Mental Health Challenges Research Articles

Exploring the Use of Sea Swimming as an Intervention With Young People With Mental Health Challenges: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

There is emerging evidence that sea swimming can have a positive impact on the mental health of adults. Less is known about how this intervention can impact young people's mental health. The aim of this study was to explore young service users and staff's perspectives on sea swimming in the child and adolescent mental health services. Fourteen participants were interviewed (eight young people and six staff members). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and five themes were identified. A preference for sea swimming was demonstrated by young people in comparison to other therapies. Young people reported an enhanced (and sustained) sense of well-being after sea swimming. They were able to relate the act of entering cold water to their recovery journey, acknowledging the importance of leaving their comfort zone. A sense of social cohesion was also described. Staff members acknowledged the risks of open sea swimming but highlighted the importance of positive risk taking, given the benefits of this novel intervention. Owing to the positive impact sea swimming can have on the physical and psychological health of young people, there is potential for this novel intervention to be used more frequently within the services.

Perceptions of Mental Health Challenges and Needs of Indonesian Adolescents: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Indonesian adolescents face an increased risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, largely due to insufficient mental health literacy and awareness. This lack of knowledge often leads to delayed recognition and treatment. To address this, the present descriptive qualitative study explores Indonesian adolescents' perceptions of mental health challenges and needs. Fourteen adolescents from two public schools in Indonesia were selected through purposive sampling based on their mental health literacy scores (either high or low). One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in December 2023, and thematic analysis was used to uncover key patterns and themes. The study follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines. Three main themes emerged: (1) Transitioning to Adulthood: Journeys Through Emotional Turmoil and Societal Expectations, (2) Navigating Challenges: Diverse Adolescent Responses and (3) Breaking the Silence: Empowering Adolescents Through Comprehensive Mental Health Education and Support. This study found that adolescents faced specific challenges related to emotional regulation, body image and self-esteem, academic pressure and the influence of social media. In response to these difficulties, they employed various coping mechanisms, both adaptive and maladaptive. Despite the adversities, adolescents expressed a strong desire to learn how to better manage these challenges and pursue their future career goals. These findings highlight the importance of developing culturally appropriate mental health education and support programs for Indonesian adolescents. Future studies should include a more diverse sample of adolescents and incorporate perspectives from parents and educators to gain a more comprehensive understanding of adolescent mental health in Indonesia.

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Nursing Practice: An Integrative Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used in delivering mental healthcare worldwide. Within this context, the traditional role of mental health nurses has been changed and challenged by AI-powered cutting-edge technologies emerging in clinical practice. The aim of this integrative review is to identify and synthesise the evidence of AI-based applications with relevance for, and potential to enhance, mental health nursing practice. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus) were systematically searched. Seventy-eight studies were identified, critically appraised and synthesised following a comprehensive integrative approach. We found that AI applications with potential use in mental health nursing vary widely from machine learning algorithms to natural language processing, digital phenotyping, computer vision and conversational agents for assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health challenges. Five overarching themes were identified: assessment, identification, prediction, optimisation and perception reflecting the multiple levels of embedding AI-driven technologies in mental health nursing practice, and how patients and staff perceive the use of AI in clinical settings. We concluded that AI-driven technologies hold great potential for enhancing mental health nursing practice. However, humanistic approaches to mental healthcare may pose some challenges to effectively incorporating AI into mental health nursing. Meaningful conversations between mental health nurses, service users and AI developers should take place to shaping the co-creation of AI technologies to enhance care in a way that promotes person-centredness, empowerment and active participation.

Psychosocial and mental health status among older adults in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. During the virus's spread and subsequent lockdowns, older adults faced heightened risks and significant mental health challenges. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shandong Province, China, using a custom-designed demographic questionnaire, a COVID-19-related survey, and the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R). Correspondence analysis and multiple linear regression models were employed to examine factors influencing the mental health of older adults. Among 3363 older adults, the total SCL-90-R score was 153.11±36.98, with an average score of 1.70±0.41. Both scores were lower than the Chinese norm and pre-pandemic levels. Factors significantly affecting older adults' mental health included place of residence, age, educational attainment, marital status, fear of COVID-19, understanding of COVID-19 transmission routes, and awareness of preventive measures. Greater attention is needed to address the mental health of older adult males, individuals of advanced age, employed individuals, those with lower educational backgrounds, and those without a spouse. Policymakers should implement targeted policies and interventions to enhance mental health support for older adults.

