Higher Levels Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Residential Move During COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychological Health Among College Students: The Role of Perceived Social Support

Research has widely documented the high stress levels posed to college students by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the role of social support in mitigating the mental health impacts of stressors like residential instability among college students is less well-researched. Using data from a multi-campus online survey of college students’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 2,486), this study examines the role of social support in the association between residential move during COVID-19 pandemic and college students’ reports of depressive symptoms and anxiety. We tested whether perceived social support was more significantly related to depressive symptoms among students who moved in response to COVID-19. The results show significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher prevalence rates of severe anxiety among college students with COVID-19-related move relative to those who did not move during the pandemic. Irrespective of their residential status, college students who received less support than needed during the pandemic had significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and higher odds of severe anxiety. The findings add to the existing studies showing how the COVID-19 pandemic compounds the problems of depression and anxiety among college students, particularly those experiencing residential instability and with limited social support.

Exploring the association between income inequality and sleep in Canadian adolescents: A path analysis approach

ObjectivesAn estimated 30% of Canadian adolescents do not get the recommended 8-10hours of sleep. No prior study has examined the role of income inequality, the gap between rich and poor within a society, in adolescent sleep. The aim of this study is to examine the association between income inequality and sleep duration among Canadian adolescents, how this association differs by gender, and whether depressive symptoms, anxiety, and social cohesion mediate this relationship. MethodsMultilevel path models were conducted using cross-sectional survey data from 74,501 adolescents who participated in the Cannabis, Obesity, Mental health, Physical activity, Alcohol use, Smoking, and Sedentary behavior (COMPASS) study in 2018-2019. Income inequality was measured at the census division level and sleep duration, gender, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and social cohesion were measured at the individual level. ResultsA 1% increase in income inequality was associated with a 3.67-minute decrease in sleep duration (95% CI=−5.64 to −1.70). The cross-level interactions between income inequality and gender were significant, suggesting that income inequality has more adverse associations with sleep among females than males. Both depressive symptoms and anxiety were significant mediators, wherein greater income inequality was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety, which were in turn, associated with a shorter sleep duration. ConclusionInterventions that reduce income inequality may prevent depressive symptoms and anxiety and improve sleep in adolescents. Reducing societal income gaps may improve adolescent sleep especially in those attending school in high income inequality areas, females, and those experiencing depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia.

Several studies have reported that Internet addiction (IA) is more prevalent in the psychiatric disorder population. However, the prevalence of IA and its relationship with clinical variables among Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of IA and its clinical correlates in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia, which has not yet been reported. Seven hundred and six inpatient adolescents with schizophrenia were recruited. All patients underwent Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to measure Internet addiction, as well as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for psychopathology. Our results showed that 186 patients had a total IAT score of 50 or more, bringing the prevalence of IA to 26.3%. Girls (21.7%, 92/424) were less likely to have combined IA than boys (33.3%, 94/282). Compared to those patients without IA, patients with IA had better socioeconomic status, higher probability of living in the city, higher levels of depressive symptoms, excited symptoms, and lower levels of concrete symptoms and PANSS total scores (all p<0.05). Further binary logistic regression analysis indicated that good socioeconomic status, living in the city and PANSS total scores were significantly associated with IA. In addition, correlation analysis showed significant correlations between IA total score and the following parameters: good socioeconomic status, living in the city, negative subscore, concrete subscore, depression subscore, excited subscore and PANSS total score (Bonferroni corrected all p <0.05). The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of IA in Chinese adolescents with schizophrenia is higher than that in the general population. Several demographic and clinical variables are risk factors for IA in adolescents with schizophrenia.

Childhood Abuse and Trauma and the Depressive Symptoms of Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model

Researchers have increasingly worked to identify relevant ecological factors that can help prevent the development of depressive symptoms among adolescents. However, the underlying mechanisms of these factors are not fully understood. In this study, the effect of childhood abuse and trauma on the depressive symptoms of Chinese adolescents and its underlying mechanisms were examined, in terms of the mediating role of hopelessness and the moderating role of social problem-solving abilities. A sample of 786 college students participated in this study. The results showed that adolescents who were abused and traumatized as children had higher levels of depressive symptoms than others; furthermore, this relationship was mediated by hopelessness, while the path between hopelessness and depressive symptoms was moderated by their social problem-solving abilities. The results extend the findings of previous studies by revealing the underlying mechanisms between childhood abuse and trauma and Chinese adolescents’ depressive symptoms. The study has important implications for social work services regarding adolescents who have experienced childhood abuse and trauma.

The relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms among young adults of India

The study aimed to understand the relationship between Sleep Quality and Depressive symptoms Among Young Adults of India. The data was collected from 310 participants aged between 18 to 27 years through convenience sampling. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while depressive symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.661, p &lt; 0.001) between PSQI and BDI scores, indicating a meaningful relationship between sleep quality and depressive symptoms. Individuals with poorer sleep quality tended to report higher levels of depressive symptoms, and vice versa. This finding underscores the bidirectional association between sleep disturbances and depression.

Epidemiological features of depression and anxiety among homeless adults with healthcare access problems in London, UK: descriptive cross-sectional analysis.

In England in 2021, an estimated 274 000 people were homeless on a given night. It has long been recognised that physical and mental health of people who are homeless is poorer than for people who are housed. There are few peer-reviewed studies to inform health and social care for depression or anxiety among homeless adults in this setting. To measure the symptoms of depression and anxiety among adults who are homeless and who have difficulty accessing healthcare, and to describe distribution of symptoms across sociodemographic, social vulnerability and health-related characteristics. We completed structured questionnaires with 311 adults who were homeless and who had difficulty accessing healthcare in London, UK, between August and December 2021. We measured anxiety and depression symptoms using the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) score. We compared median PHQ-4 scores across strata of the sociodemographic, social vulnerability and health-related characteristics, and tested for associations using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The median PHQ-4 score was 8 out of 12, and 40.2% had scores suggesting high clinical need. Although PHQ-4 scores were consistently high across a range of socioeconomic, social vulnerability and health-related characteristics, they were positively associated with: young age; food insecurity; recent and historic abuse; joint, bone or muscle problems; and frequency of marijuana use. The most common (60%) barrier to accessing healthcare related to transportation. Adults who are homeless and have difficulty accessing healthcare have high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Our findings support consideration of population-level, multisectoral intervention.

The education of experience: Mixed methods evidence demonstrates the benefit of multiparity

ProblemExisting quantitative data is conflicting concerning whether multiparous birthing parents (individuals with an older child(ren)) experience an easier postpartum transition compared to primiparous birthing parents (first time parents). AimThis convergent mixed methods study leverages the depth of qualitative inquiry to seek a clearer understanding of the way in which acquired parenting experience contributes to observed quantitative differences in outcomes between parity groups. This work can serve as a first step in planning for supportive interventions that effectively address the postpartum needs of both parity groups. MethodsThirty birthing parents (43.3% multiparous; 46.7% racial minorities) completed measures of postpartum functioning, perceived stress, anxiety symptoms, and depression symptoms as well as an interview inquiring about factors impacting postpartum functioning. Scores on postpartum functioning and emotional wellbeing were compared between parity groups, and these findings were merged with the qualitative data on firsthand parenting experience to clarify how acquired experience impacts functioning and emotional wellbeing during the postpartum transition. FindingsPrimiparous parents reported significantly: worse postpartum functioning, higher perceived stress, higher levels of depression symptoms, and higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Participants’ qualitative report of how acquired parenting experience impacts wellbeing suggests that experience grants parents skills, knowledge, and the opportunity to disconfirm maladaptive cognitions about parenting which allows for increased comfort and confidence in the parental role. ConclusionsThe practical and psychological resources gained from acquiring parenting experience during one's first postpartum period appear to be brought forward into subsequent pregnancies and protect against threats to functioning and emotional wellbeing.

Clusters of lifestyle behavioral risk factors and their associations with depressive symptoms and stress: evidence from students at a university in Finland

