Lower Risk Of Psychological Distress Research Articles

Gender Differences in the Association between Psychological Distress and Sociability among Older Adult Survivors: Cross-Sectional Survey Four Years after the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan.

Mental health deterioration after a disaster is a concern. Individuals' sociability is expected to relate to the risk of this deterioration; however, research focusing on older adults is lacking. We aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and sociability in older adults who survived the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. We conducted a self-reported questionnaire survey in 2020. Data on 3,588 people aged 65 years and over (2,024 women and 1,564 men, mean age 74.6 ± 7.2, mean ± standard deviation) were analyzed. The overall prevalence of psychological distress (the Kessler psychological distress scale: K6 ≧ 10) was 10.5%; by gender, it was 11.2% in women and 9.5% in men. Logistic regression analysis revealed that, in the total sample, age, gender, public housing, reduction in income resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, self-rated unhealthy conditions, subjective social isolation, and a lack of awareness of community events were positively associated with psychological distress. For women, a lack of community participation was positively related to psychological distress. For men, not knowing the change in school district after relocation was negatively associated with psychological distress, probably due to men's scarce community participation and reliance on friendships, compared to women's stronger dependence on community. Moreover, having a family member or friend to consult with was associated with a lower risk of psychological distress, regardless of gender. Gender differences were related to different conditions of social participation and types of social relationships. Enhancing community participation and family relationships among women and social contact with friends among men is essential.

Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress and coronavirus anxiety among hospital essential services workers in Singapore

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all populations, with frontline workers experiencing a higher risk of mental health effects compared to other groups. Although there are several research studies focusing on the mental health effects of the pandemic on healthcare workers, there is little research about its impact on workers in outsourced hospital essential services. This study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress and coronavirus anxiety among staff working in 3 outsourced hospital essential services-housekeeping, porter service and maintenance services. A cross-sectional study was conducted among outsourced hospital essential services workers in a tertiary hospital. Data on demographics, medical history, lifestyle factors, psychosocial factors and mental well-being were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Robust logistic regression was used to determine risk factors associated with psychological distress and dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19. A total of 246 hospital essential services workers participated in the study. The prevalence of psychological distress was 24.7%, and dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19 was 13.4%. Social support and workplace support were found to be independently associated with a lower risk of psychological distress, and social connectivity was associated with a lower risk of dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19. These findings highlight the crucial roles of communities and workplaces in combating the mental health consequences of the pandemic. Public health programmes that aim to tackle the emerging mental health crisis in hospital essential services workers should incorporate strategies to address psychosocial factors, in addition to traditional self-care approaches.

Mental health and workplace factors: comparison of the Ghanaian and Australian mining industry

BackgroundMining is a global industry and contributes significantly to international economies. This study seeks to compare the patterns of psychological distress, job demand-control, and associated characteristics between two countries (Australia/Ghana) to increase understanding of cross-cultural factors relevant to mental health in this industry.MethodA cross-sectional study design was used. Eight coal mines in Australia and five gold mines in Ghana. A total of 2622 mineworkers participated in this study. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI) and help-seeking questionnaire.ResultsGhanaian mineworkers reported increased psychological distress compared to Australian mineworkers; Job demands outweighed control among Ghanaian mineworkers but was associated with lower risk of psychological distress compared to Australian mineworkers; Ghanaian mineworkers were significantly less likely to drink alcohol at risky levels but this was associated with higher psychological distress; Increased social network was associated with decreased psychological distress for both countries.ConclusionsThese findings identify cultural and geographical differences in the socio-demographics, workplace factors, psychological distress, and alcohol use in both countries. Cross-cultural occupational workplace factors and mental health issues are highlighted. Potential workplace interventions applicable in comparable settings are recommended.

Does Belonging to a Patient Association Is of Help for Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis? Results from the Atlas Survey.

