Self-reported Levels Of Depression Research Articles

Anxiety Symptom Trajectories Predict Depression Symptom Trajectories up to Four Years After CBT for Youth Anxiety Disorders.

Long-term data on depression symptoms after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for youth anxiety disorders are scant. We examined depression symptoms up to four years post CBT for anxiety addressing youth age and gender, family social class, and parent mental health as predictors. The sample comprised 179 youth (M age at pre-treatment = 11.5 years; SD = 2.1) in a randomized controlled trial. Clinically assessed anxiety diagnoses and youth and parent-reported anxiety and depression symptoms were measured before, after, and one and four years after CBT. Parent self-reported mental health was measured before CBT. We used regression analyses to determine whether full diagnostic recovery at post-CBT predicted depression trajectories across the four-year assessment period. We used growth curve models to determine whether anxiety trajectories predicted depression trajectories across the four-year assessment period. Youth who lost their anxiety diagnoses after CBT had significantly lower parent-reported depression levels over time, but not lower youth self-reported depression levels. The anxiety symptom trajectory predicted the depression symptom trajectory up to four years post-treatment. There was more explained variance for within-informant (youth-youth; parent-parent) than cross-informants. Being older, female, having lower socio-economic status and parents with poorer mental health were associated with more youth-rated depression over time. However, these demographic predictors were not significant when anxiety symptoms trajectories were added to the models. Successful CBT for anxiety in children is associated with less depression symptoms for as long as four years. Anxiety symptom improvement appears to be a stronger predictor that demographic variables and parent mental health.

Leo program, a short multi-family skill-based psychoeducational program for caregivers of relatives living with a severe mental disorder: a retrospective pilot study.

Caring for a relative with a severe mental disorder (SMD) is associated with high levels of burden and poor physical and mental health. There is a dire need for family psychoeducational programs that can be provided as early as possible. This manuscript describes the pilot testing of "Leo" a motivational-based psychoeducational program for caregivers of individuals with a SMD. The Leo program aims to provide caregivers with skills to best support their relative and to adopt self-care behaviors. We retrospectively analyzed medical records of caregivers who enrolled in a short, multi-family, skill-based psychoeducational program, consisting of eight 3-hour sessions over 8 weeks. Outcomes of interest included: i) adherence to the program, ii) satisfaction and perceived usefulness, and iii) pre-post changes in self-reported levels of depression (CES-D), burden (ZBI), and skills (10 Likert-scaled items). A network analysis was used to investigate the relationships between pre-post changes in self-evaluated skills and pre-post changes in burden and depression levels. Over the 91 enrolled participants, 87 (95.6%) completed the program attending at least 5/8 sessions, 80.5% attending all sessions. Seventy-six caregivers fulfilled the questionnaires at baseline and after the program, and were included in the analysis. Although there was no evidence for significant change in self-reported depression levels (Cohen's d=0.19, p=0.210), burden scores and all evaluated skills were improved post-intervention, with medium to strong effect size (Cohen's ds from 0.47 to 0.87; p<0.001). Network output indicated that increased self-evaluated competence in 5 skills were associated with a global improvement in caregivers' burden and/or depression scores. Post-intervention, 89.7% of caregivers were "very satisfied" and 82.1% found the program "extremely useful". This pilot retrospective study shows high levels of satisfaction, perceived usefulness, and adherence to "Leo", a short, multi-family, skill-based psychoeducational program with promising results in improving caregivers' burden, self-evaluated competence in coping with caregiving demands and in self-care behaviors. This study provides preliminary insights into the mechanisms by which family psychoeducation might alleviate burden of care. A larger-scaled, controlled, randomized study with follow-up assessments is warranted to determine how burden, depression, and skills, as well as their inter-relationships, evolve over time.

