Frequency Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Life Satisfaction Factors, Stress, and Depressive Symptoms among Young Women Living in Urban Kampala: Findings from the TOPOWA Project Pilot Studies.

Young women living in Kampala, Uganda, often face adversities related to Social Determinants of Mental Health (SDoMH) including poverty, food scarcity, environmental stressors such as high levels of community violence, and lack of adequate healthcare access. Two consecutive pilot studies were conducted to assess the feasibility and acceptability of survey questions, wearable fitness trackers, and daily diaries before launching a larger prospective cohort study. Preliminary associations between SDoMH factors with depressive symptoms, stress levels, and life satisfaction were examined among the total sample of 60 women across two pilot studies. A total of 32.2% of respondents (out of n = 59) reported being depressed most or all of the time in the past 30 days. Frequent depressive symptoms correlated with food insecurity (χ2 = 5.38, df = 1, p = 0.02). Higher stress levels were significantly associated with lower overall life satisfaction scores (t = 2.74, df = 6.20, p = 0.03). Additionally, frequent depressive symptoms were associated with lower satisfaction scores in the living conditions and lifestyle domain (t = 2.22, df = 36.18, p = 0.03). However, overall life satisfaction scores and other domains (social relationships and personal independence) were not statistically associated with frequent depressive symptoms. Identifying the most impactful SDoMH factors among young women in Kampala can inform targeted approaches to improve mental health outcomes.

A national survey on health-related quality of life for people with dementia in residential long-term care institutions

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an essential outcome parameter in geriatric research; however, the available evidence is mixed regarding the factors associated with HRQoL among people with dementia. We aimed to identify factors that contribute to HRQoL among people with dementia in residential long-term care (LTC) institutions. MethodsWe randomly selected 299 of 1607 registered residential LTC institutions in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2019 and 2020, including items on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L; utility and visual analog scale [VAS] scores), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL). ResultsIn total, 1313 people with dementia from 267 institutions were enrolled (mean age, 76.4 ± 12.7 years). The mean EQ-5D-5L utility and VAS scores were 0.10 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.48) and 66.57 (SD = 20.67), respectively. In multivariate linear regression analysis, higher scores for ADL, IADL, and CDR sum of boxes were associated with higher utility scores. Higher VAS scores were associated with higher ADL and MMSE scores. Lower utility scores and VAS scores were associated with more frequent depressive symptoms. ConclusionADL, dementia severity, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms influenced the HRQoL of people with dementia in residential LTC institutions. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to better understand how HRQoL changes over time among people with disabilities.

Development and Characterization of Nanofiber Strip Containing Sertraline for Buccal Application

Sertraline is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors indicated in major depressive disorder. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder with frequent depressive symptoms. Sertraline is thought to be useful for the treatment of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia. The objective of this study is to formulate sertraline-containing nanofiber strips produced by the electrospinning process, which can be easily dispersed by the buccal route, suitable for the use of schizophrenia patients. Here, various ratios (%5, %7.5 and %10) of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer solutions were prepared, and electrical conductivity, viscosity and surface tension characterization studies were performed on polymer solutions. After characterization studies, a polymer solution containing 5% PVP was selected to prepare nanofibers. Nanofibers were obtained by using the electrospinning method, each strip containing 5 mg sertraline. It was observed that the optimum formulation selected nanofiber had an average particle diameter of 371-439 nm in the SEM image. Tensile strength and elongation at break percentage values of 5% PVP-sertraline nanofibers values were 0.449±0.284 (Mpa) and 22.6±3.66 (%), respectively. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of the formulation are 4.53%±0.31 and 79.61±10.56 respectively. In vitro drug dissolution studies showed that sertraline-containing buccal nanofibers conformed to the Hixson-Crowell kinetic model.

Self-schemas and information processing biases as mechanisms underlying sexual orientation disparities in depressive symptoms: Results from a longitudinal, population-based study.

