scholarly journals Physical and Mental Health Effects of Bushfire and Smoke in the Australian Capital Territory 2019–20

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachael M. Rodney ◽  
Ashwin Swaminathan ◽  
Alison L. Calear ◽  
Bruce K. Christensen ◽  
Aparna Lal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Health Practitioner ◽  
Australian Capital Territory ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Australian Capital ◽  
Eastern Australia

The 2019–20 bushfire season in south-eastern Australia was one of the most severe in recorded history. Bushfire smoke-related air pollution reached hazardous levels in major metropolitan areas, including the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), for prolonged periods of time. Bushfire smoke directly challenges human health through effects on respiratory and cardiac function, but can also indirectly affect health, wellbeing and quality of life. Few studies have examined the specific health effects of bushfire smoke, separate from direct effects of fire, and looked beyond physical health symptoms to consider effects on mental health and lifestyle in Australian communities. This paper describes an assessment of the health impacts of this prolonged exposure to hazardous levels of bushfire smoke in the ACT and surrounding area during the 2019–20 bushfire season. An online survey captured information on demographics, health (physical and mental health, sleep) and medical advice seeking from 2,084 adult participants (40% male, median age 45 years). Almost all participants (97%) experienced at least one physical health symptom that they attributed to smoke, most commonly eye or throat irritation, and cough. Over half of responders self-reported symptoms of anxiety and/or feeling depressed and approximately half reported poorer sleep. Women reported all symptoms more frequently than men. Participants with existing medical conditions or poorer self-rated health, parents and those directly affected by fire (in either the current or previous fire seasons) also experienced poorer physical, mental health and/or sleep symptoms. Approximately 17% of people sought advice from a medical health practitioner, most commonly a general practitioner, to manage their symptoms. This study demonstrated that prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke can have substantial effects on health. Holistic approaches to understanding, preventing and mitigating the effects of smoke, not just on physical health but on mental health, and the intersection of these, is important. Improved public health messaging is needed to address uncertainty about how individuals can protect their and their families health for future events. This should be informed by identifying subgroups of the population, such as those with existing health conditions, parents, or those directly exposed to fire who may be at a greater risk.

scholarly journals Physical and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among college students who are undocumented or have undocumented parents

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Ro ◽  
Victoria E. Rodriguez ◽  
Laura E. Enriquez
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Resource Use ◽  
Undocumented Students ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic may have disproportionately affected the mental and physical health of undocumented students and students with undocumented parents. Methods We analyzed primary data from 2111 California college students collected March–June 2020. We estimated the odds of mental or physical health being affected “a great deal” by COVID by immigration group and then examined whether this was moderated by campus belonging or resource use. Results Students with undocumented parents were least likely to report COVID-related mental and physical health effects. Undocumented students and students whose parents have lawful immigration status did not differ in their COVID-related physical and mental health. For all students, more campus resource use and higher campus belonging were associated with negative mental and physical health effects. Discussion Negative COVID-related mental and physical health was widespread. Separation from campus-based resources was detrimental during the early stages of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Progress After Placement

2021 ◽  
pp. 199-222
Author(s):  
Harriet Ward ◽  
Lynne Moggach ◽  
Susan Tregeagle ◽  
Helen Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Developmentally Delayed ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Adult Adoptees

AbstractThe chapter explores the progress made by the 93 adoptees in the core follow-up sample in terms of physical and mental health and education from the time they entered their adoptive homes until they were followed up, on average 18 years later. It draws on data collected through responses to an online survey concerning 93 adoptees (44% of the cohort) completed at follow-up, and interviews focusing on 24 adult adoptees. On entering their placements, 40% of adoptees were developmentally delayed; 13% had poor physical health; 38% were in poor mental health. Emotional and behavioural problems affected their academic progress; 76% required specialist help. After placement, 74% improved in physical health, 66% in mental health and 68% in academic performance. The challenges faced by adoptive parents provide a powerful case for careful preparation and long-term post-adoption support.

scholarly journals The Impact of Community Size, Community Climate, and Victimization on the Physical and Mental Health of SGM Youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-448
Author(s):  
Megan S. Paceley ◽  
Jessica N. Fish ◽  
Margaret M. C. Thomas ◽  
Jacob Goffnett
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Context ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Size ◽  
Health Community ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Climate

