scholarly journals Mental Health Disease or Preventable Problem? Australian Dog Trainers’ Opinions about Canine Separation Anxiety Differ with Training Style

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1393
Author(s):  
Trepheena Hunter ◽  
Diane van Rooy ◽  
Michelle McArthur ◽  
Sara Bennett ◽  
Jonathan Tuke ◽  
...  

Separation anxiety is common. Many dog owners do not seek help from a veterinarian but might consult a trainer. The objective of this study was to investigate Australian trainers’ opinions about separation anxiety. An online survey was distributed via training organisations, resulting in 63 completed surveys. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact tests were applied. Respondents were grouped into reward-based (n = 41) and balanced (n = 22) trainers. Most trainers (82.5%) used multiple methods to identify separation anxiety but only 7.9% referred to a veterinarian for diagnosis. Reward-based trainers ranked assistance from a veterinarian and owner’s willingness to try medication as more important than balanced trainers (p < 0.05). More balanced trainers reported that medication was rarely necessary in the cases they saw: 50% balanced compared with 4.9% reward-based trainers, with 95% CIs of [28.2, 71.8] and [0.6, 16.5], respectively. Almost all (95.5%) balanced trainers believed separation anxiety was preventable compared with 52.6% of reward-based trainers (p < 0.05). We conclude that opinions about separation anxiety varied between reward-based and balanced trainers. Trainers are not taught, expected, or legally allowed to diagnose anxiety disorders. This study showed that balanced trainers were less likely to recommend involvement of veterinarians who can make a diagnosis and rule out other causes of observed behaviours.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asem A. Alageel ◽  
Rayyan A. Alyahya ◽  
Raed A Alghamdi ◽  
Ban A. Alzaid ◽  
Aryaf. S Alsubaie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Depression and anxiety are indicators of mental health and quality of life. Studies found a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among specific populations, such as medical students, residents and fellows. However, postgraduate students unarguably suffer from many private and career life stressors. Unfortunately, research about the prevalence of depression and anxiety among postgraduate students are greatly lacking.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey; a self-questionnaire divided into five sections. Socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD7), insomnia and suicide. Results: The number of participants was 1,005, The prevalence of depression and GAD that warrant treatments are 27.4% and 23.6%, respectively. Most of the participants who screened positive for depression and GAD were not aware of having these disorders. Females were at a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.5, 95% CL: 1.10 to 2.15) and GAD (OR:1.49, 95% CL 1.07 to 2.07). Insomnia is associated significantly with depression (P<0.001) and GAD (P<0.001). Depression increases the risk for active suicide thoughts (OR= 7.453) (P<0.001). Limitations: Due to the nature of cross-sectional studies, causal relationships cannot be identified.Conclusion: We have identified a higher prevalence of depression and GAD among postgraduate students compared with the general population. However, they appear to be underrepresented in mental health literature, so further research is necessary.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Hersch ◽  
Katherine Cohen ◽  
Anjay Saklecha ◽  
Kofoworola Williams ◽  
Yuxi Tan ◽  
...  

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased use of remote-delivered mental health services. This study identifies advantages and limitations of remote-delivered services on college campuses to inform mental health delivery post-pandemic. Methods: Clinicians (n = 30) were asked to evaluate COVID-19’s impact on their work, environment, and wellness in an online survey. Qualitative data was coded using a thematic analysis approach, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Many clinicians reported benefits of remote services, including increased accessibility, greater convenience, no change in therapeutic alliance, and decreased stress for clinicians. Clinicians also experienced challenges such as social isolation, technological difficulties, and personal/family concerns. Clinicians envisioned a hybrid service combining online and in-person activities post-pandemic. Conclusions: Overall, remote-delivered mental health services on college campuses have potential in increasing treatment quality while highlighting a necessity for further research in hybrid mental health delivery.


CJEM ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deyvison T. Baia Medeiros ◽  
Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg ◽  
Erin O’Connor ◽  
Dionne M. Aleman

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine temporal trends in mental health visits to the emergency department (ED) and to determine differences in length of stay (LOS) between mental health visits and visits for non-mental health conditions.MethodsA population-based retrospective study was conducted for patients who visited the ED of an academic hospital located in Toronto, ON, between fiscal years 2012 and 2016. Trends in the number of visits and descriptive statistics were calculated for both mental health and non-mental health groups. Quantile regression was used to compare the median and 90th percentile LOS.ResultsIn five years, the absolute increase in the number of mental health visits to the ED was 55.7%. The 90th percentile LOS was similar for mental and non-mental health visits that were internally transferred (10.7 hours v. 8.3 hours) but significantly higher for those who were discharged (11.4 hours v. 7.3 hours), admitted (52.6 hours v. 29.3 hours), and externally transferred (21.9 hours v. 10.0 hours). After adjusting for other variables, the 90th percentile LOS was 3.3 hours longer for mental health visits resulting in discharge (p<0.001), 24.5 hours longer for those admitted (p<0.001), and 12.7 hours longer for those externally transferred (p<0.001).ConclusionThe number of mental health visits to the ED is linearly increasing over time, and the LOS in the ED is significantly longer for mental health visits for almost all discharge dispositions. Thus, systematic changes are needed to address the ED capacity to provide care for the growing mental health population.


