scholarly journals The Effect of Pets on Human Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19 Lockdown in Malaysia

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2689
Author(s):  
Dasha Grajfoner ◽  
Guek Nee Ke ◽  
Rachel Mei Ming Wong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Pet Owners

The adverse impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on mental and physical health has been witnessed across the globe. Associated mental health and wellbeing issues include stress, social isolation, boredom, and anxiety. Research suggests human–animal interactions may improve the overall wellbeing of an individual. However, this has been less explored in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and the present study examined the effect of pets on the mental health and wellbeing of Malaysians during the lockdown, or movement control order (MCO), due to COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, with 448 Malaysian participants, who completed online assessments for psychological outcomes, psychological wellbeing, positive–negative emotions, resilience, and coping self-efficacy. Results indicate that pet owners reported significantly better coping self-efficacy, significantly more positive emotions, and better psychological wellbeing, but contrary to expectations, there was no differences on other measures. Among pet owners, cat owners reported more positive emotions and greater wellbeing than dog owners. The results show that that pets have some impact on improved psychological health of their owners and could be integrated into recovery frameworks for promoting mental health and wellbeing.

scholarly journals A cross sectional, observational survey to assess levels and predictors of psychological wellbeing in adults with epidermolysis bullosa

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Dures ◽  
Nichola Rumsey ◽  
Marianne Morris ◽  
Kate Gleeson
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Epidermolysis Bullosa ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Clinical Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) describes a cluster of genetically determined skin disorders. Symptoms can be painful, disabling and disfiguring, yet there is little research on the psychological impact of the disease. The study aim was to measure psychological wellbeing in adults with EB; and to examine the association between psychological wellbeing and self efficacy, health <em>locus</em> of control and adjustment to appearance in an observational, cross sectional survey. Questionnaire packs comprising the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the General Self Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLOC), and the Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS-24), were sent to approximately 385 adults with EB. The data were analysed using SPSS. Eighty-seven participants responded. Scores on the GHQ-12 showed non-problematic psychological health in 36% of the sample; levels bordering on clinical disorder in 32.1% and severe psychological distress in 31.9%. No correlations were found between demographic factors (age and sex) or clinical factors (EB type and perceived severity) and psychological well-being. Scores on the GSE, the internal locus of control sub-scale of the MHLOC and the DAS-24 showed them to be statistically significant correlates of psychological wellbeing (P&lt;0.001; P&lt;0.018; and P&lt;0.001 respectively). In a regression analysis, adjustment to appearance and self efficacy accounted for 24% of the variation in psychological wellbeing. Adults with EB might be at risk of experiencing poor psychological health. Interventions designed to enhance disease self management, self efficacy and improve body image are likely to be beneficial in this clinical group.

The Relationship between Resilience and Mental Health: the Mediating Effect of Positive Emotions

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Zhun Gong ◽  
Lichao Yu ◽  
Jonathan W Schooler
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

<p class="tgt"><em>To investigate the relationship of resilience, positive emotions and mental health, and the relationship of resilience, positive emotion and three sub-dimensions of mental health: self-affirmation, depression and anxiety. In this study, the existing cross-sectional data, select the Beijing Forestry University data as samples. In this study, questionnaire survey a random sample of 199 undergraduate students of Beijing Forestry University, they uniform application three Scale Surveying, PANAS, CD-RISC, GHQ-20. According from the study, (1) resilience, positive mood and general health are related where resilience and positive emotions between the resilience. General psychological health, positive emotions and general mental health</em><em>?</em><em>it is positively correlated. (2) Resilience and self-affirmation exists, positive correlation with depression and anxiety, respectively negative correlation. Between positive emotions and self-affirmation the positive correlation with anxiety negative correlation. (3) Part mediating effect of positive emotions exist between resilience and self-affirmation, resilience can be made to self-affirmation prediction coefficient from 0.042 down to 0.036. Therefore, this study concluded that resilience undergraduates can have an impact on mental health through the intermediary variable positive emotions.</em></p>

scholarly journals Declining mental health among disadvantaged Americans

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (28) ◽  
pp. 7290-7295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noreen Goldman ◽  
Dana A. Glei ◽  
Maxine Weinstein
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modest Improvement ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Impact

