Problem Gambling in the Fitness World—A General Population Web Survey

The world of sports has a complex association to problem gambling, and the sparse research examining problem gambling in athletes has suggested an increased prevalence and particularly high male predominance. The present study aimed to study frequency and correlates of problem gambling in populations with moderate to high involvement in fitness or physical exercise. This is a self-selective online survey focusing on addictive behaviors in physical exercise distributed by ‘fitness influencers’ on social media and other online fitness forums to their followers. Respondents were included if they reported exercise at least thrice weekly, were above 15 years of age, and provided informed consent (N = 3088). Problem gambling, measured with the Lie/Bet, was studied in association with demographic data, substance use, and mental health variables. The occurrence of lifetime problem gambling was 8 percent (12 percent in men, one percent in women). In logistic regression, problem gambling was associated with male gender, younger age, risky alcohol drinking, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and less frequent exercise habits. In conclusion, in this self-recruited population with moderate to high fitness involvement, problem gambling was moderately elevated. As shown previously in elite athletes, the male predominance was larger than in the general population. The findings strengthen the link between problem gambling and the world of sports.

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Qualitative analysis of first-person accounts of noetic experiences

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.52957.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 497

Author(s):

Helané Wahbeh ◽

Nina Fry ◽

Paolo Speirn ◽

Lutvija Hrnjic ◽

Emma Ancel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Ways Of Knowing ◽

Future Research ◽

Inner Voice ◽

The World ◽

Cultural Taboos ◽

English Speaking ◽

Types Of Information

The term “noetic” comes from the Greek word noēsis/noētikos that means inner wisdom, direct knowing, intuition, or implicit understanding. Strong cultural taboos exist about sharing these experiences. Thus, many may not feel comfortable transparently discussing or researching these topics, despite growing evidence that these experiences may be real. The study’s objective was to qualitatively evaluate first-hand accounts of noetic experiences. 521 English-speaking adults from around the world completed an online survey that collected demographic data and four open-ended questions about noetic experiences. Thematic analysis was used to characterize the data. The ten most used codes were expressing to or sharing with others, impacting decision-making, intuition/”just knowing,” meditation/hypnosis, inner visions, setting intentions/getting into the “state,” healing others, writing for self, and inner voice. There were five main themes identified: 1. Ways of Engagement; 2. Ways of Knowing; 3. Types of Information; 4. Ways of Affecting; and 5. Ways of Expressing. Subthemes. Future research will include investigating the nuances of these themes and also establishing standardized methods for evaluating them. This would also then inform curricula and therapies to support people in these experiences.

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Resilience contributes to low emotional impact of the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population in Italy

10.31234/osf.io/af8u4 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vittorio Lenzo ◽

Maria Catena Quattropani ◽

Alessandro Musetti ◽

Corrado Zenesini ◽

Maria Francesca Freda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Correlational Analysis ◽

Emotional Impact ◽

Psychological Resilience ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Resilience Factors

BackgroundThe COVID-19 outbreak is severely affecting overall mental health with unknown psychological consequences. The Italian Government has implemented a massive lockdown to decrease the spread of the virus. Although a strong psychological impact is possible, few evidences are still available. Past studies have shown that resilience decreases the negative effects of stress promoting mental health. For these reasons, this study aimed to examine depression, anxiety, and stress among the Italian general population during the phase characterizing by lockdown, and to investigate the role of resilience as a potential predictor. MethodsA total sample of 6314 Italian people participated in this study. Participants were recruited between March 10 and May 4 2020 through an online survey, the majority of whom from Northern Italy. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) (a measure of mental health status) and the Resilience Scale (RS) (a measure of resilience) were administered. Also, demographic data and lockdown related information were collected. DASS-21 cut-off scores were used to verify the mental status among the participants. Subsequently, a correlational analysis was carried out to examine relationships between DASS-21 and RS. Lastly, three hierarchical regression analyses were conducted using the three DASS-21 scales as dependent variables and the RS scales as independent variables controlling for age, gender, and education. ResultsThe prevalence of moderate to extremely severe symptoms among participants was 36.1% for depression, 28.7% for anxiety, and 35.6% for stress. Results of correlational analysis showed that resilience factors, such as meaningfulness, self-reliance, existential aloneness, and equanimity, are inversely associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Results of regression analyses indicated that all the resilience factors were statistically significant in predicting anxiety, while meaningfulness, perseverance, existential aloneness, and equanimity predicted depression and stress. ConclusionsDuring the lockdown following the COVID-19 outbreak, about a third of respondents reported moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress. The present study suggests that psychological resilience may independently contribute to low emotional distress and psychological ill-being. These findings can help explain the variability of individual responses during the COVID-19 outbreak. Psychological interventions to enhance resilience might provide useful approaches to overcome COVID-related emotional impact.