International guidelines for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) suggest that patients benefit from becoming members of patient associations. However, the scientific evidence for this is limited and unconvincing. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between axSpA patients belonging to patient associations versus those who do not. Out of 680 patients, 301 (44.3%) were members of a patient association. A significant proportion of association members were found to engage in physical activities considered appropriate to their condition (48.2% vs. 39.8%, p = 0.03), and smoked significantly less compared with their non-association counterparts (22.7% vs. 33.6%, p = 0.02). In addition, despite having longer disease duration, and receiving similar treatments, members of associations reported significantly lower disease activity (BASDAI 5.1 vs. 5.8; p < 0.001), less functional limitations (Functional Limitation Index 26.4 vs. 28.6; p < 0.05), and a lower risk of psychological distress (GHQ-12 4.9 vs. 6.5; p < 0.001). The results of this study suggest there are beneficial effects of belonging to a patient association for managing axSpA, since those member patients experience better lifestyle habits and PROs than those who do not so participate. Rheumatologists should encourage patients to enroll in patient associations for a holistic approach to managing their condition.

Gender difference in the association of coping styles and social support with psychological distress among patients with end-stage renal disease.

ObjectivesThe study aimed to explore the association of coping styles and social support with psychological distress among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as well as gender differences in these associations.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 769 ESRD patients was conducted at 25 hospitals in Qiqihar City, China. All information was collected using structured questionnaires that were self-administered by the patients. Patients’ psychological health status, coping styles and perceived social support were measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Student’s t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and binary logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis.ResultsA total of 72.3% of participants reported psychological distress, and the prevalence of distress was higher in females (77.0%) than in males (68.8%). The usage of the acceptance-resignation coping style was positively related to psychological distress (B = 0.459, P < 0.001). Social support level was negatively associated with psychological distress (B = −0.049, P < 0.001). The use of the confrontation style was negatively related to psychological distress in females (OR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.78–0.96]) but not in males (OR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.91–1.06]) (P for interaction term = 0.007).ConclusionsGreater use of the acceptance-resignation style and lower social support are related to a higher risk of psychological distress. Greater use of the confrontation style is related to a lower risk of psychological distress in females but not in males.

How Five-Factor Personality Traits Affect Psychological Distress and Depression? Results from a Large Population-Based Study

The objective of this study was to explore the association of five factors personality traits, as predictor variables, with the depression and psychological distress as joint-dependent variables in an Iranian general population. NEO-big five, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used for collecting data regarding personality traits and psychological problems from 3177 participants in a cross-sectional population-based study. Our findings showed that higher neuroticism scores increase the risk of psychological distress and depression score (p < 0.05). Participants with higher extraversion scores experienced lower levels of depression and lower risk of psychological distress (p < 0.05). Furthermore, higher scores of conscientiousness significantly increase, while agreeableness decreases the scores of psychological distress (p < 0.05). It is suggested to perform longitudinal studies focusing on both genetic and environmental factors on the relationships between personality and psychological disorders.

Neighbourhood poverty and psychological distress in adolescents aged 11–15 in China: a multilevel study of 507 local communities