A prospective study on EEG default mode network associated with subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder following sexual assault

This study aimed to explore the predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women who have recently experienced sexual assault, by examining psychological and neurophysiological factors using a prospective design with resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) functional connectivity. The study enrolled 33 women who had been recently traumatized by sexual assault and conducted assessments within a month of the trauma. These survivors were evaluated for PTSD three months later and were classified into two groups: PTSD positive (n = 12) and PTSD negative (n = 21). They were compared to two control groups comprising women who had not experienced any extremely traumatic events: 25 with depression and 25 healthy controls. The evaluation focused on resting-state EEG functional connectivity within default mode network (DMN) using small-worldness (SW), based on graph theory. We also assessed self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, anger, and executive functions. The findings indicated that survivors who developed PTSD three months post-trauma exhibited higher anxiety levels and reduced DMN SW in the beta 3 frequency, compared to those who did not develop PTSD. Contrary to expectations, survivors without PTSD showed decreased executive functioning and lower prefrontal centrality compared to those with PTSD. This study underscores the importance of early assessment and intervention for sexual assault survivors at risk of developing PTSD.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on self-reported levels of depression during the pandemic relative to pre-pandemic among Canadian adults

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 related risk factors on self-reported increases in depression among Canadian adults during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. We aim to investigate the interactive effects of stressors, including social isolation, financial stress, and fear of catching COVID-19, on mental health outcomes. Our study aims to provide insights for the development of prevention and intervention strategies to address the mental health effects of the pandemic by examining the psychological changes attributable to the pandemic and its impact.MethodsThis study used data collected from the Mental Health Research Canada online survey during the third wave of COVID-19 (April 20–28, 2021). The study examined the impact of COVID-19 related factors, including social isolation, financial concerns, fear of catching COVID-19, and concerns about paying bills, on self-reported increases in depression. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to examine these associations, with adjustments made for potential confounding variables. All statistical analysis was performed using SAS V9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).ResultsParticipants reporting social isolation, financial concerns, and fear of catching COVID-19 were more likely to report increased depression. An interaction was observed between concerns for paying bills and catching COVID-19 in relation to depression (p = 0.0085). In other words, the effect of concerns about paying bills on depression was stronger for individuals who also had a fear of catching COVID-19, and vice versa. Young adults, females, patients with pre-existing depression, and residents of certain provinces reported higher levels of depression during COVID-19.ConclusionOur study underscores the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, particularly among certain demographic groups. It emphasizes the need for depression screening and increased support for mental health during the pandemic, with a focus on mitigating financial burdens and reducing negative psychological impacts of social isolation. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between different stressors and the need to consider this when designing interventions to support mental health during times of crisis.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of patients with major depressive disorder on exercise therapy

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward exercise therapy of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between April and October 2023 in patients with MDD. A self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate the KAP (Cronbach’s α = 0.787). The minimum-maximum scores were 2–23 for knowledge, 11–55 for attitude, and 7–35 for practice.ResultsA total of 494 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The mean KAP dimension scores were 15.39 ± 3.34/23 (66.91%), 36.54 ± 19.33/55 (66.44%), and 19.33 ± 5.22/35 (55.23%), indicating poor knowledge, negative attitude, and weak practice. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that female (OR = 0.613, 95%CI: 0.376-1.000, P = 0.050), urban residence (OR = 0.443, 95%CI: 0.259–0.758, P = 0.003), suburban residence (OR = 0.047, 95%CI: 0.016–0.138, P < 0.001), higher income (OR = 3.889–7.928, all P < 0.001), and unclear self-reported depression level (OR = 0.078, 95%CI: 0.027–0.221, P < 0.001) were independently associated with the knowledge scores. Knowledge scores (OR = 1.102, 95%CI: 1.022–1.188, P = 0.011), female gender (OR = 0.437, 95%CI: 0.246–0.776, P = 0.005), city (OR = 0.410, 95%CI: 0.226–0.744, P = 0.003), married (OR = 3.577, 95%CI: 1.751–7.650, P < 0.001), higher income (OR = 0.065–0.392, both P < 0.050), depressive trend (OR = 2.640, 95%CI: 1.110–6.278, P = 0.028), high depression score level (OR = 0.176, 95%CI: 0.104-0.300, P < 0.001), and unclear self-reported depression score (OR = 0.023, 95%CI: 0.007–0.076, P < 0.001) were independently associated with the attitude scores. Finally, knowledge scores (OR = 1.130, 95%CI: 1.051–1.215, P = 0.001), attitude scores (OR = 1.199, 95%CI: 1.124–1.280, P < 0.001), and city (OR = 0.583, 95%CI: 0.352–0.965, P = 0.036) were independently associated with the practice scores. The structural equation modeling analysis showed that knowledge, but not attitude (β = 0.103, P = 0.092) or practice (β = 0.034, P = 0.603), influenced the depression level (β=-0.074, P < 0.001); attitude influenced practice (β = 0.369, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe KAP toward exercise among MDD patients is poor in Shanxi. Females, people living in urban or suburban areas, with lower income, and self-reported unclear depression levels should be targeted by education interventions.