BackgroundNo previous research of university students in Finland assessed lifestyle behavioral risk factors (BRFs), grouped students into clusters, appraised the relationships of the clusters with their mental well-being, whilst controlling for confounders. The current study undertook this task.MethodsStudents at the University of Turku (n = 1177, aged 22.96 ± 5.2 years) completed an online questionnaire that tapped information on sociodemographic variables (age, sex, income sufficiency, accommodation during the semester), four BRFs [problematic alcohol consumption, smoking, food consumption habits, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)], as well as depressive symptoms and stress. Two-step cluster analysis of the BRFs using log-likelihood distance measure categorized students into well-defined clusters. Two regression models appraised the associations between cluster membership and depressive symptoms and stress, controlling for sex, income sufficiency and accommodation during the semester.ResultsSlightly more than half the study participants (56.8%) had always/mostly sufficient income and 33% lived with parents/partner. Cluster analysis of BRFs identified three distinct student clusters, namely Cluster 1 (Healthy Group), Cluster 2 (Smokers), and Cluster 3 (Nonsmokers but Problematic Drinkers). Age, sex and MVPA were not different across the clusters, but Clusters 1 and 3 comprised significantly more respondents with always/mostly sufficient income and lived with their parents/partner during the semester. All members in Clusters 1 and 3 were non-smokers, while all Cluster 2 members comprised occasional/daily smokers. Problematic drinking was significantly different between clusters (Cluster 1 = 0%, Cluster 2 = 54%, Cluster 3 = 100%). Cluster 3 exhibited significantly healthier nutrition habits than both other clusters. Regression analysis showed: (1) males and those with sufficient income were significantly less likely to report depressive symptoms or stress; (2) those living with parents/partner were significantly less likely to experience depressive symptoms; (3) compared to Cluster 1, students in the two other clusters were significantly more likely to report higher depressive symptoms; and (4) only students in Cluster 2 were more likely to report higher stress.ConclusionsBRFs cluster together, however, such clustering is not a clear-cut, all-or-none phenomenon. Students with BRFs consistently exhibited higher levels of depressive symptoms and stress. Educational and motivational interventions should target at-risk individuals including those with insufficient income or living with roommates or alone.

Self-Warmth, Self-Coldness, and Depressive Symptoms Among Sexual Minority Adults

Depression is more prevalent among sexual minority adults than heterosexual adults. Whilst research has shown self-compassion is related to lower levels of depressive symptoms, few studies have focused on sexual minority adults. Furthermore, few studies have examined the relationship between the positive (self-warmth) and negative (self-coldness) components of self-compassion and depressive symptoms. This study aimed to investigate whether self-warmth and self-coldness were associated with depressive symptoms among sexual minority adults and whether these relations were moderated by gender and sexual orientation. An international sample of 439 sexual minority women aged 18 to 69 years (M = 30.21, SD = 10.70) and 391 sexual minority men aged 18 to 71 years (M = 32.20, SD = 11.74) completed the Center for Epidemiology-Depression Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale. Results indicated both self-warmth and self-coldness were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, however, self-coldness explained more unique variance (12%) than self-warmth (1%). Higher levels of self-warmth were significantly associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms and the association was not conditional on gender or sexual orientation. Higher levels of self-coldness were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. This association was conditional on sexual orientation but not gender. The association was stronger for bisexual adults than monosexual adults. Interventions such as compassion-focused therapy that target self-coldness among sexual minority adults may be beneficial for reducing depressive symptoms, particularly bisexual adults.

Patterns of depression among women post-divorce and the influential factors: Latent growth modeling

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to longitudinally examine the change in depressive symptoms immediately following divorce among Korean women during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as to verify the factors affecting the change in depressive symptoms. MethodsA total of 401 women from the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Families(KLoWF) were analyzed between 2012(4th wave) and 2020(8th wave). Latent Growth Modeling is utilized to assess the overall trajectory of depressive symptoms in women following divorce. ResultsIn the immediate aftermath of divorce, the level of depressive symptoms in divorced women was high, but gradually decreased over time, only to reappear later on. The factors impacting the initial depressive symptom levels among women post-divorce revealed that lower educational attainment, lower subjective economic status, and poorer subjective health status were associated with higher depressive symptom levels. Among the factors influencing the rate of change in depressive symptoms, living alone emerged as the only statistically significant factor. The depressive symptom levels of women living alone declined gradually, whereas the depressive symptom levels of women living with someone decreased more rapidly. ConclusionAs a result of this study, valuable data can be used to develop practical interventions aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of women post-divorce, particularly during challenging circumstances such as the COVID-19 outbreak.

Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Caregiver Strain, and Social Support with Dementia Grief in Family Caregivers.

Background and Objectives: Dementia grief in family caregivers of people with dementia refers to grieving prior to the death of the care recipient. It is related to psychosocial risk factors that may have a negative impact on the health of these family caregivers. This study aimed to describe the relationship between depressive symptoms, caregiver strain, and social support with dementia grief in family caregivers of people with dementia. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 250 family caregivers of people with dementia participated. Dementia grief was the main variable, and depressive symptoms, caregiver strain, and social support were assessed. Additionally, socio-demographic data were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and a bivariate correlation analysis and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed for dementia grief. Results: Higher scores for dementia grief were found in women, in family caregivers of patients at advanced stages of dementia, and in family caregivers with a low level of education. High levels of depressive symptoms and caregiver strain and low levels of social support indicated greater intensity of dementia grief. Depressive symptomatology was the variable with the greatest influence on dementia grief. Caregiver strain and social support also related to dementia grief, but to a lesser extent. Conclusions: In family caregivers, depressive symptoms, caregiver strain, and social support are related to the intensity of dementia grief, with a greater influence of depressive symptoms. Moreover, being female, having a low level of education, and caring for a care recipient at an advanced stage of dementia are factors associated with increased dementia grief. Concerning study limitations, the sample was restricted, belonging to a specific region of Spain and to a Provincial Federation of associations. It is necessary to exercise caution in generalizing results due to the sociodemographic and geographical characteristics of the sample.

