scholarly journals Mental Health and Perceived Access to Care among People Who Inject Drugs in Athens, Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1181
Author(s):  
Despina Pampaka ◽  
Katerina Pantavou ◽  
George Giallouros ◽  
Eirini Pavlitina ◽  
Leslie D. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Perceived Access

Poor mental health among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive people who inject drugs (PWID) may contribute to stigma, and together they act as barriers to medical care. This analysis aims to examine factors associated with the mental health of PWID and their network contacts, and the association of poor mental health with the experience of HIV-related stigmatizing events, with HIV-related social support, and with perceived access to care. Data were collected during the Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP) conducted in Athens, Greece (2013–2015). PWID (n = 292; n = 122 HIV-positive) were interviewed both at baseline and follow-up. Items of depression, anxiety, and general positive affect subscales of the Mental Health Inventory were used to explore the psychological distress and well-being of participants at follow-up. Items of the Access to Care Scale were used to evaluate perceived access to medical care at baseline and follow-up. Linear regression showed that unemployment was positively related to depression (β = 1.49, p = 0.019), while injecting drug use was a risk factor for a low general positive affect score (β = −3.21, p = 0.015). Poor mental health was not linked to HIV-related stigma or social support. Positive perception of access to care was associated in multivariable analyses with low depression (β = −0.22, p = 0.049). The perceived access to care score improved from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.019) and HIV-positive participants had a higher score than HIV-negative participants. Future interventions should include targets to improve the mental well-being of participants, reduce psychosocial distress, and minimize perceived barriers to accessing medical care.

scholarly journals Military spouses with deployed partners are at greater risk of poor perinatal mental health: a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 165 (5) ◽  
pp. 363-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Rose Godier-McBard ◽  
L Ibbitson ◽  
C Hooks ◽  
M Fossey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Military Spouses ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health

BackgroundPoor mental health in the perinatal period is associated with a number of adverse outcomes for the individual and the wider family. The unique circumstances in which military spouses/partners live may leave them particularly vulnerable to developing perinatal mental health (PMH) problems.MethodsA scoping review was carried out to review the literature pertaining to PMH in military spouses/partners using the methodology outlined by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). Databases searched included EBSCO, Gale Cengage Academic OneFile, ProQuest and SAGE.ResultsThirteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria, all from the USA, which looked a PMH or well-being in military spouses. There was a strong focus on spousal deployment as a risk factor for depressive symptoms and psychological stress during the perinatal period. Other risk factors included a lack of social/emotional support and increased family-related stressors. Interventions for pregnant military spouses included those that help them develop internal coping strategies and external social support.ConclusionsUS literature suggests that military spouses are particularly at risk of PMH problems during deployment of their serving partner and highlights the protective nature of social support during this time. Further consideration needs to be made to apply the findings to UK military spouses/partners due to differences in the structure and nature of the UK and US military and healthcare models. Further UK research is needed, which would provide military and healthcare providers with an understanding of the needs of this population allowing effective planning and strategies to be commissioned and implemented.

Self-reported health and access to care among cancer caregivers: Analysis of the 2015 behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS).

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6573-6573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Castellanos ◽  
Sayeh Nikpay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Caregiving Burden ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Reported Health ◽  
Cancer Caregivers

