Mean GHQ-12 Score Research Articles

Evaluation of the demographic characteristics and general health status of earthquake survivors affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake; a section from Gaziantep Nurdağı district.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 occurred in Pazarcık District of Turkey at 04.17 on February 6, 2023 and another earthquake of 7.6 occurred at 13.24 on the same day. This is the second largest earthquake to have occurred in Turkey. The aim of this study is to investigate the earthquake-related level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, general health and psychological status of survivors who were affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake and who were living in Nurdağı District of Gaziantep after the earthquake. Data of 2317 individuals older than 18 years of age who were living in earthquake neighbourhoods, tents and containers in Nurdağı District of Gaziantep were examined. Variables were evaluated to find out the demographic characteristics and general health status of earthquake victims. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to find out psychological states of earthquake victims. The rate of injuries was 14.2% and leg and foot injuries were the most common with 44.2%. The relationship between injury status; and age, marital status, and being trapped under debris was revealed (p < 0.05). Mean GHQ-12 score of the survivors was 3.81 ± 2.81 and 51.9% experienced psychological distress. In the evaluation with logistic regression, it was found that female gender, being injured in the earthquake, loss of first degree and second degree relatives (with a higher rate in loss of first degree relative), having a severely damaged -to be demolished house and having a completely destroyed house were correlated with higher level of psychological distress (p < 0.05). General characteristics, injury prevalence and affecting factors of earthquake survivors were evaluated in the present study. Psychological distress was found in victims. For this reason, providing protective and assistive services to fight the destructive effects of earthquake is vital. Accordingly, increasing the awareness of people residing in earthquake zones regarding earthquakes is exceptionally important.

Psychological distress and coping strategies in parents of children receiving cancer therapy in Morocco - a correlational study.

Treating a child with cancer in a family is a challenge that can have an impact on mental health. The study consists of determining the prevalence of psychological distress of parents of cancer children and exploring its correlations with their coping strategies. The survey was conducted between March and July 2023 among parents or guardians of children with cancer. The data collection tool was a version of the general health questionnaire (GHQ12) to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress and the coping orientation to problems experienced, to explore coping strategies. The correlation between the mean GHQ12 score and adaptation strategies is assessed through bivariate analyses and multiple regression. 232 parents or guardians of children participated in the study. The average GHQ12 score (0-36) was 22 ±6.83. Regarding coping strategies, religion was the most frequently used strategy. The general health questionnaire score showed significant negative correlations with active coping strategies with r = -0.14; p = 0.03, and acceptance with r = -0.51; p < 0.001, and significant positive correlations with denial with r = 0.25; p < 0.001, and self-blame with r = 0.24; p < 0,001. In multivariate analysis, acceptance (β = -1.9, p < 0.001) and denial stra- tegy (β = 0.46, p = 0.02) are predictive factors of psychological distress. The study highlights the significant impact of coping strategies on the psychological distress experienced by parents of children undergoing cancer treatment in Morocco, by facilitating a more resilient adaptation and improved psychological well-being. These findings could form the basis for the development of culturally adapted mental health support programs for parents in simi-lar contexts.

Do errors in the GHQ-12 response options matter?

The twelve item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is a widely used measure of psychological wellbeing. Because there are seven different sets of response options across the twelve items, there is scope for transcription errors to occur when researchers assemble their study materials. The impact of such errors might be more important if they occur in the first set of response options than if they occur later in the questionnaire, once participants have become aware that options to the right of the GHQ-12 response sets always indicate worse wellbeing. To test the impact of introducing errors into the first and eighth set of response options for the GHQ-12 that render those response sets partially illogical. We used a double-blind randomised controlled trial, pre-registered with Open Science Framework (osf.io/syhwf). Participants were recruited by a market research company from their existing panel of respondents in Great Britain. Participants were randomly allocated to receive one of three versions of the GHQ-12: a correct version (n = 500), a version with a mistake in the first item (n = 502), or a mistake in the eighth item (n = 502). Mistakes replaced 'better than usual' (item one) or 'more so than usual' (item eight) with 'not at all.' We found no differences between the versions in terms of number of participants with possible poor psychological wellbeing (χ2 = 0.32, df = 2, p = 0.85) or in mean GHQ-12 scores for the three groups (F(2, 1501) = 0.26, p = 0.77). Small deviations from the standard GHQ-12 wording do not have a substantive impact on results.

