Evaluating How Mental Health Changed in Australia through the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the ‘Taking the Pulse of the Nation’ (TTPN) Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health at the level of the population. The current study adds to the evidence base by examining how the prevalence of psychological distress changed in Australia during the pandemic. The study also assesses the psychometric properties of a new single-item measure of mental distress included in a survey program conducted regularly throughout the pandemic. Data are from 1158 respondents in wave 13 (early July 2020) of the nationally representative Taking the Pulse of the Nation (TTPN) Survey. The questionnaire included the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and a new single-item measure of distress. Results show a significant increase in the prevalence of psychological distress in Australia, from 6.3% pre-pandemic to 17.7% in early July 2020 (unadjusted odds ratio = 3.19; 95% CI (confidence interval) = 2.51 to 4.05). The new single-item measure of distress is highly correlated with the K6. This study provides a snapshot at one point in time about how mental health worsened in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by demonstrating the accuracy of the new single-item measure of distress, this analysis also provides a basis for further research examining the trajectories and correlates of distress in Australia across the pandemic.

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A National Study to Assess Validity and Psychometrics of the Short Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6)

Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin ◽

10.1177/00343552211043261 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 003435522110432

Author(s):

Emre Umucu ◽

Karen Fortuna ◽

Hyejin Jung ◽

Anita Bialunska ◽

Beatrice Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Clinical Sample ◽

National Study ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-6 (K6) with a nationally representative clinical sample with various mental health disorders. The cross-sectional, nationally representative, and publicly available data were extracted from the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), which was sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). After excluding certain participants for the purpose of this study, we had a total of 1,863 participants. The highest and lowest psychological distress weighted scores were reported by individuals with bipolar disorder ( M = 17.16) and individuals with schizophrenia ( M = 16.09), respectively, although psychological distress interference was highest in individuals with schizophrenia ( M = 2.44). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results yielded a unidimensional factor solution for K6 scale in all subgroups. The K6 is a brief, reliable, and valid measure of psychological distress in adults with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

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teen Mental Health First Aid as a school-based intervention for improving peer support of adolescents at risk of suicide: Outcomes from a cluster randomised crossover trial

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0004867419885450 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (4) ◽

pp. 382-392 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Laura M Hart ◽

Penny Cropper ◽

Amy J Morgan ◽

Claire M Kelly ◽

Anthony F Jorm

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

First Aid ◽

Mental Health First Aid ◽

School Based ◽

Cluster Randomised ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess evidence for a novel, universal mental health literacy programme in the school setting (teen Mental Health First Aid) as an intervention to improve peer support towards adolescents at risk of suicide and to examine whether participation in a school-based programme dealing with suicide was distressing to participants. Method: In a cluster randomised crossover trial, Australian high school students aged 15–17 years ( N = 1605, 44.74% female, Mage = 15.87) received either teen Mental Health First Aid or a matched control physical first aid course. Data were collected before, immediately after and 12 months after training through online surveys assessing correct recognition of suicidality and intentions to help a fictional peer (John) who was depicted as experiencing depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts in a vignette. Students were also asked whether any information in the training or surveys was found distressing and completed a validated measure of psychological distress (the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale). Results: Students receiving teen Mental Health First Aid training were much more likely to report an increase from pre- to post-training in recognition of suicidality (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = [1.14, 3.39], p = 0.02) and appropriate first aid intentions towards a peer at risk of suicide than students receiving physical first aid (OR = 35.40, 95% CI = [19.86, 63.14], p < 0.001). Twelve months after training, most effects were still significant. Although a greater proportion of teen Mental Health First Aid participants self-reported feeling briefly distressed after the training, there was no evidence of greater distress at 12 months on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Conclusion: teen Mental Health First Aid is effective in increasing recognition of and intentions to assist a suicidal peer. Although the open discussion of mental health first aid for a suicidal peer was distressing for some students, results suggest this was transient and not associated with harm. Future studies are required to ascertain whether these increases are indeed associated with better provision of support and prevention of youth suicide.

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Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29439/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽

Amal Akour ◽

Laith Alfalah

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Distance Learning ◽

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Abstract Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.

