Gender Differences in COVID-19 Lockdown Impact on Mental Health of Undergraduate Students

Background: Prolonged university closures and social distancing-imposed measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic obliged students to at-home learning with online lectures and educational programs promoting potential social isolation, loneliness, hopelessness, and episodes of clinical decompensation.Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in a university institute in Milan, Northern Italy, to assess the COVID-19 lockdown impact on the mental health of the undergraduate students. We estimated the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using adjusted logistic regression models.Results: Of the 8,177 students, 12.8% reported depressive symptoms, 25.6% anxiety, 8.7% insomnia, and 10.6% reported impulsive tracts, with higher proportions among females than males. Mental health symptoms were positively associated with caring for a person at home, a poor housing quality, and a worsening in working performance. Among males compared with females, a poor housing quality showed a stronger positive association with depressive symptoms and impulsivity, and a worsening in the working performance was positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the absence of private space was positively associated with depression and anxiety, stronger among males than females.Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first multidisciplinary consortium study, involving public mental health, environmental health, and architectural design. Further studies are needed to confirm or refute our findings and consequent recommendations to implement well-being interventions in pandemic conditions.

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Changes in Solo and Partnered Sexual Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a U.S. Probability Survey

10.1101/2020.06.09.20125609 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Devon J. Hensel ◽

Molly Rosenberg ◽

Maya Luetke ◽

Tsung-chieh Fu ◽

Debby Herbenick

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Public Health Response ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Item Scale ◽

At Home

AbstractBackgroundResearch demonstrates that pandemics adversely impact sexual and reproductive health (SRH), but few have examined their impact on people’s participation in sex. We examined self-reported changes in solo and sexual behaviors in U.S. adults during early stages of the public health response to COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted an online, nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of U.S. adults (N=1010; aged 18-94 years; 62% response rate) from April 10-20, 2020. We used weighted multinomial logistic regression to examine past month self-reported changes (decreased, stable or increased) in ten solo and partnered sexual behaviors. Predictor variables included: having children at home, past month depressive symptoms, (ACHA 3-item scale), past month loneliness (UCLA 3-Item Loneliness scale), COVID-19 protection behaviors (adapted 12-item scale), perceived COVID-19 consequences (adapted 10-item scale) and COVID-19 knowledge (adapted 10-item scale).ResultsNearly half of all adults reported some kind of change – most commonly, a decrease – in their sexual behavior in the past month. Having elementary aged children at home, past month depressive symptoms and loneliness and enacting more COVID-19 protective behaviors were associated with both reduced partnered bonding behaviors, such as hugging, cuddling, holding hands and kissing, as well as reduced partnered sexual behaviors, such as oral sex, partnered genital touching and vaginal sex. Greater COVID-19 risk perception and greater COVID-19 knowledge were associated with mixed effects in behavior outcomes.ConclusionsOur data illustrate the very personal ways in which different pandemic-associated factors may create or inhibit opportunities for solo and partnered sex. The centrality of sexuality to health and well-being – even during pandemics – means that a critical piece of public health prevention and management responses should is ensuring that services and resource that support positive sexual decision making remain open and available.

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Mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic among physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, in the province of Alberta (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.27469 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hany ElGindi ◽

Reham Shalaby ◽

April Gusnowski ◽

Wesley Vuong ◽

Shireen Surood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Generalized Anxiety Disorder ◽

High Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, threats to mental health, psychological safety, and well-being are evident, particularly among the first responders and the healthcare staff. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the prevalence and the potential predictors of the likely stress, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder among healthcare workers (HCW). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was used through a survey link sent to gather demographic information and responses on several self-report scales, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) among the various HCW groupings who subscribed to the Text4Hope program. RESULTS This study revealed that the HCW expressed an estimated high prevalence of moderate/high stress rates 840 (81.2%), while the likelihood of moderate/severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were 369 (38.6%), and 317 (32.7%), respectively, during COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses and other HCW were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms, compared to physicians, (F (2, 159.47) =15.89, 95% CI= (-5.05) -(-2.04). Younger age groups of HCW (≤30 y) were more prone to report likely stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, compared to HCW 41-50y and >50y (Odd’s ratio range: 1.82- 3.03). Similarly, females and those who reported a lack of social support (separated/divorced and single) among HCW, had a higher likelihood to report likely stress and depressive symptoms, respectively (OR=1.8 and 1.6). CONCLUSIONS This cross-sectional study revealed the significant impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and indicated significant vulnerability among groups of HCW in Alberta. CLINICALTRIAL Ethical approval for this research was obtained through the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Board (Pro00086163).

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Associations between Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Time Spent Outdoors with Mental Health during the First COVID-19 Lock Down in Austria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179168 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9168

Author(s):

Sandra Haider ◽

Lee Smith ◽

Lovro Markovic ◽

Felipe B. Schuch ◽

Kabir P. Sadarangani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Sitting Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Well Being

Measures implemented to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have resulted in a decrease in physical activity (PA) while sedentary behaviour increased. The aim of the present study was to explore associations between PA and mental health in Austria during COVID-19 social restrictions. In this web-based cross-sectional study (April–May 2020) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sitting time, and time spent outdoors were self-reported before and during self-isolation. Mental well-being was assessed with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, and the Beck depression and anxiety inventories. The majority of the participants (n = 652) were female (72.4%), with a mean age of 36.0 years and a standard deviation (SD) of 14.4. Moreover, 76.5% took part in ≥30 min/day of MVPA, 53.5% sat ≥10 h/day, and 66.1% spent ≥60 min/day outdoors during self-isolation. Thirty-eight point five percent reported high mental well-being, 40.5% reported depressive symptoms, and 33.9% anxiety symptoms. Participating in higher levels of MVPA was associated with higher mental well-being (odds ratio = OR: 3.92; 95% confidence interval = 95%CI: 1.51–10.15), less depressive symptoms (OR: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.29–0.66) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.41–0.94), and less loneliness (OR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.31–0.69). Participants sitting <10 h/day had higher odds of mental well-being (OR: 3.58; 95%CI: 1.13–11.35). Comparable results were found for spending ≥60 min/day outdoors. Maintaining one’s MVPA levels was associated with higher mental well-being (OR = 8.61, 95%CI: 2.68–27.62). In conclusion, results show a positive association between PA, time spent outdoors and mental well-being during COVID-19 social restrictions. Interventions aiming to increase PA might mitigate negative effects of such restrictions.

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Psychosocial health of school-aged children during the initial COVID-19 safer-at-home school mandates in Florida: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10540-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah L. McKune ◽

Daniel Acosta ◽

Nick Diaz ◽

Kaitlin Brittain ◽

Diana Joyce- Beaulieu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Psychosocial Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Home School ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

School Aged Children ◽

K 12 ◽

At Home

Abstract Background Given the emerging literature regarding the impacts of lockdown measures on mental health, this study aims to describe the psychosocial health of school-aged children and adolescents during the COVID-19 Safer-at-Home School mandates. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2020 (n = 280) among K-12 students at a research school in North Central Florida. Bivariate analysis and logistic and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine socio-demographic and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) predictors of indicators of anxiety-related, depressive, and obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD)-related symptoms. Outcomes (anxiety, OCD, and depressive related symptoms) were measured by indices generated based on reported symptoms associated with each psychosocial outcome. Results Loss of household income was associated with increased risk for all three index-based outcomes: depressive symptoms [aOR = 3.130, 95% CI = (1.41–6.97)], anxiety-related symptoms [aOR = 2.531, 95%CI = (1.154–5.551)], and OCD-related symptoms [aOR = 2.90, 95%CI = (1.32–6.36)]. Being female was associated with being at higher risk for depressive symptoms [aOR = 1.72, 95% CI = (1.02–2.93)], anxiety-related symptoms [aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = (1.04–2.97)], and OCD-related symptoms [aOR = 1.764, 95%CI = (1.027–3.028)]. Parental practices protective against COVID-19 were associated with children being at higher risk of depressive symptoms [aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = (1.04–2.31)]. Lower school level was associated with children being at higher risk of anxiety-related and OCD-related symptoms. Conclusions As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, schools should prioritize mental health interventions that target younger, female students, and children of families with income loss. Limiting the spread of COVID-19 through school closure may exacerbate negative psychosocial health outcomes in children, thus school administrators should move quickly to target those at greatest risk.

