Mental Well-being Research Articles

Mental health challenges faced by foreign nurses: a scoping review

Purpose Foreign nurses encounter various challenges that impact their mental health, but there is a lack of comprehensive evidence on these difficulties and the strategies to address them. This study aims to synthesize the available evidence to identify these challenges and the strategies to support foreign nurses. Design/methodology/approach A scoping review framework was used with an exploration of seven databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed and ProQuest Central) to search for primary studies. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research were considered for inclusion, with manual searches of reference lists for potential additions. Studies published between 2013 and September 2023, and written in English were considered for inclusion. Findings About 22 of 1,077 identified studies were finally included in this review. Three distinct themes were identified as contributors to the nurses’ mental health challenges, and one theme emerged to highlight strategies to overcome the challenges. These contributors included the influences of diverse cultures, dynamics within the work environment, language barriers, separation from family and friends, heavy workloads and pressures, disparities in health-care systems and experiences of discrimination. Strategies identified to overcome the challenges were at individual, organizational and policy levels to support foreign nurses in navigating and mitigating stressors. Originality/value This study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to assist foreign nurses in overcoming challenges that may affect their mental health and well-being. Moreover, strategic interventions are crucial to support them in addressing the barriers they faced.

USO INDISCRIMINADO DOS OPIOIDES POR PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Introduction: The opioid epidemic is a global public health crisis that affects several regions, including one that is not always highlighted: health professionals. General objective: to analyze the complexity of the indiscriminate use of opioids by health professionals. Method: This is an integrative literature review, following five stages with a search in the LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases from 2019 to 2024. Results: 109 articles were found; 06 articles were used to prepare the study. Discussion: According to the Brazilian guidelines on opioid abuse, patients with chronic pain and healthcare professionals are among the groups most at risk of acquiring opioid dependence. Concern about the abuse of psychoactive substances by healthcare professionals is not new. Historically, the population of doctors and other healthcare workers has been more exposed to the risk of abusing psychoactive substances, including prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, opiates and amphetamines. Conclusion: The disordered use of opioids by healthcare professionals is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat. Healthcare institutions, regulatory bodies and society in general have an important role to play in promoting a safer and more supportive working environment. Emphasizing the importance of the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals, as well as implementing preventive measures and effective interventions, is essential to reducing opioid use and ensuring that these professionals can continue to provide quality care while protecting their own health and safety.

Associations between self-compassion and moral injury among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional study.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) can face situations that conflict with their moral beliefs, leading to moral injury, an adverse psychological consequence that was more frequent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-compassion is a potential coping mechanism for moral injury by encouraging acceptance of human limitations and suffering. This study aimed to examine the associations between self-compassion components and moral injury prevalence among HCWs in Quebec, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants: and research context: The sample of this study consisted of HCWs and leaders from the Quebec province. Participants completed validated self-administered questionnaires assessing both positive and negative self-compassion components (self-kindness vs self-judgment; common humanity vs isolation; and mindfulness vs overidentification) and moral injury dimensions (self-oriented and other-oriented). Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between self-compassion components and moral injury dimensions were modeled using Poison robust regressions. The models were adjusted for various covariates, including sex, age, gender, and socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the ethics committee of the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale in Quebec, Canada. All participants provided written informed consent prior to participating in the study. Additionally, permission was sought and obtained from the original authors of the tools used in this study, including the self-compassion and moral injury scales. The study involved 572 HCWs (60.5% nurses) and leaders. Around half of the participants (50.70%) exhibited moderate levels of self-compassion, while the prevalence of low levels of self-compassion ranged from 21.68% to 48.08% for the positive subscales and from 23.78% to 44.41% for the negative subscales. Regarding moral injury, 10.14% of participants reported moderate to high self-oriented moral injury, 29.19% reported moderate to high other-oriented moral injury, and 13.81% demonstrated moderate to high total moral injury. Higher self-compassion levels were associated with lower moral injury prevalence. HCWs with high self-compassion had a 93% lower likelihood of experiencing moral injury (PR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03-0.19). Self-kindness demonstrated the strongest association with reduced moral injury (PR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11-0.52), followed by mindfulness (PR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18-0.75). However, common humanity did not show a statistically significant association with moral injury prevalence. These findings suggest a potential association between self-compassion and reduced prevalence of moral injury among HCWs, highlighting promising interventions to manage moral injury during crises. Such initiatives could promote the mental wellbeing of HCWs and preventing the negative consequences of moral injury, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Meditation and mindfulness, rooted in ancient traditions, enhance mental well-being by cultivating awareness and emotional control. It has been shown to induce neuroplasticity, increase cortical thickness, reduce amygdala reactivity, and improve brain connectivity and neurotransmitter levels, leading to improved emotional regulation, cognitive function, and stress resilience. This systematic review will synthesize research on neurobiological changes associated with mindfulness and meditation practices. Materials and Methods: Studies were identified from an online search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases without any search time range. This review has been registered on Open OSF (n) GV2JY. Results: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) enhances brain regions related to emotional processing and sensory perception, improves psychological outcomes like anxiety and depression, and exhibits unique mechanisms of pain reduction compared to placebo. Conclusions: This review highlights that mindfulness, particularly through MBSR, improves emotional regulation and brain structure, reduces anxiety, and enhances stress resilience. Future research should focus on diverse populations and naturalistic settings to better understand and optimize these benefits.

