Higher Risk Of Mental Problems Research Articles

Religious and traditional beliefs and practices as predictors of mental and physical health outcomes and the role of religious affiliation in health outcomes and risk taking

BackgroundWhile many studies from sub-Saharan countries, including Zimbabwe, allude to the important role of religion and tradition for young people living with HIV (YPLHIV), most of these studies tend to be descriptive and lack advanced statistical analysis. This study aims to close this gap.MethodsData for this study was collected between July and October 2021 from 804 YPLHIV (aged 14–24) in Zimbabwe. The questionnaire included questions regarding participants’ conceptions of HIV, their health seeking and risk-taking behaviour, current HIV viral load results, the prevalence of opportunistic infections, their mental health status, and demographic characteristics. The analysis was done using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression.ResultsWe found that Traditional religious affiliation was linked to overall lower viral load (OR: 0.34; CI: 0.12–0.96; P: 0.042), Apostolic to more (OR: 1.52; CI: 1-2.3; P: 0.049) and Pentecostal to less (OR: 0.53; CI: 0.32–0.95; P: 0.033) treatment failure. Additionally, conceptions about HIV without spiritual or religious connotation, such as ‘seeing HIV as result of a weak body’ was associated with lower risk of treatment failure (OR: 0.6; CI: 0.4-1.0; P: 0.063), higher chances for undetectable viral load (OR: 1.4; CI: 1–2; P: 0.061), and overall lower viral load (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5-1; P: 0.067). Moralizing concepts of HIV, like ‘seeing HIV as a result of sin in the family’, was linked to higher risk of opportunistic infections (OR:1.8; CI:1.1-3; P: 0.018), and higher risk of treatment failure (OR: 1.7; CI: 0.7–1.1; P: 0.066). Religious objections toward certain forms of therapy, like toward cervical cancer screening, was linked to higher risk of mental problems (OR: 2.2; CI: 1.35–3.68; P: 0.002) and higher risk of opportunistic infections (OR:1.6; CI:1.1–2.1; P: 0.008). Religious affiliations significantly influenced conceptions of HIV, health seeking behaviour, and risk taking.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study is the first to provide evidence about the statistically significant associations between religious and traditional beliefs and practices and current health outcomes and health risk factors of YPLHIV in Zimbabwe. It is also the first to identify empirically the role of religious affiliations as predictors of current viral load results. This new knowledge can inform contextualized approaches to support YPLHIV in Zimbabwe.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND FEAR OF COVID-19 IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Primary healthcare workers as the front-line fighters against the pandemic have high risk for mental problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors of psychological distress and the fear of COVID-19 in the primary health care workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the primary health care workers in Antalya. The data was collected using a self-administered hardcopy questionnaire which included three parts as participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. 65.7% of the participants are female and 40.4% are nurses-midwives. 42.2% of the participants’ departments were changed during the pandemic. Fear of COVID-19 Scale, GSI and PST scores of the females are significantly higher than males’ (all comparisons, p<0.001). Participants who changed their departments during the pandemic have significantly higher scores in all scales than who did not (all comparisons, p <0.05). Fear of COVID-19, GSI and PSDI scores of those who live in the same house with people aged 65 and over are significantly higher than those who do not (all comparisons, p<0.05). There is a moderate and significant correlation (r=0.411 and p<0.001) between the BSI scores and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The front-line healthcare workers are at high risk of psychological distress and the fear of being infected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The positive correlation between fear of COVID-19 and frequency of psychiatric symptoms is concluded as that the remedial interventions in one can also have a positive effect on the other.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students