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Qualitative analysis of first-person accounts of noetic experiences

10.21203/rs.3.rs-333635/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Helané Wahbeh ◽

Nina Fry ◽

Paolo Speirn ◽

Lutvija Hrnjic ◽

Emma Ancel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Ways Of Knowing ◽

Future Research ◽

Inner Voice ◽

The World ◽

English Speaking ◽

Types Of Information

Abstract The term “noetic” comes from the Greek word noēsis/noētikos that means inner wisdom, direct knowing, intuition, or implicit understanding. Strong cultural taboo exist about sharing these experiences. Thus, many may not feel comfortable transparently discussing or researching these topics, despite growing evidence that these experiences may be real. The study’s objective was to qualitatively evaluate first-hand accounts of noetic experiences. 521 English-speaking adults from around the world completed an online survey collected demographic data and four open-ended questions about noetic experiences. Thematic analysis was used to characterize the data. The ten most used codes were expressing to or sharing with others, impacts decision making, intuition/”just knowing,” meditation/hypnosis, inner visions, setting intentions/getting into the “state,” healing others, writing for self, and inner voice. There were five main themes identified: 1. Ways of Engagement; 2. Ways of Knowing; 3. Types of Information; 4. Ways of Affecting; and 5. Ways of Expressing. Subthemes. Future research will include investigating the nuances of these themes and also establishing standardized methods for evaluating them. This would also then inform curricula and therapies to support people in these experiences.

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Cross-sectional assessment of predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online survey in Greece

10.1101/2021.09.23.21264009 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Petros A Galanis ◽

Irene Vraka ◽

Olga Siskou ◽

Olympia Konstantakopoulou ◽

Aglaia Katsiroumpa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Scale Up ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Education

Background: A high level of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the general population is essential to control the pandemic. Objective: To estimate the percentage of the general population vaccinated against the COVID-19 and to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study in Greece during August 2021. We included individuals over 18 years of age. Independent variables included socio-demographic data of the participants and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic. Our outcome variable was COVID-19 vaccination status, measured through yes/no answers. Results: Most participants had been vaccinated against the COVID-19 (87.8%), while about half had been vaccinated against influenza (52.5%). Multivariate analysis identified that increased age and a higher level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Also, participants working in health services, participants without a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and those with previous seasonal influenza vaccination history had a greater probability to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, increased self-perceived severity of COVID-19, knowledge regarding COVID-19, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines and scientists were associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. On the other hand, the likelihood of vaccination was lower for participants who were more concerned about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: Understanding the factors affecting individuals decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine is essential to improve the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate. Policymakers and scientists should scale up their efforts to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate among specific population groups such as young people, people with a low level of education, people with negative attitudes towards vaccination, etc.

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ANXIETY AND OBSESSION ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG GENERAL POPULATION.

10.36106/gjra/4200840 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 20-22

Author(s):

Lija R Nath ◽

Haseena T.A

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Critical Juncture ◽

The World ◽

The Masses ◽

The Impact ◽

Different Parts

Human civilization probably is passing through the most critical juncture of this millennium. Its existence is being challenged by the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the masses has emerged as a matter of enormous concern. The purpose of the study was to assess the anxiety and obsessive thoughts associated with COVID-19 pandemic among general population. The study was conducted among 720 Indians living in different parts of the world. Data was collected by online survey with coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS) and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS). It was found that out of the 720 participants 86 (12%) felt extreme social isolation due to COVID 19 pandemic. Nearly one third of the participants (28%) reported moderate level of anxiety and majority of the respondents (62%) experienced disturbing thoughts about contracting COVID-19.

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Coronavirus conspiracy beliefs, mistrust, and compliance with government guidelines in England

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291720001890 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Daniel Freeman ◽

Felicity Waite ◽

Laina Rosebrock ◽

Ariane Petit ◽

Chiara Causier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

General Population ◽

Online Survey ◽

Conspiracy Theories ◽

The World ◽

Conspiracy Beliefs ◽

Antibody Tests ◽

Very High ◽

Reduced Adherence ◽

Conspiracy Thinking

Abstract Background An invisible threat has visibly altered the world. Governments and key institutions have had to implement decisive responses to the danger posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Imposed change will increase the likelihood that alternative explanations take hold. In a proportion of the general population there may be strong scepticism, fear of being misled, and false conspiracy theories. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of conspiracy thinking about the pandemic and test associations with reduced adherence to government guidelines. Methods A non-probability online survey with 2501 adults in England, quota sampled to match the population for age, gender, income, and region. Results Approximately 50% of this population showed little evidence of conspiracy thinking, 25% showed a degree of endorsement, 15% showed a consistent pattern of endorsement, and 10% had very high levels of endorsement. Higher levels of coronavirus conspiracy thinking were associated with less adherence to all government guidelines and less willingness to take diagnostic or antibody tests or to be vaccinated. Such ideas were also associated with paranoia, general vaccination conspiracy beliefs, climate change conspiracy belief, a conspiracy mentality, and distrust in institutions and professions. Holding coronavirus conspiracy beliefs was also associated with being more likely to share opinions. Conclusions In England there is appreciable endorsement of conspiracy beliefs about coronavirus. Such ideas do not appear confined to the fringes. The conspiracy beliefs connect to other forms of mistrust and are associated with less compliance with government guidelines and greater unwillingness to take up future tests and treatment.