Sexual minority individuals experience higher prevalence of major depression and more frequent depressive symptoms compared to heterosexual individuals. Although existing theories have suggested cognitive mechanisms that may explain these disparities, empirical tests are limited by a reliance on cross-sectional designs, self-reported measures, and nonprobability samples. We analyzed data from a longitudinal, population-based study of young adults (N = 1,065; n = 497 sexual minority) who completed validated measures of depressive symptoms over a 3-year period; at Wave 2, participants completed the self-referent encoding task, a behavioral task assessing self-schemas and information processing biases. Self-schemas were measured with the drift rate, which was estimated via the composite of endorsement of positive or negative words as self-referential (or not) and the reaction time for these decisions. Information processing biases were operationalized as the total number of negative words that were both endorsed as self-referential and recalled after the task, divided by the total number of words endorsed and recalled. Compared to heterosexuals, sexual minorities displayed significantly higher negative self-schemas and recalled a significantly higher proportion of negative words endorsed as self-referential, relative to total number of words. In turn, these differences in self-schemas and information processing biases mediated the sexual orientation disparity in depressive symptoms. Moreover, among sexual minorities, perceived discrimination predicted greater negative self-schemas and information processing biases, which mediated the prospective association between discrimination and depressive symptoms. These findings provide the strongest evidence to date for cognitive risk factors that underlie sexual orientation disparities in depression, highlighting potential intervention targets. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Substance Use, Internet Risk Behavior, and Depressive Symptoms as Predictors of Self-harm Thoughts in Adolescents: Insights from the 2019 ESPAD Survey in Croatia.

Self-harm has become a nonspecific symptom of mental distress that is most prevalent in the adolescent population. Since it is often a hidden problem, it is important to focus on preventing it. This study used the data from the Croatian leg of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs to assess certain risk factors and possible protective factors for self-harm thoughts among 16-year-olds in Croatia. Using binary logistic regression, we identified that being female, having less family support and less parental knowledge of adolescents' activities, more frequent cannabis use, more compulsive Internet use and more frequent depressive symptoms significantly increased the likelihood of self-harm thoughts in this sample. Identifying factors that lead to thoughts of self-harm may open a potential space for self-harm prevention before those thoughts progress into behavior.

Using digital platform for physical activity practice attenuated the trajectory of depressive symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic: Findings of the PAMPA cohort

ObjectivesDigital platforms (e.g., Facebook®, YouTube®) were a potential alternative for supporting physical activity (PA) practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the association between the use of digital platforms for PA practice and the trajectory of depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults. MethodsWe analyzed data from the PAMPA cohort, a longitudinal study in southern Brazil. Participants (n = 663) were asked about the type of platform (social media, streaming, fitness app) they used for PA during the pandemic. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were examined in waves June 2020 (wave one) to June 2022 (wave four). ResultsParticipants were mostly female (79.5%), with a mean age of 37.6 (SD: 13.5) years. Four in ten adults (n = 271) reported use of digital platforms for physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using digital platforms for PA was associated with a faster decline in depressive symptoms over follow-up. Participants who used digital platforms for PA in wave two showed less frequent depressive symptoms in wave three compared to their counterparts. The use of streaming services and WhatsApp for PA practice were associated with a faster decline in depressive symptoms during the pandemic. There was no interaction between the use of digital platforms and anxiety symptoms. ConclusionUsing digital platforms for PA practice was associated with an attenuated trajectory of depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in adults.

Identifying factors associated with user retention and outcomes of a digital intervention for substance use disorder: a retrospective analysis of real-world data.