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Managing Stress and School: The Role of Posttraumatic Stress in Predicting Well-Being and Collegiate Burnout

Emerging Adulthood ◽

10.1177/2167696818777106 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 342-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mallory Lucier-Greer ◽

Davina Quichocho ◽

Ross W. May ◽

Gregory S. Seibert ◽

Frank D. Fincham

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Posttraumatic Stress ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Traumatic Event ◽

Longitudinal Design ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Control ◽

Risky Drinking ◽

School Burnout

Experiencing a traumatic event is generally posited to increase vulnerability. Informed by a stress process framework, this study investigated the relation of posttraumatic stress to depressive symptoms, risky drinking, and school burnout in emerging adulthood, a developmental period during which common behavioral and psychological disorders reach their peak. Whether self-control acts as a mechanism linking posttraumatic stress to these outcomes was also examined. Using a short-term longitudinal design ( N = 373 undergraduate students), we found a direct, positive association between heightened levels of posttraumatic stress and heightened depressive symptoms, risky drinking, and school burnout. Posttraumatic stress was also indirectly linked to depressive symptoms, risky drinking, and school burnout via self-control. Experiences of posttraumatic stress are thought to erode self-control capacity, and depleted self-control is thought to be adversely associated with mental health, decision-making, and school success. Implications for intervention across multiple lines of defense are discussed.

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Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Female Students in Fukushima Four Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15112411 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. 2411 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Shinya Ito ◽

Mie Sasaki ◽

Satoko Okabe ◽

Nobuhiro Konno ◽

Aya Goto

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Radiation Risk ◽

Well Being ◽

Female Students ◽

World Health ◽

Nuclear Radiation ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with an emphasis on determining how nuclear radiation risks affect the reporting of depression symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 310 female students at a college in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in December 2015, and 288 participants submitted valid questionnaires. In total, 222 (77.1%) participants lived in Fukushima at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The measures included the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, the Fukushima Future Parents Attitude Measure, and risk perception of radiation health effects. A total of 46.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Path analysis revealed that higher radiation risk perceptions and reduced efficacy with reproduction related to a decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy, which was subsequently associated with increased depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of radiation education among children and young adults, both after a nuclear accident and during disaster preparation, particularly in the context of reproductive and mental health.

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Use of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey

BJPsych Bulletin ◽

10.1192/bjb.2021.103 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Rebecca J. Syed Sheriff ◽

Helen Adams ◽

Evgenia Riga ◽

Andrew K. Przybylski ◽

Laura Bonsaver ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Online Culture ◽

Reported Data ◽

June July ◽

The Uk ◽

Health And Well Being

Aims and method To gain a deeper understanding of the use of online culture and its potential benefits to mental health and well-being, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on usage, perceived mental health benefits and health status were collected in an online cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in June–July 2020. Results In total, 1056 people completed the survey. A high proportion of participants reported finding online culture helpful for mental health; all but one of the benefits were associated with regular use and some with age. Reported benefits were wide-ranging and interconnected. Those aged under 25 years were less likely to be regular users of online culture or to have increased their use during lockdown. Clinical implications There may be benefits in targeting cultural resources for mental health to vulnerable groups such as young adults.

