Hopkins Symptom Checklist Research Articles

Psychometric Properties of the Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) and Measurement Invariance Across Two Different German-Speaking Samples.

The Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) is a highly rated scale for measuring protective factors of resilience. Even though the READ has been validated in several different cultural samples, no studies have validated the READ across samples in German from Switzerland and Germany. The purpose of this study was to explore the construct validity of the German READ version in two samples from two different countries and to test the measurement invariance between those two samples. A German sample (n = 321, M = 12.74, SD = 0.77) and a German-speaking Swiss sample (n = 349, M = 12.67, SD = 0.69) of seventh graders completed the READ, Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWL). The expected negative correlations between READ and HSCL-25 and the positive correlations between RSE, self-efficacy, and SWL were supported. Furthermore, the results of the measurement invariance demonstrated that the originally proposed five-dimensional structure is equal in the German and Swiss samples, and it can be assumed that the same construct was assessed by excluding one item. The five-factor, 27-item solution is a valid and reliable self-report measure of protective factors between two German-speaking samples.

ADJUSTMENT TO COLLEGE WORK AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF INDONESIA

Relocation can be a challenging and stressful experience for most international students. The demands of cultural adjustments frequently place international students at greater risk for various psychological problems than students in general. This research aims to describe the relationship between adjustment to college work problems and psychological distress. A cross-sectional survey with a self-completion questionnaire was conducted in a convenience sample of international students in Universitas Indonesia. Using convenience sampling, 107 international students (51.4% male, mean age = 25.7 years, SD = 5.65) completed the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), a measurement of psychological distress, and the Mooney Problem Checklist – Adjustment to College Work scale as a measurement of adjustment to college work. Using the HSCL-25 score 1.75 as a cut-off, 28 participants (26.2%) reports a high psychological distress level. Pearson correlation demonstrates that there is no significant correlation between adjustment to college work problems and psychological distress. Further analysis for each adjustment-problem item was carried out to explore specific academic problems faced by international students. We found that the problems “Worrying about examination” (r = .194, p < .05) and “Fearing in failure in college” (r = .218 p < .05) were significantly associated with psychological distress. It is advisable for education institutions that accept international students to provide academic counselors or train local students to help international students.

Effects of a community health worker delivered intervention on maternal depressive symptoms in rural Tanzania.

Maternal depression affects one in four women in sub-Saharan Africa, yet evidence on effective and scalable interventions is limited. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a community health worker (CHW) delivered home visit responsive stimulation, health and nutrition intervention, and conditional cash transfers (CCTs) for antenatal care and child growth monitoring attendance on maternal depressive symptoms. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial in 12 villages in rural Ifakara, Tanzania (September 2017 to May 2019). Study villages were randomly assigned to one of three arms: (1) CHW, (2) CHW + CCT and (3) Control. Pregnant women and mothers with a child <12 months were enrolled. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using a Tanzanian-adapted version of the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) after 18 months of follow-up. We used linear mixed-effects models to estimate intervention effects on HSCL-25 scores. Results showed that the CHW intervention significantly reduced HSCL-25 scores as compared with control [unadjusted mean difference (MD) −0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.47, −0.15]. The CHW + CCT intervention also appeared to lower HSCL-25 scores (MD −0.17, 95% CI −0.33, −0.01), but results were not statistically significant. Our findings showed that a low-intensity CHW-delivered home visit responsive stimulation, health and nutrition intervention, which did not explicitly aim to improve mental health, reduced maternal depressive symptoms, though the precise mechanisms of action remain unknown. CCTs for antenatal care and child growth monitoring appeared to provide limited to no additional benefit. Community-based integrated interventions that broadly consider maternal and child health, development and well-being have the potential to promote maternal mental health in rural Tanzania and similar settings.

The prevalence of severe grief reactions after bereavement and their associations with mental health, physical health, and health service utilization: a population-based study

