Mild Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

The relationship between social capital and postpartum depression symptoms of lactating women in minority areas-A cross-sectional study from Guangxi, China.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common mental illness affecting women during lactation, and good social capital is considered a protective factor. This study aimed to investigate PPD symptoms, and explore the relationships between social capital and PPD symptoms of lactating women in southwest minority areas in China. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 lactating women in Guangxi, China. Data were collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Chinese version of the Social Capital Assessment Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing PPD symptoms, and a structural equation model was used to examine how social participation and cognitive social capital mediated PPD symptoms. The total prevalence of PPD symptoms (score > 12) was 16.46%, and that of mild depression symptoms (9-12 score) was 22.03%. Nine variables predicted PPD symptoms and explained 71.6% of the variance in the regression model: higher age, lack of medical security, fixed occupation, breastfeeding time, self-caregiver, maternity leave, social participation, social trust, and social reciprocity. Furthermore, cognitive social capital mediated the relationship between social participation and PPD symptoms, with a mediation effect rate was 44.00%. The findings of this study highlight that social capital, support from family members, maternity leave, and medical insurance play protective roles in the PPD symptoms of lactating women. It is necessary to improve social capital as a key strategy for interventions for PPD symptoms, and active social participation activities are critical to reducing PPD symptoms among lactating women in minority areas.

Gender Differences in Usage and Subjective Appreciation of an Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Wildfire Evacuees: Descriptive Study.

Based on the most common psychological difficulties of the evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta, Canada, a therapist-guided cognitive behavioral self-treatment was developed. This study aimed to explore how gender influences the usage and subjective appreciation of the RESILIENT online treatment. Our study included 81 English-speaking evacuees with significant posttraumatic symptoms, or with some posttraumatic symptoms accompanied by at least mild depression symptoms or subclinical insomnia, and who logged into the platform at least once. Various usage and subjective appreciation variables were analyzed, including number of completed sessions, number of logins, number of words per session, perceived efforts, perception of usefulness and intention to continue using the different strategies. No difference was detected in most objective usage indicators. The number of words written in sessions 7 and 10 was significantly greater for women than for men. Regarding subjective appreciation, men had a greater perception of having put strong efforts in the cognitive restructuring strategy, while women reported in a greater proportion that they wanted to continue using physical exercise as a behavioral activation strategy. Our study offers a first look into how women and men use online treatments, and what their preferences are.

A cross-sectional study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological outcomes: Multiple indicators and multiple causes modeling.

Although the psychological impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been evaluated in the literature, further research is needed, particularly on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychological outcomes, is needed. This study aims to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological outcomes (depression, anxiety, and insomnia). A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted using the following instruments: Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation model (SEM), multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) modeling, and differential item functioning (DIF) were performed to analyze the collected data. According to the results, participants with PTSD (n = 360) showed a higher level of depression, anxiety, and insomnia than those without PTSD (n = 639). Among the participants, 36.5% experienced moderate to severe symptoms of depression, and 32.6% had mild depressive symptoms. Moreover, 23.7% of participants experienced moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, and 33.1% had mild anxiety symptoms. In addition, 51.5% of participants experienced symptoms of insomnia. In conclusion, the PTSD caused by COVID-19 is significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and insomnia at the level of latent constructs and observed variables.

Greater variability in daily sleep efficiency predicts depression and anxiety in young adults: Estimation of depression severity using the two-week sleep quality records of wearable devices.

Sleep disturbances are associated with both the onset and progression of depressive disorders. It is important to capture day-to-day variability in sleep patterns; irregular sleep is associated with depressive symptoms. We used sleep efficiency, measured with wearable devices, as an objective indicator of daily sleep variability. The total sample consists of 100 undergraduate and graduate students, 60% of whom were female. All were divided into three groups (with major depressive disorder, mild depressive symptoms, and controls). Self-report questionnaires were completed at the beginning of the experiment, and sleep efficiency data were collected daily for 2 weeks using wearable devices. We explored whether the mean value of sleep efficiency, and its variability, predicted the severity of depression using dynamic structural equation modeling. More marked daily variability in sleep efficiency significantly predicted levels of depression and anxiety, as did the average person-level covariates (longer time in bed, poorer quality of life, lower extraversion, and higher neuroticism). Large swings in day-to-day sleep efficiency and certain clinical characteristics might be associated with depression severity in young adults.