Delving into the world of webCHAT - an e-mental health support service for distressed youths in Singapore.

Young people face high rates of mental health issues, yet many do not seek professional help. In 2017, CHAT launched webCHAT - a free, anonymous, one-on-one synchronous web-based text service managed by case managers (CMs) to support young people aged 16 to 30 who may be hesitant about engaging in face-to-face mental health services. This study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences of users who accessed webCHAT for mental health support in Singapore. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using transcripts of webCHAT sessions to identify main themes. Many users accessed webCHAT to seek support with emotional and behavioural concerns, valuing its immediacy and anonymity over traditional appointment-based services. A desire to 'get better' and self-realisation emerged as important motivators for seeking help, with webCHAT offering a supportive space for reflection. Key barriers to seeking additional support included fear of stigma, concerns about leaving a 'medical record', potential hospitalisation, and treatment costs. webCHAT appears to be a viable early intervention and preventive approach, providing young people with a pathway towards in-person support services. Professional guidance from CMs is essential in encouraging users to pursue further support, emphasising the importance of human expertise in digital mental health platforms. By fostering early help-seeking and self-realisation, webCHAT has the potential to reduce the long-term impact of mental health challenges. Future research could explore webCHAT's long-term effects and identify improvements to facilitate users' transitions to in-person support.

The Impact of Social Media on Anxiety and Self-Esteem Among University Students

Abstract: Social media has become an integral part of daily life, particularly among university students, significantly influencing the psychological well-being of its users. Its pervasive presence offers a platform for communication, self-expression, and community building, yet it also introduces challenges that impact mental health. This research paper delves into the nuanced effects of social media on anxiety and self-esteem among university students, a demographic particularly susceptible to its influence. By analyzing patterns of usage and their psychological ramifications, this research investigates both the positive and negative psychological effects of social media usage on university students. Drawing from both primary data and an extensive review of existing literature, this study examines the intricate relationship between social media usage patterns, anxiety prevalence, and self-esteem fluctuations. The research identifies that excessive engagement with social media correlates strongly with heightened anxiety levels and diminished self-esteem. However, the findings also suggest that when used mindfully and in moderation, social media can serve as a neutral or even positive tool for social connection and self-enhancement, highlighting the complexity of its impact. The implications of these findings underscore the urgency for action. University policies and individual awareness campaigns must prioritize fostering healthier social media habits among students. By promoting digital literacy, encouraging balanced usage, and providing support for mental health challenges, institutions can empower students to navigate the digital landscape more effectively. This paper aims to contribute to the growing discourse on the need for a mindful approach to social media usage, ensuring its benefits are maximized while its risks are mitigated.

The impact of smartphones on mental health of children and adolescents in west India

The rising prevalence of smartphone usage among children and adolescents in West India presents significant challenges for mental health and developmental outcomes. This study investigates the multifaceted impacts of smartphones on individuals aged 10-19, focusing on mental health, physical well-being, and social development. A mixed-methods systematic review of literature published between 2019 and 2023 reveals nuanced insights into the interplay of socio-cultural factors, smartphone addiction, and mental health outcomes. Positive effects such as improved access to educational tools and communication are contrasted against negative consequences, including increased anxiety, depression, and diminished physical activity. This article identifies key themes, provides recommendations for mitigating adverse effects, and underscores the importance of balanced smartphone usage in promoting healthy development.

Reimagining Physician Assistant Education: Championing Cognitive Diversity to Promote Inclusivity, Neurodiversity Awareness, and a Sense of Belonging.