ABSTRACT Background: Previous research has shown that bereaved individuals are at risk of developing physical and mental health problems. However, knowledge is scarce about the associations between severe grief reactions after bereavement and physical and mental health problems and the use of health services. Objectives: The present study sought to investigate the prevalence of severe grief reactions and to study the associations of severe grief reactions with mental and physical health and health care utilization. Method: The sample comprised 20,453 adults aged 40 and above (mean age = 57.2 years, SD = 11.3 years, 52.4% female) who participated in the seventh wave of the Tromsø study. Severe grief was assessed with one question asking whether the respondent has experienced the death of a loved one and currently has difficulty accepting the loss, yearns for the deceased, and experiences intense emotional pain related to the loss. Furthermore, participants answered questions about their current physical health, mental health (Hopkins Symptom Checklist – 10), and the use of health services in the past year. Results: Overall, 5.2% of the participants reported severe grief after a loss in childhood, 25.9% after bereavement in adulthood and 4.1% after bereavement in the previous year. Female gender, higher age, living without a partner, non-Norwegian ethnicity, and lower socio-economic status were associated with severe grief. Severe grief reactions were negatively related to self-reported health, predicted positively current levels of depression and anxiety, and were positively associated with the use of health services. Effect sizes were small. Gender differences in the use of health services were observed. Conclusion: Severe grief reactions are common in individuals aged 40 and older and associated with self-reported physical and mental health problems as well as increased use of health services. Health service providers should be attentive to possible severe grief in connection with health complaints.

The relationship between resilience and loneliness elucidated by a Danish version of the resilience scale for adults

BackgroundResearch on the relationship between resilience and loneliness is sparse. The construct of resilience has been conceptualized in multiple ways, including the measurement of resilience. The Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) is a measure of protective factors. The present study examined whether resiliency moderates any negative relationship between loneliness and mental health and additionally examined the psychometric properties of the Danish translation of the RSA.MethodsA Danish sample (N = 422) completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Hopkins Symptom Check List-25 (HSCL-25), the Sense of Coherence (SOC-13), and the RSA, Resilience Scale for Adults.ResultsThe measure of loneliness correlated significantly and negatively with most facets of the RSA, except the subscales of family cohesion and structured style. The strongest correlation was the negative one between loneliness and SOC. The results indicated that people feeling lonely also experience their life as less meaningful.ConclusionThe study supports the existing six-factor structure of the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA) in a Danish sample. The results indicate that all facets of resiliency were negatively related to loneliness. Also, the facets of perception of self and family coherence could explain a substantial amount of the variance associated with symptoms of depression in relation to loneliness.

Protocol of a Community-Based Intervention on Mental Health in Kashmir

Introduction: Mental health issues are on an exponential rise in Kashmir due to varied reasons including political instability, eco fragility, the growing lag in the provision of education and employment, and several other reasons. Impediments such as the overwhelming stigma and the cultural sensitivity associated with mental health issues both sustain and perpetuate mental ill health and also prevent any treatment and rehabilitation. This article describes the protocol of a research project, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, which aims to address this issue.Aim: To screen the population for mental health issues and to provide community-based intervention for the identified cases also to train community health workers for sustainable mental health support.Methods: We will conduct a household survey using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) for the identification of the clients. A multi-stage random sampling shall be used to select the villages and the households from the marginalized communities. A sample of 500 respondents shall be screened using HSCL-25. Those who screen positive for mental health issues will be offered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by a qualified clinical psychologist. The research will be able to address the diagnosis of depression and anxiety-related cases and the subsequent intervention. Additionally, we will utilize the facilitator’s manual for Mental Health Training Program for Community Health Workers to build sustainable mental health services in community settings.Discussion: The study shall present a roadmap focusing on the indispensability of a comprehensive community-based intervention on mental health utilizing a non-pharmacological method. Assessing and analyzing the dynamics of mental health illness first hand, the study shall move ahead to offer a culturally tailored counseling program at the community level. The study also aims to highlight the role of the indigenous human resource (community health workers) and how its participation leads to a more scientific and sustainable intervention for more effective results, with an increased level of awareness and sensitization in a conventional society like Kashmir.

The BDS checklist as measure of illness severity: a cross-sectional cohort study in the Danish general population, primary care and specialised setting

ObjectiveThe bodily distress syndrome (BDS) checklist has proven to be useful in the diagnostic categorisation and as screening tool for functional somatic disorders (FSD). This study aims to investigate whether...

COVID-19 and psychological distress in Norway: The role of trust in the healthcare system.