The effects of psychological flexibility and night shifts on mental health and well-being in nurses.

Examining mental health among nurses in the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic could offer valuable information for addressing these symptoms in the long term. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the mental health and well-being of Chinese nurses, as well as investigate the impact of psychological flexibility and night shifts on this relationship. In cross-sectional, hospital-based, multicenter study, 422 Chinese nurses were selected by multistage stratified cluster random sampling. The mental health status, psychological flexibility, and wellbeing were assessed via 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Chinese version of Personalized Psychological Flexibility Index, and Chinese version of the 5-item WHO Well-Being Index, respectively. To examine the proposed theoretical model, we conducted structural equation modeling using SPSS Amos 26 version. The age, gender, night shift, psychological flexibility, mental health, and well-being data were entered into the model. Pearson correlation and chi-square were used to explore the correlation between variables. The high night shifts, being young and low psychological flexibility significantly had a direct effect on worse mental health (night shifts: ES, 95% CI: 0.619, 0.328-0.725; age: ES, 95% CI: 0.542, 0.226-0.993; psychological flexibility: ES, 95% CI: 0.675, 0.369-1.466). The low psychological flexibility and worse mental health were able to directly effect on worse wellbeing (psychological flexibility: ES, 95% CI: 0.419, 0.757-1.519; mental health: ES, 95% CI: 0.719, 1.109-2.607). In addition, psychological flexibility through the mediation of mental health also had an indirect effect on wellbeing (ES, 95% CI: 0.269, 0.957-2.165). Being young, having more night shifts and having less psychological flexibility can be related to the deterioration of mental health and well-being in nurses. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses use the shift routine program with the least focus on the night shifts. Also, interventions to teach younger nurses how to face work stress and interventions to improve the psychological flexibility of all nurses are needed.

An Exploration of the Role of HR Departments in Optimizing Employee Mental Wellness in the Face of Organizational Risks

Purpose Considering mental health in organizations is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts the well-being and productivity of employees. This paper aims to delve into the role of the human resource (HR) department (HRD) in promoting mental health and mitigating associated organizational risks within emerging markets, with a specific focus on organizations in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative research approach, 21 semistructured interviews were conducted with employees from diverse organizations and industries in Jordan. Findings The study’s findings illuminate a constrained role of HRD in supporting employees’ mental well-being, attributable to several factors: (i) a perceptual gap between the actual and desired roles of HRD in fostering mental health according to employees; (ii) institutional factors dictating initiatives for mental health support at work; and (iii) societal and cultural norms shaping attitudes toward mental health, both pre- and post-COVID-19. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of HR practices and mental health support in the workplace in emerging markets, providing valuable insights for both academic and practical considerations. As organizations navigate the evolving landscape of employee well-being, this study’s findings offer a foundation for future research and the development of evidence-based strategies to enhance mental health support within organizational contexts and mitigate organizational risks. Originality/value This study illuminates the current landscape of human resources management development in fostering mental health at work in Jordan, serving as a foundation for future research agendas in the country and potentially the wider region.

