The perceived impact of the 2016 election: A mediation model predicting health outcomes

The present study examined the relationship between the self-reported personal impact of the election of President Donald J. Trump, as measured by the Personal Impact of the Election Scale (PIES), and physical and mental health. A sample of 299 MTurk Amazon workers completed an online survey, including measures of the perceived personal impact of the 2016 presidential election, thought suppression, and mental and physical health. A mediation model was tested, with thought suppression included as a mediator of the relationship between the PIES and physical and mental health. Results indicated that thought suppression partially mediated the relationship between the PIES and physical and mental health. Specifically, the perceived impact of the election was positively associated with thought suppression (β = .51, SE = .01, p < .001), which was in turn negatively associated with physical health (β = -.25, SE = .44, p < .001) and mental health (β = -.50, SE = .47, p < .001). The results of this study suggest that perceptions of this sociopolitical event were related to the health of United States citizens and show a need for large-scale interventions to address this relationship, especially for those who feel threatened based on their ethnic or religious background.

Download Full-text

Examining the relationship between food security and perceived health among Memorial University students

Canadian Food Studies / La Revue canadienne des études sur l alimentation ◽

10.15353/cfs-rcea.v8i3.414 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Lisa Blundell ◽

Maria Mathews

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Physical Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Perceived Health ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Security Level ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objectives: The prevalence of student food insecurity at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is relatively high (58.0%) compared to the national population (12.7%). We explored the relationship between food security status, perceived health, and student experience among MUN students. Methods: Through an online survey of returning MUN students at the St. John’s campus, we assessed food security using Statistics Canada’s Canadian Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM), and self-reported physical health, mental health, and stress. We used logistic regression to compare health and stress ratings between students of different food security levels. We thematically coded open-ended responses to describe students’ experiences related to food insecurity. Results: Among the 967 study eligible students, 39.9% were considered food insecure, 28.2% were moderately food insecure, and 11.7% were severely food insecure. After controlling for significant predictors, students who were moderately or severely food insecure were 1.72 [95% CI:(1.20,2.48)] and 2.81 [95% CI:(1.79,4.42)] times as likely to rate their physical health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, and 1.66 [95% CI:( 1.22,2.27)] and 4.23 [95% CI: (2.71-6.60] times as likely to rate their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, respectively. Conclusion: Food security level experienced by MUN students was closely related to their perceived physical and mental health. As food security level worsened among participants, their self-reported physical and mental health also worsened. Health professionals working with university student populations should screen for food security and consider its relationship to students’ health.

Download Full-text

Progress After Placement

Outcomes of Open Adoption from Care ◽

10.1007/978-3-030-76429-6_7 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 199-222

Author(s):

Harriet Ward ◽

Lynne Moggach ◽

Susan Tregeagle ◽

Helen Trivedi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Adoptive Parents ◽

Developmentally Delayed ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Adult Adoptees

AbstractThe chapter explores the progress made by the 93 adoptees in the core follow-up sample in terms of physical and mental health and education from the time they entered their adoptive homes until they were followed up, on average 18 years later. It draws on data collected through responses to an online survey concerning 93 adoptees (44% of the cohort) completed at follow-up, and interviews focusing on 24 adult adoptees. On entering their placements, 40% of adoptees were developmentally delayed; 13% had poor physical health; 38% were in poor mental health. Emotional and behavioural problems affected their academic progress; 76% required specialist help. After placement, 74% improved in physical health, 66% in mental health and 68% in academic performance. The challenges faced by adoptive parents provide a powerful case for careful preparation and long-term post-adoption support.

