Cross-sectional population based study ascertaining the characteristics of US rural adults with mental health concerns who perceived a stigma regarding mental health issues

Mobile technologies are rapidly becoming a tool for collaborative health care and increasing access to health information and treatment. Mental health is one area of healthcare that may be particularly suited to mobile health technologies because of barriers including insufficient numbers of providers and access concerns such as lack of insurance coverage. Previous research has found that many people are interested in utilizing mobile health technologies for mental health (Shand, Ridani, Tighe, & Christensen, 2013; McManama, LeCloux, Ross, Gironda, & Wharff, 2017; Pauwels et al., 2017). Many mental health applications currently available have been found to be unengaging, difficult to use, and some may even be detrimental to the user (Aguirre, McCoy, & Roan, 2013; Larsen, Nicholas, and Christensen, 2016). Research has also shown that traditional usability standards and guidelines for design do not apply to persons with mental health concerns (Rotondi, et al., 2007). The most effective way to develop mobile applications for mental health that are both effective and user friendly is to take a user centered design approach incorporating those with mental health issues into the design process. One barrier to this has been the perception that those with mental health concerns are incapable of participating in research or that it may be harmful for them to do so. More recent research has shown that not only is it possible for those with even severe mental health issues to participate in research, but that it can be beneficial to those participants (Gibson, Boden, Benson, & Brand, 2014; Hutchinson, Wilson, & Wilson 1994, Biddle, et al., 2013). Involving individuals with mental health concerns in application development has become increasingly prevalent and important, thus making it appropriate to consider, the special needs of the population and the potential adaptations that may need to be made to traditional research protocols and user centered design methods. Population While the population of those with mental health concerns is as diverse as the general population at large, certain characteristics are over-represented in the population of those with mental health concerns. These can include a lower than average amount of education, lower socio-economic status, and diminished cognitive functioning (Yu and Williams, 1999; Vick, Jones, & Mitra, 2012, Rock, Rosier, Riedel, & Blackwell, 2014). These characteristics can impact participation in usability research in several ways that necessitate adaptations to commonly used design methods and research practices. Additionally, due to the high levels of stigma and increased needs for privacy present with this population further considerations are warranted. Methods Recommended adaptations include both adaptations to the overall research protocol as well as those pertaining to specific methods. One example of an adaptation to the overall research protocol is a reduced expectation for duration and frequency of participation because of decreased frustration tolerance related to mental health concerns (Ellis, Vanderlind, & Beevers 2013). Another example would be adjustments to the consent process such as ongoing assessment of ability to consent (Tee & Lathlean, 2004) due to changes in intensity of mental health symptomology. Other general considerations include use of collaborative and culturally sensitive language (Kelly, Wakeman, & Saitz, 2015; Granello & Gibbs, 2016; Bonevski, et al. 2014), avoiding the use of content that may be insensitive or may unnecessarily exacerbate symptoms, (Bonevski, et al., 2014), and paying attention to the layout and content of study materials so as to meet the need of those who are experiencing cognitive difficulties resulting from their mental health symptoms (Friedman and Bryen, 2007; Rotondi, et al., 2013, and Rotondi, et al., 2007). An example of an adaptation more specific to method would be considering one on one interview instead of a focus group due to increased privacy concerns and potential for anxiety related to disclosing in groups. Conclusion Taking into consideration the unique needs of the population of those with mental health concerns will allow for the design of applications that better serve them. This will improve the utility, accessibility, and propagation of such applications and has the potential to both improve existing services and to expand access. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge Capstone Behavioral Healthcare for their ongoing support of usability research with those with mental health concerns.

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The effect of COVID-19 on mental well-being in Switzerland: a cross-sectional survey of the adult Swiss general population

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01532-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Laura Diaz Hernandez ◽

Stéphanie Giezendanner ◽

Roland Fischer ◽

Andreas Zeller

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Mental Health Concerns ◽

Mental Well Being

Abstract Background In addition to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic to physical health, mental health is challenged by the emotional response to the situation and the official measures taken to stop the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of impaired mental well-being due to COVID-19 and explore associated factors. Methods The study was an observational, population-based, nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of a representative sample of the general Swiss population performed between March and April 2020. Participants reported on mental well-being, self-isolation/quarantine, their risk for developing severe COVID-19, and their work situation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed risk factors for impaired mental well-being due to the pandemic. Results Data from 1022 individuals were analysed. The median age was 44 years (range 18 to 78) and 49% were women. A third of respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impaired their mental well-being and almost half reported specific mental health concerns. Impaired mental well-being was associated with having health problems (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.29–2.74, vs no problems), being or living with someone at risk for severe COVID-19 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1–1.9,), smoking (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.24–2.61), living in urban residential environments (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13–2.32, vs rural), not being able to work due to closed workplace (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.04–2.67), aged between 18 and 29 years old (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.32–3.01, vs 45 to 59 years old), and living in a single household (living with someone, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.97,vs single household). Overall, the most significant covariates of impaired mental well-being were specific mental health concerns: feeling depressed (OR = 7.21, 95% CI: 4.5–11.55), feeling less pleasure in doing things than before (OR = 6.28, 95% CI: 4.1–9.62), feeling anxious (OR = 6.13, 95% CI: 3.91–9.59) and feeling lonely (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.53–6.58). Conclusion Impaired mental well-being can carry long-term consequences. We encourage policymakers to implement strategies to promote mental health during this pandemic situation. Special attention should be addressed to the youngest, those at risk for severe COVID-19 and those with government-imposed work restrictions.