Aim:The study aims to examine groups at risk for psychological distress in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak, and the role of trust in the healthcare system as a possible moderator.Methods:Data were collected from a large sample of the Norwegian population (n = 4008) through the Norwegian Citizen Panel (NCP). A linear regression was conducted to examine the effects of COVID-19 related risk factors on psychological distress, using the 10-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-10). Finally, we conducted a moderation analysis to examine the interaction of trust in the healthcare system and COVID-19 related risk factors.Results:A linear regression showed that female gender, younger age, lower level of education, being infected with COVID-19, being medically vulnerable, working in the healthcare system, being in voluntary quarantine and having an immigrant background predicted mean HSCL-10 scores. The moderation analysis revealed that people in the medically vulnerable group, those below 61, and those in quarantine reported higher psychological distress when they also had lower trust in the healthcare system.Conclusions:Findings indicate important groups to take into consideration in mental healthcare strategies and policies. However, most participants in the current study reported psychological distress levels that were below the clinical cut-off, suggesting that the majority may have coped relatively well in the early stages of the pandemic.

Links between chemsex and reduced mental health among Norwegian MSM and other men: results from a cross-sectional clinic survey

BackgroundThe use of specific drugs to facilitate, enhance or prolong sexual sessions is referred to as ‘chemsex’. The popularity of the behavior seems to be growing, but there is a paucity of information on the mental health aspects associated with chemsex and no data on chemsex from Nordic countries. We investigated the link between chemsex and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM) and other men in Norway.MethodsWe recruited participants from a walk-in sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic. Participants completed a piloted, anonymous self-administered survey. It consisted of questions about men’s sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, sexual behaviors, substance use, and chemsex. The outcome we investigated was reduced mental health, measured with the validated Hopkins Symptom Check List. We obtained descriptive statistics and performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results1013 (96%) of the surveys were complete and could be analysed. The mean age of the sample was 33, 51% were MSM, and 21.7% had reduced mental health. More MSM than other men engaged in chemsex in the past year (17% vs 12%). The most frequently reported chemsex drugs were cocaine and gamma hydroxybutyrate/gamma butyrolactone (GHB/GBL). Men engaged in chemsex primarily to enhance sexual pleasure and excitement, and about half reported almost never or never using condoms for chemsex. In univariate analyses, significant predictors of reduced mental health was chemsex (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.82), being unemployed (OR = 3.54), and having sex with only women (OR = 0.58). In multivariate analyses, two variables remained significantly associated with reduced mental health: chemsex (adjusted OR = 2.18, 95%CI = 1.25–3.78) and being unemployed (adjusted OR = 4.10, 95%CI = 2.13–7.87).ConclusionsIn our sample of men from an STI clinic in Norway, about 14% self-reported engaging in chemsex in the past year and about a fifth of the men had reduced mental health. Men who engaged in chemsex, which more MSM engaged in than other men, had two times greater odds of reduced mental health. These findings suggest that mental health assistance should be among the interventions offered to men engaging in chemsex.

Mental health and access to care among refugee mothers relocated to San Diego: a comparative study of Iraqi and Somali refugee communities

BackgroundMental illness is common amongst refugees and can differ depending on cultural background, experiences, and access to care. Given significant risk factors including high rates of exposure to sexual violence and different barriers to seeking adequate health care, refugee mothers are uniquely at risk.MethodsIn 2012–2013, surveys were administered to a convenience sample of Somali and systematic random sample of Iraqi refugee mothers to identify differences in mental health between the populations. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) identified respondents with major depression and emotional distress. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare these populations and identify variables associated with mental illness.Results198 Somali and 219 Iraqi women were included. Most Iraqis (60.27%) had not seen a mental health provider while most Somalis (62.63%) had. On average, Iraqis scored 0.34 points higher (worse) on the HSCL-25 compared to Somalis (95% CI, 0.22–0.46; P < 0.001). Iraqis were more likely to have major depression (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.50–4.57, P = 0.001). On multivariable analysis accounting for the country of origin, those who saw a mental health provider were less likely to have major depression or emotional distress (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22–0.82, P = 0.011; OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.85, P = 0.015, respectively).DiscussionIraqi refugee mothers were more likely to have depression compared to Somalis. Refugee mothers who saw a mental health provider were less likely to have depression or emotional distress. These results suggest the cultural background and access to health services among refugee mothers’ impact on mental health.