Author(s):  
Adah Ogwuche ◽  
Abel B. Ekiri ◽  
Isabella Endacott ◽  
Beatty-Viv Maikai ◽  
Enokela S. Idoga ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic use practices of veterinarians and para-veterinarians in Nigeria. An online survey was distributed during November through December 2018 via email and phone to veterinarians and para-veterinarians to collect information on antibiotic use practices. Data were downloaded into Excel and descriptive statistics were presented and analysed. The survey was completed by 390 respondents. Almost all respondents (98.5%, 384/390) recommended the use of antibiotics to treat animal patients, and of these, 93.2% (358/384) were veterinarians and 6.8% (26/384) were para-veterinarians. Most respondents reported commonly recommending the use of oxytetracycline (82.6%, 317/384), tylosin (44.5%, 171/384) and gentamycin (43.8%, 168/384). A third (32.0%, 122/384) of respondents did not undertake antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) prior to antibiotic treatment. At least 60% of the respondents recommended the use of antibiotics for the treatment of non-bacterial pathogens, including viral, helminth and fungal pathogens. Over 55% (217/390) were not aware of government-issued guidelines on antibiotic use in animals, although of those aware, 69% (74/107) utilised the guidelines. Across all respondents, the majority believed legislation or regulation by government can influence the use of antibiotics by animal health professionals. The study highlights areas that can be targeted as part of intervention strategies to promote antimicrobial stewardship by animal health professionals in Nigeria, including the need for increased use of AST as a tool for supporting disease management, increased awareness of appropriate antibiotic use and greater dissemination of antibiotic use guidelines and enforcement of relevant regulation by government authorities.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asem Alageel ◽  
Rayyan Abdullah Alyahya ◽  
Raed A. Alghamdi ◽  
Ban A. Alzaid ◽  
Aryaf S Alsubaie ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Depression and anxiety are indicators of mental health and quality of life. Studies found a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among specific populations, such as medical students, residents and fellows. However, postgraduate students unarguably suffer from many private and career life stressors. Unfortunately, research about the prevalence of depression and anxiety among postgraduate students are greatly lacking.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey; a self-questionnaire divided into five sections. Socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD7), insomnia and suicide.Results: The number of participants was 1,005, The prevalence of depression and GAD that warrant treatments are 27.4% and 23.6%, respectively. Most of the participants who screened positive for depression and GAD were not aware of having these disorders. Females were at a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.5, 95% CL: 1.10 to 2.15) and GAD (OR:1.49, 95% CL 1.07 to 2.07). Insomnia is associated significantly with depression (P<0.001) and GAD (P<0.001). Depression increases the risk for active suicide thoughts (OR= 7.453) (P<0.001). Conclusion: We have identified a higher prevalence of depression and GAD among postgraduate students compared with the general population. However, they appear to be underrepresented in mental health literature, so further research is necessary. The limitations of this study were centered on the nature of cross-sectional studies, causal relationships cannot be identified.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (SUPPLEMENT 2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
William E. Hills ◽  
Matthew S. Murphy ◽  
Karen T. Hills

