Mental Health Research Articles

Metaverse for mental health disorders: Opportunities and challenges

Several articles on the mental health impact of the metaverse and the need to balance its potential benefits with the risks of metaverse use has recently published. The metaverse consists of a combination of immersive technologies and artificial intelligence algorithms. The metaverse differs from the preceding digital psychiatric interventions due to its complex structure and interactions between components. The diverse functions of the metaverse ensure that it may have a substantial impact on mental health. However, the evidence for its efficacy in treating mental health disorders is limited to a few trials. The mental health benefits of immersive technologies are well-documented and suggest that metaverse-based psychiatric treatment may be similarly efficacious. The mental health risks of the metaverse are largely unknown, and it is not clear whether they will be greater than other digital psychiatric interventions. Much more research is needed to determine whether metaverse-based psychiatric treatment will meet the standards of appropriate mental healthcare.

Mental health staff’s experiences of implementing trauma-informed care in the NHS

Purpose The NHS long-term plan outlined that mental health services in the UK will be based on the trauma-informed approach in the next 10 years. Staff in leadership roles in those services will face a responsibility to lead the implementation of TIC; however, little is known about the experiences of these staff attempting to create change. Therefore, this study aims to gain an understanding of mental health staff (MHS)’s experiences in implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) in the NHS. Design/methodology/approach In total, 14 mental health staff (MHS), comprising ten psychologists and four multidisciplinary clinicians, were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams to provide qualitative data. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) reflexive thematic analysis. Findings Five themes were found: 1) having a visionary outlook and high expectations for change, 2) professional growth and personal development, 3) affirmation of the role’s importance and impact, 4) psychological discomfort and 5) ways of coping. Participants strongly believed that TIC should be standard practice for all health-care staff, noting that implementing TIC led to their professional and personal growth. While they found satisfaction in influencing others to value TIC, they experienced negative emotions when their efforts were unsuccessful and used various strategies to overcome barriers and manage psychological discomfort. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the experiences of MHS implementing TIC in the NHS. Support recommendations for staff in the role are made and future research is identified.

Return on Investment of Enhanced Behavioral Health Services.

Employer-sponsored benefit programs aim to increase access to behavioral health care, which may help contain health care costs. However, research has either focused solely on clinical outcomes or demonstrated reductions in medical claims without accounting for the costs of behavioral health services, leaving the financial return on investment unknown. To determine whether a clinically effective employer-sponsored behavioral health benefit is associated with net medical cost savings. This retrospective cohort study included participants eligible for an employer-sponsored behavioral health benefit between November 1, 2019, and May 31, 2023. Eligibility criteria included having a behavioral health diagnosis and, in the program group, attending at least 1 behavioral health appointment. Program users were matched to nonusers on medical risk scores, behavioral health diagnoses, date of diagnosis, age, sex, and employer. Participants were followed up for 1 year before and after the benefit launch. A digital platform screened individuals for common behavioral health conditions and provided access to video and in-person psychotherapy, medication management, care navigation, and self-guided digital content. Primary outcomes were per member per month (PMPM) medical spending, inclusive of all medical claims and program costs. A difference-in-differences analysis was used to compare changes in net medical spending between groups from the year before and up to 1 year after an index mental health diagnosis. This study included 13 990 participants: 4907 of 4949 (99.1%) eligible program group members were matched to 9083 control participants. Their mean (SD) age was 37 (13.2) years, and most participants (65.5%) were female. Costs decreased in the program group relative to the control group, with a net difference-in-differences of -$164 PMPM (95% CI, -$228 to -$100 PMPM), corresponding to savings of $1070 per participant in the first program year and a return on investment of 1.9 times the costs (ie, every $100 invested reduced medical claims costs by $190). Behavioral health costs in the program group increased relative to the control group but were more than offset by decreases in physical health care costs. Savings were larger for participants with higher medical risk. In this cohort study, every $100 invested in an employer-sponsored behavioral health program with fast access to psychotherapy and medication management was associated with a reduction in medical claims costs by $190. These findings suggest that expanding access to behavioral health care may be a financially viable cost-reduction strategy for health care buyers.