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

Physical inactivity is an ongoing problem throughout the lifespan. For older people, inactivity has a negative impact on wellbeing, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technologies can be employed to encourage uptake of social and physical activity through remotely delivered interventions to improve wellbeing, however, we need to understand older people's perceptions and experiences of using digital technologies before implementing these interventions. To explore the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 community dwelling older people from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom who were all programme participants in a remotely delivered mind-body physical activity programme called Positive Movement. Interviews were conducted before programme participation. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from the data. The perceived impact of COVID-19 on social contact, perceived impact of COVID-19 on mental wellbeing, using digital platforms for health or exercise and using digital platforms for social contact. Participants reported reduced social contact due to COVID-19. Most participants reported using digital technologies for social inclusion rather than health reasons, and there were mixed views on the willingness to use digital technologies for physical activity. Digital technologies offered a lifeline during COVID-19 to maintain social contact and their use was found acceptable by older people. Digital platforms such as Zoom can be further employed to conduct remotely delivered interventions with the aim to increase uptake of social and physical activity interventions within this population.

(Cost-)effectiveness and implementation of a combined lifestyle intervention for outpatients with severe mental illness (GOAL!): a hybrid quasi-experimental study protocol.

People with severe mental illness (SMI) face not only impaired mental health, but also a greater risk of physical comorbidities and a shorter life expectancy compared to the general population. A poor lifestyle plays a substantial role in this disparity. Combined Lifestyle Interventions targeting multiple lifestyle behaviors can improve mental and physical health, and quality of life. However, there is currently no appropriate structural support for people with SMI in outpatient care in the Netherlands. The Combined Lifestyle Intervention for Outpatients with SMI (GOAL!) is developed to address this gap. This study examines the (cost-)effectiveness and implementation of GOAL!. In a type 1 hybrid quasi-experimental study with a mixed-method matched design, GOAL! participants (N = 50) are compared to people receiving care as usual (N = 50). The GOAL! program includes group and individual sessions, given by allied health professionals, over a period of two years. The first year starts with a 3-month intensive course on physical activity and nutrition, followed by 9 months of aftercare covering various lifestyle topics tailored to the group's needs. There is close collaboration with local stakeholders to facilitate transfer to the community setting. The second year focuses on maintaining established activities in one's daily living environment. Our primary outcome will be the change in physical activity, comparing GOAL! participants to those receiving care as usual. Secondary outcomes are changes in other lifestyle behaviors, physical health, mental well-being, and healthcare and societal costs. Additionally, achieving lifestyle-related goals, adverse effects, and barriers and facilitators to implementation are examined. Measurements are obtained at start (T0), and after 3 (T1), 12 (T2) and 24 months (T3). This study investigates the effects of GOAL! on lifestyle behaviors, health outcomes, implementation factors and cost-effectiveness after two years, aiming to offer valuable insights into the effectiveness and implementation outcomes of lifestyle interventions for outpatients with SMI. ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05600205). Prospectively registered on October 26, 2022.

