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

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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Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among medical residents in Tunisia: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020655 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. e020655 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Mehdi Marzouk ◽

Lamia Ouanes-Besbes ◽

Islem Ouanes ◽

Zeineb Hammouda ◽

Fahmi Dachraoui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Well Being ◽

Medical Residents ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Monthly Basis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Specialties ◽

Night Shifts

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and the associated risk factors among Tunisian medical residents.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingFaculty of Medicine, Tunis.ParticipantsAll Tunisian medical residents brought together between 14 and 22 December 2015 to choose their next 6-month rotation.InterventionThe items of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) questionnaire were employed to capture the prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among the residents. The statistical relationships between anxiety and depression (HAD score) and sociodemographic and work-related data were explored by Poisson regression.Results1700 out of 2200 (77%) medical residents (mean age: 28.5±2 years, female: 60.8%) answered the questionnaire. The mean working hours per week was 62±21 hours; 73% ensured a mean of 5.4±3 night shifts per month; and only 8% of them could benefit from a day of safety rest. Overall, 74.1% of the participating residents had either definite (43.6%) or probable (30.5%) anxiety, while 62% had definite (30.5%) or probable (31.5%) depression symptoms, with 20% having both definite anxiety and definite depression. The total HAD score was significantly associated with the resident’s age (OR=1.014, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.023, p=0.001); female gender (OR=1.114, 95% CI 1.083 to 1.145, p<0.0001); and the heavy burden of work imposed on a weekly or monthly basis, as reflected by the number of night shifts per month (OR=1.048, 95% CI 1.016 to 1.082, p=0.03) and the number of hours worked per week (OR=1.008, 95% CI 1.005 to 1.011, p<0.0001). Compared with medical specialties, the generally accepted difficult specialties (surgical or medical-surgical) were associated with a higher HAD score (OR=1.459, 95% CI 1.172 to 1.816, p=0.001).ConclusionTunisian residents experience a rate of anxiety/depression substantially higher than that reported at the international level. This phenomenon is worrying as it has been associated with an increase in medical errors, work dissatisfaction and attrition. The means of improving the well-being of Tunisian medical residents are explored, emphasising those requiring immediate implementation.

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Exploring the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education: an international cross-sectional study of medical learners

Canadian Medical Education Journal ◽

10.36834/cmej.71149 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Allison Brown ◽

Aliya Kassam ◽

Mike Paget ◽

Kenneth Blades ◽

Megan Mercia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Medical Training ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

Geographic Regions ◽

The Impact

Background: The evidence surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on medical learners remains anecdotal and highly speculative despite the anticipated impact and potential consequences of the current pandemic on medical training. The purpose of this study was to explore the extent that COVID-19 initially impacted medical learners around the world and examine global trends and patterns across geographic regions and levels of training. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of medical learners was conducted between March 25–June 14, 2020, shortly after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Results: 6492 learners completed the survey from 140 countries. Most medical schools removed learners from the clinical environment and adopted online learning, but students reported concerns about the quality of their learning, training progression, and milestone fulfillment. Residents reported they could be better utilized and expressed concerns about their career timeline. Trainees generally felt under-utilized and wanted to be engaged clinically in meaningful ways; however, some felt that contributing to healthcare during a pandemic was beyond the scope of a learner. Significant differences were detected between levels of training and geographic regions for satisfaction with organizational responses as well as the impact of COVID-19 learner wellness and state-trait anxiety. Conclusions: The disruption to the status quo of medical education is perceived by learners across all levels and geographic regions to have negatively affected their training and well-being, particularly amongst postgraduate trainees. These results provide initial empirical insights into the areas that warrant future research as well as consideration for current and future policy planning.

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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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The Relation Between Official WhatsApp-Distributed COVID-19 News Exposure and Psychological Symptoms: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22142 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jean C J Liu ◽

Eddie M W Tong

Keyword(s):

Protective Factor ◽

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Well Being ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

World Health ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Health Organization