Neurodiversity, encompassing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and dyslexia, represents a significant and often under-recognized segment of the population, including within science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine fields like medicine. Neurodiverse individuals possess unique skills, including enhanced creativity, analytical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail, which are valuable in health care professions. However, failure to recognize and support these individuals can result in missed opportunities, social isolation, and mental health challenges. Despite a growing emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education, neurodiversity is frequently overlooked, particularly in physician assistant (PA) education. This article examines the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse PA student learners and the existing literature gap regarding neurodiversity in PA education. It underscores the need for greater awareness, reduced stigma, and improved support systems. Recommendations include integrating neurodiversity into the PA curriculum, providing faculty training on inclusive teaching practices, and establishing tailored accommodations to foster a sense of belonging. PA programs can foster a more equitable health care system by creating inclusive learning environments that acknowledge and cater to the unique needs of neurodiverse student learners, thereby enhancing student-faculty interactions and promoting academic success. The aim of this article was to facilitate the reimagining of PA education to champion cognitive diversity. By promoting a more inclusive learning environment, PA programs can cultivate future clinicians who are better equipped to serve diverse patient populations.

Neurobehavioral Symptoms Partially Mediate the Effects of Depression and PTSD on Participation for Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study.

To examine whether neurobehavioral symptoms mediate the relationship between comorbid mental health conditions (major depressive disorder [MDD] and/or posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]) and participation restriction among Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Veterans Health Administration (VHA). National sample of Veterans with mTBI who received VHA outpatient care between 2012 and 2020. Secondary data analysis of VHA clinical data. We specified a latent variable path model to estimate relationships between: (1) comorbid mental health conditions and 3 latent indicators of neurobehavioral symptoms (vestibular-sensory; mood-behavioral; cognitive); (2) latent indicators of neurobehavioral symptoms and 2 latent indicators of participation restriction (social and community participation; productivity); and (3) comorbid mental health conditions and participation restriction. International Classification of Diseases codes, Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, and Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory Participation Index to measure mental health conditions, neurobehavioral symptoms, and participation restrictions, respectively. Indirect effect estimates indicated that comorbid MDD and/or PTSD was associated with greater social and community participation restrictions, as mediated by mood-behavioral (β=.22-.33; 99% CI 0.18-0.4; small to medium effect) and cognitive symptoms (β=.08-.13; 99% CI 0.05-0.18; small effect), and with greater productivity restrictions, as mediated by vestibular-sensory (β=.06-.11; 99% CI 0.04-0.15; small effect) and cognitive symptoms (β=.08-.13; 99% CI 0.05-0.18; small effect). Direct effect estimates indicated that comorbid MDD and/or PTSD was associated with greater challenges with both social and community participation (β=.19-.40; 99% CI 0.12-0.49; small to medium effect) and productivity (β=.08-.44; 99% CI-0.02 to 0.55; small to medium effect). Neurobehavioral symptoms partially mediated the impact of MDD and/or PTSD on participation restrictions among Veterans with mTBI. These findings advance the understanding of explanatory mechanisms underlying participation challenges among Veterans with comorbid mTBI and mental health challenges, thereby informing the development of tailored intervention strategies.

Using Social Media to Promote Life Skills Among Adolescents: A Debate on Opportunities, Challenges, and Implications for Health and Education.

The digitalization of society increasingly blurs boundaries between analog and digital worlds, offering opportunities such as telemedicine and global connectivity through digital platforms. However, it also presents risks, including cyberbullying, addiction potential, harmful content, misinformation, and privacy concerns from data breaches and surveillance technologies. Social media, with its global reach, amplifies both opportunities for positive engagement and the responsibility to navigate largely unregulated content. Adolescents, due to their developing critical evaluation skills and high prevalence of mental health challenges, are particularly vulnerable in this space and must navigate the risks associated with social media while simultaneously leveraging it for essential developmental tasks, such as identity formation and building social connections. To support them in this challenge, we propose adapting the traditional life skills approach to address the challenges of social media use, empowering adolescents to navigate both digital and analog environments effectively. These life skills include critical thinking, communication, and managing emotions and stress - all of which are essential for navigating social media. Despite its complexities, social media offers a unique platform for health promotion and prevention interventions due to its wide accessibility and reach. It holds significant promise for adolescent health by providing information, motivation, and social support. However, evidence-based, youth-centered prevention strategies on these platforms are still in early development and require further research to ensure effectiveness. Prevention programs integrating proven behavior change techniques, aligning with the preferences and needs of adolescents, and teaching essential life skills can empower them to navigate digital and analog challenges effectively.