Mental health among children with and without reading difficulties.

This study explored the relationship between mental health, i.e., depression and anxiety, and reading difficulties (RD) in Chinese elementary school children. Participants were 1535 grades 3, 4, and 5 students from three elementary schools in Xi'an, China. Children with and without RD were compared to their depression and anxiety. Additionally, children's self-ratings, parents' ratings, and teachers' ratings of depression and anxiety were compared to better understand mental health issues of Chinese children with RD. The findings showed that Chinese children with RD experienced more depression but not anxiety compared to their typically developing peers across all three grade levels. Reports from all three informants consistently reflected that children with RD experienced more depression. However, some inconsistencies were found between self-reported levels of depression and anxiety and the observations made by parents and teachers. Children reported experiencing more depression than their parents and teachers observed but less anxiety than their parents reported. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the links between RD and mental health and the need for appropriate intervention programs to help children with RD cope with the mental health challenges.

Using Meditation to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Nursing Students.

Nursing students experience higher rates of mental health issues than other college students. This study examined the effect of a mindfulness meditation intervention on nursing students' levels of self-reported depression, stress, and anxiety. This randomized, experimental study implemented an online mindfulness meditation intervention for an experimental group of nursing students and provided nursing news modules for a control group of nursing students. Participants in experimental and control groups completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale online before and after completing 4 weeks of audio modules. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in reported scores for depression, stress, and anxiety in the experimental group. This study demonstrated the potential benefits of implementing an online mindfulness meditation intervention to support and improve mental health for nursing students. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(8):443-449.].

Effect on orofacial pain in patients with chronic pain participating in a multimodal rehabilitation programme- a pilot study.

Orofacial pain in patients taking part in a multimodal rehabilitation programme (MMRP) due to chronic bodily pain is common but it is not known whether such a rehabilitation programme can also have an effect on the presence of orofacial pain. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an MMRP on orofacial pain frequency. The second aim was to evaluate differences in the effect on quality of life and on psychosocial factors related to chronic pain. MMRP was evaluated through validated questionnaires from the Swedish Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation (SQRP). Fifty-nine patients participating in MMRP filled out the two screening questions for orofacial pain in addition to the SQRP questionnaires before and after participation in MMRP during the period August 2016 to March 2018. Pain intensity decreased significantly after the MMRP (p=0.005). Fifty patients (69.4 %) reported orofacial pain before MMRP and no significant decrease after the programme (p=0.228). Among individuals with orofacial pain, the self-reported level of depression decreased after participation in the programme (p=0.004). Even though orofacial pain is common among patients with chronic bodily pain, participation in a multimodal pain programme was not enough to reduce frequent orofacial pain. This finding implies that specific orofacial pain management including information about jaw physiology could be a justified component of patient assessment prior to a multimodal rehabilitation programme for chronic bodily pain.