Determinants of mental health among youths and adolescents in the digital era: Roles of cyber and traditional bullying, violence, loneliness, and environment factors.

Although the pathogenesis of depressive disorders is not fully elucidated, untreated adolescent depression can lead to serious sequelae such as impaired academic performance and social functioning, substance use disorders, poor self-esteem, and increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Literature on adolescent mental health in Vietnam is limited, despite increased international awareness of this critical issue. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associations of depressive symptoms in Vietnamese adolescents. A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted in five provinces of Vietnam among adolescents aged 14 to 24 years. In addition to collecting participants' demographics, a structured questionnaire was developed to examine depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, loneliness, and cyberbullying victimization. Depressive symptoms and loneliness were assessed via the PHQ-9 and UCLA Loneliness Scale, respectively. Two-tailed Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to examine associations between variables. Multivariate Logistic regression models were conducted to examine the associations between prior-defined variables and positive depressive symptoms. Among 1,600 respondents, 31.8% of participants reported having mild-moderate or severe depressive symptoms. Participants within the moderate-severe depressive symptom group had significantly lower community cohesion scores than those of participants in normal and mild depressive symptom groups (p < 0.05). Youths living alone were more likely to have moderate-severe depressive symptoms (OR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.09-4.25). Cyberbullying had significant associations with depressive severity (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.38-2.70). The findings of this study characterize various risk and protective factors for depression in Vietnamese youths and adolescents. The results highlight the importance of raising awareness and increasing access to educational resources for depression and other mental health illnesses. With the rising prevalence of depression, parents, teachers, and community leaders play a vital role in addressing mental health problems in adolescents.

Treating Young Adult Depression With Text-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

Young adults (ages 18 to 25) in the U.S. suffer from the highest rates of past-year major depressive episode and are the least likely to receive treatment compared to other age groups. As such, we examined the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a text-message delivered cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT-txt with young adults. The study was a 2-month pilot RCT to test a 4-week intervention for depression that contained 197 text messages (average 12 texts every other day). The sample, recruited via Facebook and Instagram, was 102 U.S. young adults who presented with at least moderate depressive symptomatology. Assessments occurred at baseline prior to randomization and at 1 and 2 months post enrollment. The primary outcome, severity of depressive symptoms, was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II. Feasibility benchmarks were met and participants reported high levels of engagement with and acceptability of the intervention. Logistic regression indicated that treatment participants were three times as likely to have minimal or mild depression symptoms at 2 months compared to waitlist control participants. Latent change score modeling found that the strongest significant treatment effect appeared at the 1-month follow-up period, particularly for participants who began with severe depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed significant indirect treatment effects of increases in behavioral activation on reducing depressive symptoms, suggesting a mechanism of change. Limitations were that the sample was relatively small and consisted of primarily women. These results provide initial evidence for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a text-delivered treatment for young adult depression.

Group-based trajectory and predictors of anxiety and depression among Chinese breast cancer patients.

