scholarly journals Impacts of the Goldmining and Chronic Methylmercury Exposure on the Good-Living and Mental Health of Munduruku Native Communities in the Amazon Basin

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 8994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela Waddington Achatz ◽  
Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos ◽  
Lucia Pereira ◽  
Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana ◽  
Paulo Cesar Basta
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Mehg Exposure ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Methylmercury Exposure ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Good Living

This paper is an exploratory study that examines the illegal goldmining impacts on Munduruku communities’ “Good-Living” (Xipan Jewewekukap) and explores the possible relationship between chronic methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and the worsening mental health conditions in three villages in the Middle-Tapajós River, Brazilian Amazon. The region has been experiencing a long-lasting threat of goldminers’ invasions. A total of 109 people were interviewed and evaluated. Total mercury (THg) exposure levels were evaluated through hair samples analysis, from which MeHg exposure levels were calculated. The Geriatric Depression Scale—Short Form (GDS-SF) was used as a screening tool in order to assess mental health indicators. Brief non-structured interviews were carried out to investigate how goldmining is impacting the communities Good-Living. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate the possible association between mental health indicators (assessed through the GDS-SF) and the following independent variables: (i) mercury exposure level (<10.0 μg/g vs. ≥10.0 μg/g), (ii) self-reported nervousness, (iii) self-reported irritability, (iv) age group, and (v) monthly income. The analysis revealed high levels of mercury in hair samples (median: 7.4 µg/g, range 2.0–22.8; 70% and 28% of the participants had THg levels ≥6.0 and ≥10.0 µg/g, respectively) and pointed to a tendency in which higher levels of methylmercury exposure (Hg ≥ 10.0 µg/g) could be linked to worse mental health indicators. Although the GDS-SF has presented limitations due to the Munduruku sociocultural context, our findings suggest a tendency of worse mental health indicators in participants presenting high levels of MeHg exposure. Despite this limitation, the qualitative approach indicates an evident association between the impacts of goldmining and the Munduruku people’s decreasing autonomy to maintain a Good-Living on their own terms, pointing to the importance of carrying out new investigations, especially considering longitudinal studies with qualitative methodologies and ethnographic approaches.

Association of shift work with depression and anxiety in middle-aged adults: a large cross-sectional study among Iranian industrial manufacturing employees

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-300
Author(s):  
Zeinab Alizadeh ◽  
Hamidreza Roohafza ◽  
Awat Feizi ◽  
Nizal Sarrafzadegan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Steel Company ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This study aimed to examine the association of shift work with depression and anxiety in a large sample of formal and contractual employees of a mill steel company, Isfahan, Iran. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was performed in 2014 among 3,060 formal and contractual employees of a mill steel company Isfahan, Iran, randomly selected from 16,000 people. Data gathering was done by some validated Iranian version of self-administered questionnaires including, International Physical Activity – Short Form, Effort–Reward Imbalance, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Logistic regression was used as the main statistical method. Findings The results showed individuals in the rotating shift compared with day shift had a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.12–1.84). Whereas after adjustment for various confounders, this relationship was not significant (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.81–1.76). Anxiety was not associated with shift work, both in crude and adjusted models (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.81–1.44) and (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.67–1.19), respectively. Research limitations/implications Owing to the cross-sectional design of this study, cause–effect relationships could not be inferred from our findings. All the data used in the present analysis were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Practical implications Although our findings did not show significant association between shift work and mental health, further studies are suggested for obtaining informative data worldwide in this regard among workforce particularly among industrial employees. Originality/value Few studies have addressed the effects of shift work on mental health among industrial employees worldwide, and there is no study in developing countries.

scholarly journals Longitudinal increases in childhood depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown

2020 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-320372
Author(s):  
Giacomo Bignardi ◽  
Edwin S Dalmaijer ◽  
Alexander L Anwyl-Irvine ◽  
Tess A Smith ◽  
Roma Siugzdaite ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Child Anxiety ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Children’S Depression ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveThere has been widespread concern that so-called lockdown measures, including social distancing and school closures, could negatively impact children’s mental health. However, there has been little direct evidence of any association due to the paucity of longitudinal studies reporting mental health before and during the lockdown. This present study provides the first longitudinal examination of changes in childhood mental health, a key component of an urgently needed evidence base that can inform policy and practice surrounding the continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsMental health assessments on 168 children (aged 7.6–11.6 years) were taken before and during the UK lockdown (April–June 2020). Assessments included self-reports, caregiver reports, and teacher reports. Mean mental health scores before and during the UK lockdown were compared using mixed linear models.ResultsA significant increase in depression symptoms during the UK lockdown was observed, as measured by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) short form. CIs suggest a medium-to-large effect size. There were no significant changes in the RCADS anxiety subscale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire emotional problems subscale.ConclusionsDuring the UK lockdown, children’s depression symptoms have increased substantially, relative to before lockdown. The scale of this effect has direct relevance for the continuation of different elements of lockdown policy, such as complete or partial school closures. This early evidence for the direct impact of lockdown must now be combined with larger scale epidemiological studies that establish which children are most at risk and tracks their future recovery.