BackgroundNeuropsychiatric conditions have become the leading cause of disability in adolescents aged 11–24 globally. Higher neighbourhood economic status was found to be associated with lower incidence of neuropsychiatric conditions in children and adolescents in developed countries, but there is a lack of evidence in China. This study aims to examine the associations between neighbourhood poverty and psychological distress among adolescents in China. MethodsWe applied multilevel logistic regression to data from the 2014 China Family Panel Studies. 281 villages and 226 cities were randomly selected, and 1790 adolescents aged 11–15 were surveyed from 2178 households selected randomly. Severe psychological distress was defined as a score of 16 or over out of 24 in the K6 psychological disorder scale. Neighbourhood economic status was measured in two ways: using the log of median household monthly income within the community; and the percentage of residents receiving governmental subsistence allowance. Neighbourhood poverty was defined as more than 15% of residents receiving governmental subsistence allowance. We controlled for family-level economic conditions by ranking the households within each community by income. We also controlled for family structure and individual demographics. Rural and urban neighbourhoods were analysed separately. FindingsOf the surveyed adolescents, 2·3% (41 of 1790) were at high risk of severe distress (a score of >16 out of 24). The percentages were substantially higher in villages (2·6%, 29 of 1107) than in cities (1·8%, 12 of 683). Multilevel regression demonstrated diverse risk factors of psychological distress between adolescents in rural and urban areas. In villages, neighbourhood poverty was a significant and positive predictor of psychological distress in adolescents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3·54, 95% CI 1·05–11·88, p=0·04), net of family-level and individual-level features. In cities, neighbourhood poverty had no significant effect on adolescents' mental health, but adolescents in families with higher income rankings within the community had a lower risk of psychological distress (0·81, 0·67–0·97, p=0·02). Median neighbourhood income and total household income were insignificant to adolescents' psychological distress in both rural and urban China. InterpretationOur findings highlight the serious issue of psychological distress in adolescents, and its influencing factors, in rural and urban China. The study focused on neighbourhood poverty. Further studies may consider other ecological characteristics. FundingNo funding.

Food knowledge and psychological state predict adherence to a gluten-free diet in a survey of 5310 Australians and New Zealanders with coeliac disease.

A gluten-free diet treats coeliac disease, but its efficacy depends on strict adherence. A variety of patient factors may influence adherence but have not been well described at a population level. To comprehensively assess the patient factors that influence gluten-free diet adherence in patients with coeliac disease. Patients with coeliac disease completed an online survey comprising the validated Celiac Dietary Adherence Test in addition to data on demographics, details of diagnosis and management and assessment of diet knowledge, quality of life and psychological distress. Survey data were analysed for predictors of adherence and quality of life. Of 7393 responses, 5310 completed the Celiac Dietary Adherence Test and 3230 (61%) were adherent to a gluten-free diet. Multivariate regression showed older age, being male, symptoms after gluten ingestion, better food knowledge and lower risk of psychological distress were independent predictors of adherence (each P≤0.008). Additionally, dietary adherence was associated with better quality of life (P<0.001; multiple regression). Respondents who considered themselves to have poor food knowledge were more likely to incorrectly identify gluten-free foods, but could still recognise gluten-containing foods, suggesting that poor knowledge may lead to over-restriction of diet. Poor knowledge of a gluten-free diet and psychological wellbeing were independent modifiable risk factors for inadequate adherence to a gluten-free diet in patients with coeliac disease. Involvement of both a dietitian and mental health care professional, in the presence of psychological distress, is likely to be necessary to improve adherence and health outcomes.

Educational differences in psychological distress? Results from a population-based sample of men and women in Sweden in 2012

BackgroundMental health problems are more frequent in socially disadvantaged groups, but the results vary between different studies, different populations and different measures of mental health. This paper investigated the association...

Types of social participation and psychological distress in Japanese older adults: A five-year cohort study.

IntroductionThe most effective type of social participation against psychological distress in older adults is not well documented. The aim of this study was to examine whether different types of social participation are associated with changes in psychological distress level in older men and women in Japan.MethodsTwo thousand seven hundred community-dwelling older adults (aged 65–74 years, 50% women) were randomly selected from the resident registry of three cities. Of these, participants who reported social participation and psychological distress level in the baseline survey in 2010 were followed up. Psychological distress was evaluated based on K6 scales at baseline and follow-up (in 2015). Social participation level was examined using question items from the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan. Exploratory factor analysis was used to derive the underlying factor structure. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between social participation and changes in psychological distress level after adjusting for covariates stratified by both gender and age group or living arrangement.ResultsData from 825 community-dwelling older adults (45.3% women) were analyzed. Social participation was categorized into two types using factor analysis: community involvement (volunteer activities, community events, clubs for the elderly) and individual relationship (friendship, communication with family and friends, hobbies). During the 5-year follow-up, 29.5% of participants reported a deterioration in psychological distress. Higher community involvement was independently associated with lower risk of psychological distress for older women (β = 0.099, p = 0.047), whereas there were no associations with individual relationship for either gender. Furthermore, in older women living with others, higher community involvement was also associated with lower risk of psychological distress (β = 0.110, p = 0.048).ConclusionCommunity involvement provides older women with mental health benefits regardless of individual relationship level. Promoting community involvement may be an effective strategy for healthy mental aging.