Assessment of depression, PTSD, and insomnia symptoms in a cohort of Palestinian migrants residing in Jordanian camps during the outbreak of the War on Gaza: occurrence and correlates

The present study sought to examine the occurrence and correlates of depression, PTSD, and insomnia in a cohort of Palestinian refugees residing in camps located in Jordan during the outbreak of the War on Gaza on Oct.7th.This is a cross-sectional cohort study that employed the convenient sampling method to recruit Palestinian refugees residing in Irbid and Azmi Almufti camps for Palestinian refugees. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale. The self-reported PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the brief PTSD scale, and insomnia severity was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index -Arabic scale (ISI-A). The data analysis from 258 participants showed that severe depression was reported in 178 participants (69%). Additionally, 127 participants (49.2%) reported severe PTSD symptoms, and 156 participants (60.5%) reported severe insomnia symptoms. Regression analysis revealed that “Residents of Azmi Almufti camp” was a significant correlate for severe depression (OR = 2.22, 95% 1.28–3.85, p = 0.004) and severe PTSD (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.10–2.99, p = 0.02). The use of over-the-counter antihistamines as a sleep aid was a significant correlate severe insomnia (OR = 3.19, 95%CI = 1.17–8.71, p = 0.02) and PTSD (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.34–8.21, p = 0.01). The conflict in Gaza has been observed to correlate with mental health challenges, particularly among Palestinian refugees residing in Jordan.

The mediating role of mental health in the relationship between childhood experiences and social media use disorder among university students: a mixed-methods study

Abstract This mixed-methods study examines the impact of childhood trauma and family dynamics on mental health and the development of social media use disorder (SMUD) among university students. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, this research offers a comprehensive investigation into how early life experiences influence social media addiction and the mediating role of mental health. The independent variable is childhood experiences, the dependent variable is social media use disorder, and mental health serves as the mediating variable. The study, conducted in 2024 with a sample of 330 university students, employs correlation analysis and mediation testing, with bootstrapping used to evaluate the significance of indirect effects. The results demonstrate that mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, mediate the relationship between childhood experiences and social media use disorder. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) further reveals that adverse childhood experiences contribute to mental health challenges in adulthood, which in turn exacerbate social media addiction. Qualitative findings offer rich insights into how social media affects daily routines, family interactions, and psychological well-being, revealing its central role in the participants’ lives. Moreover, this study highlights how childhood experiences shape social media use patterns. These findings significantly advance the understanding of the complex interplay between early life trauma, mental health, and social media use, addressing critical gaps in the literature on digital addiction.

Resilience Amidst Adversity: Experiences of Black Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The paucity of research and policy on the impact of COVID-19 on the experiences of Black older adults in Canada and around the world has intensified the enduring impacts of racism on their health and well-being. To bridge this gap, our study explored the mental health of Black older adults in Montreal during the early period of the pandemic. Using an Afro-emancipatory mixed-method research design, we collected and analyzed data from three sources: a survey, focus group interview with service providers from Black community organizations, and individual interviews with Black older adults. Our findings reveal that Black older adults struggled with mental health challenges, including loss, grief, and intergenerational tensions, and encountered systemic barriers in accessing services. Despite these adversities, participants demonstrated remarkable resilience, drawing upon their faith and community networks for support. This study illuminates the complex experiences of Black older adults during the pandemic and underscores the imperative of addressing mental health and systemic barriers. Understanding ongoing challenges is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies that promote long-term resilience and equitable healthcare for Black older adults.