Successful delivery of digital health interventions is affected by multiple real-world factors. These factors may be identified in routinely collected, ecologically valid data from these interventions. We propose ideas for exploring these data, focusing on interventions targeting complex, comorbid conditions. This study retrospectively explores pre-post data collected between 2016 and 2019 from users of digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-containing psychoeducation and practical exercises-for substance use disorder (SUD) at UK addiction services. To identify factors associated with heterogenous user responses to the technology, we employed multivariable and multivariate regressions and random forest models of user-reported questionnaire data. The dataset contained information from 14 078 individuals of which 12 529 reported complete data at baseline and 2925 did so again after engagement with the CBT. Ninety-three percent screened positive for dependence on 1 of 43 substances at baseline, and 73% screened positive for anxiety or depression. Despite pre-post improvements independent of user sociodemographics, women reported more frequent and persistent symptoms of SUD, anxiety, and depression. Retention-minimum 2 use events recorded-was associated more with deployment environment than user characteristics. Prediction accuracy of post-engagement outcomes was acceptable (Area Under Curve [AUC]: 0.74-0.79), depending non-trivially on user characteristics. Traditionally, performance of digital health interventions is determined in controlled trials. Our analysis showcases multivariate models with which real-world data from these interventions can be explored and sources of user heterogeneity in retention and symptom reduction uncovered. Real-world data from digital health interventions contain information on natural user-technology interactions which could enrich results from controlled trials.

Association of Antenatal COVID-19–Related Stress With Postpartum Maternal Mental Health and Negative Affectivity in Infants

Antenatal stress is a significant risk factor for poor postpartum mental health. The association of pandemic-related stress with postpartum outcomes among mothers and infants is, however, less well understood. To examine the association of antenatal COVID-19-related stress with postpartum maternal mental health and infant outcomes. This cohort study was conducted among 318 participants in the COVID-19 Risks Across the Lifespan study, which took place in Australia, the UK, and the US. Eligible participants reported being pregnant at the first assessment wave between May 5 and September 30, 2020, and completed a follow-up assessment between October 28, 2021, and April 24, 2022. COVID-19-related stress was assessed with the Pandemic Anxiety Scale (score range, 0-4, with higher scores indicating greater COVID-19-related stress). The 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (score range, 0-3, with higher scores indicating more frequent symptoms of depression) was used to measure maternal depression at each time point, and the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder scale (score range, 0-3, with higher scores indicating more frequent symptoms of anxiety) was used to measure generalized anxiety at each time point. At follow-up, postpartum distress was assessed with the 10-item Postpartum Distress Measure (score range, 0-3, with higher scores indicating greater postpartum distress), and infant outcomes (negative and positive affectivity and orienting behavior) were captured with the Infant Behavior Questionnaire (score range, 1-7, with higher scores indicating that the infant exhibited that affect/behavior more frequently). The study included 318 women (mean [SD] age, 32.0 [4.6] years) from Australia (88 [28%]), the US (94 [30%]), and the UK (136 [43%]). Antenatal COVID-19-related stress was significantly associated with maternal postpartum distress (β = 0.40 [95% CI, 0.28-0.53]), depression (β = 0.32 [95% CI, 0.23-0.41]), and generalized anxiety (β = 0.35 [95% CI, 0.26-0.44]), as well as infant negative affectivity (β = 0.45 [95% CI, 0.14-0.76]). The findings remained consistent across a range of sensitivity analyses. The findings of this cohort study suggest that targeting pandemic-related stressors in the antenatal period may improve maternal and infant outcomes. Pregnant individuals should be classified as a vulnerable group during pandemics and should be considered a public health priority, not only in terms of physical health but also mental health.