BackgroundThe aim of the current study is to investigate the change in anxiety and depression amongst Chinese breast cancer patients and to identify causal associations between baseline variables and the trajectory of anxiety and depression within this identified group.MethodsThis is a longitudinal prospective study. Three hundred women with breast cancer were recruited. Patient's depression and anxiety were repeatedly measured by PHQ-9 and GAD-7 at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months after discharge. The SAS 9.4 PROC Traj procedure was used to examine the group-based trajectory of these recruited patients. Linear mixed models (LMM) were utilized to examine anxiety/depression changes over time, accounting for relevant baseline demographic and clinical factors.ResultsAbout 26.3% of the participants reported none or very mild anxiety over time, 60.7% reported stable low-level anxiety, and the remaining 13.0% showed significantly decreasing trend in GAD total scores. Meanwhile, 10.7% of the participants reported none or very mild depressive symptoms over time, 66.0% reported stable PHQ total scores throughout the research period, and 23.3% were classified as the “high level-decreasing group”. Patients reported significantly higher anxiety and depression scores in the first three assessments. Participants with no or mild life stress along with a positive personality tended to report lower anxiety and depression scores over time.ConclusionMost of the breast cancer patients reported stable low-level anxiety and depression 18 months after discharge. Early assessment of optimism and stress levels among cancer patients might help identify people at risk of experiencing long-term anxiety and depression.

Prevalence and related factors of depressive symptoms among HIV/AIDS in Ningbo, China: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundDepressive symptoms were common among HIV/AIDS patients. Previous studies had shown that HIV-infected patients were twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as the general population. However, only few studies have explored the prevalence and related factors of depressive symptoms among HIV/AIDS in China.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to study the prevalence of depressive symptoms among HIV/AIDS from January to December 2021 through the database of HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy and psychological evaluation system in Ningbo, China. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) was used to screen for depressive symptoms (PHQ-2 > 0), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to diagnose depressive symptoms, and multivariate Logistic regression model was carried on to evaluate the related factors.ResultsA total of 3,939 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled, and the age of initiation of antiretroviral therapy was 37.15 (IQR = 28.41–48.73) years. Among them, 3,230 (82.00%) were male, 3,844 (97.59%) were Han nationality, 1,391 (35.49%) were unmarried, 1,665 (42.27%) were homosexual transmission, and 2,194 (55.70%) were HIV-infected patients. There were 265 patients (6.73%) with depressive symptoms, and the proportion of mild, moderate, moderate and severe depressive symptoms was 4.01% (158/3939), 1.65% (65/3939), 0.76% (30/3939), and 0.30% (12/3939), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that married [odds ratio (OR) = 0.675, 95% CI = 0.501–0.908], divorced or widowed (OR = 0.571, 95% CI = 0.380–0.860), homosexual transmission (OR = 1.793, 95% CI = 1.349–2.396) were associated with depressive symptoms among HIV/AIDS.ConclusionThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among HIV/AIDS patients was 6.73% in Ningbo, China. More attention should be paid to the psychological status of unmarried and homosexual HIV/AIDS patients in Ningbo and timely psychological intervention or treatment should be given to those patients with depressive symptoms.

Self-compassion as a moderator between clinical perfectionism and psychological distress

ABSTRACT Objective Clinical perfectionism is associated with psychological distress, however, few studies have examined factors that moderate the relationship. Self-compassion is a useful construct to examine as it is a component of cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) for clinical perfectionism, and lower self-compassion is related to higher perfectionism and distress. Method The aim was to determine if self-compassion is a moderator between clinical perfectionism and distress. Adults who had mild symptoms of anxiety and depression (N = 344, 82% female, M age= 28.14 years, SD = 12.79) completed online measures. Results In considering the total self-compassion score, when self-compassion was higher the association between clinical perfectionism and psychological distress was lower, relative to when self-compassion was lower, hence self-compassion was a moderator between clinical perfectionism and distress. When the Self-Compassion Scale was considered on the basis of the positive and negative subscales, these were not significant moderators between clinical perfectionism and distress. Conclusion Self-compassion may be one explanation of how clinical perfectionism is associated with distress, when considered as a total score. The results support the need for future research examining the moderating role of self-compassion between perfectionism and distress, given the contrast in findings when considered at a subscale level. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: Perfectionism is associated with psychological distress. Few studies have examined factors that explain the relationship. Self-compassion is one factor that could explain this link. What this topic adds: Self-compassion may explain how perfectionism is associated with distress. Future research is needed on the moderating role of self-compassion. Treatments for perfectionism should target self-compassion.