Quality of life among patients seeking treatment for substance use disorder, as measured with the EQ-5D-3L

PurposeThere is a need to assess the quality of treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and document SUD patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The study aims to describe Norwegian SUD patients’ HRQoL as measured by EQ-5D, compared to a general population sample, and discuss the potential usefulness of the EQ-5D to monitor HRQoL for SUD patients.MethodsOne hundred seventy eight SUD patients (66.3% male) were administered the EQ-5D-3L at treatment start. Patients and general population samples were compared in terms of reported EQ-5D-3L health states, problems by dimension, UK index values, and EQ VAS scores. We investigated specific drug dependence, mental health disorders, sex, age, and education as predictors of EQ-5D-3L values and EQ VAS scores. Anxiety/depression dimension scores were compared to Hopkins symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) scores.Results91.6% of the patient sample reported problems on the EQ-5D-3L, with 29.8% reporting extreme problem, compared to 39.8% and 3.0% in the general population sample. Mean index (EQ VAS) score among SUD patients was .59 (59.9) compared to .90 (84.1) in the general population. Regression analyses identified phobic anxiety and cocaine dependence as statistically significant predictors of higher EQ-5D-3L index scores.ConclusionSUD patients report substantially reduced HRQoL, as measured using the EQ-5D-3L. The most frequently reported problems were for the anxiety/depression, pain/discomfort, and usual activities dimensions. The EQ-5D may be a useful and practical instrument for monitoring HRQoL in SUD patients.

A rapid assessment of migrant careworkers\u2019 psychosocial status during Israel\u2019s COVID-19 lockdown

BackgroundIsrael hosts nearly 70,000 migrant careworkers. Migrant careworkers work and live with populations extremely vulnerable to the novel Coronavirus, including the elderly and people with pre-existing physical conditions. This rapid assessment aimed to explore psychosocial status and mental wellbeing of migrant careworkers in Israel during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and determine risk and protective factors associated with mental distress, anxiety, and depression.MethodsThis quantitative study was conducted via an online survey. The online survey collected social and demographic data, including country of origin, residence, age, sex, and time in Israel. In addition, questions were asked about knowledge of COVID-19 guidelines, access to supplies, and COVID-related racism. Respondents also completed a psychosocial screening tools, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-10 (HSCL-10), which was used to screen for depression and anxiety.ResultsAs of May 3rd, 2020, 307 careworkers responded to the online survey, of whom 120 (39.1%) were found symptomatic using the HSCL-10. Separating the HSCL-10 into subscales, 28.0% were symptomatically anxious, and 38.1% were symptomatic for depression. In multivariate regression, emotional distress was associated with household food insecurity (OR: 5.85; p < 0.001), lack of confidence to care for oneself and employer during the pandemic (OR: 3.85; p < 0.001), poorer general health (OR: 2.98; p < 0.003), non-Philippine country of origin (OR: 2.83; p < 0.01), female sex (OR: 2.34; p < 0.04),, and inversely associated with age (p < 0.03). While 87.6% of careworkers reported having access to hand sanitization materials regularly, only 58.0% had regular access to a medical grade mask, and 21.5% reported household food insecurity. Moreover, 40.0% of careworkers claimed to lack confidence to care for themselves and their employer during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsMigrant careworkers exhibited high levels of mental distress during the COVID-19 lockdown, associated with lack of confidence or resources to properly care for themselves and their employer. Guidelines and support programs specific to the carework sector, that respect their rights and guard their health, must be developed as part of a coordinated COVID-19 response.

Effects of adverse social behaviour at the workplace on subsequent mental distress: a 3-year prospective study of the general working population in Norway

ObjectiveWe aimed to provide an integrated picture of the relationship between different facets of adverse social behaviour (ASB) at work and mental health problem.MethodsData were provided from a longitudinal nationwide study of the general population in Norway. Eligible respondents were in paid work during a reference week in 2013, or temporarily absent from such work, and was interviewed at 3-year follow-up (n = 3654, response at baseline/follow-up = 53.1%/71.8%). We investigated the prospective associations of self-reported exposure to ASBs, including threats/acts of violence, bullying, sexual harassment and workplace conflicts, with mental distress (the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist) at follow-up, by means of multiple logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 6.6% (242 individuals) were classified with mental distress at follow-up. Work-related predictors were sexual harassment (OR = 1.64 07, 95% CI 1.03 − 2.61), bullying (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.19 − 3.60) and workplace conflicts (OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.07 − 2.13). An elevated, but non-statistically significant association was observed for threats/acts of violence. No significant interactions were found between ASB and mental distress score at baseline. Overall there were few indications of substantial confounding related to age, sex, education level or occupation. After adjusting for these factors, the overall population attributable risk of mental distress attributable to any exposure to ASB was 11.3% (95%CI 0.6–22.3).ConclusionsWe observed robust associations between exposure to three out of four types of ASB and risk of mental distress. Taken together, the results underscore that adverse social behaviour at the workplace may have a substantial impact on the level of mental distress in the general working population.