Kosovo sexual minorities: A mental health crisis

Introduction This study examined self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and the correlation with social stigma in a sample of sexual minority people in Kosovo. Methods One hundred and three Kosovo sexual minority people (aged 18 to 50) completed questionnaires about social stigma (HHRDS), depression, stress, and anxiety (DASS-21). Descriptive statistics were calculated, a multivariate ANOVA examined differences between sexual minority people, and the bivariate association between HHRDS and DASS-21 scores was examined. Results Most participants reported moderate to high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress with positive associations with social stigma. Conclusion Sexual minority people in Kosovo are experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Connection between Gardening and Outdoor Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Perceptions of Hope, Hopelessness, and Levels of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

During the past few years, Americans have experienced a wide variety of stressors, including political tensions, racial/civil unrest, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. All of these have led to uncertainty within society. Chronic feelings of helplessness can lead to depression or feelings of hopelessness in those who perceive their situation as unchanging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of gardening and outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic on perceptions of hope, hopelessness, and levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. Participants of this study were recruited through online social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram; 458 participants completed the 21-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale inventory as well as the Hope Scale. Our data indicated that individuals who self-reported themselves as gardeners had significantly more positive scores related to levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and a sense of hope. Furthermore, gardeners had lower levels of self-reported depression, anxiety, and stress when compared with those who did not identify themselves as gardeners. The gardeners also had a more positive outlook regarding hope for the future. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between the number of hours spent participating in gardening and a sense of hope, and a negative correlation was found between the number of hours gardening and stress levels. Similarly, there was a significant negative correlation between the number of hours spent participating in any outdoor activity and self-reported levels of stress, anxiety, or depression; however, there was a positive correlation between the number of hours spent participating in any outdoor activity and a sense of hope. Our data suggested that more hours spent outside gardening or participating in recreational activities led to less perceived stress, anxiety, and depression and greater levels of hope for the future.

Medication adherence in the treatment of depression

IntroductionDepression is predicted to become one of the major sources of disease burden worldwide, leading to numerous adverse consequences that complicate the daily rhythm of life. Non-adherence is a serious issue in patients suffering from depression. Premature discontinuation of treatment is repeatedly encountered in depression, bringing on to increased disease severity, greater number of relapses, more hospitalizations and decreased remission rates. Given the impact of medication non-adherence among patients with depressive disorders, it is important to recognize factors associated with non-adherence and find ways to influence them.ObjectivesOur objective was to find out the frequency, as well as potential differences in self-reported psychological distress of medical adherence in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder.MethodsSample consisted 83 patients (Mage = 45.4, SD = 14.8, 76% were female, 24% were male) with major depressive disorder (MDD) hospitalized at the Clinical Department of Crisis and Affective Disorders. After the informed consent of patients, the following assessment tools were administered: A socio-demographic questionnaire, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.-6), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).ResultsThirty-three (39.8%) patients were considered non-adherent (MMAS-8 adherence score &lt; 6) while 45 (54.2%) had moderate adherence (MMAS-8 adherence score &lt; 8) and 5 (6%) high adherence (MMAS-8 adherence score = 8) to their medication respectively. Negative associations were found between medication adherence and self-reported levels of depression (r = -0.30, p &lt; 0.01), anxiety (r = -0.29. p &lt; 0.01) and stress (r = -0.31, p &lt; 0.01). One-way ANOVA yielded significant variation on the self-reported anxiety subscale of the DASS-21 questionnaire among adherence groups of patients with MMD (F (2,80) = 3.73, p &lt; 0.05, η2 = 0.26). A post hoc Tuckey test showed that the non-adherent and moderate adherent groups of patients significantly differ on the level of experienced anxiety; the high adherence group was not significantly different from other two groups. Results indicate that the non-adherent group generally experiences more symptoms of anxiety than the moderate adherent group.ConclusionsPatients with major depressive disorder show significant non-adherence to medical treatment. More research is needed in this direction, as well as the development of recommendations and strategies to improve the level of adherence in this group of patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Intraindividual Change in Cognitive Function Among Adults With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Markov Analysis Over 7 Years.