Background/Aim: Medical students are at high risk for mental problems with already increased levels of stress and depression. The literature shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the population including medical students. However, yet, there is insufficient data to compare the mental health of medical students before and after the pandemic. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical students’ mental health. Methods: First part of these two cross- sectional studies was conducted in 2019, before the pandemic, and the second one was performed in 2021. A sociodemographic data form, The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) were applied to 1306 students in 2019 and 898 students in 2021, from all 6 grades studying at a Turkish medical school. Prevalence of depression, PSS and MBI-SS scale scores were compared in terms of year of the study, grades and some demographic variables. Results: The prevalence of depression was 64.2% in 2019 and increased to 90.9% after the pandemic. Participants with a personal or family history of being COVID-19 (+) had higher scores in CES-D (P=0.002 and P=0.001, respectively) and PSS (P=0.015 and P=0.004, respectively). Regression analysis showed that female gender, studying in preclinical phases, and living alone were significant predictors of CES-D and PSS scores. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of medical students as well as the entire society. Preventive mental health practices are required for this vulnerable population, especially for groups determined to be at risk.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Mental Health Problems Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize the prevalence and risk factors of mental health problems among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We applied an optimized search strategy across the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, and four Chinese databases, with hand searching supplemented to identify relevant surveys. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were published in peer-reviewed literature and used a validated method to assess the prevalence and risk factors of mental health problems among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heterogeneity was quantified using Q statistics and the I2 statistics. The potential causes of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the robustness of the results.Results: We pooled and analyzed data from 20 studies comprising 10,886 healthcare workers. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress symptoms, phobia, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and somatization symptoms was 24.1, 28.6, 44.1, 25.6, 35.0, 16.2, and 10.7%, respectively. Female and nurses had a high prevalence of depression and anxiety. Frontline healthcare workers had a higher prevalence of anxiety and a lower prevalence of depression than the those in the second-line. Furthermore, the proportion of moderate–severe depression and anxiety is higher in the frontline. Additionally, four studies reported on risk factors of mental health problems.Conclusions: In this systematic review, healthcare workers have a relatively high prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress symptoms, phobia, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, and somatization symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, and focus should be on the healthcare workers at high risk of mental problems. Mental health problems in healthcare workers should be taken seriously, and timely screening and appropriate intervention for the high-risk group are highly recommended.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020179189.

COVID-19 in Wuhan: Sociodemographic characteristics and hospital support measures associated with the immediate psychological impact on healthcare workers.

BackgroundThe outbreak of COVID-19 has laid unprecedented threats and challenges to health workers (HWs) in Wuhan, China. We aimed to assess the sociodemographic characteristics and hospital support measures associated with the immediate psychological impact on HWs at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan during COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsWe conducted a single-center, cross-sectional survey of HWs via online questionnaires between February 8th and 10th, 2020. We evaluated stress, depression and anxiety by IES-R, PHQ-9, and GAD-7, respectively. We also designed a questionnaire to assess the perceptions of threat of COVID-19, and the satisfactions of the hospital's support measures. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated variables of acute stress, depression, and anxiety.FindingsWe received 5062 completed questionnaires (response rate, 77.1%). 29.8%, 13.5% and 24.1% HWs reported stress, depression and anxiety symptoms. Women (odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% CI, 0.47–0.97; p = 0.032), years of working >10 years (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.47–2.79; p<0.001), concomitant chronic diseases (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.27–1.80; p<0.001), history of mental disorders (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.77–6.05; p<0.001), family members or relatives confirmed or suspected (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.48; p = 0.03), hospital-based and department-based care (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60–0.97; p = 0.024) and full coverage of all departments for avoiding nosocomial infection (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53–0.89; p = 0.004) were associated with stress.InterpretationWomen and those who have more than 10 years of working, concomitant chronic diseases, history of mental disorders, and family members or relatives confirmed or suspected are susceptible to stress, depression and anxiety among HWs during the pandemic. In addition, since HWs often have a greater stigma against mental problems than the general public, it is worthwhile to address the needs of the HWs during this pandemic and to provide appropriate psychological supports for those people at high risk of mental problems.

The risk of mental disorders in patients with disorders/differences of sex differentiation/development (DSD) and Y chromosome.