Schedule control and mental health: the relevance of coworkers’ reports

Although some studies suggest that schedule control might promote mental health, research has over-relied on self-reports, which might explain why the evidence is inconclusive and mixed. In this study, we introduce an analytical approach based on coworkers’ reports (in lieu of self-reports) in order to better characterize the organizational nature of schedule control, and to address biases of self-reports (e.g. reverse causation or confounding). Following job demand-control theoretical principles, in this cross-sectional study of 1229 nurses nested in 104 hospital units, we tested the hypothesis that psychological distress (a risk factor for mental illness) would be lower for nurses where coworkers reported higher levels of schedule control at their units. Results showed that increments in coworkers’ reports of schedule control at their units were associated with lower risk of psychological distress, even after accounting for self-reports of schedule control, which were not associated with this outcome. In conclusion, relying only on self-reports might conceal mental health effects of schedule control, so future research ought to include organizational and individual measures and perspectives of schedule control. Using coworkers’ reports is a pertinent strategy to better signal the potential health effect of schedule control, especially when biased self-reporting is suspected.

Home visits by commissioned welfare volunteers and psychological distress: a population-based study of 11,312 community-dwelling older people in Japan.

Novel countermeasures to increase healthcare expenditures should be explored in rapidly aging societies, including Japan. Social support is a resource for the older people that effectively reduces psychological distress, with or without specialized health service provision. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine whether home visits by commissioned welfare volunteers (organizations of community residents assigned by national or local governments) are associated with a lower risk of psychological distress among the older people. Questionnaires were sent in August 2010 to all residents aged ≥65 years in three municipalities (n = 21,232) in Okayama Prefecture in Japan; 13,929 were returned (response rate = 65.6%). The final sample size for the analysis was 11,312 participants. Home visits, psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale: K6 > 5), and severe psychological distress (K6 > 13) were measured by the questionnaire. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for psychological distress, adjusting for age, gender, education, marital status, and qualification for long-term care insurance. The prevalence was 41.4% for psychological distress and 6.5% for severe psychological distress among all participants. Home visits were significantly associated with a lower risk of psychological distress after adjusting for the covariates (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.65-0.77). These associations were comparable for men and women. The association was clearer for severe psychological distress (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.43-0.61). Home visits by commissioned welfare volunteers are significantly associated with a lower risk of psychological distress among older people.

Psychological well-being during the great recession: changes in mental health care utilization in an occupational cohort.

We examined the mental health effects of the Great Recession of 2008 to 2009 on workers who remained continuously employed and insured. We examined utilization trends for mental health services and medications during 2007 to 2012 among a panel of workers in the 25 largest plants, located in 15 states, of a US manufacturing firm. We used piecewise regression to compare trends from 2007 to 2010 in service and medication use before and after 2009, the year of mass layoffs at the firm and the peak of the recession. Our models accounted for changes in county-level unemployment rates and individual-level fixed effects. Mental health inpatient and outpatient visits and the yearly supply of mental health-related medications increased among all workers after 2009. The magnitude of the increase in medication usage was higher for workers at plants with more layoffs. The negative effects of the recession on mental health extend to employed individuals, a group considered at lower risk of psychological distress.

Associations between objectively assessed and self-reported sedentary time with mental health in adults: an analysis of data from the Health Survey for England

ObjectiveThere is increasing interest in the association between sedentary behaviour and mental health, although most studies have relied solely on self-reported measures, thus making results prone to various biases. The...