6573 Background: Caregivers play a vital role in the support and treatment of cancer patients. Caregiver well-being can impact patient-perceived quality of care. The study objectives were to compare self-reported health and access to care between cancer caregivers and non-caregivers, and to determine the relationship of caregiving burden to self-reported health and access to care. Methods: We used data from the Caregiver and Core Modules of the 2015 BRFSS, an annual federal survey of health-related behavior, health conditions, and preventive service use. Caregiver burden was assessed by time (hours per week and duration of caregiving) and task (personal care and household management tasks). Measures of self-reported health and access to care between cancer caregivers and non-caregivers were compared using t-test or Chi-Square testing. Associations of caregiver burden with self-reported health and access to care were assessed with linear and logistic regressions. Results: 1,910 cancer caregivers and 84,412 non-caregivers were included. Compared to non-caregivers, cancer caregivers were more likely to report inability to see a physician due to cost (15% vs 9%; p < 0.001), depression (25.0% vs 17.9%; p < 0.001), and poor mental health (mean days per month 5.7 vs 3.1; p < 0.001). Compared to caregivers with low task burden, those with moderate or high task burden reported both more poor mental health days (moderate ß = 1.8, 95% CI 0.5 – 3.1, p = 0.008; high ß = 2.0, 95% CI 0.6 – 3.3, p = 0.004) and increased likelihood of cost barriers (moderate OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.03 – 2.5, p = .035; high OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 – 2.9, p = .008). Increased time burden was associated with more poor mental health days (moderate ß = 1.5, 95% CI 0.2 – 2.7, p = .02; high ß = 4.4, 95% CI 3.3 – 5.6, p < .001) but not cost barriers. No differences in insurance, personal health provider, medical check-ups, or self-reported poor physical health were identified. Conclusions: Cancer caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to report poor mental health, depression, and difficulty seeing a physician due to cost. Caregivers with high caregiving burden are at increased risk of experiencing poor mental health and cost barriers to medical care.

scholarly journals The Disparities in Mental Health Between Gay and Bisexual Men Following Positive HIV Diagnosis in China: A One-Year Follow-Up Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3414
Author(s):  
Rui Luo ◽  
Vincent M.B. Silenzio ◽  
Yunxiang Huang ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Dan Luo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Gay And Bisexual Men ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
One Year

This study aimed to determine the change in mental health (depression and anxiety) among HIV-positive gay and bisexual men (GBM) one year after diagnosis and the disparities in trajectories of mental health between them. The potential factors contributing to the disparities were also investigated. This was a one-year follow-up study focusing on the mental health of newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals. Participants rated their depression, anxiety, stress, and social support levels at baseline and one year later. Information on the utilization of mental healthcare and the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) after diagnosis was collected at one-year follow-up. A total of 171 and 87 HIV-positive gay and bisexual men, respectively, completed two-time points surveys in this study. The depressive and anxiety symptoms experienced by HIV-positive GBM improvement one year after diagnosis. These improvements tended to be smaller in gay participants. Other factors including mental health care utilization and ART status during the one-year follow-up period, changes in social stress scores and objective social support scores were also associated with the changes in depression and anxiety, and all these factors, except for change in objective support, were found to be statistically different between HIV-positive GBM. Special attention should be given to the mental health of HIV-positive gay men. Promoting HIV-positive gay men to assess to mental health services and ART may be important for these populations to improve mental health. Enhancing social support and reducing stress levels may also be necessary for the vulnerable HIV-positive sexual minority groups.

scholarly journals Performers of the night: Examining the mental health of electronic music artists

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562097698
Author(s):  
Jolan Kegelaers ◽  
Lewie Jessen ◽  
Eline Van Audenaerde ◽  
Raôul RD Oudejans
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Electronic Music ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Music Performance Anxiety ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Levels Of Functioning

Despite growing popular interest for the mental health of electronic music artists, scientific research addressing this topic has remained largely absent. As such, the aim of the current study was to examine the mental health of electronic music artists, as well as a number of determinants. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, a total of 163 electronic music artists participated in this study. In line with the two-continua model of mental health, both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being were adopted as indicators for mental health. Furthermore, standardized measures were used to assess potential determinants of mental health, including sleep disturbance, music performance anxiety, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, occupational stress, resilience, and social support. Results highlighted that around 30% of participants experienced symptoms of depression/anxiety. Nevertheless, the majority of these participants still demonstrated at least moderate levels of functioning and well-being. Sleep disturbance formed a significant predictor for both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being. Furthermore, resilience and social support were significant predictors for well-being. The results provide a first glimpse into the mental health challenges experienced by electronic music artists and support the need for increased research as well as applied initiatives directed at safeguarding their mental health.