Psychological Distress and Treatment Outcome in Patients With Early-Stage Mycosis Fungoides.

Skin diseases have been shown to worsen psychological distress, which, in turn, may be detrimental to treatment outcomes. Both the impact of psychological distress on response to treatment in mycosis fungoides (MF) and the effect of treatments on psychological well-being are unclear. To evaluate (1) the association between pretreatment psychological morbidity and treatment outcome in early-stage MF and (2) the impact of response to treatment on psychological well-being. This was a prospective cohort study of patients with early-stage MF who started a new stage-directed treatment for their disease. The response was determined using the modified severity-weighted assessment tool, and psychological distress was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Participants were followed for 1 year. In all, 24 consecutive patients were recruited. Objective response rate was 71% (17/24), consistent with existing literature. Prior to treatment, 9 patients (38%) had clinically significant psychological distress on the GHQ-12, while 8 (33%) demonstrated high-level worry on the PSWQ. Of these patients, 6 had pathologic scores on both instruments. Patients with significantly less baseline anxiety/depression on the GHQ-12 responded better to treatment than patients with higher levels (P = .004). In addition, responders' mean GHQ-12 scores decreased by 39% and their PSWQ scores by 17%, whereas nonresponders' GHQ-12 scores increased by 93% (P = .042) and their PSWQ scores by 11% (P = .019). These findings suggest that (1) baseline psychological distress is associated with worse outcomes in patients with early-stage MF and that (2) effective treatment improves psychological morbidity.

Changes in mental health among Chinese university students before and during campus lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic: a three-wave longitudinal study.

The campus lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected mental health among university students. However, the heterogeneity in responses to campus lockdown is still poorly known. We collected three-wave prospective data on university students' mental health in Shanghai, China, in 2022: (i) in February before the pandemic; (ii) in April at the initial COVID-19 campus lockdown; and (iii) in May amidst the citywide lockdown. Overall, 205 university students completed sociodemographic questionnaires, the General Health Questionnaire-12 items (GHQ-12), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the longitudinal changes in mental health and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Latent class mixed models (LCMM) were constructed to identify distinct trajectories. Multinomial regression models were used to identify factors associated with status variation patterns. Mean GHQ-12 scores were 8.49, 9.66, and 11.26 at pre-pandemic and lockdown T1 and T2, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were (5.96, 10.36, and 8.06, p < 0.001), (7.13, 6.67, and 7.16, p = 0.243), and (9.83, 7.28, and 11.43, p < 0.001), respectively. Changing trends of numbers of participants with clinical symptoms were consistent with those of mean scores. LCMM fitted three distinct trajectory classes, respectively, for GHQ-12, depression and anxiety symptoms, and four classes for stress symptoms. Participants with fair or poor peer relationships were more likely to belong to vulnerable trajectories concerning depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This study proves heterogeneity in mental health of university students in response to pandemic campus lockdown and highlights the necessity for identifying vulnerable groups to provide targeted support in future pandemics.

The association between higher education attendance and common mental health problems among young people in England: evidence from two population-based cohorts

It is unclear whether young people who attend higher education are at increased risk of common mental disorders, compared with those who do not attend. We aimed to investigate whether higher education attendance was associated with increased symptoms of common mental disorders (depression and anxiety) in young people before, during and after attendance. For this cohort study, we used two cohorts-the Longitudinal Studies of Young People in England (LSYPE1: N=4832, 55·8% [2696 of 4832] students; LSYPE2: n=6128, 50·7% [3104 of 6128] students), beginning in 2004 for LSYPE1 and 2013 for LSYPE2. Both cohorts were designed to be nationally representative, with schools in England as the primary sampling unit. Symptoms of common mental disorders were assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) before (age 14-17 years for both cohorts), during (age 18-19 years for LSYPE2), and after (age 25 years for LSYPE1) higher education. We assessed differences in GHQ scores using unadjusted and confounder adjusted linear regression. At ages 18-19 years (LSYPE2), mean GHQ-12 scores were 12·0 (SD 6·4) among students and 11·6 (SD 6·8) among non-students (adjusted mean difference 0·36, 95% CI 0·05 to 0·68; p=0·024). In LSYPE1, young people who attended higher education at ages 18-20 years had higher symptoms of common mental disorders at ages 16-17 years than those who did not (0·60, 0·30 to 0·90). However, after higher education (age 25 years for LSYPE1), there was no evidence of a difference-mean GHQ-12 scores were 11·4 (SD 5·5) among those who had attended and 11·7 (SD 6·4) among those who had not attended (-0·25, -0·66 to 0·16; p=0·23). We found evidence that students had more symptoms of common mental disorders than non-students at ages 18-19 years, albeit the effect size was small and there was no evidence of a longer-term difference at the age of 25 years. Department for Education.