Pain Attitudes in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects over 100,000 people in the United States and about 20 million people worldwide. It is complicated by a spectrum of micro- and macrovascular complications, most commonly pain or a vaso-occlusive crisis. The episodic pain can be unpredictable and debilitating, affecting quality of life. In both pediatric and adult patients with SCD, those with more frequent chronic pain report more frequent depressive symptoms, more frequent hospital admission, and more significant functional disability. A crucial factor that affects quality of life is self-efficacy defined as one's ability to engage in behaviors resulting in improve health outcomes and quality of life (Al Raqaishi, et.al.; 2022). Prior research has shown poor self-efficacy was negatively correlated with the number of sickle cell crises per year. A major influencer of self-efficacy among SCD patients is stigma, a social concept that leaves a person with SCD vulnerable to negative evaluation from others. Studies have suggested that stigma might cause a delay in health seeking behavior resulting in lower self-efficacy and poorer quality of life in patients with SCD. This mixed methods pilot study sought to further explore attitudes and beliefs about the relationship between pain, discrimination, and stigma in adults with sickle cell disease. Additionally, participants were asked to evaluate a group intervention curriculum currently used for adults with chronic pain. After adapting this curriculum to be SCD specific, we plan to test its efficacy for chronic pain in adults with SCD. Methods: Thirteen adult participants with SCD were recruited from the Center for the Special Health Care Needs at ChristianaCare Wilmington, DE during a routine clinic visit. After informed consent was obtained, participants were interviewed by the research assistant over Zoom, using a standardized interview script. Interviews were recorded and stored securely. Surveys were completed via a secure RedCap link. Survey responses were analyzed, and descriptive statistics were performed. Interviews were transcribed using Microsoft Word transcription tool and reviewed for accuracy. Analysis was done using the Rapid and Rigorous qualitative Data Analysis (RADAR) technique; three coders were involved in the process to assure intercoder-reliability. Results: After analysis with RADAR, five themes and twenty-six codes were developed; thematic saturation was reached (Table 1). Representative quotes from the key informant interviews were identified for each theme and code. Survey responses were tabulated (Table 2- in progress). Discussion: Review of the codes identified in the Key Informant interviews revealed most participants endorsed a connection between their emotions and pain. Most described at least one experience of racism or discrimination in the health care setting and identified perceived lack of clinician knowledge about SCD as a barrier to appropriate care. These data and participant evaluation of the current chronic pain curriculum will be used to develop a SCD-specific curriculum that will be piloted in future work. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Self-Efficacy and Stigma in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: An Import Study Analysis

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) causes significant morbidity across the lifespan. Finding ways to manage the most common and debilitating complications, including chronic pain, is of utmost importance to restoring quality of life and decreasing health care utilization. Several studies have estimated that chronic daily pain affects 30-50% of adult patients with SCD (1) (2). Furthermore, in both pediatric and adult patients with SCD, those with more frequent chronic pain report more frequent depressive symptoms, more frequent hospital admission, and more significant functional disability (2) (3). Discrimination is associated with poor mental health and decreased self-efficacy. The Improving Patient Outcomes with Respect and Trust (IMPORT) study demonstrates that patients with SCD report higher rates of race-based discrimination compared to other Black patients (10). Disease-based discrimination was associated with more significant self-reported pain. Because virtually all patients with SCD identify as Black or other racial and ethnic minorities, it is important to understand how discrimination as experiences of bias, racism, and disease-related stigma interact to affect health and functioning. This study explores the relationship between SCD stigma, self-efficacy, and other factors in the IMPORT data set. Methods: We first analyzed the relationship between variables including trust in doctor (trust1), institutional trust (trust2), and depressive symptoms (depress) with a network analysis (NA). The weighted partial correlation network structure of these factors and self-care (care), self-efficacy (effic), bias, interpersonal communication-compassionate(ipc_c) and discrimination (ipc_d), pain attitudes (spa) and pain catastrophizing score (pcs) among SCD patients is shown in the figure (n= 245). The stronger a connection between two nodes, the thicker and more saturated the line. Positive and negative connections are denoted by blue and red edges, respectively. After identifying significant relationships by NA, Additional analysis explored the effect of provider and institution trust, perception of bias and stigma on pain catastrophizing score, self-care, and self-efficacy. We fit multivariable linear regression models of the three outcomes (pain catastrophizing score, self-care, and self-efficacy) with trust, perception, and stigma as covariates. We further adjusted for age, sex, income category, and education level in the regression models. Results:Figure 1- Network analysisTable 1- Multivariate Regression Model Trust in doctors, stigma and education level were significantly associated with the PCS score. Each unit increase in stigma was associated with increase in the PCS score by 1 (p<0.001). The higher the education level, the lower the PCS. Increase in trust in doctors was associated with increased PCS score. Trust in institutions and age were significantly associated with self-care behaviors. Higher trust in institution is associated with higher self-care. Also, older age is associated with increased self-care. Trust in institution and education level are positively associated with self-efficacy. Stigma is negatively associated with self-efficacy. Discussion: This novel analysis of self-efficacy and experiences of stigma in adults with SCD reveals a significant association between sigma and self-efficacy. Additionally, our network analysis demonstrates the centrality of self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing, 2 promising targets for future intervention. The centrality of compassionate interpersonal communication also underscores the importance of the bidirectional relationship between patients and clinicians. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Associated Sociodemographic Factors in Peru during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The present study aims to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its sociodemographic-associated factors in Peruvian adults. Data was extracted from a nation-wide representative survey in which depression symptoms were measured with the PHQ-9 and sociodemographic information was extracted from household data. Depression severity rates were estimated for each symptom, and responses were modeled through the Rating Scale Model to obtain a depression measure used as dependent variable on a Generalized Mixed Linear Model. The most frequent depression symptoms were emotional, such as discouragement, sad mood, hopelessness, and lack of pleasure when doing activities. Our model showed that, after controlling the effects of all the variables considered, the most relevant predictors were gender, education level, physiographic region, age, marital status, and number of coresidents. Higher depression levels were found in women, people who did not complete higher education, participants living in the Highlands, older adults, single participants, and people living alone. Thus, interventions to promote or prevent depression severity during similar situations as the pandemic should focus on specific sociodemographic groups and their particular needs.