Polyamorous and ambiamorous adolescents: a first empirical look at mental health in an LGBTQ+ sample

ABSTRACT Polyamory has become increasingly visible in American culture, but the relationship arrangement or structure (i.e. one in which an individual has ongoing romantic, sexual, and/or emotional relationships with multiple partners) remains stigmatised. No known research has examined adolescents’ experiences with polyamory, though adolescents are in a stage of developing romantic and sexual relationship preferences. The current study uses a repeated-measures survey design to analyse the mental health of 323 LGBTQ+ adolescents (ages 12 to 17), including 54 polyamorous and ambiamorous (poly/ambi) adolescents, in the context of an affirming summer camp. Ambiamory refers to when a person’s preferred relationship arrangement varies depending on their situation. At baseline, poly/ambi adolescents had higher levels of depressive symptoms than their peers. All adolescents experienced reduced depressive symptoms and anxiety during camp. Thematic analysis of written responses to open-ended questions revealed that poly/ambi adolescents tended to not feel safe to disclose their identity in their home community due to stigmatization of polyamory, people’s lack of understanding of polyamory, and uncertainty or fear about people’s reactions. Poly/ambi adolescents who did feel safe in their home community tended to report supportive or indifferent community attitudes toward polyamory, knowing other polyamorous community members, and comfort with one’s identity.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination on Migraine Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Studies have shown the worsening of migraine associated with the COVID-19 infection and the pandemic more broadly. COVID-19 vaccination has also been associated with symptomatic headache, with high frequency among migraineurs. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccine administration on migraine, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to migraine patients followed in a neurology outpatient clinic between March and November 2022. The survey inquired about migraine symptoms and treatment changes, as well as sleep changes, anxiety, and depressive symptoms during the pandemic, after a COVID-19 diagnosis and/or vaccination. Results: Out of the 185 patients included, 108 (58.4%) reported a change in headache pattern (intensity, frequency, and/or pain quality) and 47% reported higher intensity and frequency. The pattern changes occurred before the COVID-19 diagnosis in 41%. Of all the participants with headache changes 72.2% needed to intensify medication (abortive or prophylaxis), regardless of infection status. High levels of insomnia, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were found among patients with worsening migraine, irrespective of COVID-19 diagnosis. After vaccination, 49 (27.1%) described a change in headache pattern, with a worsening pattern in 29 (16%). In half, this change occurred for up to 3 weeks. Conclusion: Worsening of migraine was more likely associated with other factors related to the pandemic rather than COVID-19 diagnosis. COVID-19 vaccination might have acted as an additional but less relevant and temporary trigger for migraine worsening.

Examination of Late COVID-19 Pandemic Stress, Burnout, Hopelessness, and Depression Among University Students According to Demographic Characteristics