The Impact of Sexual Violence on Quality of Life and Mental Wellbeing in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

Transgender (trans) and gender-diverse (GD) adolescents and young adults have remained largely invisible in health research. Previous research shows worse outcomes in health indicators for trans and GD people, compared to cisgender controls. Research on the impact of sexual violence focuses on mainly cisgender female adult victims. This study assessed the impact of sexual violence on the quality of life (QoL) and mental wellbeing (GHQ-12) among trans and GD adolescents and young adults, while taking into account the possible role of gender nonconformity in sexual violence and mental wellbeing. An online, anonymous survey and interviews/focus groups were conducted between October 2021 and May 2022 in Belgium. Multiple analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were used to assess the associations between sexual violence, mental wellbeing, and gender nonconformity, while controlling for different background variables (gender identity, sexual orientation, age, economic vulnerability, etc.). The interviews and focus groups were used to validate associations between variables that were hypothesized as important. The quantitative sample consisted of 110 respondents between 15 and 25 years old, with 30 trans respondents (27.3%) and 80 GD respondents (72.7%). A total of 73.6% reported experiences with sexual violence over the past two years (n = 81). The mean QoL score was 5.3/10, and the mean GHQ-12 score was 6.6/12. Sexual violence was not significantly associated with QoL (p = 0.157) and only marginally significantly associated with GHQ-12 (p = 0.05). Changing one's physical appearance to conform to gender norms, out of fear of getting attacked, discriminated against, or harassed was significantly associated with QoL (p = 0.009) and GHQ-12 (p = 0.041). The association between sexual violence and changing one's physical appearance to conform to gender norms was analyzed, to assess a possible mediation effect of sexual violence on mental wellbeing. No significant association was found (p = 0.261). However, the interviews suggest that sexual violence is associated with changing one's physical appearance, but this association is not limited to only trans and GD victims of sexual violence. Non-victims also adjust their appearance, out of fear of future sexual victimization. Together with the high proportion of sexual violence, as well as the lower average QoL and higher average GHQ-12 scores among trans and GD adolescents and young adults, compared to general population statistics, this highlights the need for policy makers to create more inclusive environments.

Investigation and Analysis of Mental State and Coping Style of Psychiatric Nurses in Public Health Emergencies.

Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the evaluate the psychological loads of psychiatric nurses and analyzed the influencing factors of these loads in nurse-patient communication.Methods: We used a convenience sampling method to select 400 psychiatric nurses from 5 tertiary psychiatric hospitals in Hebei, Jiangsu and Guangdong between April 5, 2020 and March 5, 2022 to participate. All participants were interviewed using a self-developed psychiatric nurse-patient communication event questionnaire and a 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Results: The nurses' mean GHQ-12 score for psychiatric nurse-patient communication was 5.12±3.89 points, and generally, the psychological load was at a moderately high level. Among them, 196 (49.00%) had a high psychological load. The top 5 types of violence from patients or families towards the psychiatric nurses in the past month were injuries, verbal abuse, difficulties, work obstruction, and threatening intimidation. The most frequent factors in nurse-patient communication stress events were being worried about errors and accidents at work, being worried about not facing patient's emotional problems properly, and concern that they lacked communication skills about specific psychiatric symptoms. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the important predictors of a high psychological load in psychiatric nurses included being male, having greater education, having worked a high number of years, having a high nurse characteristic factor load score, having a high environmental and social support factor load score, and experiencing workplace violence. Conclusion: The psychological load of psychiatric nurses is generally at a moderately high level and is directly related to gender, the number of working years, whether nurses have received professional systematic training, the frequency of workplace violence factors, nurses' characteristics, and environmental and social support scores. Accordingly, we should take note of these areas and improve them.