Patients with disorders/differences of sex differentiation/development (DSD) are exposed to physical and mental suffering. The aim of the study was to assess the following: the mental health status and the risk of mental problems in adult DSD patients, their dependence on therapeutic procedures, and to identify groups of disorders that require particular psychological support. The study involved 59 patients with DSD (gonadal dysgenesis - GD, androgen insensitivity syndrome - AIS, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, ovotestis), and with the Y chromosome in the karyotype, aged 16-65 years. All completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) for the assessment of their mental health status. Raw results were converted into sten scores using norms for the Polish adult population to assess the risk of mental problems. A high risk of mental problems was identified in 24% of individuals (26% men, 21% women). Women, when compared with men, displayed a significantly higher mean level of anxiety and insomnia (7.3 vs. 4.6 scores) and somatic symptoms (7.4 vs. 5.5), and worse general mental health status (25.6 vs. 18.8). The most disturbing symptoms were observed among patients with complete and partial AIS, and complete GD (general mental health status: 39.5, 24.3, and 24.2, respectively), women lacking a vagina (27.2), and without an enlarged clitoris (27.5). Patients after genital surgery had significantly fewer somatic symptoms (5.4 vs. 7.8; p < 0.05) and better general mental health status in comparison to those without surgery (20.1 vs. 24.9; p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between patients using hormone replacement therapy and those who were not. The individuals with DSD and Y chromosome in the karyotype have increased risk of developing mental problems in comparison to the general Polish population. The risk factors seem to be as follows: female gender, the lack of a vagina, the lack of virilisation (no enlarged clitoris), and no genital operations performed. In some cases, sex hormone replacement therapy may be also the risk of mental problems. Particularly vulnerable groups are CAIS, PAIS, and CGD. The psychological support and an individual approach to particular needs of these patients is necessary.

Emotional intelligence and anxiety, stress, and depression in Iranian resident physicians.

Background:Residency is one of the most critical periods of medical education. Residents are susceptible in high risk for mental problems which can affect the doctor–patient relationship. Emotional intelligence (EI) correlates closely with stress and mental health. Considering the important role of EI in medical education and with regard to lack of studies in this group in Iran, this study conducted to determine the relationship between EI and stress, anxiety, and depression in a sample of resident physician in our university of medical sciences.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 245 residents were invited, but only100 questionnaires were analyzed, and the response rate was 41%. From this, 26 were men and 74 were women. Bar-on EI questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, for evaluating the stress, anxiety, and depression and demographic characteristics were used.Results:The mean score of EI in resident physician was 330.24 ± 38.5. The mean score of stress, anxiety, and depression was 17.8 ± 8.6, 10.04 ± 7.99, and 10.49 ± 8.67 respectively. There was a negative relation between mean score of anxiety (R = −0.0525), stress (R = −0.639), and depression (R = −0.644) with a mean score of EI.Conclusion:Higher EI appears to be good predictors of lower stress, anxiety, and depression in resident physician.

Factors associated with different smoking status in European adolescents: results of the SEYLE study

Early onset and long-term smoking are associated with physical and psychological health problems. The aim of the presented analysis was to investigate risk and influencing factors for different smoking status in a big sample of European adolescents. In the context of the “saving and empowering young lives in Europe” (SEYLE) study we surveyed 12,328 adolescents at the age of 13–17 from 11 countries. The survey took place in a school-based context using a questionnaire. Overall 58% reported the onset of ever-smoking under the age of 14 and 30.9% smoke on a daily basis. Multinomial logistic regression model showed significant positive associations between adolescent smoking and internalizing problems (suicidal behavior, direct self-injurious behavior, anxiety), externalizing problems (conduct problems, hyperactivity, substance consumption) and family problems (parental substance consumption, broken home). Our data show that smoking among adolescents is still a major public health problem and adolescents who smoke are at higher risk for mental problems. Further, adolescent smoking is associated with broken home families and parental behaviors. Therefore, early preventive measures are necessary not only for adolescents, but also for their parents.

Exercise Habits Are Important for the Mental Health of Children in Fukushima After the Fukushima Daiichi Disaster.

After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear reactor accident, the outdoor activities of children greatly decreased. We investigated adverse effects on the exercise habits and mental health of children after the disaster. The target subjects were children aged 6 to 15 years living inside the government-designated evacuation zone as of March 11, 2011 (n = 29 585). The subjects' parents/guardians completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and exercise habit data were obtained from the 2011 Fukushima Health Management Survey. A total of 18 745 valid responses were returned. We excluded questionnaires with incomplete answers leaving 10 824 responses for the final analysis. SDQ scores ≥16 indicated high risk of mental health. Children in the evacuation zone who did not get regular exercise had a higher risk of mental problems as evaluated by SDQ (multivariate-adjusted prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.49; 95% CI 1.38-1.62). When stratified by sex, age, place of residence, treatment for illnesses and experienced the nuclear reactor accident the associations were essentially the same. Regular exercise is important for maintaining children's mental health after a disaster. This is the first large-scale report to examine the impact of outdoor exercise limitations among children in a nuclear accident.