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Kessler Psychological Distress Scale: Normative Data from the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.3109/00048674.2010.543653 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 308-316 ◽

Cited By ~ 163

Author(s):

Tim Slade ◽

Rachel Grove ◽

Philip Burgess

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

National Survey ◽

Normative Data ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

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Mental health of university freshmen in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic: Screening with Kessler psychological distress scale (K6)

Asian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102407 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 ◽

pp. 102407

Author(s):

Yasuko Fuse-Nagase ◽

Takuya Kuroda ◽

Junko Watanabe

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

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Levels of Psychological Distress of Canadian University Student-Athletes

Canadian Journal of Higher Education ◽

10.47678/cjhe.v49i1.188192 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

pp. 47-59 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Philip Sullivan ◽

Mishka Blacker ◽

Jessica Murphy ◽

John Cairney

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Student Athletes ◽

The United States ◽

National Sample ◽

University Student ◽

Average Score ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

The mental health of Canadian university students is fairly well researched, but there is relatively little evidence concerning the mental health of Canadian university student-athletes. Recent research in the United States and Canada has suggested that mental health (e.g., anxiety and depression) differs between student-athletes and student non-athletes. However, the results are ambivalent as to whether student-athletes experience more or less psychological distress than their non-athlete peers. To address this gap, the purpose of the current study was to measure the levels of psychological distress in a national sample of 284 university student-athletes. Each athlete completed the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6; Kessler et al., 2002) via a secure online platform. The average score on the K6 for student-athletes was 8.2 out of 24; 19.8% of the sample surpassed the cut-off for assessing the prevalence of severe mental illness. A regression analysis found that gender, starting status, and scholarship status significantly predicted levels of psychological distress. Females, non-starters, and student-athletes without a scholarship were associated with increases in K6 scores.

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1313Is private rental instability bad for mental health?

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.377 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ang Li ◽

Rebecca Bentley

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Low Income ◽

Residential Instability ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Mental Health Effects ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Better Than

Abstract Background People in the private rental sector move more than people in other tenures. Yet we know little about the consequences for health of this instability. We are the first to use a nationally representative longitudinal survey of Australians (2000-2018) to causally examine mental health effects of residential instability for a low-income working-aged cohort of private renters. Methods Mental health was measured using the SF-36 (MH) and Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10). We examined effects of 1) cumulative time spent in private rental compared with other sectors (homeowner or social housing), 2) total numbers of transitions, and 3) average numbers of transitions within 5 years, using marginal structural models to account for complex confounding of tenure, socio-economic position, and mental health over time. Results The mental health of private renters was similar to homeowners at initial occupancy but became worse after one to five years. The more moves private renters made, the worse their mental health, with people who had >five moves in total reporting a -3.77-point (95%CI -6.79; -0.75) difference on MH and -3.84-point difference (95%CI -7.61; -0.07) on K10 (rescaled). If numbers of moves were small, the mental health of private tenants was better than social tenants. When moves were frequent, however, their mental health scores became similar. Conclusions Residential instability negatively affects mental health. Frequent moves in private rental worsen tenants’ mental health compared to owners. Key messages Reducing housing instability in lower-income households in private rental with greater protection from forced moves will increase resident’s wellbeing.

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Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

PsycTESTS Dataset ◽

10.1037/t08324-000 ◽

2002 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. C. Kessler ◽

G. Andrews ◽

L. J. Colpe ◽

E. Hiripi ◽

D. K. Mroczek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

Distress Scale ◽

Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

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Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136700 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6700

Author(s):

Mduduzi Colani Shongwe ◽

Song-Lih Huang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Telephone Survey ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Psychological Distress Scale ◽

The Government ◽

Distress Scale

The unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic can induce psychological distress in individuals. We investigated perceived stressors, prevalence of psychological distress and suicidal ideation, and predictors of psychological distress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini. This study was a cross-sectional, population-based household telephone survey of 993 conveniently sampled adults (18+ years) from all the four administrative regions of Eswatini. Data were collected between 9 June and 18 July 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country was under a partial lockdown. COVID-19-related psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6). We performed weighted modified Poisson regression analyses to identify significant predictors of moderate/severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥5). The weighted prevalences of moderate (K6 scores: 5–12) and severe psychological distress (K6 scores: ≥13) were 41.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Participants reported several perceived COVID-19-related stressors, including worries and fears of the contagion-specific death, serious need for food and money, and concerns about loss of income or business. The weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 1.5%. Statistically significant predictors of increased risk for moderate/severe psychological distress included living in the Hhohho and Manzini regions; feeling not well informed about COVID-19; feeling lonely; having received COVID-19 food or financial relief from the government; feeling burdened by the lockdown; being married; and being youth (18–24 years). The results call for the government to urgently augment the provision of mental health services during the pandemic. Mental health practitioners and programs may use several stressors and risk factors identified in this study to inform interventions and government policies aimed at reducing psychological distress induced by the pandemic.

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