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience high rates of victimization leading to health disparities. Community size and community climate are associated with health outcomes among SGM youth; however, we lack studies that include them as covariates alongside victimization to understand their collective impact on health. This study utilized minority stress theory to understand how community context shapes experiences of victimization and health among SGM youth. SGM youth in one Midwestern U.S. state completed an online survey ( n = 201) with measures of physical health, mental health, community context, and victimization. Data were analyzed via multiple regression using a path analysis framework. Results indicate that perceived climate was associated with mental, but not physical, health; Community size was unrelated to health outcomes. Victimization mediated the association between community climate and mental health. Findings are discussed in light of current literature and implications for research and practice are shared.

scholarly journals 224 Digital Media Use and Sleep in College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A89-A90
Author(s):  
Winnie Li ◽  
Lichuan Ye
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

Abstract Introduction To address the growing sleep deficiency epidemic in college students, more research is needed on recent factors that might affect sleep, such as the digital media use in this young adult population. Furthermore, sleep and the use of digital media can be heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of digital media during the pandemic, and its relationship with sleep disturbance, social isolation, physical and mental health in college students. Methods An online survey was sent out to college students enrolled in an urban university. Validated questionnaires including PROMIS (Sleep Disturbance, Global Mental Health, Global Physical Health, Social Isolation), Nighttime Media Usage, and Internet Addition Test were included in the survey. In addition, focus groups were conducted with a subsample of survey respondents to elicit a comprehensive understanding of how digital media use in daily life influences sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted during June to December 2020. Results A total of 358 students completed the online survey. Sleep disturbance was significantly related to greater digital media use for recreational purposes two hours before bedtime (62.6±28.1 minutes, r=0.110, p=0.046), and a higher frequency of playing games (r=0.148, p=0.007) and using social media after going to bed (r=0.142, p=0.10). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with social isolation (r=0.251, p<0.001), poor global physical health (r=-0.186, p<0.001) and mental health (r=-0.376, p<0.001), and lower GPA (r=-0.167, p=0.004). Additionally, seven focus groups were conducted in a total of 32 students, suggesting that the increase in free time from the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater digital media use, compromising sleep duration and quality. With the increase of screen time also came feeling of guilt and anxiety which often led to greater awareness and self-control around media use. Conclusion Nighttime digital media use during the challenging pandemic time has a significant impact on poor sleep, which may lead to decreased academic performance, greater social isolation, and poor physical and mental health in college students. Effective interventions targeting digital media use are needed to improve sleep in this population. Support (if any):

scholarly journals “I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Quarantine Partner!”: Experiences with Companion Dogs during Covid-19

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 330
Author(s):  
Cori Bussolari ◽  
Jennifer Currin-McCulloch ◽  
Wendy Packman ◽  
Lori Kogan ◽  
Phyllis Erdman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st–April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human–animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants’ sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.

scholarly journals A Cross-Cultural Exploratory Study of Health Behaviors and Wellbeing During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Montse C. Ruiz ◽  
Tracey J. Devonport ◽  
Chao-Hwa (Josephine) Chen-Wilson ◽  
Wendy Nicholls ◽  
Jonathan Y. Cagas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Emotional Problems ◽  
Conservation Of Resources ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

This study explored the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived health behaviors; physical activity, sleep, and diet behaviors, alongside associations with wellbeing. Participants were 1,140 individuals residing in the United Kingdom (n = 230), South Korea (n = 204), Finland (n = 171), Philippines (n = 132), Latin America (n = 124), Spain (n = 112), North America (n = 87), and Italy (n = 80). They completed an online survey reporting possible changes in the targeted behaviors as well as perceived changes in their physical and mental health. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) on the final sample (n = 1,131) revealed significant mean differences regarding perceived physical and mental health “over the last week,” as well as changes in health behaviors during the pandemic by levels of physical activity and country of residence. Follow up analyses indicated that individuals with highest decrease in physical activity reported significantly lower physical and mental health, while those with highest increase in physical activity reported significantly higher increase in sleep and lower weight gain. United Kingdom participants reported lowest levels of physical health and highest increase in weight while Latin American participants reported being most affected by emotional problems. Finnish participants reported significantly higher ratings for physical health. The physical activity by country interaction was significant for wellbeing. MANCOVA also revealed significant differences across physical activity levels and four established age categories. Participants in the oldest category reported being significantly least affected by personal and emotional problems; youngest participants reported significantly more sleep. The age by physical activity interaction was significant for eating. Discussed in light of Hobfoll (1998) conservation of resources theory, findings endorse the policy of advocating physical activity as a means of generating and maintaining resources combative of stress and protective of health.

