scholarly journals Mental health of adults in Ireland during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a nationally representative, longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Hyland ◽  
Frédérique Vallières ◽  
Orla McBride ◽  
Jamie Murphy ◽  
Mark Shevlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Significant Change ◽  
Nationally Representative

Objective: Emerging evidence indicates that the mental health consequences of COVID-19 may not be as deleterious as initially feared. We analyzed the levels of symptom expression and rates of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and COVID-19 related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C19-PTSD) in the adult population of Ireland at different points during the first year of the pandemic.Methods: Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 1041 adults across five waves from March/April 2020 to March/April 2021. New participants were recruited at follow-up waves to maintain nationally representative cross-sectional estimates. Cross-sectional estimates of each and any disorder were calculated, and longitudinal changes in means and prevalence estimates of MDD, GAD, and C19-PTSD were assessed using structural equation modelling.Results: Cross-sectional estimates of meeting criteria for MDD, GAD, or C19-PTSD were 34.7% in March/April 2020 (Wave 1) and 33.7% in March/April 2021 (Wave 5). Longitudinal analyses revealed no significant change in symptoms of MDD, a significant decrease in GAD symptoms, and a significant increase in C19-PTSD symptoms. There were significant decreases in prevalence estimates of MDD (by 4.9%) and GAD (by 6.3%), and no significant change in C19-PTSD. Overall, 4.7% fewer people met criteria for any disorder at Wave 5 than at Wave 1. Conclusion: There was no evidence of an increase in mental health problems in the adult population during the first year of the pandemic in Ireland. Analyses of longitudinal data indicated a small but significant decrease in the proportion of people suffering from a mental health disorder.

scholarly journals The effect of Sexual violence on women’s suicide risk. A mediation analysis based on the nationally-representative 2017 French Health Barometer survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F El-Khoury ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Objectives The experience of sexual violence has been associated with a host of mental health problems, especially among women. However, data on this association from a large sample of general population is surprisingly limited. Also, no study quantifies sex-differences in the effect of sexual victimization on suicide risk. Methods The French “Health Barometer” (Baromètre Santé) is a cross-sectional phone survey, which recruited a nationally representative sample of French adults aged 18 to 75 years in 2017 (n = 25319). Data were weighted to be representative of the French adult population. The Experience and timing of lifetime physical sexual violence, as well as suicide risk were measured for all participants. We conducted adjusted mediation analyses, using the counterfactual approach, to evaluate the contribution that lifetime sexual victimisation has in the association between sex and suicide risk. Results The median age for the first experience of sexual violence was 12. Women were around five times more likely to report lifetime sexual violence compared to men (9.1% vs 1.9%), and were more at risk of any suicidal ideation (Ora =1.20 (95%CI: 1.07-1.36)) and suicidal imagery (Ora=1.39 (95%CI: 1.20 -1.61)). We estimated that 47% of the increased risk of suicidal ideation in the preceding year women have compared to men is mediated by lifetime sexual assault. Lifetime sexual assault also explained 39% of the association between sex and having imagery of suicide. Discussion Our findings reiterate the importance of the prevention of sexual violence and an adequate care for sexual assault victims, especially women, in public health and mental health policies and initiatives.

scholarly journals Psychological responses during the COVID-19 outbreak among university students in Bangladesh

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0245083
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Md. Safaet Hossain Sujan ◽  
Rafia Tasnim ◽  
Md. Tajuddin Sikder ◽  
Marc N. Potenza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Mental health problems in students are considered a public health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) with the DASS-21, as well as associated factors, among university students in Bangladesh early in the COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesized high levels of DAS and their associations with previously reported factors (e.g., poor sleep, lack of exercise, heavy internet use) and those linked to disadvantage (e.g., low monthly family income). We also enquired about participants’ satisfaction with their pursuit of their academic studies while living under COVID-19 restrictions. An internet-based survey was conducted during the month of April 2020, involving 3,122 Bangladeshi university students aged 18 to 29 years (59.5% males; mean age 21.4±2 years). Prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety and stress were, respectively, 76.1%, 71.5% and 70.1% for at least mild symptoms, 62.9%, 63.6% and 58.6% for at least moderate symptoms, 35.2%, 40.3%, and 37.7% for at least severe symptoms and 19.7%, 27.5% and 16.5% for at least very severe symptoms. The present estimates of DAS were more prevalent than in previous pre-COVID-19 studies among Bangladeshi university students. Regression analyses with DASS-21-score as a dependent variable revealed associations with factors mostly as hypothesized. The largest effect size on DAS symptoms was related to students’ satisfaction with their academic studies during the pandemic. As this survey used cross-sectional and self-reported methods, causality cannot be inferred. Mental health monitoring of students attempting to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak may be useful and feasible.