Acculturative stress, everyday racism, and mental health among a community sample of South Asians in Texas.

South Asian Americans are part of the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States and make up a substantial portion of the U.S. immigrant population. Research on this group has often focused on acculturation, the adoption of different values and behaviors in a new sociocultural environment. While there is evidence to suggest that acculturation (and the stress associated with this process) has a negative effect on the health and well-being of Asian Americans, more recent research has emphasized the need to examine the role of broader social forces-including everyday racism-in impacting mental health. Drawing on the stress process model, this study uses an original survey instrument to investigate the relationships between acculturative stress, anti-Asian racism, and mental health among a community sample of 200 South Asians in Texas. Results from hierarchical multiple regression models indicate that both acculturative stress and everyday racism are strongly linked to higher levels of anxiety-related symptoms and more frequent depressive symptoms. Everyday racism, however, explained variance in these outcomes, well beyond the effect of acculturative stress and other sociodemographic factors. These results underscore the potential benefit and importance of including questions about racism in community health surveys that aim to study health disparities among Asian Americans and highlight the persistence of social issues that U.S. South Asians face.

Maternal Outcomes in Women with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy versus Age and Race-Matched Peers in an Urban US Community.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is idiopathic systolic congestive heart failure around pregnancy. Comparisons with matched controls are lacking. We investigated maternal characteristics and outcomes up to 12 months in a cohort admitted to Montefiore Health System in Bronx, New York 1999–2015 (n = 53 cases and n = 92 age and race-matched controls, >80% Black or Hispanic/Latina). Compared to peers, women with PPCM had more chronic hypertension (24.5% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.001), prior gestational hypertension (20.8% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.001), prior preeclampsia (17.0% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.001), familial dilated cardiomyopathy (5.7% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.04), smoking (15.1% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.001), lower summary socioeconomic scores (−4.12 (IQR −6.81, −2.13) vs. −1.62 (IQR −4.20, −0.74), p < 0.001), public insurance (67.9% vs. 29.3% p = 0.001), and frequent depressive symptoms. Women with PPCM were often admitted antepartum (34.0% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.001) and underwent Cesarean section (65.4% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.001), but had less preterm labor (27.3% vs. 51.1%, p = 0.001). Women were rarely treated with bromocriptine (3.8%), frequently underwent left ventricular assist device placement (9.4% and n = 2 with menorrhagia requiring transfusion and progesterone) or heart transplantation (3.8%), but there were no in-hospital deaths. In sum, women with PPCM had worse socioeconomic disadvantage and baseline health than matched peers. Programs addressing social determinants of health may be important for women at high risk of PPCM.