Cognitive impairment is prevalent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There remain gaps in understanding cognition and SLE longitudinally. We studied intraindividual change in cognition in SLE over time. Data were from the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcome Study, which included 1281 adults with SLE. The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) were administered annually over 7 years. A two-state Markov analysis was used to model transition intensities for probabilities of change in cognition. Logistic regression examined the association between clinical variables and cognitive change. Minimal transition between cognitive states was observed in the Markov analysis. Using the COWAT, higher levels of self-reported depression were associated with decreased likelihood of cognitive improvement (Relative Risk [RR]: 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-0.99), and higher self-reported disease severity was associated with cognitive decline (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02-1.09). Using the HVLT-R, increasing age (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) and higher education level (RR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.28-2.58) were associated with cognitive improvement, and higher self-reported disease severity (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) and depression (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03-1.07) were associated with cognitive decline. Most individuals with SLE did not transition between states of high (Z score ≥ -1.5) or low (Z score < -1.5) cognition in a Markov analysis over a 7-year assessment period, highlighting a degree of relative stability in cognition over time. Increasing age and higher education levels were associated with greater likelihood of cognitive improvement. Greater self-reported SLE disease severity and depression were associated with cognitive decline.

Examining the impact of a Volunteer-Delivered counselling service for people experiencing sight loss: a mixed methods evaluation

Purpose This article describes a mixed methods evaluation of a volunteer-delivered counselling service for people experiencing sight loss, to identify the outcomes, benefits, and challenges of this model of service provision within rehabilitation services. Materials and method A mixed methods approach was used, with both outcome and process evaluation components. Outcomes for 817 service users were assessed pre-and-post service use, using standardised (CORE10) measures. Semi-structured interviews and surveys with 22 volunteer counsellors and 4 senior counsellors were conducted, to understand their experiences of the format, content, and delivery of the service. Results Clients presenting for counselling experienced significant levels of self-reported depression, anxiety, and feelings of bereavement. Analysis showed a significant positive change in clinical outcomes for service users who received volunteer-delivered counselling services. Volunteer counsellors saw the unique and specialist nature of the service as critical for its impact on clients, and reported benefits of volunteering for this service, including developing their skills with this client group. Conclusions Volunteer-delivered counselling can be effective for people affected by sight loss, providing accessible and much-needed psychological support, which is relevant given current pressures on health and social care services. There are key lessons for future models of this type. Implications for Rehabilitation Vision loss can have a profound negative impact on people’s emotional and mental well-being, with many advocating for counselling and emotional support (CESS) to be included in low vision rehabilitative services. Despite this, access to psychological support is often overlooked in low vision rehabilitation, and access to CESS services is often poor. This study evaluated a volunteer-delivered CESS service, demonstrating that this model of service delivery is effective for this group. There are clear advantages to a volunteer-delivered model for those with sight loss, in terms of widening access, supporting integrated rehabilitative care, and reducing health inequalities.

Perceptions, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health of Residents during COVID-19.

Since the inception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the United States has been the leader in cases and deaths. Healthcare workers treating these severely ill patients are at risk of many deleterious consequences. Residents, in particular, may be affected by physical as well as psychological consequences. Because data are sparse on perceptions, coping strategies, and the mental health of residents during COVID-19, we explored these issues in survey data from a community-based academic program in the southeastern United States. In May 2020, when US deaths from COVID-19 reached 100,000, we administered multiple-choice online anonymous surveys to assess resident perceptions, coping strategies, and self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. We used the COPE inventory to assess coping strategies and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 questionnaire. A total of 59 (41.3%) of 143 eligible residents completed the survey, 52 (88.1%) of whom believed that they were likely or very likely to become infected with COVID-19. If infected, 17 (28.8%) believed that their illness would be serious or very serious. The top three strategies to cope with COVID-19 included acceptance, self-distraction, and use of emotional support. With respect to depression, anxiety, and stress, all of the mean scores were in the normal range. During COVID-19, residents in a southern community-based program with an academic affiliation reported effective coping strategies, predominantly acceptance, self-distraction, and use of emotional support. They reported concerns about becoming infected and, if they did, that their illness would likely be serious. Finally, they have not experienced depression, anxiety, or reported stress. The findings may be restricted in generalizability to a southern community-based program with an academic affiliation.