scholarly journals The perceived impact of the 2016 election: A mediation model predicting health outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 651-664
Author(s):  
Hannah Rose Koerten ◽  
Leah Michelle Bogusch ◽  
Aniko Viktoria Varga ◽  
William H. O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Thought Suppression ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Personal Impact ◽  
Perceived Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The present study examined the relationship between the self-reported personal impact of the election of President Donald J. Trump, as measured by the Personal Impact of the Election Scale (PIES), and physical and mental health. A sample of 299 MTurk Amazon workers completed an online survey, including measures of the perceived personal impact of the 2016 presidential election, thought suppression, and mental and physical health. A mediation model was tested, with thought suppression included as a mediator of the relationship between the PIES and physical and mental health. Results indicated that thought suppression partially mediated the relationship between the PIES and physical and mental health. Specifically, the perceived impact of the election was positively associated with thought suppression (β = .51, SE = .01, p < .001), which was in turn negatively associated with physical health (β = -.25, SE = .44, p < .001) and mental health (β = -.50, SE = .47, p < .001). The results of this study suggest that perceptions of this sociopolitical event were related to the health of United States citizens and show a need for large-scale interventions to address this relationship, especially for those who feel threatened based on their ethnic or religious background.

scholarly journals Relationship of Experiencing Stressors and Coping to Physical and Mental Health, Psychological Distress, and Suicidal Ideation during the SARS-Cov-2 Outbreak in Japan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katsumasa Kishi ◽  
Keita Kiuchi ◽  
Kanto Araki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Severe Case ◽  
Severe Stress ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Relationship Of

An online survey was administered to 1500 residents of Japan age 18 years or older. Responses collected from these subjects were used for analysis. The results revealed that physical and mental health, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation were associated with severe stress and difficulty. Specifically, reduced physical health was associated with “decreased work” and “worries about being infected with COVID-19 or developing a severe case,” reduced mental health with “unable to pay rent” and “unable to get tested,” increased psychological distress with “losing one’s job” and “eviction from one’s home,” and increased suicidal ideation with “being unable to get a mask” and “problems with neighbors.” Psychological distress was significantly lower in those who “read for pleasure” while suicidal ideation was significantly lower in those who “played with children.”

scholarly journals Examining the relationship between food security and perceived health among Memorial University students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Blundell ◽  
Maria Mathews
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Security Level ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objectives: The prevalence of student food insecurity at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is relatively high (58.0%) compared to the national population (12.7%). We explored the relationship between food security status, perceived health, and student experience among MUN students. Methods: Through an online survey of returning MUN students at the St. John’s campus, we assessed food security using Statistics Canada’s Canadian Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM), and self-reported physical health, mental health, and stress. We used logistic regression to compare health and stress ratings between students of different food security levels. We thematically coded open-ended responses to describe students’ experiences related to food insecurity. Results: Among the 967 study eligible students, 39.9% were considered food insecure, 28.2% were moderately food insecure, and 11.7% were severely food insecure. After controlling for significant predictors, students who were moderately or severely food insecure were 1.72 [95% CI:(1.20,2.48)] and 2.81 [95% CI:(1.79,4.42)] times as likely to rate their physical health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, and 1.66 [95% CI:( 1.22,2.27)] and 4.23 [95% CI: (2.71-6.60] times as likely to rate their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, respectively. Conclusion: Food security level experienced by MUN students was closely related to their perceived physical and mental health. As food security level worsened among participants, their self-reported physical and mental health also worsened. Health professionals working with university student populations should screen for food security and consider its relationship to students’ health.

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