Download Full-text

Psychological impact of COVID-19 on doctors and medical undergraduate students in a government medical college in Uttar Pradesh, India

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20204949 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 4781

Author(s):

Kunwar Vaibhav ◽

Adity Priya ◽

Pratibha Gupta

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Large Scale ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Health Impact ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Medical Undergraduate

Background: COVID-19 wrath has influenced the socio economic, physical and mental health well-being of all the citizens. Doctors being at the frontline has been affected substantially by it. The paucity of literature on mental health impact of medical health professionals directed the present study to explore the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on doctors and medical undergraduates.Methods: A cross section online survey was used for data collection. Socio demographic, COVID 19 related preventive practice, Oslo social support scale-3 (OSSS-3) for social support and impact of events scale-revised (IES-R) scale for assessment of psychological Impact was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.Results: Overall 56 (36.36%) of the participants reported having psychological Impact of whom 25 (43.86%) doctors and 31 (31.96%) students were affected. The predictor variables as derived by the regression model were presence of comorbidity, poor social support and postings in isolation wards.Conclusions: Large scale longitudinal multicentric studies can provide a better picture of the actual magnitude of the mental health impact. The predictive factors should be taken into account for policy making decisions. Coping skills and mental health preparedness for the frontline warriors can be lifesaving and will uplift their morale for better delivery of healthcare services in a resource constrained setting.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Community Size, Community Climate, and Victimization on the Physical and Mental Health of SGM Youth

Youth & Society ◽

10.1177/0044118x19856141 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 52 (3) ◽

pp. 427-448

Author(s):

Megan S. Paceley ◽

Jessica N. Fish ◽

Margaret M. C. Thomas ◽

Jacob Goffnett

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Physical Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Community Context ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Community Size ◽

Health Community ◽

The Impact ◽

Community Climate

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience high rates of victimization leading to health disparities. Community size and community climate are associated with health outcomes among SGM youth; however, we lack studies that include them as covariates alongside victimization to understand their collective impact on health. This study utilized minority stress theory to understand how community context shapes experiences of victimization and health among SGM youth. SGM youth in one Midwestern U.S. state completed an online survey ( n = 201) with measures of physical health, mental health, community context, and victimization. Data were analyzed via multiple regression using a path analysis framework. Results indicate that perceived climate was associated with mental, but not physical, health; Community size was unrelated to health outcomes. Victimization mediated the association between community climate and mental health. Findings are discussed in light of current literature and implications for research and practice are shared.

Download Full-text

224 Digital Media Use and Sleep in College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

SLEEP ◽

10.1093/sleep/zsab072.223 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. A89-A90

Author(s):

Winnie Li ◽

Lichuan Ye

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

College Students ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Physical Health ◽

Sleep Disturbance ◽

Digital Media ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Media Use ◽

Physical And Mental Health

Abstract Introduction To address the growing sleep deficiency epidemic in college students, more research is needed on recent factors that might affect sleep, such as the digital media use in this young adult population. Furthermore, sleep and the use of digital media can be heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of digital media during the pandemic, and its relationship with sleep disturbance, social isolation, physical and mental health in college students. Methods An online survey was sent out to college students enrolled in an urban university. Validated questionnaires including PROMIS (Sleep Disturbance, Global Mental Health, Global Physical Health, Social Isolation), Nighttime Media Usage, and Internet Addition Test were included in the survey. In addition, focus groups were conducted with a subsample of survey respondents to elicit a comprehensive understanding of how digital media use in daily life influences sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted during June to December 2020. Results A total of 358 students completed the online survey. Sleep disturbance was significantly related to greater digital media use for recreational purposes two hours before bedtime (62.6±28.1 minutes, r=0.110, p=0.046), and a higher frequency of playing games (r=0.148, p=0.007) and using social media after going to bed (r=0.142, p=0.10). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with social isolation (r=0.251, p<0.001), poor global physical health (r=-0.186, p<0.001) and mental health (r=-0.376, p<0.001), and lower GPA (r=-0.167, p=0.004). Additionally, seven focus groups were conducted in a total of 32 students, suggesting that the increase in free time from the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater digital media use, compromising sleep duration and quality. With the increase of screen time also came feeling of guilt and anxiety which often led to greater awareness and self-control around media use. Conclusion Nighttime digital media use during the challenging pandemic time has a significant impact on poor sleep, which may lead to decreased academic performance, greater social isolation, and poor physical and mental health in college students. Effective interventions targeting digital media use are needed to improve sleep in this population. Support (if any):

Download Full-text

“I Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Quarantine Partner!”: Experiences with Companion Dogs during Covid-19

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020330 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 330

Author(s):