TikTok and the fear of missing out: Analyzing social media consumption and mental wellbeing

Background: TikTok, a social media application, has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, with a broad spectrum of users from all ages, different countries and cultures. However, major concerns in the field of mental health related to the use of such platforms have consequentially emerged. This particular research aimed to analyse the usage patterns associated with the social media platform, TikTok, and its cascading psychological effects among young Mauritian adults. Methodology: The cross-sectional study adopted a quantitative approach with a sample of 400 Mauritians meeting the inclusion criteria. A self-reported questionnaire examining self-esteem, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and mental health determinants was designed and administered primarily through online mediums. Findings: 30.5% of the participants used TikTok for 1 h to 2 h, while 12.3% used it for 2 h to 3 h daily, and the most prevalent reason for TikTok use was leisure (73.5%). Adverse psychological effects, characterised by pessimism (33.3%), restlessness (35.1%), uselessness (39.8%), anxiety (38%), depressive behaviours (36.5%), lower self-esteem (17%), and FOMO (41.7%), were depicted among the sampled participants. An increase in FOMO led to lower self-esteem (rs = −0.326, p < 0.05), heightened anxiety (rs = 0.467, p < 0.05) and a potential increase in depressive symptoms (rs = 0.338, p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in anxiety levels when perception of self-directed negative comments was assessed (U = 11,852.500, z = −4.808, p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study empirically revealed that the general use of TikTok in itself appears to be non-problematic; rather, its unhealthy excessive usage triggers deleterious mental health among TikTok users. The findings also pointed towards sensitization measures and psychoeducation towards the appropriate use of social media platforms such as TikTok.

Enhancing Yoga Awareness Among Future Healthcare Practitioners: A Study on MBBS Students' Knowledge and Perceptions

Background: Yoga, and art and science rooted in ancient Indian culture, is increasingly recognized for its holistic benefits, contributing to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Despite its global popularity, knowledge and awareness of yoga amongst medical students, particularly within Health Professions Education, remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the understanding of yoga and yoga therapy among MBBS students to help integrate these concepts into future medical practice. Aim and Objective: The study sought to evaluate the general awareness of yoga among medical students, particularly focusing on misconceptions, technical terminology, and therapeutic applications, aiming to enhance their ability to utilize yoga in a healthcare context. Materials and Methods: Conducted at the School of Yoga Therapy, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, this study involved 221 MBBS students participating in a yoga orientation program. The Yoga Awareness Questionnaire (YAQ), a 10-item pre-validated tool, was administered both before and after a single 60-minute yoga session. Paired t-tests were used to analyze changes in awareness with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: The average YAQ score increased significantly from 5 to 7 post-intervention, indicating improved awareness. Increases were noted across understanding holistic yoga, Ashtanga Yoga concepts, and dispelling misconceptions. However, some variability persisted in technical terminology understanding. Conclusion: A single yoga awareness session effectively enhanced medical students' understanding of yoga, promoting a more uniform baseline knowledge. These findings suggest that integrating yoga education in healthcare curricula could prepare future practitioners to incorporate holistic practices into patient care. As the Government of India and the National Medical Commission are advocating integration of Ayush systems within modern medicine, the results of this study have several important implications.

“Honoring their stories”: care providers’ understanding of psychosocial concerns among Bhutanese American older adults with refugee life experience

Purpose This paper aims to explore the barriers and facilitators to psychosocial well-being among ethnic Nepali Bhutanese American older adults from the perspective of health care and service providers working with this population. Specifically, the authors aimed to understand health-care and service providers’ perceptions of the psychosocial well-being in this community and appropriate interventions. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research methods were used to collect and analyze data in collaboration with a community-based organization. A total of ten participants were interviewed. Interviews were conducted in either English or Nepali, based on participant preference. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Findings Three major themes were generated from the analysis. The first two were in reference to perceived barriers to mental well-being among Bhutanese American older adults: isolation that older adults faced in the USA and shifting responsibilities and lifestyles that arose from the cultural and structural barriers in the USA. Throughout these themes, there was an understanding that acculturation threatened families’ connections to each other and impacted older adults’ connections with younger generations. The third theme, a perceived facilitator of well-being, was the power of storytelling to counteract feelings of isolation and disempowerment caused by shifting lifestyles felt by older adults, especially amid community events. Originality/value Bhutanese American older adults, many of whom have limited English proficiency, face numerous challenges, psychosocial stressors and factors contributing to well-being. Care for this population should prioritize dignity, empowerment and the incorporation of strengths within their narratives. Interventions and services tailored for older Bhutanese American adults need to be adapted to integrate multiple care systems.