Transdiagnostic versus Diagnosis-Specific Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nina Reinholt ◽  
Morten Hvenegaard ◽  
Anne Bryde Christensen ◽  
Anita Eskildsen ◽  
Carsten Hjorthøj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Outpatient Mental Health ◽  
End Of Treatment

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) delivered in a group format could facilitate the implementation of evidence-based psychological treatments. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study compared the efficacy of group UP and diagnosis-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (dCBT) for anxiety and depression in outpatient mental health services. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In this pragmatic, multi-center, single-blinded, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial (RCT), we assigned 291 patients with major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia to 14 weekly sessions in mixed-diagnosis UP or single-diagnosis dCBT groups. The primary test was non-inferiority, using a priori criteria, on the World Health Organisation 5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) at the end of the treatment. Secondary outcomes were functioning and symptoms. We assessed outcomes at baseline, end-of-treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up. A modified per-protocol analysis was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> At end-of-treatment, WHO-5 mean scores for patients in UP (<i>n</i> = 148) were non-inferior to those of patients in dCBT (<i>n</i> = 143; mean difference –2.94; 95% CI –8.10 to 2.21). Results were inconclusive for the WHO-5 at the 6-month follow-up. Results for secondary outcomes were non-inferior at end-of-treatment and the 6-month follow-up. Client satisfaction and rates of attrition, response, remission, and deterioration were similar across conditions. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This RCT demonstrated non-inferior acute-phase outcomes of group-delivered UP compared with dCBT for major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia in outpatient mental health services. The long-term effects of UP on well-being need further investigation. If study findings are replicated, UP should be considered a viable alternative to dCBT for common anxiety disorders and depression in outpatient mental health services.

scholarly journals Individual- and Relationship-Level Factors Related to Better Mental Health Outcomes following Child Abuse: Results from a Nationally Representative Canadian Sample

2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (12) ◽  
pp. 776-788 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracie O. Afifi ◽  
Harriet L. MacMillan ◽  
Tamara Taillieu ◽  
Sarah Turner ◽  
Kristene Cheung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Child Abuse ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Abuse History ◽  
Good Mental Health ◽  
Nationally Representative

Objective: Child abuse can have devastating mental health consequences. Fortunately, not all individuals exposed to child abuse will suffer from poor mental health. Understanding what factors are related to good mental health following child abuse can provide evidence to inform prevention of impairment. Our objectives were to 1) describe the prevalence of good, moderate, and poor mental health among respondents with and without a child abuse history; 2) examine the relationships between child abuse and good, moderate, and poor mental health outcomes; 3) examine the relationships between individual- and relationship-level factors and better mental health outcomes; and 4) determine if individual- and relationship-level factors moderate the relationship between child abuse and mental health. Method: Data were from the nationally representative 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health ( n = 23,395; household response rate = 79.8%; 18 years and older). Good, moderate, and poor mental health was assessed using current functioning and well-being, past-year mental disorders, and past-year suicidal ideation. Results: Only 56.3% of respondents with a child abuse history report good mental health compared to 72.4% of those without a child abuse history. Individual- and relationship-level factors associated with better mental health included higher education and income, physical activity, good coping skills to handle problems and daily demands, and supportive relationships that foster attachment, guidance, reliable alliance, social integration, and reassurance of worth. Conclusions: This study identifies several individual- and relationship-level factors that could be targeted for intervention strategies aimed at improving mental health outcomes following child abuse.