BACKGROUND In a global pandemic, digital technology offers innovative methods to disseminate public health messages. As an example, the messenger app WhatsApp was adopted by both the World Health Organization and government agencies to provide updates on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During a time when rumors and excessive news threaten psychological well-being, these services allow for rapid transmission of information and may boost resilience. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to accomplish the following: (1) assess well-being during the pandemic; (2) replicate prior findings linking exposure to COVID-19 news with psychological distress; and (3) examine whether subscription to an official WhatsApp channel can mitigate this risk. METHODS Across 8 weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak (March 7 to April 21, 2020), we conducted a survey of 1145 adults in Singapore. As the primary outcome measure, participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). As predictor variables, participants also answered questions pertaining to the following: (1) their exposure to COVID-19 news; (2) their use of the Singapore government’s WhatsApp channel; and (3) their demographics. RESULTS Within the sample, 7.9% of participants had severe or extremely severe symptoms on at least one DASS-21 subscale. Depression scores were associated with increased time spent receiving COVID-19 updates, whereas use of the official WhatsApp channel emerged as a protective factor (b=–0.07, t[863]=–2.04, P=.04). Similarly, increased anxiety scores were associated with increased exposure to both updates and rumors, but this risk was mitigated by trust in the government’s WhatsApp messages (b=–0.05, t[863]=–2.13, P=.03). Finally, although stress symptoms increased with the amount of time spent receiving updates, these symptoms were not significantly related to WhatsApp use. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that messenger apps may be an effective medium for disseminating pandemic-related information, allowing official agencies to reach a broad sector of the population rapidly. In turn, this use may promote public well-being amid an “infodemic.” CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04305574; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04305574

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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Underground Coal Miners

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/987305 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Li Liu ◽

Lie Wang ◽

Jie Chen

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Well Being ◽

Working Environment ◽

Work Family Conflict ◽

Coal Miners ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Family ◽

High Level

Although underground coal miners are quite susceptible to depressive symptoms due to a highly risky and stressful working environment, few studies have focused on this issue. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and to explore its associated factors in this population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a coal-mining population in northeast China. A set of self-administered questionnaires was distributed to 2500 underground coal miners (1,936 effective respondents). Depressive symptoms, effort-reward imbalance (ERI), overcommitment (OC), perceived physical environment (PPE), work-family conflict (WFC), and some demographic and working characteristics were measured anonymously. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 62.8%, and the mean level was 20.00 (9.99). Hierarchical linear regression showed that marital status, education, monthly income, and weekly working time were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. A high level of depressive symptoms was significantly associated with high ERI, PPE, WFC, and OC. Accordingly, most Chinese underground coal miners probably have depressive symptoms that are mainly predicted by some occupational psychosocial factors. Efforts should be made to develop strategies to reduce ERI and OC, improve physical working environment, and care for workers’ family well-being, thereby mitigating the risk of depression among Chinese underground coal miners.

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The Emotional State and Physical Condition of Indonesian College Students: An Emerging Situation during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Crisis in Indonesia

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2020.5283 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (T1) ◽

pp. 261-267

Author(s):

Andi Imam Arundhana ◽

Muhammad Iqbal ◽

Siti Annisa Maharani ◽

Aminuddin Syam

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Physical Condition ◽

Emotional State ◽

Measurement Data ◽

Well Being ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Anthropometric Measurement ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Since the first cases in Wuhan China have been reported, the Coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 cases increased exponentially over the world. This disease might affect physical and mental well-being. AIM: This study was aimed to examine the emotional state and physical condition of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS: The study used a cross-sectional survey design in April 2020. The participants of the survey were adult that currently enrolled at one of the universities in Indonesia from diploma-1 to master’s degree. Information from a total of 1044 participants could be obtained. We used the developed self-reported questionnaire to collect information regarding socio-demographic, personal hygiene and healthy lifestyle, anthropometric measurement data, and depressive symptoms. Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were performed using SPSS v.24 with a significant level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: This study found that 31.1% of participants are possible depressed. Of 1044 students, 35.3% were malnourished (16.5% underweight and 18.8% overweight/obese). Factors associated with depressive symptoms are sleep longer than usual, gathering with family members, and working (for income-generating). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 probably affected the majority of Indonesian college students, especially for emotional and physical condition. The government should not neglect this group by providing clinical and social supports for their well-being.

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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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Emotional health concerns of oncology physicians in the United States: fallout during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.1101/2020.06.11.20128702 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lauren Thomaier ◽

Deanna Teoh ◽

Patricia Jewett ◽

Heather Beckwith ◽

Helen Parsons ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

AbstractIntroductionCancer care is significantly impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on the emotional well-being of oncology providers across the United States and explore factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms.Methods and MaterialsA cross-sectional survey was administered to United States cancer-care physicians recruited over a two-week period (3/27/2020 – 4/10/2020) using snowball-convenience sampling through social media. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4).ResultsOf 486 participants, 374 (77.0%) completed the PHQ-4: mean age 45.7±9.6 years; 63.2% female; all oncologic specialties were represented. The rates of anxiety and depression symptoms were 62.0% and 23.5%, respectively. Demographic factors associated with anxiety included female sex, younger age, and less time in clinical practice. Perception of inadequate PPE (68.6% vs. 57.4%, p=0.03) and practicing in a state with more COVID-19 cases (65.8% vs. 51.1%, p=0.01) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Factors significantly associated with both anxiety and depression included: degree to which COVID-19 has interfered with the ability to provide treatment to cancer patients and concern that patients will not receive the level of care needed for non-COVID-19 illness (all p-values <0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among oncology physicians in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. Our findings highlight factors associated with and sources of psychological distress to be addressed to protect the well-being of oncology physicians.