Prevalence of suicidal ideation and associated factors among perinatal women living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Perinatal women living with HIV face increased susceptibility to mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation (SI). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SI among perinatal women with HIV and identify associated factors. A systematic search was done across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Data analysis was executed using R software. Publication bias was assessed via funnel plot and Egger's test, while heterogeneity was investigated using the I2 statistic. A total of 11 studies involving 4329 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of SI was 23.4% (95% CI: 16.3–32.4). Subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence in postnatal women (36.4%) than antenatal women (27.8%), although this difference was not statistically significant. Studies employing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale reported a higher prevalence (38.9%). Studies published between 2013–2017 showed a higher prevalence (37.6%) compared to those published between 2018–2022 (18.2%). Factors associated with SI included depression during pregnancy or postpartum, unplanned pregnancy, intimate partner violence, undisclosed HIV status, lack of social support, and recent diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections other than HIV. The high prevalence of SI emphasizes the need for mental health screening and interventions. Mental health assessments should be integrated into routine antenatal and postnatal care.

A Mixed Methods Approach to Korean-Youth Mental Health First Aid (K-YMHFA): A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Purpose Korean immigrant families are growing in the Southern United States (U.S), an area where culturally specific resources can be limited. Korean immigrant families encounter distress in navigating the American culture, but cultural stigma impedes discussion within the family. An evidence-based mental health awareness program called Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) exists to serve as gatekeeper training for lay adults to identify and support youth experiencing mental health challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a culturally adapted Korean-YMHFA (K-YMHFA) program among Korean immigrants in the Southern U.S. Materials and method Using a mixed methods approach, a quantitative survey was distributed before and after program completion (N = 24), and a follow-up interview following program completion was also completed (N = 12). Quantitative analysis conducted a paired sample t-test, qualitative analysis conducted directed content analysis, and mixed methods analysis developed joint displays. Results Participant’s mental health literacy, confidence and control in YMHFA skills, and positive attitude toward YMHFA skills significantly increased, and stigma decreased after the training. Participants also provided information on specific steps for increasing cultural relevancy and sustainability within the community. Overall, mixed methods analysis indicated that the program was feasible in the context of Korean immigrants in the Southern U.S. Conclusion Despite the growing Korean community, the Southern U.S. has limited Korean ethnic services. With the feasibility of K-YMHFA, advocacy in promoting K-YMHFA is needed to counteract the limited resources while serving as an early intervention for youth and families in distress.

Neurourbanism and its influence on public outdoor spaces and mental health

Abstract Mental health challenges, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are increasingly prevalent in urban settings, often exacerbated by inadequate access to well-designed public outdoor spaces (POS). This study explores the relationship between POS and mental health outcomes in Al Madinah and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a mixed-methods approach involving literature review, case studies, and public surveys. Findings reveal significant disparities in POS satisfaction, with Al Madinah exhibiting lower availability and accessibility. Despite better POS access in Jeddah, mental health challenges remain widespread across both cities. Recommendations emphasize integrating neurourbanism principles into urban planning to create inclusive, accessible, and restorative urban environments.

The relationship between night eating behavior, gastrointestinal symptoms, and psychological well-being: insights from a cross-sectional study in Türkiye

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study aimed to address the gap in understanding how night eating behavior impacts gastrointestinal health and psychological well-being in adult populations.MethodThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 1372 adults aged 19–65 between September 2023 and November 2023. The research data were collected with the help of a web-based survey form (Google form) created by the researchers using the snowball sampling method. The demographic characteristics (sex, age, education level, marital status, income status), eating behaviors (number of main meals and snacks), and anthropometric measurements (body weight and height). Gastrointestinal symptoms observed in individuals were evaluated with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. The Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) was used to quantify the severity of night eating syndrome, and The Psychological Well-Being Scale was used to measure psychological well-being. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 27.0) software.ResultsA statistically significant negative correlation was found between the Psychological Well-Being Scale total score and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale subdimensions (r=-0.067, r=-0.067, r=-0.109, r=-0.068, r=-0.129, respectively). Also, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between the Psychological Well-Being Scale total score and the Night Eating Questionnaire total score (r=-0.287) (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study found a relationship between night eating syndrome, psychological well-being, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Nutritional strategies for night eating syndrome, an eating disorder, may have important consequences on the psychological well-being of individuals with night eating. Our study highlights the significant relationships between night eating behavior, gastrointestinal symptoms, and psychological well-being, suggesting that night eating may contribute to both physical and mental health challenges.