Nutritional Psychiatry: The Impact of Diet on Mental Health

Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging discipline exploring the intricate relationship between diet and mental health. This field emphasizes the role of dietary patterns, nutrients, and the gut-brain axis in influencing psychological well-being. Research highlights the benefits of specific nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium, in alleviating symptoms of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods and healthy fats, is associated with improved mental health outcomes and reduced cognitive decline. Furthermore, the gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in the gut-brain axis, influencing mood and behavior through complex biochemical pathways. Clinical applications of nutritional psychiatry advocate personalized interventions, dietary assessments, and collaboration with registered dietitians. Despite significant advancements, broader policy reforms and interdisciplinary approaches are essential to integrate nutritional psychiatry into standard mental health care practices. This review underscores the transformative potential of diet as a therapeutic tool in mental health management and calls for continued research to solidify its role in psychiatric care. Keywords: Nutritional psychiatry, Mental health, Gut-brain axis, Mediterranean diet, Nutritional interventions.

Urbanisation and mental health in left-behind children: systematic review and meta-analysis using resilience framework

Abstract Background Prolonged parental separation at young ages has significant adverse effects on development in left-behind-children (LBC). We aimed to compare mental health status, emotional and behavioural problems, and their association with socioemotional development between LBC and their counterparts. Methods Cross-sectional studies comparing LBC and non-LBC published from 2000 onwards were searched. Primary outcomes included depression, anxiety emotional and behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes included loneliness, self-harm, suicide, and risk-related behaviours. Quality of all included articles was assessed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal. Data was analyzed by random model-based effect method. Results 78 observational studies comprising of 394,308 children aged 2–18 were included. Compared to NLBC, LBC had significantly more depression, anxiety, emotional and behavioural problems, conduct problems, self-harm, loneliness, peer bullying, attempts of smoking and alcohol consumption. Subgroup analyses found that younger LBC between the ages of 6 to 12 were at greater risks of poor mental health, emotional and behavioural problems. Conclusion Absent parental care prevents healthy socio-emotional development and hinder the formation of secure attachment. Poor social-emotional development leads to worse emotional resilience against psychological stressors, while LBC residing in rural areas also experience additional risk factors of low household income and poor access to mental health services. Impact statement Prolonged parental separation negatively influences mental health, especially in younger children between the ages 6 to 12. Poor social-emotional development in left-behind children is associated with worse emotional resilience against psychological stressors. Additional risk factors including residing in rural areas, low household income, and poor access to mental health services predisposes left-behind children to high risks of mental illness. Timely support services targeted towards strengthening resilience factor such as learning better emotional and behavioural coping strategies and improving school and peer support to address increased risk of mental health problems are required for current left-behind children.

The Performance of the Social Worker in Mental Health in Primary Care From the Perspective of the Interdisciplinary Team

Objective: This study aimed to reflect on the work of the social worker in Mental Health in Primary Care, and to investigate and discuss issues related to the concept of the health team in real qualitative research developed with twelve professionals from three Basic Health Units located in the city of Apucarana, Paraná. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with guiding questions, which were analyzed using content analysis to this activity. Theoretical Framework: Primary Health Care is considered a reorganization of the care model that was centered on illness and hospital treatment. It is the gateway to the SUS, with actions aimed at health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation. It is also an important space to reaffirm the assumptions of the Psychiatric Reform. Method: This is qualitative research developed with twelve professionals from three Basic Health Units located in the city of Apucarana, Paraná. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with guiding questions, which were analyzed using content analysis, which allowed the identification of three categories of analysis. Results and Discussion: This study revealed that health professionals are unaware of the role of social workers in mental health in Primary Care. Furthermore, they attribute mental health care almost exclusively to psychologists/psychiatrists, reaffirming the care centered on the hegemonic medical model. However, they can perceive the need for this professional to be part of the health team and how much he or she can contribute through his or her broad perspective and training, which provides critical reflection on work processes. Research Implications: The research highlights the need for social workers to work with health teams on the socio-educational axis for the initial process of deconstructing the concepts of mental health and madness that exist and consolidating the principles of psychiatric reform. Originality/Value: This study seeks to reiterate the need for Public Policies in the area of ​​mental health to be implemented and deployed so that this socio-occupational space is occupied by the professional Social Worker more greatly and that it integrates these multidisciplinary health teams.