Concerns and difficulties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults with cancer in Mexico.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12042-12042
Author(s):  
Sofia Sánchez-Román ◽  
Yanin Chavarri Guerra ◽  
Andrea Morales Morales Alfaro ◽  
Daniela Ramirez Maza ◽  
Andrea de la O Murillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
The Individual

12042 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the well-being of people not only due to the disease but also because of stay-at-home orders, social distancing, unemployment, and different kinds of loses. Older adults have particularly suffered during the pandemic, with increased health-related concerns and anxiety leading to increased vulnerability. However, little is known about the effects of the pandemic on older adults with cancer living in developing countries. They are facing issues related to their diagnosis and treatment, as well as the effects of the pandemic on their care and on the well-being of their families. To improve care for this vulnerable population, we studied the concerns and difficulties associated with COVID-19 among older Mexican adults with cancer. Methods: We included patients age ≥65 with the 10 most common tumors in Mexico according to GLOBOCAN and within 3-24 months of cancer diagnosis at two public hospitals in Mexico City. Patients were contacted telephonically and asked to complete a survey reporting the difficulties encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic and to rate their concerns associated with cancer care management using a 0-10 Likert-type scale, with higher ratings meaning increased concerns. Focused interviews were used to describe the individual experience of selected patients and their relatives related to COVID-19 and cancer care. Results: Between April 20, 2020 and December 1, 2021, 67 patients (mean age 71.9, min 65, max 90; 35.8% female; 62.7% living with a partner) were included. The most common tumors were prostate (43%), colon (16%), and lung (12%). 46% had Stage IV disease, and 61% had a life expectancy of more than a year. Twenty-five percent of patients reported encountering at least one difficulty in obtaining cancer care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 43% of the patients reported difficulties with accessing follow-up cancer care; 39% reported issues with obtaining medications, including chemotherapy; and 34% reported problems obtaining medical care in general, including oncology visits. Regarding concerns, 33% of the patients reported being “very worried” or “extremely worried” about the COVID-19 pandemic. The most relevant concerns were related to getting infected with COVID-19 (or having a family member who became infected) (mean rating 7.9, SD 2.9); not being able to pay for cancer treatments or medical care (mean rating 6.9, SD 3.5); and worsening of cancer due to delayed care during the pandemic (mean rating 6.6, SD 3.7). Conclusions: A significant proportion of older adults with cancer in Mexico faced difficulties obtaining cancer treatment and follow-up care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their most relevant concerns included getting infected, financial losses, and progression of disease. Creating systems to provide continued cancer care for vulnerable populations in developing countries is essential to face the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Influence of Social Support on Dyadic Functioning and Mental Health Among Military Personnel During Postdeployment Reintegration

2016 ◽  
Vol 132 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Cederbaum ◽  
Sherrie L. Wilcox ◽  
Kathrine Sullivan ◽  
Carrie Lucas ◽  
Ashley Schuyler
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Military Leaders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Objectives: Although many service members successfully cope with exposure to stress and traumatic experiences, others have symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety; contextual factors may account for the variability in outcomes from these experiences. This work sought to understand mechanisms through which social support influences the mental health of service members and whether dyadic functioning mediates this relationship. Methods: We collected cross-sectional data as part of a larger study conducted in 2013; 321 military personnel who had at least 1 deployment were included in these analyses. Surveys were completed online; we collected data on demographic characteristics, social support, mental health measures (depression, PTSD, and anxiety), and dyadic functioning. We performed process modeling through mediation analysis. Results: The direct effects of social support on the mental health of military personnel were limited; however, across all types of support networks, greater social support was significantly associated with better dyadic functioning. Dyadic functioning mediated the relationships between social support and depression/PTSD only when social support came from nonmilitary friends or family; dyadic functioning mediated social support and anxiety only when support came from family. We found no indirect effects of support from military peers or military leaders. Conclusion: Findings here highlight the need to continue to explore ways in which social support, particularly from family and nonmilitary-connected peers, can bolster healthy intimate partner relationships and, in turn, improve the well-being of military service members who are deployed.