Impact of multiple sclerosis on mental health: A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionWhen we think of multiple sclerosis (MS), we usually talk about the sensory and motor symptoms of the disease and their impact on the functioning of the individual affected. However, this disability can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including psychological and cognitive manifestations that also have a significant impact on the quality of life of patientsObjectivesTo estimate the incidence of psychiatric disorders in patients with MS.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study that interested MS patients referred to the occupational pathology consultation of the Charles Nicolle Hospital, during the period from July 1, 2020, to September 30, 2022. The data collected concerned the characteristics of the disease. The detection of psychiatric disorders was studied through a validated self-questionnaire GHQ-12 (General Health Questionnaire).ResultsThe study population consisted of 26 cases. The average age was 38 ± 9 years. A predominance of females was noted in 77% of cases. Eight patients (31%) were smokers. Nine cases (47%) had a relapsing-remitting form and six cases (32%) had a primary progressive form. All patients were on disease-modifying therapy. The average duration of the disease was 6 ± 3 years. The average duration of work during the illness was 4 years [one year-12 years]. The average duration of work stoppage in the last 12 months of activity was 63 days [2-240 days], of which 54% was long-term sick leave. The mean GHQ-12 score was 4.38 [0-10]. Twenty patients (77%) had psychological disorders.ConclusionsThis study shows the high frequency of psychiatric disorders in our MS patients. The role of the neuropsychologist is therefore often crucial in the care of these patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Mental health status of public health nurses and its related factors under the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mental health status of public health nurses (PHNs) in public health centers (PHCs) and to clarify its related factors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan. Methods: Participants were 1,320 full-time PHNs in PHCs, and self-administered structured questionnaire regarding individual factors, work environment factors, and mental health status measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was surveyed. The survey period was from June 10 to July 15, 2021. We asked the respondents for a response regarding the situation during the fourth wave of COVID-19 infectious spread. For analysis, participants were divided into two groups according to a cut-off point of the GHQ-12 score, and the χ2 test was conducted. Afterward, stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: The data of 640 participants were analyzed (valid response rate: 48.5%). Of the 640 participants, 64.2% worked in the infectious diseases section. Among the participants, 63.6% reported working overtime every day, and 38.3% reported working every weekend. Regarding the mental health status, the mean GHQ-12 score was 6.3±3.4, and 75.5% of the participants had a higher level of psychological distress. As shown in the result of the logistic regression analysis, the items "belonging to the infectious disease section" (OR = 1.73), "frequency of working overtime" (OR = 2.23), "frequency of working on the weekends" (OR = 2.11) and "workplace social support" (OR = 0.31) affected the PHNs' mental health. Conclusions: This study revealed that the mental health status of PHNs was at a critical level during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the needs for immediate mental health support for PHNs was suggested.

Mental health among the sugarcane industry farmers and non-farmers in Peru: a cross-sectional study on occupational health

ObjectiveDescribe the occupational characteristics of farmer and non-farmer workers and investigate critical occupational risk factors for mental disorders in sugarcane farmers in Peru.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study with occupational health...

Mental Health Status of High School Students in Khartoum State, Sudan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

AimsThis study sought to assess mental health status of high school students in Khartoum State, to evaluate the participants’ adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and to identify factors associated with commitment to COVID-19 guidelines and mental health status during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross-sectional and institution-based study. 364 post-primary students in 10 schools were selected by multistage stratified cluster sampling. Mental health status was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Chi-square testing was used to identify influencing factors of mental health status and commitment to practicing COVID-19 preventive measures.ResultsA median commitment score of 2/5 was achieved. 70.8% of students in this study demonstrated low commitment (&lt; 50%) to practicing COVID-19 preventive guidelines. Commitment to COVID-19 preventive measures was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.047), academic year (p = 0.033) and post-primary schools attended by the participants (p &lt; 0.001). 36.5% of the participants’ GHQ-12 scores demonstrated severe psychological distress (GHQ-12 &gt; 20/36). A mean GHQ-12 score of 18.4 and median of 19 was achieved, indicating moderate to severe psychological distress. GHQ-12 scores were significantly associated with incidence of COVID-19 infection among family members (p = 0.016).ConclusionOver one-third of high school students in Khartoum State demonstrated moderate to severe psychological distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which was significantly associated with first-degree family members having a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Commitment to preventive measures set by the General Directorate of Global Health was significantly associated with gender and academic year. A lesser psychological impact could be achieved through timely health education, expression of confidence in professional healthcare providers and perception of sound health status, together with consistent public health campaigning.

