scholarly journals Depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Seaton Young ◽  
Kirstin Lee Purves ◽  
Christopher Huebel ◽  
Molly Davies ◽  
Katie Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Change ◽  
Global Ratings ◽  
Mental Health Diagnoses ◽  
The Uk

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a novel population-level stressor. As such, it is important to examine pandemic-related changes in mental health and to identify which individuals are at greatest risk of worsening symptoms.Methods: Online questionnaires were administered to 34,465 individuals in the UK, recruited from existing cohorts or via social media. Around one third (n = 12,718) with prior diagnoses of depression or anxiety completed pre-pandemic mental health assessments, allowing prospective investigation of symptom change. We examined changes in depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms using prospective, retrospective and global ratings of change assessments. We also examined the effect of key risk factors on changes in symptoms.Outcomes: Prospective analyses showed small decreases in depression (PHQ-9: - .43 points) and anxiety symptoms (GAD-7: -.33 points), and increases in PTSD symptoms (PCL-6: .22 points). Conversely, retrospective analyses demonstrated large significant increases in depression (2.40 points) and anxiety symptoms (1.97 points) and 55% reported worsening mental health since the beginning of the pandemic on a global change rating. Using both prospective and retrospective symptom measures, regression analyses demonstrated that worsening depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms were associated with i) prior mental health diagnoses, ii) female gender; iii) young age, and iv) unemployed or student status.Interpretation: We highlight the effect of prior mental health diagnoses on worsening mental health during the pandemic and confirm previously-reported sociodemographic risk factors. Discrepancies between prospective and retrospective measures of changes in mental health may be related to recall bias underestimating prior symptom severity.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

Going outdoors, neighbourhood satisfaction and mental health and wellbeing during a COVID-19 lockdown: A fixed-effects analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stock ◽  
Feifei Bu ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Hei Wan Mak
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Social Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
The Uk

The COVID-19 pandemic led to national lockdowns in countries around the world. Whilst lockdowns were shown to be effective in reducing the spread of disease, they were also associated with adverse effects on people’s mental health and wellbeing. Previous studies have suggested that time spent outside may have played a role in mitigating these negative effects, but research on this topic remains limited. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the longitudinal associations between going outdoors and people’s mental health and wellbeing during the first national lockdown (March-May 2020) in the UK. Data from 35,301 participants from the COVID-19 Social Study were analysed. Fixed effects regression was used to explore the longitudinal association between changes in going outdoors (the number of days spent outside) and changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, life satisfaction and loneliness. A range of household and neighbourhood moderators were examined. Results show that an increase in the number of days spent outside was associated with decreases in depressive and anxiety symptoms and an increase in life satisfaction. No longitudinal association was found with loneliness. Further analysis revealed some moderating effects of household and neighbourhood factors, including living arrangement, perceived walkability satisfaction, and satisfaction with green space/park within neighbourhood. Overall, our analyses showed a positive association between going outdoors and improved mental health and wellbeing during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Associations were more salient amongst people living with others, and those with greater satisfaction with their neighbourhood walkability and green spaces. These findings are important for formulating guidance for people to stay well at home during pandemics and for the on-going nature-based social prescribing scheme.

scholarly journals Psychological Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: Insights into Pathophysiology and Risk Factors of Long COVID-19

Biology ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Angel Yun-Kuan Thye ◽  
Jodi Woan-Fei Law ◽  
Loh Teng-Hern Tan ◽  
Priyia Pusparajah ◽  
Hooi-Leng Ser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Psychiatric Sequelae

There is growing evidence of studies associating COVID-19 survivors with increased mental health consequences. Mental health implications related to a COVID-19 infection include both acute and long-term consequences. Here we discuss COVID-19-associated psychiatric sequelae, particularly anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drawing parallels to past coronavirus outbreaks. A literature search was completed across three databases, using keywords to search for relevant articles. The cause may directly correlate to the infection through both direct and indirect mechanisms, but the underlying etiology appears more complex and multifactorial, involving environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Although most risk factors and prevalence rates vary across various studies, being of the female gender and having a history of psychiatric disorders seem consistent. Several studies will be presented, demonstrating COVID-19 survivors presenting higher rates of mental health consequences than the general population. The possible mechanisms by which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the brain, affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and causing these psychiatric sequelae, will be discussed, particularly concerning the SARS-CoV-2 entry via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors and the implications of the immune inflammatory signaling on neuropsychiatric disorders. Some possible therapeutic options will also be considered.

scholarly journals Mental Health of People in State Quarantine during COVID-19 Situation in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Sukjai Charoensuk ◽  
Kanyawee Mokekhaow ◽  
Duanphen Channarong ◽  
Chariya Sonpugdee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

When the COVID-19 outbreak spread across the globe, Thailand was the first country to report a COVID patient outside of China. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to examine the mental health condition and the risk factors associated with the mental health problems of people in state quarantine. Our study sample included 4,069 people who were in state quarantine in the eastern region of Thailand. We administered a stress assessment test, a depression screening questionnaire, a suicidal risks screening tool and a COVID-19 anxiety screening scale, which were developed by the Department of Mental Health, Thailand. We found that most people in state quarantine reported a moderate level of COVID-19 anxiety, a mild level of stress, and no current risk of suicide. The risk factors associated with stress were female gender (OR = 2.290, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.687, 3.109]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 2.443, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.720, 3.470]). The factor associated with depression was female gender (OR = 1.380, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.201, 1.586]). The factors associated with risks for suicide were female gender (OR = 2.059, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.553, 2.729]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 2.128, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.510, 2.998]). The factors associated with COVID-19 anxiety were female gender (OR = 1.469, p < 0.001, 95%CI [1.294, 1.669]) and having chronic diseases (OR = 1.329, p = 0.011, 95%CI [1.066, 1.657]). A system to screen for mental health problems and rapid assistance offered to people in state quarantine who are at risk of mental health problems are recommended to reduce the severity of the problems.