Although there is little dispute about the impact of the US opioid epidemic on recent mortality, there is less consensus about whether trends reflect increasing despair among American adults. The issue is complicated by the absence of established scales or definitions of despair as well as a paucity of studies examining changes in psychological health, especially well-being, since the 1990s. We contribute evidence using two cross-sectional waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study to assess changes in measures of psychological distress and well-being. These measures capture negative emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, and positive emotions such as happiness, fulfillment, and life satisfaction. Most of the measures reveal increasing distress and decreasing well-being across the age span for those of low relative socioeconomic position, in contrast to little decline or modest improvement for persons of high relative position.

scholarly journals Rationale and methods for a cross-sectional study of mental health and wellbeing following river flooding in rural Australia, using a community-academic partnership approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Longman ◽  
J. Bennett-Levy ◽  
V. Matthews ◽  
H. L. Berry ◽  
M. E. Passey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
River Flooding ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flood Exposure ◽  
Partnership Approach ◽  
Rural Australia

Abstract Background Climate change is associated with greater frequency, duration, intensity and unpredictability of certain weather-related events, including floods. Floods harm mental health. There is limited understanding of the mental health and well-being effects from river flooding, particularly over the longer term and in rural contexts. This paper describes the rationale, aims, objectives, study design and socio-demographic characteristics of the sample for a study measuring associations between flood experience and mental health and wellbeing of residents (particularly those most likely to be negatively impacted and hard to reach) in rural NSW Australia 6 months following a devastating flood in 2017. To our knowledge, the study is the first of its kind within Australia in a rural community and is an important initiative given the likelihood of an increasing frequency of severe flooding in Australia given climate change. Methods A conceptual framework (The Flood Impact Framework) drawing on social ecological approaches was developed by the research team. It was based on the literature and feedback from the community. The Framework describes putative relationships between flood exposure and mental health and wellbeing outcomes. Within a community-academic partnership approach, a cross-sectional survey was then undertaken to quantify and further explore these relationships. Results The cross-sectional survey was conducted online (including on mobile phone) and on paper between September and November 2017 and recruited 2530 respondents. Of those, 2180 provided complete demographic data, among whom 69% were women, 91% were aged 25–74, 4% identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, 9% were farmers and 33% were business owners. Conclusions The study recruited a wide range of respondents and the partnership facilitated the community’s engagement with the design and implementation of the study. The study will provide a basis for a follow-up study, that will aim to improve the understanding of mental health and wellbeing effects over the longer term. It will provide an important and original contribution to understanding river flooding and mental health in rural Australia, a topic that will grow in importance in the context of human-induced climate change, and identify critical opportunities to strengthen services, emergency planning and resilience to future flooding.

scholarly journals Occupational stress, mental health, and self-efficacy among community mental health workers: A cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402097213
Author(s):  
Yaoyao Sun ◽  
Haidong Song ◽  
Hong Liu ◽  
Fangxiang Mao ◽  
Xiaohua Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Community Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Psychiatric Training ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: During the COVID-19, community mental health care workers (CMHWs) faced much heavier workloads, which make them vulnerable to mental problems. Aim: This study aims to investigate coronavirus disease-related occupational stress and its single and cumulative effect on mental health and self-efficacy among CMHWs. Methods: A quick-response online cross-sectional survey WA conducted during the coronavirus disease outbreak. A total of 536 CMHWs were recruited in March 2020, in China. Demographics, occupational stress, depression, anxiety, positive and negative emotions, and self-efficacy were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to test the single and cumulative effect of occupational stress on mental health and self-efficacy. Results: CMHWs did not show high level of depression or anxiety in this study. Those who provided service for suspected people who were quarantined reported higher risk of depression and anxiety. Staying out for more than 3 days was a risk factor of depression while cleaning/sterilising streets or communities was a protective factor of depression. Those who received psychiatric training showed higher positive emotion and self-efficacy, and providing psychological assistance online increased the self-efficacy. CMHWs with two different types of work had 0.996 times more risk of depression than those with only one type of work. Conclusion: The potential cumulative effect of occupation stress suggested that reasonable job assignment and organisational support are necessary safeguards for CMHWs.