Associations between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the experience of violence among women and girls living with and at risk of HIV in Nigeria

Aim : Women and girls living with and at high risk of HIV (WGL&RHIV) had an increased risk for gender-based violence (GBV) during COVID-19. The study aimed to assess the associations between vaccine hesitancy and GBV, HIV status and psychological distress among these vulnerable women and girls in Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from WGL&RHIV in 10 states in Nigeria between June and October 2021. The dependent variable was vaccine hesitancy. The independent variables were the experience of physical, sexual, economic and emotional GBV, HIV status and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a multivariable logistics regression analysis to test the associations between vaccine hesitancy and the independent variables and covariates. Results: Among the 3 431 participants, 1 015 (22.8%) were not willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Not knowing or willing to disclose HIV status (aOR 1.40) and having mild (aOR 1.36) and moderate (aOR 1.38) symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly associated with higher odds of vaccine hesitancy. Being a survivor of intimate partner physical violence (aOR 5.76), non-intimate partner sexual violence (aOR 3.41), as well as emotional abuse (aOR 1.55) were significantly associated with respectively more than five, three and one and half times higher odds of vaccine hesitancy. One positive outcome is that HIV-positive women and girls appeared to be more likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine when available. Conclusions: Sexual and gender-based violence, low socio-economic status, psychological distress and an unknown HIV status are essential determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among vulnerable women and girls in Nigeria. National authorities and civil society organisations need to better integrate COVID-19 mitigation activities with HIV and gender-based violence interventions through a more feminist approach that promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity for better access to health services.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for mental health problems among female university students during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study findings from Dhaka, Bangladesh

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously affected the physical and mental health of people at all levels worldwide. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and contributing factors for mental health problems among female university students in the urban area of Bangladesh. We conducted this online cross-sectional study among 451 female university students. Here we assessed the symptomatic prevalence of common mental health problems among the participants. The prevalence rate of loneliness, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among female university students in Bangladesh was 55.88%, 69.18%, and 45.23%, respectively. Also, we noticed that mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of loneliness, generalized anxiety, and depression were 36.90%, 40.48%, and 22.62%; 48.08%, 22.44%, and 29.48%; and 37.31%, 26.87%, and 35.52%; respectively. According to the present study results, marital status, financial condition, education level, and family structure (nuclear/joint) are potential contributing factors to mental health problems among female university students living in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the academic performance and emotional well-being of students in Bangladesh. Also, the closure of university classes for a long time in Bangladesh was responsible for the poor mental health of students. Promoting good mental health has become a vital public health concern during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Female university students residing in urban areas in Bangladesh are more prone to developing mental health problems during any crisis. Therefore, the healthcare authorities of Bangladesh should promote the good mental health of students during and after the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping in touch with students to support them psychologically and mentally during the pandemic is crucial for promoting their good mental health.

Emotional State of Young Men in Relation to Problematic Internet Use.

The Internet has become an indispensable tool in communication, business, entertainment, and obtaining information. Behavioral addictions are disorders associated with uncontrolled activity feeding the reward system, motivation, and memory. The purpose of this study was to assess the emotional state in terms of problematic Internet use. The survey was conducted in 2020–2021 in the West Pomeranian region of Poland and involved 500 men aged 18–30 (24.82 ± 3.83). The study was conducted using our own original questionnaire regarding the amount of time spent playing computer games during the weekdays and on days off; the type of school/university; financial situation; as well as the manner, purpose, and degree of Internet use. Other questionnaires were also used, i.e., Beck Depression Inventory, Internet Use Test, GAD-7 Generalized Anxiety Assessment Questionnaire, and Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Problematic use of the Internet may result in the occurrence of anxiety, anger, hostility or depression. Longer duration of Internet activity was correlated to higher scores on the Internet Use Test degree of problematic Internet use. There was a correlation between the severity of mild depression symptoms and the occurrence of anxiety, verbal and physical aggression, and problematic Internet use.