Evaluation of depression and general health assessment among systemic lupus erythematosus patients in relation to disease activity and damage

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune illness defined by involvement of several systems and a variety of clinical symptoms among them the neuropsychiatric manifestations. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the presence of depression and to assess overall health in individuals with SLE, as well as their relation to SLE disease activity and damage. Sixty adult SLE patients were enrolled, along with sixty age and sex-matched controls. For the presence of major depression, all patients were examined using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for mental distress. Antinuclear antibody, anti-ds DNA, complements 3 and 4, and anti-ribosomal P antibody were performed for SLE patients. The SLEDAI-2 K and SLEDDI were assessed.ResultsThe 60 patients were 52 (86.7%) females and 8 (13.3%) men, with a mean age of 32.5 ± 11.5 years and disease duration of 3.57 ± 3.55 years. Patients with depression accounted for 43 (71.6%) of the total, whereas controls accounted for just 14 (23.3%). Patients with substantial depression had significantly higher SLEDAI-2 K, SLEDDI, and illness duration than those without major depression (p = 0.047, p = 0.043, and p = 0.033, respectively). The patients’ mean GHQ-12 score was 17 ± 5.96, whereas the control group's was 10.0 ± 67.30, with a p value of 0.002. SLEDAI-2 K, SLEDDI, and depression score had a substantial positive association (p = 0.001, p = 0.042), while BDI-II and GHQ-12 had a significant positive correlation (p 0.001).ConclusionsDepression and psychological distress were both common in SLE patients. Depression severity was linked to illness duration, activity, and damage.

A cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors of psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic among the Indian population

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of psychological distress and identify the predictors and factors associated with the distress during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic among Indian population. Methods: An online cross-sectional study with a semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the psychological distress using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) among Indians. Descriptive statistics and prevalence of psychological distress were calculated. Chi-square test was done to find the association between the independent variables and psychological distress. Factors that are significantly associated with psychological distress were further analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors.Results: 846 responses were obtained with mean age 32 years (32.45 ± 11.44). 35% (n=290) had significant psychological distress with mean GHQ-12 score of 2.37. Factors associated were age (p=0.002), family members having COVID symptoms (p=0.017), lockdown distress (p=0.0001), source of health information (p=0.041), perception that information by social media increased fear (p=0.0001), likelihood of family contracting COVID-19 (p=0.022), pattern of food consumption (p=0.0001) and worry about financial burden during lockdown (p=0.0001). By logistic regression analysis, we found increased odds of developing psychological distress among the participants aged less than 40 years (OR=1.49, C.I=1-2.249,p=0.050); people who felt distressed due to the lockdown situation (OR= 2.31, C.I=1.694-3.162, p=0.0001); individuals whose fear increased due to social media information (OR=1.55, C.I= 1.144-2.113, p=0.005) and participants whose food pattern increased during the lockdown period (OR=1.41, C.I=1.035-1.923, p=0.029).Conclusions: Nearly 1/3rd of the participants were in a state of psychological distress which transcended topographical barriers with factors such as being less than 40 years of age, accessing health information through social media, pattern of food consumption being increased and being in lockdown situation as predictors of psychological distress.

Anxiety and depression in athletes assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) - a systematic scoping review.