0604 Depression, Anxiety and Coping-avoidance Behaviors Associated with Long-Term Insomnia Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Introduction Stressful events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can have long-lasting, detrimental effect on sleep. It is important for practitioners to understand how their patients may be stil experiencing residual negative effects of the pandemic to optimize their care. In this study we evaluated how measures of self-reported measures of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic predicted measures of sleep disturbnce 6 months later among sleep medicine clinic patients. Methods Between June-November 2020, 81 sleep medicine clinic patients (54.8±15.9 y, 44% male, 69% Caucasian) completed an online survey that included PROMIS measures (Sleep Disturbance, Sleep-Related Impairments, Informational Support, Emotional Distress-Anxiety) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Patients were recontacted 6 months later to complete the same surveys. 54 patients (55.2±18.4 y, 39% male, 70% Caucasian) completed the follow-up survey and were included in this present analysis. We conducted multivariate regression analyses to determine how the change in self-reported PROMIS measures from baseline during the pandemic were predictive of post-pandemc 6 month follow-up PROMIS measures and ISI. Results PROMIS depression score at baseline was predictive of both sleep disturbance (0.63 ± 0.15; p&amp;lt;.0001) and sleep impairment (0.49 ± 0.18; p=0.01) 6 months later. Baseline brief coping avoidance also predicted 6 month sleep disturbance (0.85 ± 0.33; p&amp;lt;0.009) and sleep impairment (0.85 ± 0.33; p=0.014) as well as ISI (0.52 ± 0.18 units; p=0.006). Baseline anxiety predicted ISI at 6 months (0.25 ± 0.09 units, p=0.009). Conclusion Higher levels of self-reported depression, anxiety and coping-avoidance behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic lead to long-lasting increase in sleep disturbance and impairment as well as insomnia. Addressing depression, anxiety and coping behaviors that occur as result as a stressful event is advised to avoid long-term detrimental effects on sleep. Support (If Any) This work is supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant # R01NR018342 (PI: Nowakowski) and by the Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Research and Development, and the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (CIN 13-413).

Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on mental health in a UK student sample

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting restrictions placed upon society have had a profound impact on both physical and mental health, particularly for young people.AimsThe current study assesses the impact of COVID-19 on student mental health.MethodFour hundred and thirty four first year Undergraduate students completed a battery of self-report questionnaires (PHQ-P, GAD-7 and SAS-SV) to assess for depression, anxiety and mobile phone addiction respectively with data being collected over a 2 year period. The data from each year was compared (216 and 218 students respectively).ResultsA MANOVA revealed that COVID-19 had a significant impact on self-reported levels of depression, anxiety and smartphone addiction—which all significantly increased from the 2020 to the 2021 group. The percentage of students who had a score which warranted a classification of clinical depression increased from 30 to 44%, and for anxiety increased from 22 to 27%—those students who showed a comorbidity across the two rose from 12 to 21%. Smartphone addiction levels rose from 39 to 50%. Correlational analysis showed a significant relationship between Smartphone usage and depression and anxiety.ConclusionsThis research suggests that COVID-19 has had a major impact upon student mental health, and smartphone addiction. The importance of identifying predictive factors of depression and anxiety is emphasised, and suggestions for intervention are discussed.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Physician Wellness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided challenges to all healthcare workers. While the brunt of treating COVID-19 patients fell upon adult providers, pediatricians also experienced significant stressors and disruptions. Academic pediatricians and trainees (fellows and residents) were redeployed to manage adult patients in hospitalist and intensive care settings and/or had major changes to their clinical schedules. In this study, we aimed to describe levels of self-reported depression, anxiety, and burnout in pediatric physicians following the initial wave of the pandemic at the largest integrated health system in New York State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric physicians who cared for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic within the Northwell Health System as part of the Northwell Wellbeing Registry, a longitudinal registry assessing the psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare providers. A total of 99 pediatric physician respondents were included in this study; 72% of whom were attendings, 28% of whom were trainees. Compared to attendings, trainees reported significantly higher proportions of burnout–emotional exhaustion (p = 0.0007) and burnout–depersonalization (p = 0.0011) on the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory. There was not a similar trend in probable depression or probable anxiety using the Patient Health Questionnaire. In a multivariable logistic regression model, being a trainee was significantly associated with increased odds of burnout–emotional exhaustion (OR 5.94, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.85–19.02). These findings suggest that fellows and residents were a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training programs should pay special attention to their trainees during times of crisis, and future studies can help to identify protective factors to reduce the risk of burnout during these times.