Uptake of USPSTF recommendation to refer pregnant individuals for therapy or counseling to prevent perinatal depression.

Perinatal depression is the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, and it is associated with adverse consequences. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that pregnant and postpartum (i.e., perinatal) individuals at risk for depression be referred for therapy or counseling interventions; however, it is unclear to what extent this recommendation has been implemented. Pregnant individuals were recruited via advertisements on a pregnancy app and a separate study on sleep. Respondents completed the initial screening questions to determine their risk for perinatal depression, defined as self-reported history of depression; recent stressors; history of emotional, sexual, or physical abuse; mild depressive symptoms; anxiety symptoms; single; diabetes diagnosis; or unwanted pregnancy. Eligible respondents reported their providers' recommendations for preventing depression, and their utilization of interventions to prevent depression (n = 303). Fewer than 15% of participants reported that a provider referred them for therapy or counseling to prevent depression; recommendations included cognitive behavioral therapy (4%), interpersonal psychotherapy (2.3%), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (4.3%), or other/unknown (6.6%). Approximately 12% reported that a provider recommended medication to prevent depression. Provider referral rates varied by risk factor, but not by patient demographics. Nearly 20% of participants reported using therapy or counseling to prevent depression, and nearly 13% reported using medication to prevent depression. We explore potential factors affecting the uptake of the USPSTF recommendation and underscore the importance of preventing perinatal depression.

Social participation and self-reported depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has increased depressive symptoms and disrupted activities that might typically mitigate depressive symptoms. Pandemic restrictions to social participation that supports well-being in older adults may contribute to worse mental health outcomes, but how participation relates to pandemic depressive symptoms is unclear. Methods Using longitudinal data from the nationally representative National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 3181), we assessed whether older adults’ pandemic depressive symptoms were associated with participation in paid work, volunteering, religious services, and other organized activities during the pandemic, as well as changes in participation in these activities compared to pre-pandemic engagement. Results Of participation during the pandemic, only attending religious services predicted pandemic depression, with religious attendance associated with higher risk of mild pandemic depressive symptoms. However, for changes in participation, stopping paid work during the pandemic predicted higher risk of moderate/severe pandemic depressive levels, while stopping attending religious services predicted lower risk of mild pandemic depression. Conclusion This work demonstrates the importance of social participation for mental health and indicates what types of disruptions may reduce integration to increase older adults’ vulnerability to depressive symptoms during a global pandemic.

Prevalence and factors associated with mild depressive and anxiety symptoms in older adults living with HIV from the Kenyan coast.

IntroductionEmpirical research on the burden and determinants of common mental disorders (CMDs), especially depression and anxiety, among older adults living with HIV (OALWH) in sub‐Saharan Africa is inadequate. To bridge the gap in Kenya we: (1) determined the prevalence of CMDs among OALWH on routine HIV care compared to HIV‐negative peers; (2) investigated HIV status as an independent predictor of CMDs in older adults; and (3) investigated CMD determinants.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study conducted between 2020 and 2021, the prevalence of CMDs and associated determinants were investigated at the Kenyan coast among 440 adults aged ≥50 years (257 OALWH). The Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale were administered alongside measures capturing biopsychosocial information. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of CMDs.ResultsNo significant differences were found in the prevalence of mild depressive symptoms, 23.8% versus 18.2% (p = 0.16) and mild anxiety symptoms, 11.7% versus 7.2% (p = 0.12) among OALWH compared to HIV‐negative peers, respectively. HIV status was not independently predictive of CMDs. Among OALWH, higher perceived HIV‐related stigma, ageism, increasing household HIV burden, loneliness, increasing functional disability, sleeping difficulties, chronic fatigue and advanced age (>70 years) were associated with elevated CMDs. Among HIV‐negative older adults, loneliness, increased medication burden and sleeping difficulties were associated with elevated depressive symptoms. Easier access to HIV care was the only factor associated with lower CMDs among OALWH.ConclusionsOn the Kenyan coast, the burden of moderate and severe CMDs among older adults is low; however, both OALWH and their HIV‐negative peers have a similar relatively high burden of mild depressive and anxiety symptoms. Our results also suggest that determinants of CMDs among OALWH in this setting are predominantly psychosocial factors. These results highlight the need for psychosocial interventions (at the family, community and clinical levels) to mitigate the risks of mild CMDs as they are known to be potentially debilitating.