Investigating the Effect of Mindfulness Training on Heart Rate Variability in Mental Health Outpatients: A Pilot Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Wheeler ◽  
Linley Denson ◽  
Chris Neil ◽  
Graeme Tucker ◽  
Maura Kenny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cardiac Risk ◽  
Significant Treatment ◽  
Electrocardiographic Monitoring ◽  
Axis I

Depression is associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality in people with and without cardiac risk factors, and this relationship is, in part, mediated by heart rate variability (HRV). Increased heart rate and reduced HRV are common in depressed patients, which may explain their higher cardiac risk. This pilot study investigated whether mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) promoted objective changes in (1) HRV, and (2) depressive symptoms and quality of life, in mental health outpatients. Twenty-seven adults meeting criteria for DSM-IV Axis I disorders completed an 8-week MBCT program. Data were collected on three occasions, 8 weeks apart; twice before and once after MBCT. Participants completed the Short Form-36 and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at each test period. Heart rate and HRV were measured during electrocardiographic monitoring before and after a cognitive stressor. At baseline, 78% of participants met criteria for depression (CES-D ≥16). Multivariate analyses revealed a significant treatment effect for SF-36 physical summary score and depression (as a dichotomous variable), but not for HRV. This pilot study highlights the immediate psychological and health benefits of MBCT. Low power may have influenced the lack of a finding of an association between HRV and MBCT. However, the feasibility of the study design has been established, and supports the need for larger and longer-term studies of the potential physiological benefits of MBCT for cardiac health.

scholarly journals A longitudinal study of the bi-directional relationship between tobacco smoking and psychological distress in a community sample of young Australian women

2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 1273-1282 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Leung ◽  
C. Gartner ◽  
W. Hall ◽  
J. Lucke ◽  
A. Dobson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Tobacco Smoking ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Smoking History

BackgroundTobacco smoking and poor mental health are both prevalent and detrimental health problems in young women. The temporal relationship between the two variables is unclear. We investigated the prospective bi-directional relationship between smoking and mental health over 13 years.MethodParticipants were a randomly selected community sample of 10 012 young women with no experience of pregnancy, aged 18–23 years at baseline (1996) from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Follow-up surveys over 13 years were completed in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009, allowing for five waves of data. Measures included self-reported smoking and mental health measured by the Mental Health Index from the 36-item short-form health questionnaire and the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Sociodemographic control variables included marital status, education level and employment status.ResultsA strong cross-sectional dose–response relationship between smoking and poor mental health was found at each wave [odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.17–1.70 to OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.82–2.81]. Longitudinal results showed that women who smoked had 1.21 (95% CI 1.06–1.39) to 1.62 (95% CI 1.24–2.11) times higher odds of having poor mental health at subsequent waves. Women with poor mental health had 1.12 (95% CI 1.17–1.20) to 2.11 (95% CI 1.68–2.65) times higher odds of smoking at subsequent waves. These results held after adjusting for mental health history and smoking history and sociodemographic factors. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling results were consistent in showing that both directions of the relationship were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe association between poor mental health and smoking in young women appeared to be bi-directional.

scholarly journals Prevalence of geriatric depression in the Kavre district, Nepal: Findings from a cross sectional community survey

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kedar Manandhar ◽  
Ajay Risal ◽  
Oshin Shrestha ◽  
Nirmala Manandhar ◽  
Dipak Kunwar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Geriatric Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Abstract Background: The increasing elderly population worldwide is likely to increase mental health problems such as geriatric depression, which has mostly been studied in high-income countries. Similar studies are scarce in low-and-middle-income-countries like Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based, door-to-door survey was conducted in randomly selected rural and urban population clusters of the Kavre district, Nepal. Trained nurses (field interviewers) administered structured questionnaires that included a validated Nepali version of the Geriatric Depression Scale short form (GDS-15) for identifying geriatric depression among the elderly (≥60 years) participants (N=460). Those scoring ≥6 on GDS-15 were considered depressed. Logistic regression analysis explored the associations of geriatric depression with regard to socio-demographic information, life style, family support and physical well-being. Results: Of the total 460 selected elderly participants, 439 (95.4%) took part in the study. More than half of them were females (54.2%). The mean age was 70.9 (± 8.6) years. Approximately half (50.6%) were rural inhabitants, the majority (86.1%) were illiterate, and about three-fifths (60.1%) were living with their spouses. The gender-and-age adjusted prevalence of geriatric depression was 53.1%. Geriatric depression was significantly associated with rural habitation (AOR 1.6), illiteracy (AOR 2.1), limited time provided by families (AOR 1.8), and exposure to verbal and/or physical abuse (AOR 2.6). Conclusion: Geriatric depression is highly prevalent in Kavre, Nepal. The findings call for urgent prioritization of delivery of elderly mental health care services in the country. Keywords: depression, elderly, lifestyle, mental health, prevalence

scholarly journals Neurological Impacts of Chronic Methylmercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Adults: Somatosensory, Motor, and Cognitive Abnormalities