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Holding the frontline: a cross-sectional survey of emergency department staff well-being and psychological distress in the course of the COVID-19 outbreak

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-06555-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Gijs Hesselink ◽

Lise Straten ◽

Lars Gallée ◽

Anne Brants ◽

Joris Holkenborg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Well Being ◽

Drop Out ◽

World Health ◽

Free Text ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Symptoms

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has been associated with stress and challenges for healthcare professionals, especially for those working in the front-line of treating COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to: 1) assess changes in well-being and perceived stress symptoms of Dutch emergency department (ED) staff in the course of the first COVID-19 wave, and 2) assess and explore stressors experienced by ED staff since the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was administered during June–July 2020 to physicians, nurses and non-clinical staff of four EDs in the Netherlands. Well-being and stress symptoms (i.e., cognitive, emotional and physical) were scored for the periods pre, during and after the first COVID-19 wave using the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and a 10-point Likert scale. Stressors were assessed and explored by rating experiences with specific situations (i.e., frequency and intensity of distress) and in free-text narratives. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Narratives were analyzed thematically. Results In total, 192 questionnaires were returned (39% response). Compared to pre-COVID-19, the mean WHO-5 index score (range: 0–100) decreased significantly with 14.1 points (p < 0.001) during the peak of the first wave and 3.7 points (< 0.001) after the first wave. Mean self-perceived stress symptom levels almost doubled during the peak of the first wave (≤0.005). Half of the respondents reported experiencing more moral distress in the ED since the COVID-19 outbreak. High levels of distress were primarily found in situations where the staff was unable to provide or facilitate necessary emotional support to a patient or family. Analysis of 51 free-texts revealed witnessing suffering, high work pressure, fear of contamination, inability to provide comfort and support, rapidly changing protocols regarding COVID-19 care and personal protection, and shortage of protection equipment as important stressors. Conclusions The first COVID-19 wave took its toll on ED staff. Actions to limit drop-out and illness among staff resulting from psychological distress are vital to secure acute care for (non-)COVID-19 patients during future infection waves.

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Comparative analysis of the health status of the population in six health zones in South Kivu: a cross-sectional population study using the WHODAS

Conflict and Health ◽

10.1186/s13031-021-00387-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Samuel Lwamushi Makali ◽

Espoir Bwenge Malembaka ◽

Anne-Sophie Lambert ◽

Hermès Bimana Karemere ◽

Christian Molima Eboma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Well Being ◽

Armed Conflicts ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

South Kivu

Abstract Background The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced decades-long armed conflicts which have had a negative impact on population’s health. Most research in public health explores measures that focus on a specific health problem rather than overall population health status. The aim of this study was to assess the health status of the population and its predictors in conflict settings of South Kivu province, using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS). Methods Between May and June 2019, we conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among 1440 adults in six health zones (HZ), classified according to their level of armed conflict intensity and chronicity in four types (accessible and stable, remote and stable, intermediate and unstable). The data were collected by a questionnaire including socio-demographic data and the WHODAS 2.0 tool with 12 items. The main variable of the study was the WHODAS summary score measuring individual’s health status and synthesize in six domains of disability (household, cognitive, mobility, self-care, social and society). Univariate analysis, correlation and comparison tests as well as hierarchical multiple linear regression were performed. Results The median WHODAS score in the accessible and stable (AS), remote and stable (RS), intermediate (I) and unstable (U) HZ was 6.3 (0–28.6); 25 (6.3–41.7); 22.9 (12.5–33.3) and 39.6 (22.9–54.2), respectively. Four of the six WHODAS domain scores (household, cognitive, mobility and society) were the most altered in the UHZs. The RSHZ and IHZ had statistically comparable global WHODAS scores. The stable HZs (accessible and remote) had statistically lower scores than the UHZ on all items. In regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with an overall poor health status (or higher WHODAS score) were advanced age, being woman, being membership of an association; being divorced, separated or widower and living in an unstable HZ. Conclusions Armed conflicts have a significantly negative impact on people’s perceived health, particularly in crisis health zones. In this area, we must accentuate actions aiming to strengthen people’s psychosocial well-being.

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