Background: Societal needs highlighted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in rapid telehealth development and implementation. The broadening of guidelines for practice by regulatory bodies have allowed providers to employ video-capable devices in the virtual delivery of services to physical- and mentalhealth clients located across a broad range of settings. Aim of the study: This study examined use of synchronous, video-based, virtual healthcare before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a comparison of: access for physical and mental health needs; differential assessment of service provision by professionals; consumer satisfaction; and, anticipated future use of virtual healthcare. Material and Methods: An online survey link was sent to three participant groups: college-aged students, adults, and retirement-aged persons. A total of 685 participants, varying in age, gender, ethnicity, and experience using tele-healthcare provided usable data for this study. Results: Half of participants (49.2%; n=337) used virtual healthcare; more people used it during the pandemic (87.2%; n=294) than before (26.4%; n=89). Physical services (86.8%; n=291; primarily physicians) were more common than mental health services (25.6%; n=86; primarily counselors). Access was most common through laptop computers (60.7%; n=204). Participants were satisfied with virtual healthcare experiences (Mdn=5). Almost all participants (94.2%; n=645) believed that virtual healthcare would continue after the pandemic, but only two-thirds (61.3%; n=420) reported they would use virtual healthcare if available in the future. Both previous experience with (p<0.001) and satisfaction with (p<0.001) virtual healthcare positively predicted anticipated future use. Conclusions: Tele-healthcare has experienced significant growth in the COVID-19 era. Emergency policy changes have resulted in services being developed and offered in the medical and mental health realms in conjunction with ongoing empirical evaluations of what does and does not work.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaiful Azlan ◽  
Noor Ani Ahmad ◽  
Umi Adzlin Silim ◽  
Muhammad Najib Abdullah ◽  
Norazam Harun ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is catastrophic and caused negative psychological effects among patients, healthcare workers and their surroundings. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression and general anxiety disorders (GAD) among stable hospitalized COVID-19 patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study via web-based online survey involving 401 patients in the main COVID-19 hospitals in Malaysia who were selected via quota sampling. The questionnaire consists of socio-demographic profile, Patient Health Questionnaire 9 items (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorders 7 items (GAD-7) and Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced). The identified probable cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation were subsequently referred to psychiatrists.ResultThe prevalence of depression and anxiety were 7.5% and 7.0%, respectively. Besides that, 4.0% of respondents were suspected as having suicidal ideation. The prediction model revealed that females [aOR=5.29 (95% CI: 1.34, 20.80)], age 35-49 years old [aOR=7.47 (95% CI: 1.78, 31.30)], adopting behavioral disengagement [aOR=1.94 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.87)] and self-blame [aOR= 1.74 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.30)] as coping strategies, were significant predictors of depression. ConclusionsThe findings estimate the mental health burden among COVID-19 patients in Malaysia. The establishment of continuous mental health surveillance is essential in managing cases of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie J. Shillington ◽  
Leigh M. Vanderloo ◽  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
Victor Ng ◽  
Patricia Tucker ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Public health measures such as physical distancing and work-from-home initiatives have been implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19. These measures may also be associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, which could be particularly problematic for those already at highest risk for losing years of healthy life due to chronic disease (i.e., 30–59-year-olds). The purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) to provide an overview of Ontario adults’ health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and dietary intake), mental health, and well-being during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic (April–July 2020); and (2) to explore the difference between physical activity and various health behaviors (i.e., well-being, mental health, and dietary intake). Methods As a part of a larger, longitudinal study, participants completed an online survey that included demographic information, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, Starting the Conversation, the Mental Health Inventory, and the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult. Data analyses involved computing measures of central tendency and dispersion for demographic characteristics and tools followed by descriptive statistics. Separate independent t-tests were conducted to investigate the difference between physical activity status and well-being, mental health, and dietary intake. Results A total of 2157 Ontarians completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics indicated that respondents met physical activity and sedentary behavior guidelines, reported double the amount of recommended recreational screen time, practiced moderately healthy dietary behaviors, experienced mental health problems, and scored below “normal” in some well-being domains. Conclusion As the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is currently unknown, its associated restrictions and society changes may influence adults’ behaviors in both the short- and longer-term. As such, our findings might provide immediate insight into the development of timely and evidence-informed health promotion and disease prevention strategies for Canadians, which could support adults’ health behaviors, mental health, and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and other, future pandemics.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonazzina Hossain ◽  
Hashim Talib Hashim ◽  
Fahtiha Nasreen ◽  
Vanya Ibrahim Jwamer

Abstract Background: As a part of South- Eastern Asia- Pacific, Bangladesh has been following to adopt proactive non-therapeutic means to repress the spread of nCoV-2 just like other countries. As stated in reports of September, the COVID-19 pandemic has become very distressing in Iraq, a Country in Southwestern Asia Pacific reporting around 4,000 new cases every day and around 500 deaths a week.Methodology: A descriptive, survey-based, cross sectional study was conducted among 1000 participants aged > 18 years old from Bangladesh and Iraq.The survey was conducted as an online survey distributed for the general population for a month. The questions were assessed using Likert-type response scale from 1 to 5 for almost all questions. Chi2, mean and standard deviation were used to present the data. Results: There are significant differences between the mental health assessment, the country, educational level, hypertension and smoking. While the other variables have no effect on mental health. Approximately 99% of the participants said they had heard about COVID-19. More than 90% of the participants have stated that they know about COVID- 19. Also, more than 85% of the participants have claimed that they know the causes of COVID-19. Furthermore, participants (around 84%) were largely aware of the death rate for people infected by the virus. Conclusion: Mental health is mostly affected by the pandemic and need to be regularly assessed to keep the immunity competent. Poverty and lack of proper education are contributing factors in increment of COVID-19 cases and discarding about preventions.


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