Impact and perceptions of Active Learning Classrooms on reducing sedentary behaviour and improving physical and mental health and academic indicators in children and adolescents: A scoping review

Prolonged sitting in school harms children’s physical and mental health and reduces the ability to focus on classroom tasks. ’Active Learning Classrooms’ (ALCs) aim to decrease sitting time, following current pedagogical trends, though research on the effects of ALCs on these aspects is still an emerging field. The aims of this review were to: (i) synthesise the available literature on the impact of ALCs on reducing sedentary behaviour, increasing physical activity (PA), physical and mental health, and academic indicators in children and adolescents; and (ii) describe the educational community’s perceptions and teaching practices used in ALCs. This scoping review followed Joanna Briggs Methods and PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. We searched for peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative studies published in English that examined the impact of ALCs on movement patterns, physical or mental health, and academic indicators in children and adolescents, as well as those that explored the perceptions of members of the educational community and the teaching practices used in ALCs. Databases research included MEDLINE (PubMed), ERIC, SCOPUS and ProQuest Education. Nineteen studies were included, of which 11 were experimental, 4 were cross-sectional, and 4 were qualitative. The analysis revealed a predominantly positive influence of ALCs on children’s sedentary behaviour, learning engagement and psychological well-being; and mixed results on PA, physical health and academic performance. Our results also suggest that learning spaces are positively perceived and well accepted by the entire educational community, and that teachers teaching in ALCs are more prone to use student-centered and collaborative pedagogies than in traditional classrooms. Although this review shows a positive impact on key health and education variables, the evidence is limited and lacks depth. In addition, the small number of studies and their methodological weaknesses prevent robust conclusions, but the results still help to guide future decisions.

Insights for a Next Pandemic: An Assessment of Laboratory COVID-19 Safety

In January 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, underscoring the importance of safeguarding measures and mental health support for medical professionals due to its serious impact and widespread reach. This study aimed to assess knowledge gaps in safety guidelines and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among staff in medical laboratories, specifically all accredited laboratories actively engaged in COVID-19 testing in Jordan. Data were collected via a blinded, non-stratified electronic questionnaire, with one response submitted from each laboratory through a Google Form. The survey targeted laboratory personnel affiliated with the 40 accredited laboratories handling COVID-19 testing. A validated questionnaire consisting of 25 questions was used to evaluate the knowledge of these laboratories. The findings indicate that workers in certain laboratories exhibited deficiencies in their understanding of safety regulations, quality control, and the proper use of PPE when handling COVID-19 samples. Additionally, the study highlights the increasing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ mental health. The demanding laboratory work necessitated by the pandemic can have negative psychological effects on staff. These effects underscore the importance of implementing supportive mental health policies and resources to mitigate psychological impact and enhance the overall well-being of laboratory personnel. Addressing these knowledge gaps, improving safety protocols, and providing adequate mental health support are crucial steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of laboratory staff and enhancing the overall management of future pandemics.

Therapeutic Evaluation and Utilization Analysis of Mental Health Prescription Digital Therapeutics Within the Current Regulatory Landscape

Prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) are emerging as a pivotal component of digital healthcare, providing software-based therapies for various diseases. This review aims to analyze the regulatory landscape in the U.S., safety, efficacy, and current challenges of PDTs, focusing on mental health conditions. Relevant articles were searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA Guidance Documents databases, supplemented by manual searches of reference lists from included studies. Inclusion criteria covered English-language studies on the development and application, therapeutic efficacy, and regulatory guidelines of PDTs in mental health. Data extraction and synthesis were conducted to summarize key findings and trends in the literature. FDA regulatory frameworks for PDTs are evolving through pathways of de novo and 510(k) applications, with patient-centric guidance. Clinical trials and real-world data support PDTs’ safety and efficacy, while highlighting regulatory needs. Challenges include payer coverage, patient accessibility, and data privacy concerns. Mixed patient feedback reveals areas for improvement. Limited healthcare provider engagement and payer coverage contributed to financial challenges for PDT manufacturers. Future trends suggest that PDTs will expand beyond mental health. The evolving landscape underscores the need for continued research, regulatory refinement, and collaborative efforts across stakeholders to ensure the successful integration of PDTs into healthcare.