scholarly journals Psychological responses during the COVID-19 outbreak among university students in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Safaet Hossain Sujan ◽  
Rafia Tasnim ◽  
Tajuddin Sikder ◽  
Marc N. Potenza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Mental health problems in students are considered a public health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) with the DASS-21, as well as associated factors, among university students in Bangladesh early in the COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesized high levels of DAS and associations between DAS and factors previously reported (poor sleep, lack of exercise, heavy internet use) and those linked to disadvantage (e.g., low monthly family income). We also enquired about participants’ satisfaction with their pursuit of their academic studies while living under COVID-19 restrictions. An internet-based survey was conducted during the month of April 2020, involving 3,122 Bangladeshi university students aged 18 to 29 years (59.5% males; mean age 21.4±2 years). Prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety and stress were, respectively, 76.1%, 71.5% and 70.1% for at least mild symptoms, 62.9%, 63.6% and 58.6% for at least moderate symptoms, 35.2%, 40.3%, and 37.7% for at least severe symptoms and 19.7%, 27.5% and 16.5% for at least very severe symptoms. There was a suggestion that these rates were higher than in previous, pre-COVID-19 studies among Bangladeshi students. Regression analyses with DASS-21-score as a dependent variable revealed associations with factors mostly as hypothesized. The largest effect size on DAS symptoms was related to students’ satisfaction with their academic studies during the pandemic. As this survey used cross-sectional and self-reported methods, causality cannot be inferred. Mental health monitoring of students attempting to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak may be useful and feasible.

scholarly journals Sexual violence and suicidal ideation among French adults, a mediation analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
F El-Khoury ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Mediation Analysis ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objectives Sexual violence against women is endemic and is linked with a host of mental health problems and suicidal behaviour. We test whether sexual violence is more prevalent and have more damaging psychological effects among women compared to men, and quantify its mediating role in the association between sex and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Methods We used data from the “Health Barometer” (Baromètre Santé) 2017 a cross-sectional phone survey, which recruited a nationally representative sample of French adults aged 18 to 75 years in 2017 (n = 25319). Data were weighted to be representative of the French adult population. Outcomes included suicidal ideation, imagery of suicide, and suicide attempts in the preceding year. We conducted mutlivariable mediation analysis using the counterfactual approach to evaluate the contribution that lifetime sexual violence has in the association between sex and suicidal ideation and behaviour. Results We found that women are five times more likely to have experienced sexual victimisation, and are more at risk of any suicidal ideation and imagery of suicide in the preceding year compared to men. Women and men had comparable rates of suicide attempts in the preceding year. We estimated that 47% of the increased risk of suicidal ideation in the preceding year women have compared to men is mediated by lifetime sexual assault. Lifetime sexual assault also explained 39% of the association between sex and having imagery of suicide. Discussion Our findings reiterate the importance of the prevention of sexual violence and an adequate care for sexual assault victims, especially women, in public health and mental health policies and initiatives. Key messages Women are five times more likely to have experienced sexual victimisation compared to men, and are more likely to suffer from suicidal ideation in the preceding year. Experience of lifetime sexual violence contributes substantially (around 50%) to women’s increased likelihood of suicidal ideation compared to men.

scholarly journals Assessing and protecting the mental health of the nation: A study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Philip Hyland ◽  
Frédérique Vallières
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Quota Sampling