Mechanisms of Social Interaction and Virtual Connections as Strong Predictors of Wellbeing of Older Adults.

Socially engaged older adults are less likely to decline in health and happiness and have a higher quality of life. Building upon this premise, examination was conducted on the domains of social determinants of health, specifically the social and community context per Healthy People 2030 objectives. These mechanisms of social interaction, in the form of group activities, community engagement, and virtual interactions via email or text message, were assessed using hierarchical regression analysis to find out their association with wellbeing, depression symptoms, and cognition of older adults. The data included a total of 4623 sample of older adults from the National Health and Aging Trend Study (NHATS) Round 8. The results showed that social support explained a 40.3% unique variance on wellbeing. The use of text message and email had a moderating effect on community engagement and self-reported depression level in older adults. Findings suggest that community programs, shared group activities, or technology training workshops can improve social interaction and support cognition and reduce depression in older adults. Directions for future research include examining human behaviors and perceptions and increasing technology training sessions to promote independence of older adults and increase their social connections. In addition, participant involvement in interventions would enhance the possibility of success of such endeavors.

Self-reported depression and anxiety among COPD patients. A case-control study.

Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. However, the exact mechanisms linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with depression and anxiety have not been identified. To compare self-reported depression and anxiety among patients diagnosed with COPD in relation to healthy controls. Case control study at a public hospital institution in Spain. We designed a case-control study. Patients were recruited using a consecutive sampling method from a single institution. Two groups were created: COPD and healthy controls. Data on medical history and demographic background were collected from the medical records. Self-reported depression levels were assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Self-reported anxiety was measured using the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). Fifty-two patients with COPD and fifty healthy patients were included in this study. BDI scores were higher for COPD patients (10.23 ± 6.26) than in the control group (5.2 ± 6.56). STAI-state scores were higher for COPD patients (41.85 ± 12.55) than for controls (34.88 ± 9.25). STAI-trait scores were higher for COPD patients (41.42 ± 10.01) than for controls (34.62 ± 9.19). This study showed that there were higher levels of depression and anxiety among COPD patients than among healthy controls.

The mental health of NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: two-wave Scottish cohort study.

Health and social care workers (HSCWs) are at risk of experiencing adverse mental health outcomes (e.g. higher levels of anxiety and depression) because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This can have a detrimental effect on quality of care, the national response to the pandemic and its aftermath. A longitudinal design provided follow-up evidence on the mental health (changes in prevalence of disease over time) of NHS staff working at a remote health board in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigated the determinants of mental health outcomes over time. A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted from July to September 2020. Participants self-reported levels of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7) and mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale) at baseline and 1.5 months later. The analytic sample of 169 participants, working in community (43%) and hospital (44%) settings, reported substantial levels of depression and anxiety, and low mental well-being at baseline (depression, 30.8%; anxiety, 20.1%; well-being, 31.9%). Although mental health remained mostly constant over time, the proportion of participants meeting the threshold for anxiety increased to 27.2% at follow-up. Multivariable modelling indicated that working with, and disruption because of, COVID-19 were associated with adverse mental health changes over time. HSCWs working in a remote area with low COVID-19 prevalence reported substantial levels of anxiety and depression, similar to those working in areas with high COVID-19 prevalence. Efforts to support HSCW mental health must remain a priority, and should minimise the adverse effects of working with, and disruption caused by, the COVID-19 pandemic.