Barriers and Facilitators to User Engagement and Moderation for Web-Based Peer Support Among Young People: Qualitative Study Using the Behavior Change Wheel Framework

Background Peer support groups or web-based chats for young people offer anonymous peer support in judgment-free spaces, where users may share their thoughts and feelings with others who may have experienced similar situations. User engagement is crucial for effective web-based peer support; however, levels of engagement vary. While moderation of peer support groups can have a positive impact on the engagement of young people, effective moderation can be challenging to implement. Objective This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to user engagement with, and moderation of, web-based peer support groups among young people aged 16 to 25 years and to provide recommendations for enhancing this service. Methods Drawing upon the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW), this study conducted qualitative interviews and gathered open-ended questionnaires from service users and moderators of The Mix, the United Kingdom’s leading web-based mental health platform providing peer support groups for young people. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 2 service users and 8 moderators, and open-ended questionnaires were completed by 7 service users. Themes were coded using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model and the TDF. The BCW tools were then used to identify relevant behavior change techniques to improve user engagement in, and moderation of, the service. Results Thematic analysis revealed a total of 20 inductive themes within 10 TDF domains—9 (45%) for engagement and 11 (55%) for moderation. Of these 20 themes, 3 (15%) were facilitators of engagement, 7 (35%) were facilitators of moderation, 4 (20%) were barriers to moderation, and 6 (30%) barriers to engagement. Results suggest that skills, knowledge, beliefs about consequences, intentions, emotions, and the social and physical environment are important factors influencing service users and moderators of group chats. In particular, supporting the improvement of memory, attention, and decision-making skills of those involved; adapting the physical environment to facilitate effective interactions; and reducing negative emotions are suggested to optimize the value and effectiveness of peer support groups for young people’s mental health for both the service users and moderators of these services. Conclusions The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the BCW approach and the use of the TDF and COM-B model to understand the influences on behavior in a systematic manner, especially for mental health and well-being interventions. The findings can be applied to design structured interventions to change behaviors related to the engagement with, and moderation of, web-based peer support groups and, in turn, improve mental health outcomes for young people.

The Role of Micronutrients in Immune Function and Health: Insights from Healthcare Professionals on Multivitamin-Multimineral Supplementation

Aims: Despite the inconsistent findings in existing literature, micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, and trace elements like zinc and selenium, are crucial for sustaining immune competence. The study aimed to capture valuable insights from healthcare professionals (HCPs) about their perceptions with a multivitamin multimineral supplement (MVMS) in making informed decisions regarding the use, benefits, applicability and integration in clinical practice. Study Design: A retrospective real-world data survey. Place and Duration of Study: Across India, from September 10 to October 16, 2024. Methodology: A digital survey platform with a 23-question close ended questionnaire was developed, that provided a secure, user-friendly interface, and was shared as a link with clear instructions and objectives among 250 HCPs of different specialities. Upon completion, data obtained was collated and compiled into a comprehensive report, highlighting the key trends, insights, and actionable findings, and subsequently recommendations were developed, focusing on clinical performance across acute illnesses. Results and Discussion: This study explores the growing evidence linking micronutrients to immune function and health, and focuses on the role of MVMS in enhancing immune responses and overall well-being. The HCPs reported calcium deficiency in 61.2% of women, while fatigue emerged as the most common and debilitating symptom of iron deficiency, reported by 80.4% HCPs. 98% of HCPs agreed that MVMS helps reduce fatigue and enhances energy within 2-3 weeks, while 95% confirmed its role in accelerating recovery from acute illnesses. Furthermore, 94.4% of HCPs acknowledged that MVMS helps boost immunity, reduces the frequency of illnesses, improves productivity and quality of life. Notably, 82% of HCPs recognized that MVMS helps in speeding the recovery from illnesses in their patients by 50%. 89.6% of HCPs believed that MVMS helps their patients gain energy in 2-3 weeks/a month of daily consumption by upto 50%. Beyond physical health, 87.6% of HCPs recognized that MVMS helps improve mental alertness, stress, enhances cognitive and mental health, and aspects of daily functioning by reducing mental fatigue and improving stamina. Additionally, 94.4% of HCPs affirmed that MVMS helps patients return to their normal routines faster, typically within 2-3 weeks, reducing infection rates and absenteeism. Conclusion: During acute illness, a depleted state of micronutrients is observed, thus adding MVMS may help restore the depleted micronutrients and support immune health. MVMS has emerged as a scientifically validated intervention to address micronutrient deficiencies, helps contribute to improve immunity, accelerate recovery, improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and support cognitive and mental health. The insights obtained offer valuable guidance for individualized patient care and highlights the importance of micronutrient supplementation in supporting immune health. The balanced composition of 12 vitamins, 2 minerals, 5 trace elements, and an amino-acid, was well-tolerated across diverse populations, making it an integral component of preventive and therapeutic healthcare strategies.