Social Engagement and Mental Health Symptoms Across Asian American Ethnic Groups During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To examine social engagement and mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic across Asian American (AA) ethnic groups. Data from three waves of the nationally representative COVID-19 Household Impact Survey (4/20/2020-6/8/2020) were used to describe social engagement and mental health symptoms during the pandemic. Associations between mental health and social engagement were assessed via multinomial logistic regression. In this sample of 312 AAs (36.9% Chinese American, 30.9% South Asian American, 20.1% Filipino/Vietnamese American, and 12.0% Japanese/Korean American), daily communication with neighbors declined for Chinese, South Asian and Filipino/Vietnamese Americans but increased for Japanese/Korean Americans (P=.012) whereas communication with friends/family increased only for Filipino/Vietnamese, Japanese/Korean and South Asian Americans (P<0.001). Differences in self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and hopelessness were observed across AA ethnic groups. In adjusted models, lower social engagement was associated with frequent (3-4 days/week) depressive symptoms during the preceding week (cOR:3.26, 95%CI:1.01-10.5). This association was heightened for Asian men (cOR:14.22, 95%CI:3.62-55.8). Heterogeneity of social engagement and mental health symptoms across AA ethnicities was observed. Understanding associations between social engagement and mental health within different communities is necessary to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health treatment and care.

Clinical features of atypical depression in bipolar and recurrent affective disorders, psychogenic depression

Objective: to perform a comparative study of the clinical features of atypical depression (AtD) in affective disorders of various origins: in bipolar affective disorder (BAD), recurrent depressive disorder (RDR) and psychogenic depression (PD).Patients and methods. A sample of 250 depressed patients aged 18 to 65 years were examined, of which 77 participants (50 women and 27 men) with symptoms of AtD were included to the study. Group 1 included 35 patients with BAD, group 2 – 18 patients with RDR, and group 3 – 24 patients with diagnoses including PD. The patients' condition was assessed using the diagnostic criteria for affective disorders according to ICD-10 and DSM-5 with a Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).Results and discussion. AtD detection rate was 30.8%, including 45.4% in BAD, 23.4% – in RDR, and 31.2% – in PD. AtD manifested at the age of about 20 years, and was more common in women. AtD in BAD occurred more often in individuals with cycloid, hyperthymic, and hysterical features. Affective fluctuations before the disease onset, a significantly greater number of depressive episodes in history were characteristic. The most frequent typical depressive symptoms included: daily and seasonal mood fluctuations, morning deterioration of well-being, decreased appetite. High comorbidity with metabolic endocrine diseases was observed. AtD in RDR often began spontaneously in individuals with emotionally labile, psychasthenic, and hysterical features. The most common typical depressive symptoms included melancholy, derealization, weakness, ideas of self-accusation, suicidal thoughts and attempts. A high comorbidity with cardiovascular diseases was found. AtD in PD occurred more often in psychasthenic individuals. The most characteristic symptoms included: increased appetite, anxiety, asthenia, superficial night sleep, hypochondriacal inclusions. Comorbidity with skin and gastrointestinal diseases was observed.Conclusion. The identified features of the clinical picture and course of AtD in BAD, RDR, and PD can be used for earlier and more accurate evaluation of affective disorders and the adequate treatment administration.