The poor mental health of athletes is a major concern in sport. Typically, the incidence/prevalence of mental health symptoms in athletes is studied using symptom-specific questionnaires. For symptoms of depression/anxiety, one such self-reporting questionnaire is the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The aim of this review was to synthesise and compare studies using the GHQ-12 in athletes to inform future research bodies by identifying trends and gaps in the literature. A systematic search of five electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus and Web of Science) was conducted on all published studies up to 1 January 2019. Inclusion criteria: (1) participants were able-bodied athletes; (2) studies measured anxiety/depression using the GHQ-12; (3) studies were full original articles from peer-reviewed journals; (4) studies were published in English. Thirty-two studies were included in the review. The prevalence and incidence of symptoms of anxiety/depression ranged from 21-48% and 17-57%, respectively. The majority of studies screening anxiety/depression using the GHQ-12 were cross-sectional. Almost 70% of the studies used the traditional scoring method. The majority of study populations sampled all-male cohorts comprising football (soccer) players. The traditional scoring of 0-0-1-1 should be used with the cut-off set at ≥3. Also, the mean GHQ-12 score should be reported. Potential risk factors for symptoms of anxiety/depression (i.e. recent adverse life events, injury and illness, social support, pressure to perform and career transitioning) and a lack of prospective studies were identified. Future research should also broaden the spectrum of athlete populations used and aim to improve response rates.

1269Mental health among farmers and non-farmers at sugar cane industry: occupational health study in Peru

Abstract Background We compare the prevalence rates of common mental disorders symptoms between farmers and non-farmers workers of the sugarcane industry and explore the role of relevant occupational factors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with an occupational health &amp; safety focus, describing the demographic and work characteristics of farmers and non-farmer of the sugar cane industry in San Jacinto, Peru. We identified mental disorders symptoms using a local validated version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We explored the association between symptoms of mental disorders, work conditions and known occupational risk factors. We explored the proposed association using negative binomial regression models to estimate Ratio of means (RM) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results We assessed 281 workers; 106 (37.7%) of respondents identified themselves as farm workers. The mean GHQ-12 score for farmers and non-farmers was 3.1 and 1.3 respectively. In the adjusted multivariate models mental disorders symptom counts among farmers was more than twice higher than those of non-farmers (RM: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.48-3.01). Also, having a low monthly salary (RM: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.00-1.92), and additional working hours per week (RM: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00-1.03) were associated with higher counts of mental disorders symptoms. Conclusions Our Findings highlight the importance of including mental health within occupational programs and early interventions tailored to this target group. Key messages Occupational hazard; Mental disorders; Sugarcane work, Farmers.

Mediation effect of coping strategies on general psychological health among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective In this study, we aim to assess general psychological health, associated factors, and the potential of coping strategies as a mediator for middle-aged and older Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A total of 535 individuals aged 52 years and above from the previous cohort and interventional studies in Peninsular Malaysia were contacted during the Movement Control Order (MCO) issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telephonic interviews were conducted to obtain participant information concerning socio-demography, physical activity, subjective well-being (SWB) as assessed using flourishing scale, coping strategies, and general psychological health (GHQ-12). Simple linear regression (SLR) and multiple linear regression (MLR) analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with GHQ-12. The associated factors were further analysed using mediation analysis to determine the potential of coping strategies as a mediator. Results It was observed that participants had a low mean GHQ-12 score (M = 0.80, SD = 2.19), indicating good psychological health. Living arrangement, physical activity, and flourishing scale were associated with psychological health (R2 = 0.412, p < 0.05) in MLR. Positive reinterpretation, emotional support, instrumental support, humour, denial, and self-blame appear to partially mediate the relationship between socio-demography, physical activity, flourishing scale and GHQ-12, with lower coefficient values. Conclusion Middle-aged and older adults in Malaysia had good psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when living with family, physically active, and having good subjective well-being. These findings provide the initial evidence to help promote the ageing population’s general well-being and mental health and enable them to cope with change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wellbeing, symptoms of trauma, and personal resources in Palestinian professional helpers: a cross-sectional quantitative survey