Machine learning insights into patient satisfaction following lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) has become a minimally invasive procedure for treating degenerative lumbar conditions. While it offers reduced blood loss and faster recovery, patient satisfaction following LLIF surgery shows significant variability. Identifying the factors influencing satisfaction is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes and improving patient care. This study aims to determine key factors affecting patient satisfaction after LLIF surgery using machine learning (ML) models, including Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN). Additionally, the study evaluates the predictive performance of these models to identify the most influential factors contributing to postoperative satisfaction. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 149 patients who underwent LLIF surgery. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected, including patient demographics, clinical measures, surgical details, and functional outcomes. Based on these variables, ML models were used to predict patient satisfaction vs. not satisfied) satisfaction (s. Model performance was evaluated using fivefold cross-validation, with metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. Of the 149 patients, 85.2% reported satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Random Forest achieved the highest predictive performance, with an average accuracy of 82.6%, precision of 83.6%, recall of 99.2%, and an F1 score of 90.7%. Key factors influencing patient satisfaction included the preoperative low back pain score, social life function, and postoperative improvements in walking ability and mental health. Surgical factors, such as the number of fused segments and endplate injury, had less influence on satisfaction. Functional outcomes, particularly improvements in low back pain, walking ability, and mental health, are the primary determinants of patient satisfaction following LLIF surgery. In contrast, surgical factors play a less significant role. Mental health emerged as a critical factor, underscoring the importance of addressing psychological recovery through preoperative counseling and personalized postoperative care. The analysis demonstrated that ML models, especially Random Forest, are effective tools for identifying the factors most predictive of postoperative satisfaction. These findings highlight the potential of ML techniques to enhance personalized treatment planning and improve outcomes by focusing on both physical and mental recovery. Further research, including multi-center studies and the integration of psychological variables, is needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of patient satisfaction after LLIF surgery.

Racial and ethnic differences in how mental health, alcohol and drug use, and financial condition were affected by COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily life. This study examined differences in the pandemic’s effects on health, alcohol use, drug use, and financial conditions across various races and ethnicities in the United States. Methods Data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (unweighted n = 51,740) were analyzed using multivariable ordered logistic regressions. Primary outcomes included mental health, alcohol use, drug use, and financial conditions affected by the pandemic. We added participants’ age as an interaction term to examine the potential interaction effect with different races and ethnicities. Results Compared to White participants, Black and Hispanic individuals had lower odds of reporting mental health impacts (p < .01), while Asian participants were more likely to report mental health effects. Black, Asian, and Hispanic participants were less likely to report pandemic-related changes in alcohol use. Black, Hispanic, and other minority groups also had lower odds of drug use being affected. All minority groups reported higher odds of financial conditions being negatively impacted (p < .01). Conclusions The empirical evidence from this research may inform more effective interventions and policies that should address racial and ethnic disparities in pandemic-related outcomes, particularly financial and health impacts.

(Overcoming) attacks on thinking: the importance of psychoanalytic thinking in surviving systemic fragmentation of the public mental health sector

ABSTRACT In the last 15 years, the public mental health sector has been subject to two big policy shifts that have impacted the ability of Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) clinics to deliver therapeutic services. This paper discusses the impact of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) policy and the Health and Social Care Act (2012) on these services and the various barriers to effective treatment that they have created. The author then proposes that, as psychoanalytic psychotherapists, with our particular awareness of unconscious and group processes, we are well-placed to support multidisciplinary colleagues in overcoming feelings of hopelessness, anxiety and impotence that these policy shifts create and takes inspiration from potentially analogous situations with patients as a method to approaching the systemic aspects of our work.