Assessment of the Mental Health Status of Social Media Users during the Outbreak of COVID-19

Background and Objectives: The sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a shock to the international community, especially global health policymakers, has affected millions of individuals The current study aimed to investigate the mental health status of social media users during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Iran Methods: The present descriptive study was carried out on a total of 443 Telegram and WhatsApp users selected using convenience sampling Data collection was conducted by the online questionnaire of the symptoms of mental disorders of Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL)-25 The statistical methods of mean and standard deviation and t-test were used in order to analyze the data Results: The obtained findings showed that the mean total score of the symptoms of mental disorders was relatively high among the participants Based on the results, it was shown that the mean score of mental symptoms among the study subjects at low levels was 9 27% In this study, phobia among the respondents was reported with an average of 27 3% The lowest rate among mental disorders was related to psychosis with an average of 0 5% (P<0 05) Conclusion: Based on the findings of the current study, the mean scores of women in mental disorders, physical complaints, obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, and paranoid thoughts were higher than those reported for men The infected individuals with COVID-19 had higher symptoms of mental disorders in the components of physical complaints, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and phobia than those not infected with COVID-19 The single participants had higher symptoms of mental disorders than the married subjects The symptoms of physical complaints, anxiety, and phobia were higher among the patients with chronic illnesses than those without chronic diseases The frequency of phobia was higher among the participants with parents suffering from chronic diseases

Does cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness-based therapy improve mental health and emotion regulation among men who perpetrate intimate partner violence? A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIntimate partner violence constitutes a serious health problem worldwide. To date the evidence is sparse on whether intimate partner violence group interventions could improve mental health outcomes among perpetrators and their partners. ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness of nurse-led cognitive-behavioural group therapy vs. mindfulness-based stress reduction group therapy in improving reported mental health outcomes and emotion regulation at 12 months’ follow-up amongst perpetrators who voluntarily seek help for violence in intimate partnerships. DesignA randomised controlled trial. ParticipantsA total of 125 persons at an outpatient service run by a University Hospital in Norway for men who perpetrate intimate partner violence were enroled in the study. MethodsThe participants were randomly assigned to cognitive-behavioural group therapy (intervention group, N = 67) or mindfulness-based stress reduction group therapy (comparator group, N = 58). The pre-defined outcomes were symptoms of anxiety and depression as reported by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 and general emotion regulation as reported by Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale at 12 months’ follow-up. ResultsA reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression was reported, with no between-group differences (intervention group: coefficient: − 0.17, P = 0.009; comparator group: coefficient: − 0.13, P = 0.036). Both groups had a small but statistically significant reduction in the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale scores at 12 months’ follow-up (intervention group: coefficient: − 0.47, P = <0.001; comparator group: coefficient: − 0. 34, P = <0.001). ConclusionEven though there was reduction in symptoms in both groups at 12 months’ follow-up with no between-group differences, the total symptom scores remained high in both groups. Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01653860.

Risk and Protective Factors for Common Mental Disorders among Urban Somali Refugee Youth.

The purpose of this study was to explore exposure to trauma as well as demographic and psychosocial factors as predictors of mental health symptoms among Somali refugees in Kenya. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling to complete a survey and included 86 Somali refugee youth, aged 15 to 34years, who were living in Eastleigh. We measured trauma using a total traumas experienced variable as well as four trauma types categories (pre-migration/migration trauma, post-migration trauma, family trauma, and individual trauma). We measured anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) and PTSD using the PTSD Check List - Civilian Version (PCL-C). We ran descriptive statistics followed by multiple linear regression models with trauma exposure, education, gender, and willingness to share problems as predictors of mental health symptoms. Out of 12 possible traumatic events, most participants (83.7%) reported experiencing at least one trauma, and participants reported experiencing an average of 3.76 total traumas. The regression models predicted between 11.5% and 35.5% of the variance of the mental health symptoms. Willingness to share problems was a significant predictor of decreased mental health symptoms in most models. These findings highlight the role of trauma exposure and psychosocial factors in predicting Somali refugee mental health and indicate that implementing programs to encourage problem sharing may help address Somali refugee mental health needs. Further research is needed to explore the differential impact of trauma exposure and various psychosocial factors on Somali refugee mental health.