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the public health measures enacted to control its spread may affect the mental health of the general population of Ireland. Funded under the Health Research Board’s COVID-19 Pandemic Rapid Response Funding Call, this protocol outlines the aims of a project to assess and protect the mental health of the population of Ireland during this pandemic. We will determine (i) the prevalence of common mental health disorders at various times during the first year of the pandemic, (ii) changes in the prevalence of mental health disorders during the first year of the pandemic, (iii) if there are distinct groups of people experiencing different mental health responses to the pandemic, and (iv) the factors associated with different mental health reactions. Methods: This quantitative study uses cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Data have been collected from a nationally representative sample of Irish adults at four assessments:  Wave 1 (N = 1,041) occurred during the first week of lockdown in March 2020, Wave 2 in May, Wave 3 in August, and Wave 4 in December. Wave 5 is planned for March 2021. Participants from Wave 1 have been recontacted at each wave to produce a longitudinal dataset. New participants were recruited using quota sampling to ensure the availability of nationally representative samples at each wave. Self-report measures of demographic, economic, psychological, and mental health variables were completed.   Conclusion: This design will allow us to determine whether there has been a change in mental health disorders in the general population during the first year of the pandemic, and if so, what variables are associated with changes in mental health. Results will be used to inform the government’s ongoing response to this crisis, to better protect the mental health of the nation during this and any future public health emergency.

Escaping the inescapable: Risk of mental health disorder, somatic symptoms and resilience in Palestinian refugee children

2021 ◽  
pp. 136346152098707
Author(s):  
Naomi Wilson ◽  
Fiona Turner-Halliday ◽  
Helen Minnis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Refugee Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychosomatic Complaints ◽  
Palestinian Refugee

Exposure to war, conflict and forced migration puts children at risk of mental health problems. The present study examined the levels of psychological distress and resilience factors among 106 Palestinian refugee children aged 11 to 17 in the West Bank. In a cross-sectional, mixed method design along with qualitative interviews, three questionnaires were administered: the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire-15, assessed the risk of mental health disorders and psychosomatic complaints, and the Child and Youth Resilience Measure assessed the availability of resilience-enhancing factors. Palestinian refugee children were found to be at greater risk for mental disorders and psychosomatic complaints than were children living in non-conflict affected settings. In addition, resilience-enhancing resources were significantly reduced and were negatively correlated with both symptom outcomes. Risk factors identified included poverty, violence and marginalisation. Key protective factors were youth education, supportive relationships and social participation. Our findings support interventions that address the identified protective factors, which may promote the mental health of this vulnerable population.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Depression Among Returnee Migrants and Non-migrants Working Adults in Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Community Based Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratik Adhikary ◽  
Hridaya Raj Devkota ◽  
Arthur L. Reingold ◽  
Dirgha J. Ghimire
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Income Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male Adult ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

Background: Mental health is a growing concern worldwide. It is not well understood whether Nepali workers, including international labour migrants from Nepal, are at higher risk of developing mental health problems. The purpose of our study is to determine the prevalence of and examine the risks factors for depression among returnee migrants and non-migrant working male adults in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a probability-based sample of 725 participants was conducted in February 2020. The sample was comprised of two groups based on migration status: returning migrants and non-migrants. Logistic regression was applied to investigate factors associated with symptoms depression.Results: The overall prevalence of depression was 10.1%. However, the prevalence of depression was lower (7%) among returnee migrants compared to non-migrants (13.7%). Participants in the lower income group were more at risk of depression (OR=5.38, 95% CI: 1.96-14.78) than those in the higher income group. Similarly, Buddhists and Christians were more likely to be depressed (OR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.02-4.64) than Hindus. Interestingly, participants having more than two children had a higher prevalence of depression (OR=5.14, 95% CI: 1.22-21.63) compared with those having no children. Unmarried participants were more likely to be depressed (OR=4.05, 95%, CI:1.10-14.93) than those who were married. Conclusion: The working Nepali adult male population in Nepal, including returning migrants, is at risk of depression, but this risk is lower in those in the higher income group, returnee migrants, married, Hindus and those with no children. This study highlights the need to monitor and develop national policies to ensure the mental health of Nepali male adult population, including returnee migrants.