BackgroundProfessional helpers working in adverse circumstances are at risk of developing psychosocial stress and signs of primary and secondary trauma (eg, anxiety and hyperarousal). We used modelling to investigate whether and to what extent personal resources (ie, post-traumatic growth, sense of coherence, and wellbeing) of Palestinian helpers affected their experience of psychological distress and trauma symptoms. MethodsEligible participants were professional health-care providers working in Gaza and the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory, between June and October, 2018. We used the following quantitative measures: WHO Well Being Index (WHO-5), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Impact of Event Scale (IES-13), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-3), and Post-traumatic Growth Index (PTGI-10). Data were analysed by multivariate structural equation modelling with latent and empirical indicators to test the fit of these constructs to the empirical data. The model was specified to evaluate whether and to what extent mental resources may be interpreted as a set of protective factors mitigating risk factors. The study was approved by the ethics board of the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy. Written consent was obtained from participants. Findings181 participants were enrolled, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years (mean 31·1, SD 8·7). 135 (75%) were men. The mean GHQ-12 score was 17·7 (SD 7·5), revealing a medium to high degree of psychological trauma. 60 (33%) participants reported low mood (although not necessarily depression) on WHO-5. The structural model showed an excellent fit (χ2 [24] 31·8, p=0·132, root mean square error of approximation 0·043, 90% CI 0·019–0·077). Stronger personal resources were associated with lower levels of both psychological distress (β=–0·25, p<0·01) and trauma (β=–0·16, p<0·01). Personal resources were especially associated with reduced levels of anxiety (β=–0·23, p<0·01) and intrusion symptoms (β=–0·22, p<0·01). InterpretationOur integrated model showed that, despite heavy psychological burden, perceptions of post-traumatic growth, coherence, and wellbeing are associated with reduced psychological distress. Targeted training of health-care providers focused on self-awareness of their personal skills and survival resources could improve their psychological health. The study was limited by the cross-sectional research design, and the outcomes of the structural model should be read in terms of probabilistic associations rather than cause-effect relationships. A second limitation concerns the kind of data collected. All the research instruments yielded self-reported quantitative scores, meaning that the standardised β weights in the model could potentially be an artifact of common method variance (ie, attributable to the measurement method rather than to the constructs themselves. FundingNone.

Mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal probability sample survey of the UK population

BackgroundThe potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population mental health is of increasing global concern. We examine changes in adult mental health in the UK population before and during the lockdown.MethodsIn this secondary analysis of a national, longitudinal cohort study, households that took part in Waves 8 or 9 of the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) panel, including all members aged 16 or older in April, 2020, were invited to complete the COVID-19 web survey on April 23–30, 2020. Participants who were unable to make an informed decision as a result of incapacity, or who had unknown postal addresses or addresses abroad were excluded. Mental health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Repeated cross-sectional analyses were done to examine temporal trends. Fixed-effects regression models were fitted to identify within-person change compared with preceding trends.FindingsWaves 6–9 of the UKHLS had 53 351 participants. Eligible participants for the COVID-19 web survey were from households that took part in Waves 8 or 9, and 17 452 (41·2%) of 42 330 eligible people participated in the web survey. Population prevalence of clinically significant levels of mental distress rose from 18·9% (95% CI 17·8–20·0) in 2018–19 to 27·3% (26·3–28·2) in April, 2020, one month into UK lockdown. Mean GHQ-12 score also increased over this time, from 11·5 (95% CI 11·3–11·6) in 2018–19, to 12·6 (12·5–12·8) in April, 2020. This was 0·48 (95% CI 0·07–0·90) points higher than expected when accounting for previous upward trends between 2014 and 2018. Comparing GHQ-12 scores within individuals, adjusting for time trends and significant predictors of change, increases were greatest in 18–24-year-olds (2·69 points, 95% CI 1·89–3·48), 25–34-year-olds (1·57, 0·96–2·18), women (0·92, 0·50–1·35), and people living with young children (1·45, 0·79–2·12). People employed before the pandemic also averaged a notable increase in GHQ-12 score (0·63, 95% CI 0·20–1·06).InterpretationBy late April, 2020, mental health in the UK had deteriorated compared with pre-COVID-19 trends. Policies emphasising the needs of women, young people, and those with preschool aged children are likely to play an important part in preventing future mental illness.FundingNone.

Psychological Distress among Syrian Refugee Women and a Control Group in an Urban Settlement in Beirut- a Pilot Study.

The Syrian conflict has created approximately five million refugees. Of these, more than one million have settled in Lebanon. This project aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) amongst Syrian refugee mothers compared to a control group of local mothers living in the same informal urban settlement in Beirut. A convenient sample was selected from a primary care center. The General Health Questionnaire-12 items (GHQ-12) was administered to determine PD amongst women who were pregnant within 2years of the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Sixty women were enrolled; 35 were Syrian refugees. All women had PD. The mean GHQ-12 scores were 7.5 and 7.2 for the control and Syrian refugee mothers, respectively. When asked about stressors, 91.7% of the women stated poverty. Syrian refugee women had similar PD as women who were not displaced and did not experience direct war related hostilities.