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10270
Author(s):  
Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira ◽  
Bruna Duarte Pinto ◽  
Bruno Hojo Rebouças ◽  
Daniel Ciampi de Andrade ◽  
Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
P Value ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Mehg Exposure ◽  
Verbal Fluency Test ◽  
Basic Care ◽  
Care Protocol ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Fluency Test

There has been increasing evidence about mercury (Hg) contamination in traditional populations from the Amazon Basin due to illegal gold mining. The most concerning health impact is neurotoxicity caused by Hg in its organic form: methylmercury (MeHg). However, the severity and extent of the neurotoxic effects resulting from chronic environmental exposure to MeHg are still unclear. We conducted a clinical-epidemiological study to evaluate the neurological impacts of chronic MeHg exposure in Munduruku indigenous people, focusing on somatosensory, motor, and cognitive abnormalities. All participants were subjected to a systemized neurological exam protocol, including Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), verbal fluency test, and Stick Design Test. After the examination, hair samples were collected to determine MeHg levels. Data collection took place between 29 October and 9 November 2019, in three villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy) from Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, Southwest of Pará state. One hundred and ten individuals >12 years old were included, 58 of which were men (52.7%), with an average age of 27.6 years (range from 12 to 72). Participants’ median MeHg level was 7.4 µg/g (average: 8.7; S.D: 4.5; range: 2.0–22.8). In Sawré Aboy village, the median MeHg level was higher (12.5 µg/g) than in the others, showing a significant statistical exposure gradient (Kruskal–Wallis test with p-value < 0.001). Cerebellar ataxia was observed in two participants with MeHg levels of 11.68 and 15.68 µg/g. Individuals with MeHg exposure level ≥10 µg/g presented around two-fold higher chances of cognitive deficits (RP: 2.2; CI 95%: 1.13–4.26) in BCSB, and in the verbal fluency test (RP: 2.0; CI 95%: 1.18–3.35). Furthermore, adolescents of 12 to 19 years presented three-fold higher chances of verbal development deficits, according to the fluency test (RP: 3.2; CI 95%: 1.06–9.42), than individuals of 20 to 24 years. The worsened motor and cognitive functions are suggestive of neurotoxicity due to chronic MeHg exposure. In conclusion, we believe monitoring and follow-up measures are necessary for chronic mercury exposed vulnerable people, and a basic care protocol should be established for contaminated people in the Brazilian Unified Health System.

Allostatic Perspectives in Women Veterans With a History of Childhood Sexual Assault

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 454-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen Wimberly Groër ◽  
Elizabeth A. Kostas-Polston ◽  
Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga ◽  
Theresa M. Beckie ◽  
Versie Johnson-Mallard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Women Veterans ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
History Of

Background:Women veterans have increased reports of sexual victimization compared to women in general, including childhood sexual assault (CSA) before military service, increasing the risk of military sexual trauma. Findings from recent studies reveal negative health effects following a history of CSA. There is a strong relationship between CSA and revictimization in civilian and military life, which may contribute to allostatic load.Objectives:(1) To determine the relationship between women veterans’ CSA history and later sexual assault history and (2) to determine the relationships between women veterans’ CSA and primary mediators and secondary and tertiary outcomes of allostasis.Research design:Cross-sectional.Subjects:Women ( N = 81), 18–70 years old, veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.Measures:Participants completed questionnaires and blood and hair samples were collected. Several scales were utilized: Posttraumatic Checklist–Military, Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale, Pain Outcomes Questionnaire–Short Form, Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Profile of Mood States, and an investigator-developed sexual harassment/assault instrument.Results:Thirty-three percent of participants reported CSA; of these, 38.5% reported military sexual assault and 70.3% sexual assault during civilian life. Those with CSA had higher cholesterol, triglycerides, perceived stress scores, and greater pain and fatigue than those without CSA. Hair cortisol was marginally lower in women with CSA when PSS was controlled, suggesting a dampened hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.Conclusions:These data suggest that some women veterans with a history of CSA may have increased allostatic load and be at increased risk for a variety of later life illnesses.

scholarly journals Migraine and Mental Health in a Population-Based Sample of Adolescents