Evaluating Smart Home Usability and Accessibility in Early Detection and Intervention of Mental Health Challenges Among Older Adults: A Narrative Review and Framework

Background: Smart home technologies (SHTs) hold promise for supporting older adults by enabling early detection and intervention in mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. However, adoption remains limited due to usability, accessibility, and privacy concerns. Methods: This narrative review examined the literature from 2010 to early 2024 related to SHTs and their impact on older adults’ mental health. In total, 34 relevant studies met the inclusion criteria, and also, a standardized quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the methodological soundness of the included studies. Results: Findings reveal that interface complexity, cognitive overload, high costs, and privacy concerns are significant barriers to adoption. Accessibility challenges, including physical and sensory impairments, further reduce engagement and inclusivity. Key facilitators for user acceptance include user-centric design, personalization, participatory co-development, and cultural adaptations. SHTs incorporating AI-driven features, such as behavioral monitoring, medication reminders, and social engagement tools, demonstrate significant potential for early mental health interventions. Based on these findings, we propose a holistic framework integrating technical innovation with human-centered design to address these challenges and optimize SHTs for mental healthcare. Conclusions: Tailored systems that prioritize usability, accessibility, ethical data management, and user feedback can empower older adults to maintain autonomy, support aging in place, and enhance their quality of life with dignity.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Nurses during the early phase of COVID-19: A meta-analysis

Background &amp; Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant mental health challenges among healthcare workers, particularly nurses, who are key frontline responders and are the largest segment of the global health workforce. Given the ongoing threat of Mpox and potential new COVID-19 variants, understanding these challenges is vital. This review estimates the prevalence of anxiety and depression among nurses during the early phase of the pandemic to inform future pandemic responses. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies published from January 1st to November 9, 2020. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. This review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression. Findings: Twenty-seven studies, involving 39,386 nurses from ten countries, were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of anxiety across 24 studies was 38.54% (95% CI: 33.99, 43.10) (I2 = 97.89%). The pooled prevalence of depression in 22 studies was found to be 35.52% (95% CI: 26.61, 44.43) (I2 = 99.72%). Interpretation: The pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression in nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 during the early phase of the pandemic was higher than that in other healthcare workers. With the ongoing Mpox outbreak and the potential for future pandemics, these findings necessitate timely screening and robust mental health strategies to support nurses and enhance healthcare resilience. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10828 How to cite this: Jatt KA, Froelicher ES, Pienaar AJ, Dhamani KA. Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Nurses during the early phase of COVID-19: A meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(2):622-629. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.2.10828 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Risk and Causative Factors of Psychological Harm Among Construction Workers: A Systematic Review.

The construction industry, known for its high-risk environment, increasingly acknowledges the psychological risks to workers. Despite well-documented physical hazards, mental health challenges within this workforce have garnered attention. This systematic review provides a scholarly synthesis of literature on psychological risks and their causative factors affecting construction workers, adhering to PRISMA protocols. An exhaustive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Rigorous screening of selected studies focused on the psychological aspects of construction work, with systematic data extraction and analysis. From 1992 to 2022, 68 studies met inclusion criteria, identifying key psychological harm factors: job insecurity, long working hours, high demands, poor work-life balance, and workplace bullying. A lack of mental health support and awareness in the sector was noted, with a significant correlation between these factors and increased stress, anxiety, and depression levels among workers. The review highlights the urgent need for industry recognition of psychological hazards and the relationship between work conditions and mental health issues. It calls for supportive policies, awareness programs, and counseling services, with a suggestion for future longitudinal research on the long-term impacts and intervention efficacy. This study provides an overview of psychological risks in the construction sector from 1994 to 2022, aiming to identify causative factors for mental health issues. It seeks to pave the way for targeted interventions and policy changes to improve mental health outcomes in the industry.