The psychological state of people during the COVID-19 pandemic has attracted significant interest from researchers and the general public alike. The aim of this study is to examine the stress, burnout, hopelessness, and depression levels of university students toward the end of the pandemic. A survey model, as a quantitative research method, was applied in this study. The analysis revealed that 70% of the participating university students had moderate to high stress levels, and levels of stress among female students were found to be higher than those among male students. When the students’ hopelessness levels were examined, it was seen that 81% of them felt hopelessness at medium or high levels. Hopelessness and burnout were seen to be associated with grade point average. A total of 61% of these students had moderate or high levels of depression symptoms, constituting an at-risk status. The results indicate that factors such as gender, year of study, and grade point average had varying effects on stress, burnout, hopelessness, and depression levels. Additionally, strong relationships were found among the four considered psychological variables, suggesting that they may influence one another and highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Impact of Spinal CSF Leaks on Quality of Life and Mental Health and Long-Term Reversal by Surgical Closure.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) caused by a spinal CSF leak is a multisymptom syndrome, which can dramatically affect physical and mental health. However, systematic data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health are scarce. We hypothesized that surgical treatment leads to significant and sustained improvements in HRQoL and mental health in patients with SIH. In this single-center cohort study, we prospectively collected HRQoL and mental health data in patients undergoing surgical closure of a spinal CSF leak from September 2020 to November 2022. EuroQoL (EQ-5D-5L), including the health state index (EQ-Index) and the visual analog scale (EQ-VAS), measured HRQoL. The 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) measured symptoms of mental health. Follow-ups were performed 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Primary outcome was the change in EQ-Index, EQ-VAS, and DASS-21 subscales. Secondary outcome was the impact of baseline depression symptoms on HRQoL outcomes following surgery. Seventy-four patients were included. EQ-VAS improved from 40 (interquartile range [IQR] 30-60) preoperatively to 70 (IQR 55-85) at 3 months and to 72 (IQR 60-88) at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, respectively). EQ-Index increased from 0.683 (IQR 0.374-0.799) to 0.877 (0.740-0.943) at 3 months and to 0.907 (0.780-0.956) at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, respectively). Depression, anxiety, and stress significantly improved after surgery. Preoperative depressive symptoms did not affect the HRQoL outcome. The severe impact of a spinal CSF leak on HRQoL and mental health significantly improved after closure of the leak. Higher levels of depressive symptoms do not predict worse outcomes and should not discourage invasive treatment. Further systematic evaluation of outcomes, with special regard to quality of life, is needed, as it allows a comparison of symptom burden between SIH and more familiar diseases as well as a comparison of different treatment modalities in future studies.

59 Mild cognitive impairment among older adults with diabetes: A pilot study in San Juan, Puerto Rico

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Research on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is scarce; however, MCI is a concern in T2DM as it can adversely impact self-care behaviors. This study aims to estimate the proportion of MCI and describe its sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial, and lifestyle characteristics in older adults with T2DM. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Cross-sectional pilot study of 60 adults (aged ≥50yrs) with a diagnosis of T2DM will be recruited at a diabetes center located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial (depressive symptoms and social support), and lifestyle characteristics related to diabetes self-management (diabetes self-care activities and activities of daily living) will be collected through face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires. Our primary outcome will be MCI assessed via the Spanish-language version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-S). The proportion of adults with MCI (MoCA-S score&lt;26) will be estimated, and the sociodemographic, lifestyle, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics of older adults will be compared across MCI status using bivariate analysis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Expected results include an estimate of the proportion of MCI among older adults with T2DM, which we hypothesize will be higher in our study than in Puerto Rico’s older adult population (previously reported as 17%). Additionally, we will describe the sociodemographic, clinical, psychosocial, and lifestyle characteristics that significantly differ by MCI status in older adults with T2DM. We expect that those with MCI will be more likely to be females, have lower education and annual income, longer time with a diabetes diagnosis, worse psychosocial profiles (higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of social support), and worse lifestyle profiles (poorer glycemic control and lower activities of daily living score) than those without MCI. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This pilot study is a first step to understanding MCI among older adults with T2DM in Puerto Rico, a Hispanic population with a higher prevalence of T2DM than their US non-Hispanic White counterparts. Its findings can guide the design and implementation of a larger epidemiological study aimed at understanding MCI risk factors among adults with T2DM.

Does the association between short-chain fatty acids and depressive symptoms vary with age? A large population-based study