Levels of Depression and Anxiety Among Informal Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Based on the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

ObjectivesStudies on informal caregiving during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have mainly focused on subgroups of caregivers using cross-sectional or convenience samples, limiting the generalizability of findings. Conversely, this longitudinal study examines the effects of the pandemic and caregiving factors on depressive symptoms and anxiety over 9 months among informal caregivers in Canada.MethodsThis study uses data from the Baseline (2011–2015), Follow-up 1 (2015–2018), and COVID-19 Study Baseline survey (April to May 2020) and Exit surveys (September to December 2020) of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). A total of 14,118 CLSA participants who were caregivers at Follow-up 1 and participated in the COVID-19 studies were selected. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effect of sex of caregiver, changes in caregiving (increase in caregiving hours and inability to care), and location of care (same household, another household, and health care institution) on depressive symptoms and anxiety from COVID-19 studies Baseline to Exit surveys (about 6–7 months apart).ResultsInformal caregivers reported more frequent depressive symptoms from the COVID-19 Baseline to Exit surveys, but not anxiety. Female caregivers reported greater depressive symptoms and anxiety, and male caregivers exhibited a greater increase in depressive symptoms and anxiety over time. More caregiving hours and inability to provide care were significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms and anxiety. Also, in-home caregivers reported more depressive symptoms and anxiety than those who cared for someone in health care institution, and more anxiety than those who cared for some in another household.DiscussionThe findings shed light on the change in mental health among informal caregivers during the outset of the pandemic. The demonstrated associations between studied variables and mental health among informal caregivers provide empirical evidence for intervention programs aiming to support caregivers, particularly those who are female, and providing intensive care at home.

Sociodemographic and mental health characteristics associated with changes in movement behaviours due to the COVID-19 pandemic in adolescents

ObjectivesControl measures enacted to control the spread of COVID-19 appear to have impacted adolescent movement behaviours. It remains unclear how these changes relate to sociodemographic characteristics and indicators of mental health. Understanding these relationships can contribute to informing health promotion efforts. The purpose of this study is to examine sociodemographic and mental health characteristics associated with changes in movement behaviours (physical activity, screen time, sleep duration) due to the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used May–June 2020 survey data and included 7349 students from Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia (Canada). ANOVA, χ2 tests, and estimation of effect sizes using Cohen’s d and h tests were performed between self-reported perceived changes (increase; decrease; no change) to physical activity, TV watching, social media use, and sleep duration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and gender, age, race/ethnicity, income, depression and anxiety symptoms, flourishing-languishing, and self-rated mental health.ResultsOver half of students reported increases in TV viewing and social media use and approximately 40% reported decrease in physical activity and increase in sleep duration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More females (68.9%) than males (54.3%) reported increase in social media use (Cohen’s h ≥ 0.2–0.5). No change from pre-COVID-19 social media use and sleep duration were associated with fewer depression and anxiety symptoms and better self-rated mental health compared to reports of an increase or decrease. These effect sizes ranged from small-to-moderate to moderate-to-large (Cohen’s d/h ≥ 0.2–0.8). Decreased physical activity and sleep duration were associated with better psychological functioning with effects sizes of small-to-moderate. Compared to an increase or no change, decreased sleep had the largest effect size of less frequent depression symptoms (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.5–0.8).ConclusionMaintaining pre-COVID-19 screen time and sleep duration during early stages of the COVID-19 lockdown was generally beneficial to mental health, with sleep being particularly important in regards to symptoms of depression. Psychological functioning was more related to physical activity and sleep than screen time during the pandemic.

Mental Health and Associated Demographic and Occupational Factors among Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latvia.

