with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression symptoms and insomnia.Material and methods: The data for the article was found using the PubMed and Google Scholar websites.Description of the state of knowledge: Internet addiction (IA) is becoming an increasingly serious problem of the modern world. The problem of Internet abuse is associated with various risk factors that are dependent on gender or family relationships, as well as mental disorders.Many studies have confirmed that the Covid-19 pandemic caused negative mental health effects, contributing to increased anxiety and depression symptoms. To reduce stress, people started using the internet more often. This compensatory mechanism can cause even more mental health problems by increasing anxiety, symptoms of depression and insomnia.Summary: Research by many scientists shows that the Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating the mental health problems associated with IA. Research shows that during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is especially important to be able to manage stress through non-internet-related activities to help prevent IA.

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