scholarly journals A New Perspective of Urban–Rural Differences: The Impact of Social Support on the Mental Health of the Older Adults: A Case from Shaanxi Province, China

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 112
Author(s):  
Chi Zhang ◽  
Sifeng Zhang ◽  
Qing Niu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Filial Piety ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Informal Social Support ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rural Older Adults

With the increase in aging in China, the health problems of older adults, especially mental health problems, have become a concern for the whole society. This article selected urban and rural older adults and analyzed the impact of social support on their mental health using a binary logistic model. It was found that under the current urban–rural dichotomy, the effects of social support on the mental health of urban and rural older adults are significantly different. In social support, first, the fairness and satisfaction with the social security system only had a significant effect on the mental health of urban older adults and had no significant effect on the rural older adults. Second, the closeness of contact with grassroots community workers had a significant impact on the mental health of older adults in urban and rural areas. From informal social support, the mental health of rural older adults was mainly influenced by the support of their children, reflecting the influence of the traditional culture of “filial piety”. Furthermore, the mental health of urban older adults was mainly influenced by neighborhood support, reflecting the importance of “close neighbors are better than distant relatives”. Based on the results of the empirical study, this article suggests that to promote the mental health of older adults, we should start by strengthening the formal social support system, establishing high-quality community service facilities, and emphasizing the role of informal social support.

scholarly journals The Impact of Leisure Activities on the Mental Health of Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Social Support and Perceived Stress

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Chi Zhang ◽  
Niu Qing ◽  
Sifeng Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
The Impact

As the aging continues, China has become the country with the largest older population. In order to ensure the well-being of older adults in their later years, the whole society is increasingly concerned about the mental health of older adults. In 2019, we conduct a questionnaire survey in Shaanxi Province. Stratified random sampling is used to select three representative cities, and 677 samples are selected from the survey results for research. By using the structural equation model, we aim to reveal the mechanism of leisure activities’ influence on mental health of the older adults and verify whether social support and perceived stress play a mediating role. The study finds that the older adults’ leisure activities have no significant direct impact on mental health. Social support has a significant mediating effect between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. Leisure activities indirectly affect the mental health of the older adults through social support, and participation in leisure activities can improve the social support of the older adults, thus improving the mental health level of the older adults. Perceived stress plays a significant mediating role between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. By participating in leisure activities, the perceived stress of the older adults will be reduced, thus improving their mental health. Social support and perceived stress play a sufficient mediating role in the influence of leisure activities on mental health.

scholarly journals Mental health problems and correlates among 746 217 college students during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Ma ◽  
J. Zhao ◽  
Y. Li ◽  
D. Chen ◽  
T. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Senior Year ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aims Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health concern all over the world. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population. This study aimed to assess the mental health problems and associated factors among a large sample of college students during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Methods This cross-sectional and nation-wide survey of college students was conducted in China from 3 to 10 February 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess psychosocial factors, COVID-19 epidemic related factors and mental health problems. Acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by the Chinese versions of the impact of event scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Univariate and hierarchical logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with mental health problems. Results Among 821 218 students who participated in the survey, 746 217 (90.9%) were included for the analysis. In total, 414 604 (55.6%) of the students were female. About 45% of the participants had mental health problems. The prevalence rates of probable acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were 34.9%, 21.1% and 11.0%, respectively. COVID-19 epidemic factors that were associated with increased risk of mental health problems were having relatives or friends being infected (adjusted odds ratio = 1.72–2.33). Students with exposure to media coverage of the COVID-19 ≥3 h/day were 2.13 times more likely than students with media exposure <1 h/day to have acute stress symptoms. Individuals with low perceived social support were 4.84–5.98 times more likely than individuals with high perceived social support to have anxiety and depressive symptoms. In addition, senior year and prior mental health problems were also significantly associated with anxiety or/and depressive symptoms. Conclusions In this large-scale survey of college students in China, acute stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple epidemic and psychosocial factors, such as family members being infected, massive media exposure, low social support, senior year and prior mental health problems were associated with increased risk of mental health problems. Psychosocial support and mental health services should be provided to those students at risk.

Mental Health among Older Adults with Caregiving Needs: The Role of Social Networks

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-167
Author(s):  
Fengyan Tang ◽  
Heejung Jang ◽  
Elizabeth A Mulvaney ◽  
Jane Seoyoon Lee ◽  
Donald Musa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Informal Social Support ◽  
Social Network Size

Abstract A major challenge facing an aging society is the increased caregiving needs among community-dwelling older adults with chronic conditions. Reliance on social relations may help address caregiving needs and maintain older adults’ mental well-being. This study examines the roles of different aspects of social relations—social network size, social support, and service use—in the association between caregiving needs and mental health status (MHS). Using a sample of adults age 55 and over in an urban setting, authors tested the direct, mediation, and moderation effects models of social relations. Structural equation modeling was applied and latent variables of caregiving needs, MHS, and social network size were identified. Results showed that caregiving needs and informal social support (that is, network size, positive support, and negative strain) were directly related to MHS and that informal social support partially mediated the negative effect of caregiving needs on MHS; by contrast, service use moderated the association, indicating that those with caregiving needs who used more services were in better MHS than their counterparts with less service use. Findings point to the importance of social work interventions aimed at improving social relations and enhancing awareness and access to social services.

scholarly journals 76 The Cinema and Geriatric Medicine: An Approach to ‘Hard-To-Reach’ Places in the Curriculum