Cori Bussolari ◽

Jennifer Currin-McCulloch ◽

Wendy Packman ◽

Lori Kogan ◽

Phyllis Erdman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Well Being ◽

Modern World ◽

Health Issues ◽

Physical And Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has been found to negatively impact the psychological well-being of significant numbers of people globally. Many individuals have been challenged by social distancing mandates and the resultant social isolation. Humans, in our modern world, have rarely been as isolated and socially restricted. Social connectedness and support are critical protective factors for human survival and well-being. Social isolation can lead to loneliness, boredom, and can become a risk factor for physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The attachments formed with dogs, however, can be as strong or even stronger than human connections, and has been shown to relate to fewer physical health and mental health problems, as well as decrease isolation and loneliness. The purpose of this qualitative research was to examine the thoughts, experiences and concerns of 4105 adults regarding their companion dog during the initial months of Covid-19. Data were collected between March 31st–April 19th, 2020 via online survey and themes were coded by the researchers using directed content analysis. Results highlighted a strong human–animal appreciation, and that dog ownership during this pandemic diminished participants’ sense of isolation and loneliness, as well as supported their mental/physical health.

Download Full-text

A Cross-Cultural Exploratory Study of Health Behaviors and Wellbeing During COVID-19

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.608216 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Montse C. Ruiz ◽

Tracey J. Devonport ◽

Chao-Hwa (Josephine) Chen-Wilson ◽

Wendy Nicholls ◽

Jonathan Y. Cagas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

United Kingdom ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Physical Health ◽

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

Emotional Problems ◽

Conservation Of Resources ◽

Physical And Mental Health

This study explored the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived health behaviors; physical activity, sleep, and diet behaviors, alongside associations with wellbeing. Participants were 1,140 individuals residing in the United Kingdom (n = 230), South Korea (n = 204), Finland (n = 171), Philippines (n = 132), Latin America (n = 124), Spain (n = 112), North America (n = 87), and Italy (n = 80). They completed an online survey reporting possible changes in the targeted behaviors as well as perceived changes in their physical and mental health. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) on the final sample (n = 1,131) revealed significant mean differences regarding perceived physical and mental health “over the last week,” as well as changes in health behaviors during the pandemic by levels of physical activity and country of residence. Follow up analyses indicated that individuals with highest decrease in physical activity reported significantly lower physical and mental health, while those with highest increase in physical activity reported significantly higher increase in sleep and lower weight gain. United Kingdom participants reported lowest levels of physical health and highest increase in weight while Latin American participants reported being most affected by emotional problems. Finnish participants reported significantly higher ratings for physical health. The physical activity by country interaction was significant for wellbeing. MANCOVA also revealed significant differences across physical activity levels and four established age categories. Participants in the oldest category reported being significantly least affected by personal and emotional problems; youngest participants reported significantly more sleep. The age by physical activity interaction was significant for eating. Discussed in light of Hobfoll (1998) conservation of resources theory, findings endorse the policy of advocating physical activity as a means of generating and maintaining resources combative of stress and protective of health.

Download Full-text

Abstract 252: Trust in the Medical Profession is Associated with Medication Adherence and Health-Related Quality of Life in Hispanic Adults with Hypertension

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.10.suppl_3.252 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Lilia S Meltzer ◽

Ron D Hays

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medication Adherence ◽

Physical Health ◽

Medical Profession ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Fit Index ◽