Emotional Regulation Following Acquired Brain Injury: Associations With Executive Functioning in Daily Life and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.

Objective: To examine whether a questionnaire measuring emotional regulation after acquired brain injury adds clinical information beyond what can be obtained with a comprehensive executive function questionnaire and an anxiety and depression measure.Method: Seventy adult persons (age 19–66 years, Mage = 43, SDage = 13) with acquired brain injury in the chronic phase and executive function complaints. All were recruited to participate in a randomized controlled trial (NCT02692352) evaluating the effects of cognitive rehabilitation. Traumatic brain injury was the dominant cause of injury (64%), and mean time since injury was 8 years. Emotional regulation was assessed with the Brain Injury Trust Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire (BREQ). Executive function was assessed with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Adult Version (BRIEF-A). The Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 (HCSL-25) was employed to measure anxiety and depression symptoms.Results: Overall, significant correlations were found between reports of emotional regulation (BREQ) and executive function in daily life (BRIEF-A). Furthermore, our analyses revealed a significant relationship between self-reported scores of emotional regulation (BREQ) and symptoms of anxiety and depression (HSCL-25).Conclusion: The significant associations between the BREQ and most of the other clinical measures indicate that, for patients with acquired brain injury, the BREQ does not add substantial information beyond what can be assessed with the BRIEF-A and the HSCL-25.

Domestic violence victimisation and its association with mental distress: a cross-sectional study of the Yangon Region, Myanmar

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of domestic violence, with subgroups of physical, sexual and emotional violence, among men and women and to assess the association between any lifetime domestic violence (DV)...

Suicidal ideation among Nepali widows: an exploratory study of risk factors and comorbid psychosocial problems.

Suicide is a leading cause of death among Nepali women of reproductive age. Suicidal ideation has known associations with stressful life events, which Nepali widows disproportionately experience. We aimed to identify risk and protective factors that could lead to effective interventions for this population. To study suicidal ideation in Nepali widows, we collected data from 204 women in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas whose husbands died at least one year prior. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information, the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25, PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version, Somatic Symptom Scale-8, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Overall severity of prolonged grief was assessed by a counselor after completing a structured clinical interview. Using multivariate regression models, we assessed associations of sociodemographic and psychosocial indicators with past-year suicidal ideation. Latent profile analysis was also performed to estimate profiles of comorbidities. Past-year suicidality was high, with 16.2% (N = 33). Each year increase since husband's death was protective and reduced odds of ideation 8% (95% CI 0.85-0.98) and being educated and of older age also reduced the odds of ideation by 0.21 (95% CI 0.06-0.70), and 0.09 (95% CI 0.01-0.64), respectively. Depression (OR = 6.37, 95% CI 2.78-14.59), PTSD (OR = 3.84, 95% CI 2.15-6.86), prolonged grief (OR = 6.04, 95% CI 3.04-12.00) and anxiety (OR = 6.52, 95% CI 2.96-14.38) were highly associated with suicidality, and mapped onto the three profiles of increasing mental distress severity. Suicide remains a major issue among Nepali widows, showing high comorbidity with other mental disorders. Screening for depression, anxiety, and prolonged grief, may aid in identifying widows at increased risk of suicidal ideation.

Prevalence and predictors of common mental disorders among Syrian refugees in Istanbul, Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

The war in Syria has created the greatest refugee crisis in the twenty-first century. Turkey hosts the highest number of registered Syrian refugees, who are at increased risk of common mental disorders because of their exposure to war, violence and post-displacement stressors. The aim of this paper is to examine the prevalence and predictors of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among Syrian refugees living in Turkey. A cross-sectional survey of adult Syrian refugees was conducted between February and May 2018 in Istanbul (Sultanbeyli district). Participants (N = 1678) were randomly selected through the registration system of the district municipality. The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) was used to measure anxiety and depression and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL-5) assessed posttraumatic stress. Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were used. The prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD were 36.1%, 34.7% and 19.6%, respectively. Comorbidity was high. Regression analyses identified several socio-demographic, health and post-displacement variables that predicted common mental disorders including: being female, facing economic difficulties, previous trauma experience, and unmet need for social support, safety, law and justice. A lifetime history of mental health treatment and problems accessing adequate healthcare were associated with depression and anxiety but not with PTSD. Mental disorder symptoms are highly prevalent among Syrian refugees in Turkey. The association with post-displacement factors points to the importance of comprehensive health and social services that can address these social, economic and cultural stressors.