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403Mental Health Needs in International Students of African Descent: Findings from the Healthy Minds Network

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Zeinab Baba ◽

Heather Edelblute

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Health Needs ◽

Health Issues ◽

University Administrators ◽

Health Concerns ◽

University Campuses ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Patient Health ◽

Mental Health Concerns

Abstract Background Mental health issues are becoming of increasing concern for college students while universities are also becoming more internationalized with students from diverse countries. Students of sub-Sahara African (SSA) descent represent a group understudied in the mental health literature who may have unique mental health needs. Methods Data on students of SSA descent (n = 916) was obtained for academic years 2016-2019 of the Healthy Minds Network (HMN), a yearly web-based survey conducted on US university campuses. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with ever receiving counseling or therapy for mental health concerns. Results Over half (57%) were female with a mean age of 25.7. On the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), 23% scored in the moderate, moderately severe, or severe depression range. Two-thirds expressed not receiving counseling or therapy for mental health concerns. In multivariate models, males (OR 0.5 (0.3-0.8), p = 0.01)) were less likely to receive counseling or therapy compared to females; students with more days of emotional or mental difficulties were increasingly more likely to ever receive counseling or therapy compared to students with no days of emotional or mental difficulties. Ever receiving counseling or therapy was associated with a rarely stressful financial situation (OR 2.6 (1.2-5.9), p = 0.02)). Conclusions Males may require incentives to get assistance with mental health issues. Making counseling more affordable could improve usage rates by students with more stressful financial situations. Key messages University administrators should consider options to address mental health concerns of this student group..

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Depictions of psychopathology and mental health issues in music: themes and musical genres

10.14293/s2199-1006.1.sor-.pps8pzb.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fabián Pavez ◽

Erika Saura ◽

Gemma Pérez ◽

Pedro Marset

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Substance Use ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Social Representations ◽

Health Issues ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Mental Health Concerns ◽

Musical Genres

Introduction. In previous communications we have proposed that the analysis of cultural products related to art, and music in particular, can inform us about the social representations of psychiatry and mental illness. This topic is not irrelevant to our clinical practice, since it favors a better understanding about what are the meanings of our profession and its scope of practice for our patients and general population. In this work, we focused on portrayals of psychopathology in music and the musical genres associated. Objectives. By exploring studies addressing depictions of mental disorders or mental health concerns in music, we intend: - to assess the distribution of psychopathological themes alluded; and - to characterize the most studied musical genres that are associated to portrayals of mental disorders or mental health concerns. Methods. Starting from a previous systematic review of studies addressing depictions of mental disorders or mental health issues in music, thirty-seven articles are examined. Frequency of portrayed themes and musical genres associated are presented. Results/Conclusion. As we can expect, references to substance use in music are the most frequently studied. Studies addressing references to 'madness' in music are frequent too, but in a lesser extent. Other mental health issues depicted are: affective disorders; suicide; sexuality and gender; personality disorders; self-destructive behavior; resilience; as well as general links between music and mental illness/psychiatry. Studies addressing substance use are mostly focused on multiple genres (based in popularity rankings). With regards substance use, Rap and Rock are two genres specifically studied. Links between country music, alcohol use and suicide have been described in literature. Rock and Opera are the genres more frequently associated with references to 'madness'.

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The experiences of metal fans with mental and developmental disorders in the metal music community

10.31219/osf.io/tz7gh ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Kyle J. Messick ◽

Blanca E. Aranda ◽

Chris Day

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Developmental Disabilities ◽

Developmental Disorders ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Health Issues ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Metal Music ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Music Community ◽

Mental Health Concerns

A series of interviews were conducted to explore the experience of what it is like to be a member of metal music culture living with mental health issues and/or developmental disabilities. Ten participants were interviewed, three of which had schizophrenia, four with autism spectrum disorder, two had bipolar affective disorder, and one had borderline personality disorder. Thematic analysis was utilized to explore the experiences of people living with various types of mental illness and developmental disabilities in the context of metal, which resulted in the development of three overarching themes. It was found that participants felt that the metal music community was more welcoming to them due to the broad use of lyrics about mental health topics and the prevalence of metal musicians that have mental health concerns. The broad application of mental health topics in metal was seen as having a de-stigmatizing effect towards mental health concerns, but at the cost of accuracy, as topics like schizophrenia are seen as fetishized and inaccurately depicted. Participants reported that the metal community affords its members with mental health issues and developmental disabilities a number benefits including a sense of belonging, the facilitation of mood maintenance, and the management of lesser symptoms. Symptom management appeared to be mitigated by symptom severity and influenced how participants experienced metal music.