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i25-i26
Author(s):  
R Patel ◽  
H Wolfendale ◽  
J Ragunathan ◽  
R J Parikh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Filial Piety ◽  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
North West ◽  
Feature Films ◽  
Key Topics ◽  
Complications Of Stroke ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Cinema is powerful - it can depict complex stories, spark discussion and foster reflection.1 Potentially, in geriatric medicine, the impact of serious diagnoses could be explored and learners’ preconceptions concerning ageing challenged. Thus, could film be used to explore and assess ‘hard-to-reach’ curriculum areas? The Mental Health in Older Adults module (MSc in Geriatric Medicine - Salford University) uses film in the oral assessed presentation. We wished to explore the utility of this Methods Learners (North-West Speciality Registrars) were allocated different feature films exploring mental health themes. 8 learners each delivered a ten-minute presentation focusing on a topic selected after viewing the film. The audience comprised Speciality Registrars who could ask questions. The content of the presentations was reviewed. The key topics/themes tackled were analysed. Results Learners watched one of the following: Iris, Tokyo Story, Still Alice, My Feral Heart, Firefly Dreams, The Carer, Away from Her and Amour. Each film generated 3 or more topics/themes. These were diverse and included: depression in chronic illness; loneliness; neuropsychological complications of stroke and the management and impact of dementia. Presenters set these into the film’s context and reflected on the interaction between physical health and social and psychological factors. ‘Hard-to-reach’ areas included: culture and social care, filial piety, and preconceptions of intellectual disability. Neglected areas tackled included suicide in older adults and the impact of dementia in younger adults. Audience feedback was positive. The reflective nature of the session provided new insights and was engaging Conclusions Film is a medium that allows ‘hard-to-reach’ (and teach) areas to be tackled and assessed. The use of film was well received and importantly had utility. The topics learners reflected upon were complex and challenged their own and their audiences’ conceptions of clinical problems. Reference 1. Law M, et al, Perspect Med Educ. 2015 4(5): 218–224.

The Impact of Perceived Stress, Social Support, and Home-Based Physical Activity on Mental Health among Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Hwa Kwag ◽  
Peter Martin ◽  
Daniel Russell ◽  
Warren Franke ◽  
Marian Kohut
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Outcomes across Age: A Stress and Coping Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 944-945
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Neshat Yazdani ◽  
Karen Siedlecki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The emergence of COVID-19 and the measures implemented to curb its spread are anticipated to have long-term implications for mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes as opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. Utilizing the stress and coping framework, the purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Participants (N = 1,318) between the ages of 18-92 years completed an online survey, assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Stress, social support, and coping style were related to psychosocial outcomes. Results suggested that avoidant coping mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting the older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The impact of resiliency on mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ratanasiripong ◽  
Nop Ratanasiripong ◽  
Monpanee Khamwong ◽  
Sarinya Jingmark ◽  
Ploenpit Thaniwattananon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Wellness Program ◽  
Hierarchical Multiple Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of resiliency and associated factors on the mental health and quality of life among older adults in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,800 older adults (M = 69.3, SD = 7.2) from nine provinces across all regions of Thailand. Each participant completed an anonymous paper-based survey that included demographic data, work activities, health behaviors, social support, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment for Older Adults (WHOQOL-OLD).FindingsThrough hierarchical multiple regression, resiliency, social support, exercise and work hours per week were found to be significant predictors of mental health: depression (F (6, 520) = 19.38, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.17); anxiety (F (6, 520) = 18.64, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.17); stress (F (6, 521) = 12.91, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 0.12). Five predictors of quality of life were identified through hierarchical multiple regression: resiliency, social support, exercise, age and family economic status. These predictors explained 35% of the variance, F (5, 1655) = 178.44, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.35.Originality/valueBased on the results of this study, a comprehensive Wellness Program was designed to improve the mental health and quality of life of older adults in Thailand. This Wellness Program included five components: Volunteer Program, Resiliency Building Program, Social Support Program, Exercise Program, and Financial Education Program.

scholarly journals Effects of Sherish℠ Connect on older adults in a residential living facility

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Katherine Bennett ◽  
Mia Gonzalez ◽  
Sydney Harper ◽  
Madison Logan ◽  
Kaeli Jeffers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Social Technology ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Technology Platforms ◽  
Residential Living ◽  
The Impact

Personal connection and social interaction are vital components of health throughout the lifespan. Loneliness and social isolation among the older adult population impacts both physical and mental health negatively. Analysis of published research demonstrates the importance of considering the use of different social technology platforms to foster opportunities for social support among family and friends. Researchers noted an increased relevance of the need for social technology in residential living facilities with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. The study aims to investigate the impact of social technology, via Sherish℠ Connect on older adults’ reported levels of loneliness and social isolation within a residential living facility. The seven participants used Sherish℠ Connect, a television-based photo-sharing application, for a minimum of one month prior to data collection. Data was collected via survey responses and medical records review to determine the effect of the Sherish℠ Connect intervention on participants’ perceived loneliness. Six participants reported using Sherish℠ Connect weekly or daily. All participants reported Sherish℠ Connect provided comfort. Social technology platforms offer an opportunity for social support among family and friends. Sherish℠ Connect, given a larger sample and increased duration of use, has the potential to combat loneliness and social isolation and provide comfort for older adults. Researchers hope this study provides baseline research that inspires additional studies investigating Sherish℠ Connect. The utilization of social technology adds value to occupational therapy intervention for mental health and social participation, particularly during the unprecedented time of COVID-19.

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