Research on the design and image perception of cultural landscapes based on digital roaming technology

AbstractThe preservation and advancement of cultural heritage continue to present significant challenges, arising from conflicting objectives, concepts, methodologies, and limited resources. Image perception not only serves as an observational tool for cultural heritage but also as a research method to uncover deeper meanings and implications. To explore the complex dynamics of cultural heritage and address the risks of its deterioration, this study employed virtual engine software (Unity 2019) to create digital landscapes for immersive exploration. An image perception evaluation framework was established through field surveys and behavioral synthesis experiments across five key areas, including ancient tree ecosystems and architectural sites. Our findings revealed that participants showed the greatest interest in the ancient tree ecological area, indicating a strong attachment to historical continuity and natural progression. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis further demonstrated that participants experienced positive emotional responses, suggesting that well-designed cultural landscapes can enhance mental well-being and uplift mood. Additionally, participants expressed a strong willingness to discuss the ancient tree eco-region, with image perception playing a crucial role in motivating information sharing and driving conservation efforts. This study introduces an innovative model—Design Practice, Immersive Experience, and Image Perception Evaluation—which offers a new perspective for the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage sites.

Illustrations of Coping and Mental Well-Being of Adolescents Living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa During COVID: A Photovoice Study

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are the fastest-growing population living with HIV globally. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems, thereby negatively affecting the quality and availability of HIV care and support services. This study describes the challenges and treatment experiences of ALHIV on ART at a public primary healthcare facility in a low-socioeconomic community in Cape Town, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative photovoice study was conducted with 21 adolescents (aged 14–19 years; 13 females and 8 males). Participants shared pictures illustrating their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in groups. Group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed in full and subjected to content analysis. Seven themes emerged describing ALHIV’s personal, social, and economic challenges, their means of coping, and feelings of vulnerability. Challenges included the loss of significant others, lack of social support and opportunities, experiences of HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the household, loneliness, and isolation. In spite of difficulties, some ALHIV displayed resilience by continuing their medication routines during lockdown periods. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for the restoration of the health system and services, including psychosocial support to re-engage ALHIV in care and treatment.

Physical and mental well-being of older adults: examining the impact of financial support from male migrant children on Indian left-behind parents.

Amid high youth out-migration, India's older parents face severe social, economic, psychological, and health crises due to their children's separation. However, remittances from their migrant children alleviate economic hardships, improve healthcare access, and partially compensate for their absence. So, this study examines how adult-child migration affects older parents' physical and mental health and how remittance support helps mitigate these challenges. This study used the 2011 Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) dataset, the current study (n = 5122) employs bivariate statistics, logistic regression, and mediation analysis to address the objectives. Logistic regression determines the factors of self-rated health and depression, while mediation analysis is implied to understand the intermediate effect of financial support i.e. remittance on left-behind older adult health. The findings indicate that approximately 43% of the study populations were left behind, meaning they have at least one migrant child. Notably, 20% of these left-behind older adults report poor health conditions, and 17% exhibit depressive symptoms, while the poor health and having depressive symptoms were lower among the non-left-behind older adults i.e., 13% and 12% respectively. The mediation analysis indicates that the likelihood of good self-rated health increased 1.35 times through the effect of remittance, which compensates for around 55% of the total adverse effect of migration. The consistent inflow of remittances serves to alleviate the impact on household finances, ensure food security, and address medical expenses. However, it is crucial to recognize that while remittances contribute significantly to economic stability, they cannot fully replace the physical presence of adult children, especially in terms of caregiving.

An educational intervention to enhance self-care practices among 1st year dental students- a mixed method study design.