App-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment of Problematic Smartphone Use During Examination Weeks in University Students: 6-Week Observational Study.

The increasing prevalence of problematic smartphone use (PSU) among university students is raising concerns, particularly as excessive smartphone engagement is linked to negative outcomes such as mental health issues, academic underperformance, and sleep disruption. Despite the severity of PSU, its association with behaviors such as physical activity, mobility, and sociability has received limited research attention. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA), including passive data collection through digital phenotyping indicators, offers an objective approach to explore these behavioral patterns. This study aimed to examine associations between self-reported psychosocial measures; app-based EMA data, including daily behavioral indicators from GPS location tracking; and PSU in university students during the examination period. A 6-week observational study involving 243 university students was conducted using app-based EMA on personal smartphones to collect data on daily behaviors and psychosocial factors related to smartphone overuse. PSU was assessed using the Korean Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale. Data collected from the Big4+ app, including self-reports on mood, sleep, and appetite, as well as passive sensor data (GPS location, acceleration, and steps) were used to evaluate overall health. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors that significantly influenced smartphone overuse, providing insights into daily behavior and mental health patterns. In total, 23% (56/243) of the students exhibited PSU. The regression analysis revealed significant positive associations between PSU and several factors, including depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; odds ratio [OR] 8.48, 95% CI 1.95-36.87; P=.004), social interaction anxiety (Social Interaction Anxiety Scale; OR 4.40, 95% CI 1.59-12.15; P=.004), sleep disturbances (General Sleep Disturbance Scale; OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.15-10.30; P=.03), and longer sleep duration (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.14-8.48; P=.03). Conversely, a significant negative association was found between PSU and time spent at home (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13-0.94; P=.04). This study suggests that negative self-perceptions of mood and sleep, along with patterns of increased mobility identified through GPS data, increase the risk of PSU, particularly during periods of academic stress. Combining psychosocial assessments with EMA data offers valuable insights for managing PSU during high-stress periods, such as examinations, and provides new directions for future research.

Impact of heat exposure on health outcomes among older adults in India: an analysis across ten states.

This study investigates the impact of heat exposure on health outcomes among older adults in 10 Indian states, using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study of India (LASI-Wave I) and climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Propensity score matching and ordered probit models were employed to control for demographic factors and isolate the effects of heat exposure. Our results show a significant association between heat exposure and worsening self-reported health and mental health, including increased feeling of depression, fatigue, fear, and decreased life satisfaction. The analysis indicates that access to cooling devices mitigates adverse health effects in rural areas, while access to onsite water benefits urban residents. These findings underscore the critical role of housing and environment factors in moderating the health impacts of heat exposure and suggest targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.

Factors influencing the quality of life and social skills of children living with HIV: A case-control study.

Our objective was to understand the current status of and factors influencing the quality of life and social skills of children living with HIV and to provide a reference for improving medical service management and formulating support policies. A total of 183 children aged 7-14 years, living with HIV, and admitted to the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention from March 2022 to February 2024 were included retrospectively. We used the children's basic information and their scores from the Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents (QLSCA) and Normal Development of Social Skills From Infant to Junior High School Children (S-M scale) to explore their the status of their quality of life and social skills and the factors influencing both. Four factors (life satisfaction, socio-psychological functioning, physical and mental health, and living environment) and QLSCA T-scores in the case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.01). S-M scale scores (self-help, locomotion, operation, communication, socialization, self-direction) in the case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The main factors affecting the social skills of children living with HIV were side effects from antiretroviral therapy (odds ratio [OR] 7.365, p < 0.003), comorbidities (OR 12.948, p < 0.006), intellectual development (OR 6.045, p < 0.027), and awareness of HIV infection status (OR 0.261, p < 0.014). Children living with HIV have low quality of life and poor social skills. Clinicians should pay attention to side effects from antiretroviral therapy, comorbidities, children's intellectual development, and their awareness of their HIV infection status.

Differential associations between race-based traumatic stress and major, everyday, and vicarious racial discrimination among young adults of color.