Mental health benefits of neighbourhood green space are stronger among physically active adults in middle-to-older age: Evidence from 260,061 Australians

ObjectiveWhile many studies report that green spaces promote mental health, some suggest the psychological benefits of physical activity are amplified if participation occurs within greener environs. We investigated whether this relationship could be observed among adults in middle-to-older age. MethodMultilevel logit regression was used to investigate association between green space and psychological distress (Kessler scores of 22+) among 260,061 Australians over 45years old living in New South Wales (2006–2009). Physical activity was measured using the Active Australia survey. Percentage green space was estimated within a 1-kilometre of residence. ResultsIn comparison to residents of the least green areas, those in the greenest neighbourhoods were at a lower risk of psychological distress (Odds Ratio 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92) and were less sedentary (0.81: 0.77, 0.87). An interaction was observed between physical activity and green space (p=0.0028). More green space did not appear to benefit mental health among the least active (0.99: 0.85, 1.15), but there was a protective association for the more physically active (0.82: 0.67, 0.99). ConclusionFor adults in middle-to-older age, green spaces are not only important for promoting physical activity, but the mental health benefits of greener environs appear contingent upon those active lifestyles.

Does social support protect against depression & psychological distress? Findings from the RELACHS study of East London adolescents

Few prospective studies have examined the relationship between social support and psychological distress and depressive symptoms in adolescents. The aims of this study were to test whether social support is protective against psychological distress and depressive symptoms in an ethnically diverse population of adolescents and whether differences in support are reflected by ethnic differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms. Based on a longitudinal survey of 821 adolescents, this study found low levels of social support from family members was prospectively associated with depressive symptoms (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.43–3.54). Compared with White UK pupils, Black pupils were less likely to display psychological distress (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.09–0.51). However, social support did not explain the ethnic variations in psychological distress. Family environment may be a more consistent source of support compared with support from peers. The lower risk of psychological distress among Black pupils compared to White pupils requires further investigation.

Relationship of age and gender to the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress in later life

As populations age, psychological distress in late life will become of increasing public health and social importance. This study seeks to bridge the gap in information that exists about psychological distress in late life, by exploring the prevalence of psychological distress among a very large sample of older adults to determine the impact of age and gender, and the modifying effect of these factors on the associations between measures of psychological distress and sociodemographic and comorbid conditions. We analyzed self-reported data from 236,508 men and women in the New South Wales 45 and Up Study, to determine the impact of age and gender, and the modifying effects of these factors on associations between psychological distress and sociodemographic and comorbid conditions. Higher education, married status, and higher income were associated with lower risk of psychological distress. Although overall prevalence of psychological distress is lower at older ages, this increases after age 80, and is particularly associated with physical disabilities. Some older people (such as those requiring help because of disability and those with multiple comorbid health conditions) are at increased risk of psychological distress. These findings have implications for both healthcare providers and policy-makers in identifying and responding to the needs of older people in our aging society.

Dose-response relationship between physical activity and mental health: the Scottish Health Survey

Objectives:Regular physical activity is thought to be associated with better mental health, although there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal amount and type of activity to achieve these...

Ethnicity, social deprivation and psychological distress in adolescents

In adults the prevalence of psychological distress varies in different ethnic groups, and this has been explained by differences in socio-economic status. Is this also the case in adolescents? To examine whether ethnic differences in prevalence of psychological distress in adolescents are associated with social deprivation. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used to assess 2790 male and female pupils, aged 11-14 years, from a representative sample of 28 east London secondary schools. Rates of psychological distress were similar to rates in UK national samples in boys and girls. Bangladeshi pupils, although highly socially disadvantaged, had a lower risk of psychological distress (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.4-0.9). Non-UK White girls had higher rates of depressive symptoms (OR=1.54, 95% CI1.1-2.2). High rates of depressive symptoms in non-UK White girls may be related to recent migration. Low rates of psychological distress in Bangladeshi pupils in this sample relative to White pupils, despite socio-economic disadvantage, could be associated with cultural protective factors that require further investigation.