scholarly journals Psychological impact of COVID-19 in the Swedish population: Depression, anxiety, and insomnia and their associations to risk and vulnerability factors

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance M. McCracken ◽  
Farzaneh Badinlou ◽  
Monica Buhrman ◽  
Karin C. Brocki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Vulnerability Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Swedish Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

Abstract Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, with its associated restrictions on daily life, is like a perfect storm for poor mental health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing during the ongoing pandemic in Sweden. Method: Standardized measures of depression, anxiety, and insomnia as well as measures of risk and vulnerability factors known to be associated with poor mental health outcomes were administered through a national, online, cross-sectional survey (n = 1,212; mean age 36.1 years; 73% women). Result: Our findings show significant levels of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in Sweden, at rates of 30%, 24.2%, and 38%, respectively. The strongest predictors of these outcomes included poor self-rated overall health and a history of mental health problems. The presence of COVID-19 symptoms and specific health and financial worries related to the pandemic also appeared important. Conclusions: The impacts of COVID-19 on mental health in Sweden are comparable to impacts shown in previous studies in Italy and China. Importantly, the pandemic seems to impose most on the mental health of those already burdened with the impacts of mental health problems. These results provide a basis for providing more support for vulnerable groups, and for developing psychological interventions suited to the ongoing pandemic and for similar events in the future.

scholarly journals PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN (PHASE 2) AMONG INDIAN GENERAL POPULATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pragati Kaurani ◽  
Kavita Batra ◽  
Himangini Rathore Hooja
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruption of all spheres of life, including health, financial, and socio behavioral. Given the rampant nature of the pandemic, several nations, including India has instituted stringent public health measures, with one being nationwide lockdown, to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. Previous studies reported increased stress and anxiety levels among general population during phase 1 (complete) lockdown, however, the effect of extended lockdown (phase 2) on mental health outcomes remains the subject of investigation till today. Therefore, this cross-sectional study endeavors to assess the psychological outcomes among general population during phase 2 lockdown. The online questionnaire surveyed 627 individuals from the general population using a non-probability snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, including the frequency distribution, mean and standard deviations were generated. Mean differences across groups were analyzed through independent-samples- t and analysis of variance tests. Consistent with previous studies, our results indicated a higher mean score of anxiety and stress among females compared to males. Young adults aged between 21-39 years had the highest mean stress and anxiety scores compared to other categories. The mean anxiety score increased from retired (M=3.96, SD=4.76, to students (M=7.04, SD=7.11), to unemployed (M=9.0, SD=6.53) occupation groups. The findings of this study highlight the need for designing psychosocial regulatory frameworks and suitable interventions to address the needs of those being mentally traumatized by the pandemic and associated lockdowns. The study also advocates for establishing psychological health monitoring and telepsychiatry systems for identifying and treating mental health problems.

scholarly journals Is Wellbeing Associated with Time Spent in Nature?

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E Rodgers ◽  
Francis Rowney ◽  
Daniel Thompson ◽  
Amy Mizen ◽  
Mathew White ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Additive Models ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Health And Wellbeing

IntroductionGreen and blue spaces (GBS), such as parks, woodlands, rivers, and beaches, are thought to be important for mental health and wellbeing. Our longitudinal cohort contains objective household-level environment data linked at the invidual level to routinely recorded mental health data, augmented with cross sectional self-reported health behaviours, including leisure visits to the outdoors. Objectives and ApproachOur overall approach will evaluate if residential proximity to GBS is associated with mental health and wellbeing, and if any associations aremodified by visits to outdoors spaces following individual-level data linkage. Here, we examined cross-sectional survey data on time spent visiting nature outdoors. Wellbeing outcomes were assessed using self-reported scores. Data were analysed using generalised additive models in the SAIL Databank. ResultsUsing a sample of National Survey for Wales respondents (2016/17, n=3,481), over 40% of adults in Wales reported spending less than 30 minutes outdoors each week. Weekly time outdoors was positively associated with wellbeing (p=0.007) and life satisfaction (p=0.03) having adjusted for potential confounders including, age, rurality, loneliness, employment status. Confidence intervals varied along the fitted GAM model. Models using a second wave of survey data (n≈7,000), anonymously record-linked to residential environment and health data will explore these associations further. ConclusionA previous study based in England (White et al. 2019) found an upper wellbeing benefit threshold of 2 hours per week for time spent in nature. This was not apparent in our preliminary models, but may be revealed in further analyses. We will next incorporate longitudinal mental health and environmental data for 2 million adults living in Wales, UK. Linking to ambient and accessible residential GBS, while taking into account changes due to migration and actual visits, will allow us to provide valuable guidance to local government, who are often responsible for provisioning and maintaining outdoor facilities.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anxiety, Stress, Depression among Malaysian Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic Movement Control Order