Race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) is a psychological response to racial discrimination among individuals with marginalized racial/ethnic identities, but the literature about how different forms of racial discrimination contribute to RBTS is lacking. We compared the effects of major, everyday, and vicarious racial discrimination on RBTS and evaluated the associations between ethnic-racial identity (ERI) and RBTS. Analyses used cross-sectional survey data from Black, Asian, and Latine young adults (N = 1,342, Mage = 25.9 years) collected in 2022. Demographic variables; major, everyday, and vicarious racial discrimination; ERI commitment and exploration; and RBTS were assessed. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to identify correlates of RBTS. Everyday, β =.37, p <.001; vicarious, β =.16, p <.001; and major racial discrimination, β =.16, p =.004, predicted RBTS. Neither ERI commitment nor ERI exploration was significantly associated with RBTS. Race did not moderate the associations between major, everyday, or vicarious discrimination and RBTS, highlighting that Black, Asian, and Latine young adults appear to be equally at risk. As most vicarious racial discrimination and RBTS research has focused on Black samples, we expand the literature by including Latine and Asian young adults. Our observation that vicarious racial discrimination was a similarly strong predictor of RBTS compared to everyday and major racial discrimination underscores the importance of its inclusion in research focused on discrimination and mental health. Taken together, clinical assessment should focus on questions related to diverse experiences of racial discrimination for individuals with marginalized racial identities.

Association Between Biomass Fuel Use and Depression Symptoms in the Adult Population of Oaxaca, Mexico

Background: The impact of biomass fuel exposure on mental health, along with the associated gender disparities, remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to examine the association between biomass fuel use and depressive symptoms in the population of Oaxaca, Mexico, while also identifying gender differences in this relationship. Methods: This study used data from the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Depressive symptoms, the outcome variable, were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). The primary predictor variable was biomass fuel use, with gender, age, and residency stratum included as covariates. First, a binary logistic regression model was developed to estimate the dichotomous variable “depression symptoms”. Subsequently, a second binary logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate potential interactions between the covariates and the predictor variable. Findings: The sample included 1.4 million adults from Oaxaca, with a prevalence of depressive symptoms of 15%. Biomass fuel was used by 15.4% of the population. The first logistic regression model showed that women (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.249; 95% CI: 1.235–1.263; p &lt; 0.001), individuals aged 60 years and older compared to the younger population group (OR: 12.192; 95% CI: 12.064–12.321; p &lt; 0.001), those residing in rural areas (OR: 1.245; 95% CI: 1.232–1.259; p &lt; 0.001), and individuals using firewood or charcoal for cooking (OR: 1.674; 95% CI: 1.651–1.697; p &lt; 0.001) had higher odds of depressive symptoms. In the second binary logistic regression model, all associations and OR coefficients retained their direction, although the coefficients underwent a slight adjustment following the introduction of the interaction term, indicating the presence of an interaction. Conclusions: The study findings suggest a gendered association between biomass fuel exposure and depressive symptoms in the adult population of Oaxaca, with older women and women dwelling in rural areas being the most vulnerable. Interventions aimed at reducing biomass air pollution exposure and strengthening mental health support for women are strongly recommended.

Factors Associated with the Usage of Psychological Support Services for Employees in the Romanian Technology Industry

Background/Objectives: Mental health challenges significantly impact employee productivity, especially in high-stress industries like technology. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the intention to use psychological support services among Romanian tech employees, focusing on barriers and motivators related to availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 372 Romanian tech employees using a structured online questionnaire. The survey assessed socio-demographic data, prior experience with mental health services, perceived distress levels, and barriers categorized into four dimensions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis to identify key predictors of the intention to use these services. Results: Key factors influencing the use of psychological support services included prior experience with mental health services, the need to take time off work, and the absence of a companion. Barriers such as cost, transportation, awareness of services, and stigma were not significant. The regression model explained 8.4% of the variance in the likelihood of using these services, suggesting that additional factors may need further exploration. Conclusions: Addressing practical barriers, such as time constraints and the absence of support during access, is essential to improving accessibility of these services. Leveraging positive past experiences with mental health services can enhance engagement. These findings can guide the development of targeted interventions to promote the uptake of psychological support services in the tech sector, contributing to a healthier and more productive workforce.