Prevalence of rising stress among medical students has been reported widely and may jeopardize patient interaction and care. Evolving medical education needs to demonstrate compassionate self-care practices to enhance mental well-being of students. Although numerous researches have highlighted the stressors and coping strategies but no structured educational intervention has been reported so far among medical students of Pakistan. Hence, we explored if a Personal Development Plan could stimulate meaningful self-reflection and self-care practices among dental students. All first-year dental students of Riphah International University participated in this mandatory lesson plan. This 1-h activity every fortnightly, consisted of a thought-provoking discussion with predetermined reading material followed by SMART goal settings & later follow ups. Students were divided into 4 groups of 18-20 students with a designated trained Mentor. At the end of academic year, students were asked to submit a 500-word reflection based on their experience of understanding self-care needs (intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual aspects). A mixed-methods embedded design was used. First a quantitative analysis of the content of all 75 students' reflections was conducted using a scoring system based on the REFLECT rubric. Then for the qualitative manual thematic analysis, the researchers exclusively used reflections that scored levels 3 and 4 on the REFLECT rubric. Approximately 60% of students demonstrated an in-depth thoughtful reflection according to the REFLECT rubric. Students reflected by acknowledging the importance of self-care for their personal and professional grooming, Some observed the positive impact of working on self-determined healthy lifestyle behaviours on their physical & emotional wellbeing. They stressed the importance of physical activity, meditation and social connections in their daily life. They also reflected on reduced stress after incorporating these self-care strategies. This study supports the value of incorporating self-care strategies in medical/dental curriculum to enhance personal and professional wellbeing of students and hence patient care. Students reflected on different themes of self-care related to physical, spiritual and social wellbeing. In addition, more than half of the students exhibited higher levels of reflection suggesting that these sessions contributed to action-oriented self-awareness towards holistic health.

“The Source of All My Joy and All My Stress”: Children and Childcare as Underappreciated Sources of Stress That Affect Farm Women

ABSTRACT Objective Women have always played a crucial role in agriculture through their work on the farm, caring for the family and the household, and off-farm employment. Yet, like their essential contributions to agriculture, their mental health and well-being have largely been invisible since much of the focus of the mental health in agriculture research has been on older, male farmers. This paper seeks to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the emotional consequences stemming from the expectations of juggling childcare responsibilities, farm work and managing the household whilst keeping children safe. Methods The data were collected via focus groups and photovoice activity with, respectively, 68 and 33 farm women from Ohio, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Results The content thematic analysis first indicates that the juggling of multiple roles along with limited support deeply impacted farm women’s wellbeing. Worries that the children could get hurt was a major source of stress. Stress and mental health issues connected to children do not lessen as they age but rather shift and become more complex. Conclusion This article highlights the implications of the lack of investment in farm women’s mental wellbeing and their lived realities of caring for children on the farm. Future research should address supply chain and affordability issues, particularly for rural childcare provision.

Coming out of isolation: impacts of COVID-19 on physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and sleep over time

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown significantly disrupted daily routines and impacted physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and sleep. This mixed-methods study investigates these changes over three periods—pre-pandemic, pandemic onset, and one-year post-onset—to understand their causes and inform public health policy for improved resilience during future crises.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted with 34 US participants who completed open-ended qualitative questions and quantitative assessments in May 2020 and May 2021. Participants were recruited via social media from 10 states with high COVID-19 cases. Quantitative data categorized health changes (positive, negative, or no change), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to explore reasons for these changes and uncover interrelationships among health behaviors.ResultsQuantitative results showed that, during the pandemic onset, most participants experienced negative changes in diet, mental well-being, and sleep, while physical activity varied. By one-year post-onset, improvements were noted across all health pillars, with mental well-being and sleep showing the most significant positive changes. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed stress, anxiety, and personal motivations as key drivers of health behaviors. Participants’ narratives provided a deeper understanding of these shifts that a Likert-style survey alone could not capture, highlighting the interconnectedness of health pillars.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate the importance of addressing mental well-being to improve overall health resilience. Public health interventions should prioritize mental health and consider the interrelated nature of health behaviors. The mixed-methods approach combined quantitative trends with qualitative insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of why health changes occurred, providing actionable guidance for future public health policy.