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 579-581
Author(s):  
Asma Perveen ◽  
Hazalizah Hamzah ◽  
Azizah Othamn ◽  
Fatanah Ramlee
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Order

Background: The COVID- 19 virus is not only effecting physical health, but immensely effecting on psychological health. Objective: To evaluate the psychological health issues, stress, anxiety and depression, among the adult population during the movement control period of COVID-19. Design: Research study is cross-section design, online data collection through social media and internet. Methods and Material: Online cross-sectional survey was conduct (n=716) using Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS). Statistical analysis used: descriptive statistical analyses, to highlight the prevalence rate of psychological issues and coping response using SPSS. Results: The prevalence in score of Stress 70% (Mean=2.02), Anxiety 67% (Mean=1.71) and Depression 42.3% (Mean=2.28). Conclusions: There is significant prevalence of psychological health issues among adults during the adverse unavoidable circumstance due to COVID-19 Pandemic movement control order.

The acceptability and feasibility of an online pathway for depression treatment via decision support: a cross-sectional survey. (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J Barr ◽  
Michelle D Dannenberg ◽  
Shama S Alam ◽  
Karen L Fortuna ◽  
Theresa Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Depression Screening ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND Individuals often turn to the internet seeking answers to their mental health problems. In 2014, Mental Health America (MHA) began the online program MHA Screening, including the PHQ-9, and since then has collected data from nearly 2.5 million people. Among those who complete a depression screening online, 83% report moderate to severe depression. Despite a range of evidence-based treatments for depression, 60% of these individuals do not seek care. A lack of both knowledge of and access to treatment are major barriers to help-seeking. Decision aids (DAs) are tools that can increase treatment knowledge, yet it is unclear if individuals with depression symptoms would use such a tool online. OBJECTIVE The objective of this project was to determine the views of individuals with depression toward an online DA for depression, and to determine the characteristics those most likely to review a DA and are willing to seek care online. METHODS MHA offers web-based depression screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). For this pilot, MHA made a link to a depression DA available to all individuals completing PHQ-9 screening from October – November 2017. The DA consisted of information on frequently asked questions pertaining to three treatment approaches: watchful waiting, talk therapy and antidepressants. Respondents viewing the DA could complete a short survey assessing the perceived helpfulness of the DA, and whether they would be “willing to consult a doctor online” about symptoms. Descriptive statistics were calculated, while a multiple logistic regression model identified characteristics associated with viewing the DA. RESULTS Of 74,936 PHQ-9 screens completed, 599 (8%) proceeded to review the depression DA; 92% of these respondents screened positive for moderate to severe depression and 86% had never sought prior treatment. Of the 599, 527 (88%) completed the DA survey: 46% found the DA to be helpful, 45% were unsure, while only 8% said the DA was not helpful. Higher levels of depression severity, female sex and older age were associated with increased likelihood of viewing the DA, while higher income levels and Black/African Americans were less likely to view the DA. A majority of respondents (72%) stated they would be willing to discuss their symptoms with a doctor online. CONCLUSIONS Screening for depression and providing DA outside of traditional settings is viewed positively and holds significant potential for those seeking care online. This knowledge is timely given the rising interest in the use online therapies, and the detrimental impact on psychological health of social isolation measures in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Future work will determine the best placement of such decision support tools to maximize DA access, and assess the potential for an online pathway to treatment facilitated by screening and decision support.

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