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Perceptions of Study Conditions and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Germany: Results of the International COVID-19 Student Well-Being Study

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.674665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Paula Mayara Matos Fialho ◽

Franca Spatafora ◽

Lisa Kühne ◽

Heide Busse ◽

Stefanie M. Helmer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

University Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Positive Association ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

German Student ◽

The University ◽

The Impact ◽

Mental Well Being

Background: Results of previous studies examining the impact of the SARS-CoV-1 epidemic in 2003 on university students' mental well-being indicated severe mental health consequences. It is unclear how the current COVID-19 pandemic and the changes in study conditions due to federal regulations affected mental well-being in the German student population. We examined university students' perceptions of study conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigated associations between study conditions and depressive symptoms.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Germany in May 2020 at four universities (N = 5,021, 69% female, mean age: 24 years, SD: 5.1). Perceived study conditions, as well as sociodemographic information, were assessed with self-generated items and the CES-D 8 scale was used to determine depressive symptoms. Associations between perceived study conditions (academic stress and academic satisfaction), in general, and confidence to complete the semester, in particular, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using generalized linear regressions.Results: Fifty-four percent of survey participants felt that the university workload had significantly increased since the COVID-19 pandemic; 48% were worried that they would not be able to successfully complete the academic year; 47% agreed that the change in teaching methods caused significant stress. Regarding depressive symptoms, the mean score of the CES-D 8 scale was 9.25. Further, a positive association between perceived study conditions and depressive symptoms was found (p < 0.001), indicating that better study conditions were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Results of the generalized linear regression suggest that better student mental well-being was related to higher confidence in completing the semester.Conclusions: This study provides first insights into perceived study conditions and associations with depressive symptoms among students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Findings underline the need for universities to provide intervention strategies targeting students' mental well-being during the course of the pandemic.

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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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Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and impact on self-management among adults with chronic conditions in Chicago, Illinois, USA, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052495 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. e052495

Author(s):

Rebecca M Lovett ◽

Lauren Opsasnick ◽

Andrea Russell ◽

Esther Yoon ◽

Sophia Weiner-Light ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

Least Square ◽

Self Management ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Measurement Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Patient Reported

ObjectivesTo examine the prevalence of mental health symptoms during the first surge of COVID-19 in the USA, and their associations with COVID-19-related emotional distress, health self-management and healthcare utilisation.DesignCross-sectional analysis of wave 3 (1–22 May 2020) survey data from the ongoing Chicago COVID-19 Comorbidities (C3) study.SettingSeven academic and community health centres in Chicago, Illinois.Participants565 adults aged 23–88 with one or more chronic conditions completing at least one prior C3 study wave.Primary and secondary outcome measuresClinically relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms as measured using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms. Self-reported emotional and health-related responses to COVID-19 were measured through a combination of single-item questions and validated measures.ResultsRates of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 14% (81/563) and 15% (84/563), respectively. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were then each separately associated with greater worry about contracting COVID-19 (relative risk (RR) 2.32, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.53; RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.54), greater stress (RR 4.93, 95% CI 3.20 to 7.59; RR 3.01, 95% CI 1.96 to 4.61) and loneliness (RR 3.82, 95% CI 2.21 to 6.60; RR 5.37, 95% CI 3.21 to 8.98), greater avoidance of the doctor (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.49; RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.36) and difficulty managing health (least square means (LS Means) 6.09, 95% CI 5.25 to 6.92 vs 4.23, 95% CI 3.70 to 4.75; LS Means 5.85, 95% CI 5.04 to 6.65 vs 4.22, 95% CI 3.70 to 4.75) and medications (LS Means 3.71, 95% CI 2.98 to 4.43 vs 2.47, 95% CI 2.02 to 2.92) due to the pandemic.ConclusionsIdentifying and addressing mental health concerns may be an important factor to consider in COVID-19 prevention and management among high-risk medical populations.

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