IntroductionFat plays an important role in brain function; 60% of the brain’s dry weight is fat. Among fats, omega-3 fatty acids, which are long-chain fatty acids, have been reported to reduce depressive symptoms. On the other hand, there are few studies on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and those that do exist are mostly animal studies, with only a few human studies (about 100 cases). This is the first study to examine the association between fecal short-chain fatty acids and depressive symptoms on a large scale in the general population.ObjectivesWe examined the association of fecal SCFAs with depressive symptoms. In addition, we analyzed the associations stratified by age and examined differences in the associations.MethodsThis study was conducted using data from the Dynamics of Lifestyle and Neighborhood Community on Health Study (DOSANCO Health Study). The target population was all residents of the city of Suttu, Hokkaido, Japan, excluding residents of special nursing homes (n=2638). 579 individuals (22% of the target population) aged 18 years and older who were able to measure fecal SCFA participated in this study with written informed consent. Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Hokkaido University School of Medicine (15-002 and 15-045). Fecal SCFA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. We examined the association of fecal concentrations of SCFA subtypes (i.e., acetate, butyrate, and propionate) and total SCFA concentrations (mg/g wet weight as a continuous variable) with total Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores using multiple regression analysis. We adjusted for age, sex, habitual exercise, total energy intake, and total dietary fiber intake. We performed additional multiple regression analyses with stratification by age group (18-59 years and 60 years or older). Two-tailed tests were used for all analyses with a significance level of P &lt; 0.05.ResultsThe mean age (standard deviation) of the study participants (n=534) was 58.3 (16.0) years. Among them, 48% were 18-59 years old and 54% were female. Fecal propionate concentration was significantly associated with total PHQ-9 score (beta=0.62, p&lt;0.01). Other SCFAs and total SCFA were not significantly associated with total PHQ-9 score. In addition, using stratification analyses by age group, the associations between fecal propionate concentration and total PHQ-9 score showed a different trend by age group (beta=0.18, p=0.62 for 18-59 years; beta=0.80, p&lt;0.01 for 60 years or older).ConclusionsThe study showed an association between higher concentrations of fecal propionic acid and higher levels of depressive symptoms. The association was particularly pronounced in older people, those aged 60 years and older. The results suggest that improving dietary habits to reduce fecal propionic acid may be effective in preventing depression in the elderly.Disclosure of InterestR. Okubo Shareolder of: None, Grant / Research support from: A Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (No. 22K17844), Consultant of: None, Employee of: None, Paid Instructor of: None, Speakers bureau of: Speakers bureau from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, R. Yamamura: None Declared, S. Ishikawa: None Declared, T. Kimura: None Declared, S. Ukawa: None Declared, K. Nakamura: None Declared, A. Tamakoshi: None Declared

Perceived reputation moderates the link between honor concerns and depressive symptoms

ABSTRACT Prior research has shown that U.S. cultures of honor have higher rates of depression and suicide. While links between honor endorsement and suicide have been established in the literature, a direct test of the primary mechanism underlying this association (reputation damage leading to depression) has not yet been tested. The current study sought to address whether shifts in perceived reputation might be associated with higher levels of depression for honor endorsing individuals. An online sample of 305 participants were tracked across two time points, assessing perceived individual reputation and perceived family reputation, as well as depressive symptoms. Analyses revealed that higher levels of honor concern at Time 1 were linked with higher levels of depressive symptoms at Time 2, but only for those with low perceived reputation – these relationships held while controlling for the stability in reputation and depression across time points, as well as controlling for participants’ gender. Findings provide the first empirical evidence that reputation damage may contribute to detriments in mental health in honor endorsers.

The Associations of Physical Activity and Health-Risk Behaviors toward Depressive Symptoms among College Students: Gender and Obesity Disparities.

Engaging in health-risk behaviors (HRBs) may be correlated with depressive symptoms among college students, but these relationships require more research. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of physical activity levels (i.e., light [LPA] and moderate-vigorous [MVPA]) and HRBs (i.e., sedentary behavior [screen-based and non-screen-based behavior] and cigarette and e-cigarette tobacco use) with depressive symptoms in a sample of college students. Physical activity levels and HRBs were assessed through validated questionnaires. In total, 366 students participated (Mage = 22.59 ± 3.54; 60.1% female; 52.9% normal weight). E-cigarette use in males (β = 0.23, p < 0.05) and screen-based sedentary behavior in females (β = 0.14, p < 0.05) showed significant predictive utility toward depressive symptoms. In the overweight/obese group, screen-based sedentary behaviors (β = 0.19, p < 0.05) and e-cigarette use (β = 0.23, p < 0.01) showed significant predictive utility toward depressive symptoms. Females reported higher levels of depressive symptoms (Mfemale = 18.23 vs. Mmale = 14.81; η2 = 0.03) and less MVPA (Mmale = 52.83 vs. Mfemale = 41.09; η2 = 0.06) than males. Enhancing mental health by improving physical activity and eliminating HRBs should be tailored toward at-risk demographics.

Leisure and psychosocial functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring data from adolescents and parents of adolescents

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people experienced life disruptions affecting leisure activities, such as discontinuation of after-school activities for adolescents and changes in the amount of leisure time available for parents. Because leisure activities have previously been associated with psychosocial functioning, the present study examined leisure behaviors and psychosocial functioning among 158 parents/guardians of adolescents and 116 of their children during the first summer of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Results indicated that time spent engaging with TV, video games, and social media during the pandemic was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and anxiety for both parents and adolescents. Retrospective reports indicating decreased leisure time socialization were also associated with depressive symptoms during the pandemic in both groups. These results highlight the importance of leisure for both adolescents and parents of adolescents and its capacity to support or undermine psychosocial functioning in challenging times.