Working from home and mental well-being at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This paper analyses the relationship between working from home (WFH) and mental well-being at different stages during the first two critical years of the COVID-19 pandemic, when governments repeatedly imposed lockdowns and enacted WFH mandates to contain the spread of the virus. Using data from a representative survey conducted at four different time periods in 2020 (first lockdown, subsequent gradual reopening), 2021 (further lockdown) and 2022 (restrictions widely lifted) in the 27 EU member states, it examines the changing role of several mediators over time: work-family conflict, family-work conflict, stability, resilience, isolation, the importance of different support networks, workload, physical risk of contracting COVID-19 at work and housing conditions. For the first lockdown, it also differentiates by previous WFH experience, in terms of WFH novices and experienced WFH workers. It likewise differentiates by gender, in order to take the potential gendered nature of COVID-19 measures into account. The results point to several important mediators: for those who work from home, less family-work conflict and isolation, but greater stability, resilience, network support from family and friends, and superior housing conditions were associated with better mental well-being. The relevance of mediators was specific to certain stages of the pandemic. Stability was the most important mediator during the first lockdown. Work-family conflict and family-work conflict were only relevant during the first lockdown, while resilience and isolation mattered especially towards the end of the pandemic. Unlike established WFH workers, WFH novices had an advantage during the first lockdown, benefiting from lower family-work conflict and more helpful networks of family and friends. Our results differ by gender: for females who undertook WFH, important mediators were work-family conflict and family-work conflict. Both were related to adjustments they had to make in work and non-work hours in response to the enforced closure of schools and childcare facilities. For males who undertook WFH, support from networks of family and friends was an important mediator during the first lockdown.

Prenatal exposure to genocide and subsequent adverse childhood events are associated with DNA methylation of SLC6A4, BDNF, and PRDM8 in early adulthood in Rwanda.

We investigated associations between prenatal genocidal trauma, including maternal rape, and postnatal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on DNA methylation of genes associated with the stress response. In a comparative cross-sectional study of 91 Rwandan young adults, categorized by prenatal exposure to genocide and maternal rape, genocide without rape, and unexposed controls, we analyzed DNA methylation from dried blood spots and assessed ACEs and depression and anxiety symptoms at age 24. Prenatal exposure to maternal rape was associated with DNA methylation changes in BDNF and SLC6A4, with the association in BDNF attenuated after including ACE exposure in the model. Genocide exposure without rape was associated with methylation changes in PRDM8 after adjusting for early adversity. Methylation in BDNF and SLC6A4 correlated with depression and anxiety symptoms. These findings underscore the impact of prenatal and postnatal trauma on DNA methylation and mental wellbeing, emphasizing the need for continued support for survivors in the decades after conflict.

Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Chinese Preschool Teachers

In China, preschool teachers significantly influence the development of young children aged 3–6 years. Understanding their mental health and its associated factors is imperative to informing policies, optimizing their mental well-being, and supporting their job performance. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to anxiety symptoms among preschool teachers. A sample of 393 Chinese preschool teachers (279 women, 114 men), aged 21–56, completed online questionnaires collecting their sociodemographic and work-related information and assessing anxiety symptoms, interpersonal difficulties, personality traits, perceived stress, resilience, and inner strength. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses identified significant predictors of anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms among the studied cohort was found to be 12.2%. Statistically significant factors that positively correlated with anxiety symptoms included objective work-related stress (B = 0.149, p < 0.001), interpersonal difficulties (B = 0.921, p < 0.001), perceived stress (B = 0.108, p = 0.001), and neuroticism (B = 0.071, p = 0.002). These findings highlight the urgent need for measures to reduce work-related stress and anxiety. However, when negative mental health factors were included, the effect of positive psychological factors became nullified. Positive mental health might have a moderating role in a negative mental health outcome such as anxiety. Therefore, further research is required to understand the impact of positive mental health factors more clearly.