Young construction workers: substance use, mental health, and workplace psychosocial factors

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 155-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Pidd ◽  
Vinita Duraisingam ◽  
Ann Roche ◽  
Allan Trifonoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Young Australian workers are at elevated risk of mental health and alcohol and other drug related problems. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between alcohol and drug (AOD) use, psychological wellbeing, and the workplace psychosocial environment among young apprentices in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of a cohort of 169 construction industry apprentices in their first year of training was undertaken. The survey included measures of psychological distress (K10), quantity/frequency measures of alcohol and illicit drug use, and workplace psychosocial factors. Findings Construction industry apprentices are at elevated risk of AOD related harm and poor mental health. Levels of psychological distress and substance use were substantially higher than age/gender equivalent Australian population norms. Job stress, workplace bullying, and general social support accounted for 38.2 per cent of the variance in psychological distress. General social support moderated the effects of job stress and bullying on psychological distress. Substance use was not associated with psychological distress. However, workplace social support accounted for 2.1 per cent of the variance in AUDIT-C scores, and 2.0 per cent of the variance in cannabis use. Workplace bullying explained 2.4 per cent of the variance in meth/amphetamine use. Practical implications Construction trades apprentices are a high-risk group for harmful substance use and poor mental health. Study results indicate that psychosocial wellbeing interventions are warranted as a harm reduction strategy. Originality/value This is the first study of its kind to describe a cohort of Australian construction trade apprentices in terms of their substance use and psychological wellbeing. The study shows workplace psychosocial factors may predict young workers psychological wellbeing.

scholarly journals The effects of the London 2012 Olympics and related urban regeneration on physical and mental health: the ORiEL mixed-methods evaluation of a natural experiment

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Cummins ◽  
Charlotte Clark ◽  
Daniel Lewis ◽  
Neil Smith ◽  
Claire Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Urban Regeneration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
London 2012 ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Paralympic Games

Background There is limited evidence for public health policy-makers on the health impacts of urban regeneration programmes. Objectives To assess whether or not the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and related urban regeneration, were associated with an increase in physical activity and mental health and well-being; to assess whether or not any benefits were sustained over time; and to capture the experiences of residents of the Olympic host boroughs. Design Quasi-experimental prospective cohort study of adolescents and their parents/carers, with a nested qualitative longitudinal study of families. Setting London boroughs of Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Tower Hamlets and Hackney. Participants A cohort of 2254 adolescents in 25 schools; a repeat cross-sectional study of parents/carers and a sample of 20 families for the qualitative study. Intervention The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and urban regeneration primarily associated with the redevelopment of the Olympic Park for legacy use. Primary outcome measures Change in the proportion of respondents meeting physical activity recommendations (using self-reported physical activity); change in the proportion of respondents reporting depression and anxiety and change in well-being score. Main results At 6 months, adolescents who became inactive were less likely to come from the intervention borough (Newham) than from comparison boroughs [risk ratio (RR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 0.93]. At 18 months, there were no statistically significant differences between intervention and comparison boroughs for all adolescent physical activity and screen-time transitions. Those who visited the Olympic Park more than once a month were the least likely to remain inactive (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.48) and the least likely to become inactive (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.60) compared with those who were active at baseline and at the 18-month follow-up. No impacts on parental/carer physical activity were observed. Adolescents who were ‘no longer depressed’ (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.20) or ‘remained depressed’ (RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.83) at 6 months were more likely to be from the intervention borough. For well-being, there was no association between boroughs and change in well-being between baseline and the 6-month follow-up. At 18 months’ follow-up, adolescents who ‘remained depressed’ (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.70) were more likely to be from the intervention borough than from comparison boroughs. No associations were observed for well-being at 18 months. There was limited evidence of change for parental mental health and well-being. The qualitative study found that residents generally welcomed the unexpected chance to live in a cleaner, safer and more unified environment. The findings suggested that the Games temporarily alleviated certain stressors in the social and physical environment. Overall, the Games lessened participants’ sense of social exclusion and appeared to generate a sense of inclusion and respite, even if this was only temporary. Study limitations include the potential for adolescents to not be assigned the correct level of exposure to urban regeneration and the effect of reductions in central and local public budgets owing to the UK Government’s deficit reduction programme. Conclusions This study provided the highest quality data to date on the short- and medium-term social and health impacts of sporting mega-events. We found limited evidence that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games had a positive effect on adolescent or parental physical activity, mental health or well-being. Funding The National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.

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