scholarly journals Loneliness in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: Cross-sectional results from The COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Groarke ◽  
Emma Berry ◽  
Lisa Graham-Wisener ◽  
Phoebe McKenna-Plumley ◽  
Emily McGlinchey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Loneliness is a significant public health issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in lockdown measures limiting social contact. The UK public are worried about the impact of these measures on mental health outcomes. Understanding the prevalence and predictors of loneliness at this time is a priority issue for research. Design: The study employed a cross-sectional online survey design. Method: Baseline data collected between March 23rd and April 24th 2020 from UK adults in the COVID-19 Psychological Wellbeing Study were analysed (N = 1963, 18-87 years, M = 37.11, SD = 12.86, 70% female). Logistic regression analysis was used to look at the influence of sociodemographic, social, health and COVID-19 specific factors on loneliness. Results: The prevalence of loneliness was 27% (530/1963). Risk factors for loneliness were younger age group (OR: 4.67 – 5.31), being separated or divorced (OR: 2.29), meeting clinical criteria for major depression (OR: 1.74), greater emotion regulation difficulties (OR: 1.04), and poor quality sleep due to the COVID-19 crisis (OR: 1.30). Higher levels of social support (OR: 0.92), being married/co-habiting (OR: 0.35) and living with a great number of adults (OR: 0.87) were protective factors. Conclusions: Rates of loneliness during the initial phase of lockdown were high. Risk factors were not specific to the COVID-19 crisis. Findings suggest that supportive interventions to reduce loneliness should prioritise younger people and those with mental health symptoms. Improving emotion regulation and sleep quality may be optimal initial targets to reduce the impact of COVID-19 regulations on mental health outcomes.

scholarly journals 1515Screened blood pressure and its associated factors among adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rim Ghammem ◽  
Sarrah Soua ◽  
Nawel Zammit ◽  
Siheme Ben Fredj ◽  
Cyrine Ben Nasrallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Hypertension (HTN) could have its origin in childhood and remain undetected unless a special screening is done during this period. We conducted this study to determine the screened HTN prevalence in adolescents and its associated factors, in order to increase the awareness on this subject and lead the state to make preventive strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried among secondary school students in Sousse, Tunisia, during 2017-2018 school year. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information about socio demographic characteristics, lifestyle, addictive behavior and mental health status. Results A total of 1399 adolescents participated in the study. The prevalence of screened HTN was 15.6% (95% CI[13.8% -17.5%]). It was significantly higher in boys (23.1%) than in girls (10.7%; p ≤ 10-3). After binary logistic regression, positively associated factors to screened HTN in total population were: obesity (aOR=3.69; p ≤ 10-3), and overweight (aOR=1.7; p ≤ 10-3). Female gender (aOR=0.4; p ≤ 10-3), School failure (aOR=0.64; p = 0.014) and depression (aOR=0.67;p=0.017) were negatively associated to screened HTN. Conclusions Our study showed an alarming prevalence of high blood pressure among secondary school adolescents in our Low Middle Income Country and that it was mainly associated with weight excess. This emphasizes the emergent need of a comprehensive strategy for the prevention and control of hypertension and NCD risk factors among youth. Key messages Hypertension is an alarming emerging problem among youth in LMIC The emergent need of an effective strategy to prevent NCD risk factors in LMIC Keywords Hypertension Prevalence - Adolescent lifestyle- behavior, addictive - mental health

scholarly journals Levels and predictors of anxiety, depression and health anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkish society: The importance of gender

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 504-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selçuk Özdin ◽  
Şükriye Bayrak Özdin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Turkish Society

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is having negative effects on societies’ mental health. Both the pandemic and the measures taken to combat it can affect individuals’ mental health. Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of depression, anxiety and health anxiety in Turkish society during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine the factors affecting these. Method: The study was performed using an online questionnaire. Participants were asked to complete a sociodemographic data form, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI). The effects on depression, anxiety and health anxiety levels of factors such as age, sex, marital status, living with an individual aged above 60, the presence of a new Coronavirus+ patient among friends or relatives, previous and current psychiatric illness and presence of accompanying chronic disease were then investigated. Results: In terms of HADS cut-off points, 23.6% ( n = 81) of the population scored above the depression cut-off point, and 45.1% ( n = 155) scored above the cut-off point for anxiety. In regression analysis, female gender, living in urban areas and previous psychiatric illness history were found as risk factors for anxiety; living in urban areas was found as risk factor for depression; and female gender, accompanying chronic disease and previous psychiatric history were found as risk factors for health anxiety. Conclusion: The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that the groups most psychologically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are women, individuals with previous psychiatric illness, individuals living in urban areas and those with an accompanying chronic disease. Priority might therefore be attached to these in future psychiatric planning.

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