The association of birth weight with cardiovascular risk factors and mental problems among Iranian school-aged children: The CASPIAN-III Study

ObjectiveBoth high and low birth weights (HBW and LBW) are risk factors for adulthood diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of birth weight with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and mental problems among Iranian school-aged children. MethodsThis national multicenter study of school-aged children entitled CASPIAN III was conducted among 5528 students in ranging from ages 10 to 18 y. Biochemical indices and anthropometric measurements were collected. Mental health was assessed by questionnaire. To investigate the association between birth weight categories and CVD risk factors and mental problems, multivariate logistic regression was used. ResultsHBW adolescents were at higher risk for elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (Ptrend < 0.05), low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (Ptrend < 0.05), and lower risk for general obesity (Ptrend < 0.05) compared with the LBW category. HBW had no significant association with mental problems (Ptrend > 0.05) compared with LBW adolescents. The results of regression analysis, which considered normal birth weight as the reference group, showed that LBW students had lower risk for overweight and obesity (P < 0.01), as well as higher DBP (P < 0.05) but they were at higher risk for lower levels of HDL-C (P < 0.01). Furthermore, birth-weight categories had a U-shaped relationship with mental problems and sleep disorders (P < 0.05). Risk for confusion was higher among the LBW group (P < 0.05). ConclusionFindings from this population-based study revealed a positive relation between birth weight categories and CVD risk factors. Compared with students born with normal weight, those born with HBW and LBW were at higher risk for mental problems, sleep disorders, and confusion.

Validating a screening tool for mental health and substance use risk in an Indigenous prison population

The Indigenous Risk Impact Screen (IRIS) is a validated culturally appropriate and widely used tool in the community for assessing substance use and mental disorder. This research aimed to assess the utility of this tool in an Indigenous prison population. The study used data collected from a cross-sectional study of mental health among Indigenous inmates in Queensland custodial centres (n = 395, 84% male). Participants were administered a modified version of the IRIS and International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnoses of substance use, depressive and anxiety disorders obtained using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The concurrent validity of the modified IRIS was assessed against those of the CIDI. Three hundred and twelve people screened as high risk for a substance use disorder and 179 were high risk for mental problems. There were 73% of males and 88% of females diagnosed with a mental disorder. The IRIS was an effective screener for substance use disorders, with high sensitivity of 94% and low specificity of 33%. The screener was less effective in identifying depression (sensitivity 82%, specificity 59%) and anxiety (sensitivity 68%, specificity 60%). The IRIS is the first culturally appropriate screening instrument to be validated for the risk of drug and alcohol and mental disorder among Indigenous adults in custody. This study demonstrated that the IRIS is a valid tool for screening of alcohol and drug use risk among an incarcerated Indigenous population. The IRIS could offer an opportunity to improve the identification, treatment and health outcomes for incarcerated Indigenous adults.

One year later: Mental health problems among survivors in hard-hit areas of the Wenchuan earthquake

To investigate the prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, and to identify risk factors related to these mental disorders among hard-hit survivors 1 year after the earthquake in Wenchuan, China. : Cross-sectional survey. A door-to-door survey covering the entire temporary community was undertaken to investigate 1195 adult earthquake survivors. The survey instruments included a questionnaire determining exposure to the earthquake, the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to examine potential risk factors. The prevalence rates of probable PTSD, anxiety and depression were 26.3%, 49.8% and 49.6%, respectively. Risk factors varied between the disorders. Among middle-aged and elderly people, bodily injury, loss of livelihood and initial fear during the earthquake were independently and significantly associated with all three mental disorders, while female gender was independently and significantly associated with PTSD and depression. PTSD, anxiety and depression remained at an elevated level among survivors in hard-hit regions 1 year after the earthquake in Wenchuan. The groups at high risk of mental problems should be specifically attended.