The Relationship

Background: Nonadherence to blood pressure lowering medication is a main contributor to poor hypertension control. While trust in the medical profession has been found to be associated with health behaviors such as treatment adherence, it has rarely been examined in Hispanics with hypertension and its relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is unknown. Objective: We evaluated a priori hypotheses positing that trust in the medical profession would be associated with greater medication adherence, resilience, and, in turn, better HRQOL in patients with hypertension. The three specific aims of this study were to: 1) examine the overall association (total effect) of trust in the medical profession and HRQOL (self-reported physical and mental health); 2) assess whether the association of trust with HRQOL is mediated by medication adherence and resilience; and 3) evaluate whether these associations vary by ethnicity (Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic). Methods: A cross-sectional survey that included the PROMIS® global physical and mental health scales and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 was conducted with 201 adults (101 Hispanics and 100 non-Hispanics) under treatment for hypertension at a practice with seven cardiologists. A structural equation model was estimated to examine hypothesized associations (direct and indirect effects) among variables. Model fit was assessed via the chi-square statistic and three fit indices (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation; Comparative Fit Index; Non-Normed Fit Index). Results: The proposed model fit the data well and explained 37% of the variance in mental health and 15% of the variance in physical health. Trust was positively associated with physical health (β = 0.32, P < 0.001) and mental health (β = 0.43, P < 0.001). Trust was also positively associated with resilience (β = 0.18, P < 0.05), and medication adherence (β = 0.25, P < 0.05). Resilience was not significantly associated with physical health, but it was positively associated with mental health (β = 0.34, P < 0.001). Medication adherence was not significantly associated with either physical or mental health. Additionally, resilience partially mediated the relationship between trust and physical and mental health. And medication adherence partially mediated the relationship between trust and mental health, but did not significantly mediate the relationship between trust and physical health. A simultaneous group analysis indicated that Hispanic ethnicity did not moderate the associations between trust, medication adherence, resilience, and HRQOL. Conclusions: Findings suggest that trust in the medical profession serves as a protective mechanism for improving health in patients with hypertension by enhancing medication adherence, resilience, and global health irrespective of Hispanic ethnicity.

Download Full-text

Health Correlates of Compatibility and Attachment in Human-Companion Animal Relationships

Society and Animals ◽

10.1163/156853098x00168 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 219-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Ross St. George ◽

Boyd Jones ◽

John Spicer ◽

R. Claire Budge

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Physical Health ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Companion Animal ◽

Postal Survey ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Pet Attachment ◽

The Relationship ◽

Psychological Dimensions

AbstractThe relationship between animal ownership and owners' health has received increasing attention in the recent human-companion animal literature. This article considers a new aspect of the human-companion animal relationship, that of compatibility between pet and owner. Compatibility is viewed as the fit between the animal and the owner on physical, behavioral, and psychological dimensions. A postal survey was used to test the hypothesis that compatibility has influences on physical and mental health that are independent of those due to owners' level ofpet attachment and human social support. A sample group of 176 pet owners completed a questionnaire containing a new measure of compatibility as well as standard measures of pet attachment, human social support, and mental and physical health. Results of multiple regression analyses indicated that people who are relatively more compatible with their pets report better mental health overall and fewer physical symptoms. Social support was positively associated with mental health. Pet attachment was also positively associated with mental health, but negatively with physical health.

Download Full-text

Measuring Physical and Mental Health using the SF-12: Implications for Community Surveys of Mental Health

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1080/j.1440-1614.2006.01886.x ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 40 (9) ◽

pp. 797-803 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Timothy D. Windsor ◽

Bryan Rodgers ◽

Peter Butterworth ◽

Kaarin J. Anstey ◽

Anthony F. Jorm

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Physical Health ◽

Population Based ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Community Surveys ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Physical Conditions ◽

The Relationship

Objective: The effects of using different approaches to scoring the SF-12 summary scales of physical and mental health were examined with a view to informing the design and interpretation of community-based survey research. Method: Data from a population-based study of 7485 participants in three cohorts aged 20-24, 40-44 and 60-64 years were used to examine relationships among measures of physical and mental health calculated from the same items using the SF-12 and RAND12 approaches to scoring, and other measures of chronic physical conditions and psychological distress. Results: A measure of physical health constructed using the RAND-12 scoring showed a monotonic negative association with psychological distress as measured by the Goldberg depression and anxiety scales. However, a non-monotonic association was evident in the relationship between SF-12 physical health scores and distress, with very high SF-12 physical health scores corresponding with high levels of distress. These relationships highlight difficulties in interpretation that can arise when using the SF-12 summary scales in some analytical contexts. Conclusions: It is recommended that community surveys that measure physical and mental functioning using the SF-12 items generate summary scores using the RAND-12 protocol in addition to the SF-12 approach. In general, researchers should be wary of using factor scores based on orthogonal rotation, which assumes that measures are uncorrelated, to represent constructs that have an actual association.

Download Full-text