scholarly journals Comparison of Mental Health Status between Two Periods during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Iranian Adult Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. e2199
Author(s):  
Arash Mani ◽  
AliReza Estedlal ◽  
Ali Akbary ◽  
Taraneh Estedlal ◽  
Sara Ouladinejad-Rodbali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
First Year ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: One unprecedented year after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic is no longer a short-term stressor; the unremitting/chronic effects of COVID-19 disease is likely to cause impaired physical and mental health upon population and the implemented public health and social measures to limit transmission and reduce mortality and morbidity from COVID-19 expose many people to social isolation, job loss, and economic recession. This study aims to compare mental status and four mental symptoms (somatization, anxiety, depression, and social functions) between two periods during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Current study consists of two cross-sectional mental health surveys on the Iranian adult population carried out in two periods of March to April 2020 and December 2020 to February 2021 in two important Provinces of Iran (Fars and Khorasan Razavi). In the first survey, 1337 individuals participated in the study and completed the General Health Questionnaire-28, while in the second survey, 1205 participants completed the same questionnaire. Results: Among 1337 participants of the first survey, there were 876 (65.5%) females and 461 (34.5%) males with an average age of 37.41±10.58 years. In the second survey, there were 1205 participants with mean age of 33.79±19.57 years. The rates of females and males were 57.7% and 42.3%, respectively. Compared to the first survey, the second one showed that poor mental health condition that was 1.40 (95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.67) times higher based on the age, sex, education, marital status, economic, alcohol, cigarette, water-pipe, and sedative (P<0.001). Conclusion: Poor mental health status has increased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic was a chronic stressor faced by people every day; therefore, more robust mental health-related considerations must be implemented. [GMJ.2021;10:e2199]

scholarly journals Association of mental health help-seeking with mental health-related knowledge and stigma in Japan Rugby Top League players

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256125
Author(s):  
Yasutaka Ojio ◽  
Asami Matsunaga ◽  
Sosei Yamaguchi ◽  
Kensuke Hatakeyama ◽  
Shin Kawamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Knowledge ◽  
Rugby Players

Background Globally increasing clinical and research interests are driving a movement to promote understanding and practice of mental health in elite athletes. However, few studies have yet addressed this issue. This study aims to describe the association of the intention to seek help with mental health knowledge and stigma and the severity of depressive symptoms in Japan Rugby Top League players. Methods As a target population, we studied 233 Japan Rugby Top League male players (25–29 years = 123 [52.8%]), who were born in Japan, using a cross-sectional design. Surveys were conducted using anonymous, web-based self-administered questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was performed to evaluate the hypothesis of an interrelationship between mental health knowledge, stigma, and severity of depressive symptoms as factors influencing the intention to seek help. Results Players with more severe depressive symptoms were more reluctant to seek help from others (β = - 0.20, p = 0.03). Players with greater knowledge about mental health tended to have less stigma toward others with mental health problems (β = 0.13, p = 0.049), but tended not to seek help with their own mental health problems. Conclusions Rugby players in need of mental health support, even with greater knowledge, tend not to seek help from others, while having less stigma toward people with mental health problems. Rugby players might require approaches other than a knowledge-based educational approach to encourage them to seek help.

scholarly journals Social & Behavioural Problems among School Going Adolescents of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-122
Author(s):  
Prachi Kothari ◽  
Ashok K Srivastava ◽  
Neha Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Behavioural Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Social ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Mental health disorder is a major cause of impairment in youth aged between 9 to 17 years as one in every fifth youth has a mental disorder. In India, the prevalence of mental problems among adolescents is 14.3%. Objective: To find out the proportion of social and behavioural problems among adolescents and their association with the sociodemographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 school going adolescents (11-17years). All the study participants were recruited through non-probability sampling technique. Data was collected through Google Forms. For assessing the social and behavioural problems, Strength and Difficulty questionnaire (SDQ) was used. Result:  There were 76 (50.7%) males and 74 (49.3%) females in this study. 16% of school going children were categorized as “abnormal”, 12% as borderline and 72.% as normal for social and behavioural problems based on scores of SDQ. The findings have implications that gender do play a role in affecting mental health status.Conclusions: Mental health problems are one of the most common and highly prevalent disorders among adolescents in India. For addressing psycho-social problems among adolescents there is a dire need of counsellors. Training of parents as well as teachers should be conducted for timely intervention.

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