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena L. Orr ◽  
Beth K. Potter ◽  
Jinhui Ma ◽  
Ian Colman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractObjective: To explore the relationship between migraine and anxiety disorders, mood disorders and perceived mental health in a population-based sample of adolescents. Methods: The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) is a cross-sectional health survey sampling a nationally representative group of Canadians. In this observational study, data on all 61,375 participants aged 12-19 years from six survey cycles were analyzed. The relationships between self-reported migraine, perceived mental health, and mood/anxiety disorders were modeled using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The migraine–depression association was also explored in a subset of participants using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview–Short Form (CIDI–SF) depression scale. Results: The odds of migraine were higher among those with mood disorders, with the strongest association in 2011-2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.59; 95% confidence interval [CI95%]=3.44-6.12), and the weakest in 2009-10 (aOR=3.06, CI95%=2.06-4.55). The migraine–mood disorders association was also significant throughout all cycles, other than 2011-2, when the CIDI–SF depression scale was employed. The odds of migraine were higher among those with anxiety disorders, with the strongest association in 2011-2 (aOR=4.21, CI95%=3.31-5.35) and the weakest in 2010 (aOR=1.87, CI95%=1.10-3.37). The inverse association between high perceived mental health and the odds of migraine was observed in all CCHS cycles, with the strongest association in 2011-2 (aOR=0.58, CI95%=0.48-0.69) and the weakest in 2003-4 (aOR=0.75, CI95%=0.62-0.91). Conclusions: This study provides evidence, derived from a large population-based sample of adolescents, for a link between migraine and mood/anxiety disorders.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on Physical Activity and Psychological Characteristics of the Iranian People

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmaeel Saemi ◽  
Hadi Nobari ◽  
Georgian Badicu ◽  
Habibollah Ghazizadeh ◽  
Ali Pashabadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on physical activity behaviours, as well as on mental health indicators among Iranian residents. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 335 participants were included (155 males, mean age = 30.06 ± 14.58 years). The eligibility criteria for this study were as follows; 1- Having at least 10 years of age. 2- Having a minimum literacy rate 3- Ability to work with networks of smart communication devices such as smartphones and computers 4- Living in Iran for the past 5 years. Participants were selected through the convenience sampling and filled out an online questionnaire measuring physical activity behaviours (The International Physical Activity Questionnaire; IPAQ; Short Form) and two mental health indicators – self-esteem (Rosenberg self-esteem scale) and social physical anxiety (7-items social physique anxiety scale). ResultsThe results of Wilcoxon test showed that participants reported significant differences from before to during the pandemic in all three variables of physical activity (significant decreases), self-esteem (significant decreases), and social physical anxiety (significant increases). This difference was found, regardless of participants’ gender. The results of Spearman correlation test between changes in physical activity and changes in mental health indicators showed that COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted self-esteem and social physical anxiety. However, we have not found any significant association of physical activity’s change with social physical anxiety or self-esteem’s changes before and during the pandemic. ConclusionsIn sum, the findings of the present study indicate a detrimental effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity and mental health among Iranian’s residents. Public policies aiming to buffer the negative impact on COVID-19 Iranians’ health are urgently needed.

scholarly journals Unconditional Self-Acceptance and Mental Health in Ego-Provoking Experimental Context

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanislava Popov ◽  
◽  
Jelena Radanović ◽  
Mikloš Biro ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Attributional Style ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Experimental Situation ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Self Acceptance ◽  
Novi Sad

Although it is one of the central concepts of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), unconditional self-acceptance has not been sufficiently empirically examined, especially not experimentally. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of unconditional self-acceptance on mental health indicators in an egoprovoking experimental situation. For a sample of 182 students, we simulated the situation of public speaking. After the simulation, participants were given previously prepared and randomly assigned positive, neutral and negative feedback. We used the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ: Chamberlain & Haaga, 2001), Serbian Inventory of Affect based on PANAS-X (SIAB-PANAS: Novović & Mihić, 2008), Anxiety subscale (DASS-42: Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), State Depression Scale (SD: Novović, Biro & Nedimović, 2009) and Situational Attributional Style constructed for the purpose of this study (according to Peterson & Seligman, 1984). Data were collected during the winter semester 2013/2014 at the University of Novi Sad. In the case of anxiety and depression as outcome variables (posttest measures), the analysis of covariance revealed a significant three-way interaction between the level of unconditional self-acceptance, the type of feedback and the satisfaction with feedback. On the other hand, the same predictors did not influence the measures of positive and negative affect. Various expectations from the feedback, as well as the feedback, provoke a certain self-assessment. Different pattern of effects in case of different outcome variables is in accordance with REBT theory. Keywords: unconditional self-acceptance, feedback, anxiety, depression

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