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the health care system. Front-line health care workers (HCWs) are at a higher risk of mental health adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the symptoms of depression and anxiety and associated demographic and occupational factors among front-line HCWs in Latvia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed in a population of HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. The participants were interviewed between 28 April 2020 and 2 June 2020. Answers from 864 HCWs were obtained. The participants reported their demographics, work-related information, contacts with COVID-19-positive patients and completed two standardised questionnaires that assessed the symptoms of anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9). The gathered data were analysed by a chi-squared test and binary logistic regression. The data analysis was performed using SPSS v25. Results: A total of 209 (24.8%) participants had depression symptoms and 145 (17.2%) had anxiety symptoms. Health care workers older than 50 had a lower risk of both depression (OR 0.422 (95% CI, 0.262–0.680)) and anxiety (OR 0.468 (95% CI, 0.270–0.813)). General practitioners had more frequent symptoms of depression and anxiety than participants who worked at hospitals (32.8% (n = 63) versus 19.4% (n = 73) and 27.1% (n = 52) versus 10.3% (n = 39), respectively (p = 0.037; p < 0.000)). Working more than 48 h during the week was associated with a higher risk of depression (OR 2.222 (95% CI, 1.315–3.753)) and anxiety (OR 2.416 (95% CI, 1.272–4.586)). Conclusions: The vulnerability of the health care system before the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant mental health adverse outcomes of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. A further cohort study is needed to evaluate the dynamics of mental health and other predisposing factors of HCWs.

Community Workforce Differences in Mental Health Across Gender and Job Description in Southwest Indiana

Background and Hypothesis: In May 2020, a community partnership was built in Southwest Indiana to determine the local prevalence of COVID-19 to guide reopening in the region. One year later, a follow-up survey study was launched to address new, pressing questions related to mental health in the community workforce. We hypothesized that adverse mental health symptoms would be disproportionately experienced by specific worker groups based on degree of in-person contact over the past year and demographic characteristics such as age and gender. &#x0D; Methods: For the 2021 survey, participants were invited through their place of employment or via phone to participate in a short online survey consisting of questions related to demographics, general work roles, company policies over the past year, and wellness. When examining mental health, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and General Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) were used to determine feelings of depression and anxiety, respectively. &#x0D; Results: 480 participants filled out the 2021 online survey (73% of which were returning). 442 of these responses were complete and eligible for analysis of mental health and degree of in-person contact. 345 responses were complete and eligible for information regarding age. No correlation was found between age and mental health. However, differences were observed based on gender and job description. Women (n=244) and customer-facing employees (n=99) reported more frequent symptoms of anxiety and depression, with customer-facing women reporting the most. Comparing only employees that did not work remotely during the pandemic, customer-facing employees still reported more frequent symptoms of anxiety and depression. &#x0D; Conclusion and Potential Impact: The impacts of COVID-19 on the workforce are still being studied, but the pandemic continues to take its toll. These mental health trends will help guide future policies to support and improve employee wellbeing, both within participating companies and the workforce at large.

Pain intensity trajectories among veterans seeking mental health treatment: Association with mental health symptoms and suicidal thoughts and behaviors

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to identify classes of pain intensity trajectories among veterans reporting suicidal ideation with no prior mental health treatment experience. We were interested in also assessing factors associated with the pain trajectory classes. MethodsA total 747 participants completed measures of pain, depression, suicide ideation and behaviors, insomnia, substance use, and PTSD. Follow-up assessments were completed at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-baseline. Growth mixture modeling was conducted, and pain trajectories were modeled from baseline to month 12. ResultsThree classes were identified: mild pain intensity that increased over time to severe pain intensity (Increasing-Severe; n = 9), low pain intensity that decreased over time (Mild-Decreasing; n = 172), and moderate pain intensity that remained relatively stable over time (Moderate-Stable; n = 566). The Moderate-Stable trajectory had more severe PTSD symptoms, more frequent depression symptoms, and more severe insomnia. The odds of endorsing suicide ideation at month 12 were significantly higher in the Moderate-Stable trajectory compared to the Mild-Decreasing trajectory. ConclusionsThis was the first study to assess classes of pain intensity trajectories among individuals who were treatment naïve for mental health issues. The findings suggest that a moderate stable trajectory of pain intensity over the course of 12 months is common and associated with a more severe clinical profile, including suicide ideation. This study underscores the importance of addressing pain intensity among individuals seeking mental health treatment, particularly for those with pain intensity that is moderate and stable over time.