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Mental health and associated factors in the general population of Latvia during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.25143/fk2/0mqsi9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Elmars Rancans ◽

◽

Jelena Vrublevska ◽

Ilana Aleskere ◽

Baiba Rezgale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Sleep Sex ◽

Behavioural Aspects

Description The goal of the study was to assess mental health, socio-psychological and behavioural aspects in the representative sample of Latvian general population in online survey, and to identify vulnerable groups during COVID-19 pandemic and develop future recommendations. The study was carried out from 6 to 27 July 2020 and was attributable to the period of emergency state from 11 March to 10 June 2020. The protocol included demographic data and also data pertaining to general health, previous self-reported psychiatric history, symptoms of anxiety, clinically significant depression and suicidality, as well as a quality of sleep, sex, family relationships, finance, eating and exercising and religion/spirituality, and their changes during the pandemic. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale was used to determine the presence of distress or depression, the Risk Assessment of Suicidality Scale was used to assess suicidal behaviour, current symptoms of anxiety were assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y. (2021-02-04) Subject Medicine, Health and Life Sciences Keyword: COVID19, pandemic, depression, anxiety, suicidality, mental health, Latvia

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Bruxism and Stress Among Veterans With Gulf War Illness

Military Medicine ◽

10.1093/milmed/usaa374 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kandis Carter ◽

Carly T McKenzie

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Military Service ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Gulf War ◽

Gulf War Illness ◽

Perceived Stress Scale ◽

Stress Scale ◽

Teeth Grinding

ABSTRACT Introduction This study explores perceived stress and experience with bruxism among veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). Stress may manifest physically as bruxism, a parafunctional oral activity that consists of teeth grinding and/or clenching. Materials and Methods An online survey of GWI veterans (n = 28, 27.7% response rate) assessed perceived general stress and self-reported behaviors, symptoms, and outcomes associated with bruxism. Survey questions also collected basic demographic data and past military experience. The appropriate Institutional Review Board approved this study (IRB-300001376). Statistical analyses utilized both analysis of variance and linear regression techniques in addition to descriptive statistics. Results This sample of GWI veterans reported higher levels of perceived stress (M = 20.2, SD = 7.0) than general population males (M = 12.1, SD = 5.9). A majority of GWI veterans reported both grinding (77.8%) and clenching (85.2%) teeth on a weekly or daily basis. Grinding frequency did not predict perceived stress scale values (F = 2.38, P = .11). Clenching frequency did significantly predict perceived stress scale values (F = 4.07, P = .03). Those who reported daily clenching had significantly higher perceived stress scores (M = 22.17, SD = 5.87) than did those who reported never clenching (M = 12.00, SD = 5.35). Length of military service did not significantly predict perceived stress or bruxism experience. Conclusions GWI veterans reported higher levels of perceived stress in comparison with that of general population males. Both the high frequency of teeth grinding and clenching in these patients is a potential physical manifestation of the high perceived stress levels reported. It is imperative that both military and civilian dentists and physicians are aware of the potential for increased stress and consequently bruxism in this patient population as it can have negative impacts on oral and mental health. Treatment of these patients can include but is not limited to behavior modification, stress reduction training, and the fabrication of mouth guards. The dental and medical implications of bruxism and stress in veterans with GWI should be further investigated.

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Qualitative analysis of first-person accounts of noetic experiences

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.52957.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 497

Author(s):

Helané Wahbeh ◽

Nina Fry ◽

Paolo Speirn ◽

Lutvija Hrnjic ◽

Emma Ancel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thematic Analysis ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Ways Of Knowing ◽

Future Research ◽

Inner Voice ◽

The World ◽

Cultural Taboos ◽

English Speaking ◽

Types Of Information

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Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation in Sri Lanka

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000010 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 30-35 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sudath Samaraweera ◽

Athula Sumathipala ◽

Sisira Siribaddana ◽

S. Sivayogan ◽

Dinesh Bhugra

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

General Population ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

National Average ◽

The West ◽

Suicide Methods ◽

Suicide Rates ◽

Completed Suicide ◽

The World

Background: Suicidal ideation can often lead to suicide attempts and completed suicide. Studies have shown that Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of suicide in the world but so far no studies have looked at prevalence of suicidal ideation in a general population in Sri Lanka. Aims: We wanted to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation by randomly selecting six Divisional Secretariats (Dss) out of 17 in one district. This district is known to have higher than national average rates of suicide. Methods: 808 participants were interviewed using Sinhala versions of GHQ-30 and Beck’s Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Of these, 387 (48%) were males, and 421 (52%) were female. Results: On Beck’s Scale for Suicidal Ideation, 29 individuals (4%) had active suicidal ideation and 23 (3%) had passive suicidal ideation. The active suicidal ideators were young, physically ill and had higher levels of helplessness and hopelessness. Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal ideation in Sri Lanka is lower than reported from the West and yet suicide rates are higher. Further work must explore cultural and religious factors.

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