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The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa238 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Erwin Stolz ◽

Hannes Mayerl ◽

Wolfgang Freidl

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Positive Association ◽

Health Issues ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Contacts ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

The Impact ◽

Opening Phase

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.

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Cross sectional analysis of depression and stress in medical students

10.31234/osf.io/ymfpb ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Tyler S. Jones ◽

Deborah Rupert

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Health Issues ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Help Seeking Behaviors ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

The Impact

Medical student wellbeing is a topic of growing concern. Medical students experience high levels of stress and burnout and are at increased risk for depression and suicidal ideation compared to the general population. Even more concerning, medical students are disproportionately less likely to seek help for their mental health issues. Identifying and preventing these problems early can have lasting positive consequences over the course of a physician’s lifetime. We implemented a wellness program at our medical school in the spring of 2016 with the goals of decreasing burnout and depression, heightening awareness of mental health issues, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. To analyze the impact of our program, we have implemented a quality assurance survey. Here we report lifestyle factors associated with positive screens for depression from that data and propose institutional initiatives that can be spearheaded by medical students for medical students to impact positive change.

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The Continuing Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Well-Being and Mental Health of ICU Healthcare Workers in Turkey: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Later-Phase Study

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine ◽

10.1177/08850666211070740 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088506662110707

Author(s):

Huseyin Duru

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Health Issues ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Heavy Workload ◽

Median Change

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on physical well-being and mental health of ICU healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods A total of 51 ICU HCWs working at a tertiary care hospital were included in this cross-sectional study conducted before (January 2019-January 2020) and during (January 2021-April 2021) COVID-19 pandemic. Data on sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, COVID 19 history and current mental health issues via Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), Suicidal Ideation Scale (SIS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were recorded. Results Overall, 62.7% of participants were nurses, heavy workload (working ≥200 h/month) was reported by 76.5% of participants and previous history of COVID-19 was confirmed by 62.7%. Current mental health issues involved poor sleep quality in majority (96.1%) of participants, anxiety (51.0%), depression (51.0%) in at least half of them and a moderate degree of emotional exhaustion Heavy workload was associated with more remarkable decrease in sleep duration (median change: −0.5 vs. −1.0 h/day, P = .020), Vit B12 (median change: 60[−48-293] vs. −65[−371-262] pg/mL, P < .001) and Vit D (median change: −1.6[−13.1-20] vs. −9.7[−39.7-21.8] ng/mL, P = .004) during pandemic, while working hours per month were also significantly higher in those with versus without anxiety (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .003) and with versus without depression (264[150-390] vs. 240[150-264] h, P = .037). Conclusion Our findings indicate high prevalence of mental health issues including anxiety and depression as well as poor sleep quality and emotional burnout among ICU HCWs, particularly those with heavy workload.

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Understanding Client Empowerment: An Online Survey of Social Workers Serving People with Mental Health Issues

The British Journal of Social Work ◽

10.1093/bjsw/bcy057 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 335-350 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jialiang Cui ◽

Limin Mao ◽

Grenville Rose ◽

Christy E Newman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Hong Kong ◽

Social Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Factor Model ◽

Policy Support ◽

Health Issues ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

Wide Range

Abstract This study explored how social workers located in Sydney and Hong Kong conceptualised client empowerment. Further, it investigated these professionals’ perceived facilitators and barriers to their empowerment practices, based on an ecological framework. A cross-sectional online survey was used, where the original Empowerment Scale for clients with mental health issues was adapted to measure conceptualisation of client empowerment from social workers’ perspectives. Eighty-three social workers serving people with mental health issues (MHIs) in Sydney and eighty in Hong Kong responded. A two-factor model was generated suggesting that practitioners tend to conceptualise client empowerment into two aspects: a relation-based dimension and a resource-oriented one. Compared with their Sydney counterparts, the Hong Kong practitioners considered resource-oriented empowerment as more integral to client empowerment (t(161) = 4.17, p < 0.001). Several key factors were found to be independently associated with endorsement of the two-factor client-empowerment model by practitioners: perceived less support from medical specialists but more support from teams serving the same client, perceived benefits of social work training and, finally, beliefs in the importance of social workers’ role in client empowerment. The study highlights the multiple dimensions of client empowerment and a wide range of inter-professional and sociostructural factors enabling social workers’ practices that support empowerment. Our paper highlights the role of professional empowerment as a stepping stone to enable their client-empowerment practices through policy support and inter-professional collaboration.

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