Psychological responses, mental health, and sense of agency for the dual challenges of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic in young people in the UK: an online survey study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are both significant and pressing global challenges, posing threats to public health and wellbeing. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the distress both crises can cause, but understanding of the varied psychological responses to both issues is poor. We aimed to investigate these responses and their links with mental health conditions and feelings of agency.MethodsWe conducted an online survey between Aug 5 and Oct 26, 2020, targeting a diverse sample of young people (aged 16–24 years, n=530) in the UK. The survey was distributed using a combination of a survey panel (panel sample) and direct approaches to youth groups and schools who shared the survey with young people in their networks (community sample). We collected data on respondents’ psychological responses to both climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, their sense of agency to respond to each crisis, and the range of impacts on their lives. We also collected demographics data and screened for mental health and wellbeing indicators. We used non-parametric tests for most statistical comparisons. For paired samples, we used Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, and used Mann-Whitney U-tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests for two or more independent samples. Summed scale scores were considered as interval-level data and analysed with Student's t tests and ANOVAs. Effect sizes are reported as Cohen's d and partial eta-squared (η·2p), respectively.FindingsAfter excluding 18 suspected bots and 94 incomplete responses, 530 responses were retained for analysis. Of the 518 respondents who provided demographic data, 63% were female, 71·4% were White, and the mean family affluence score was 8·22 (SD 2·29). Most participants (n=343; 70%) did not report a history of diagnosis or treatment for a mental health disorder, but mental health scores indicated a common experience of (relatively mild) symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Although UK youth reported more life disruption and concern for their future due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change was associated with significantly greater distress overall, particularly for individuals with low levels of generalised anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic was more associated with feelings of anxiety, isolation, disconnection, and frustration; distress around loss and grief; and effects on quality of life. Climate change was more likely to evoke emotions such as interest and engagement, guilt, shame, anger, and disgust. The greater distress attributed to climate change overall was due, in particular, to higher levels of guilt, sense of personal responsibility, and greater distress triggered by upsetting media coverage. Agency to address climate change was associated with greater climate distress, but pandemic-related distress and agency were unrelated.InterpretationThe COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are affecting the wellbeing of UK young people in distinct ways, with implications for health service, policy, and research responses. There is a need for mental health practitioners, policy makers, and other societal actors to account for the complex relationship between climate agency, distress, and mental wellbeing in young people.FundingImperial College London.

Psoriasis-Related Stigma: Is There More to Uncover?

Abstract Background: Psoriasis is a common, inflammatory immune-mediated dermatosis, occurring in patients of all ages, sexes, and races, associating significant comorbidities. One such comorbidity is represented by psychological disorders, which negatively influence the clinical course of the disease. The purpose of our study is to offer a first glimpse into the stigmatization of Romanian psoriasis patients, as well as their potential anxious or depressive manifestations. Materials and methods: The present study is based on an adapted questionnaire previously used to estimate stigmatizing attitudes in the general population, mirrored to reflect the patients’ experience in social situations such as shaking hands, maintaining friendship, kissing, or intercourse. GAD7 and PHQ8 scales were used to screen for anxiety or depression traits in the same patients. Results: Our study group consisted of 12 psoriasis patients, with a mean age of 46.75 years. While few patients reported feeling discriminated against in social contexts, 16.66% presented with mild depressive symptoms recorded by PHQ8 and 24.99% presented mild anxiety manifestations according to their GAD7 scores. Conclusion: In spite of the small sample group, our study outlines a tendency for depressive and anxious manifestations in patients with psoriasis.

Pervasiveness of Depression among Students in Medical Colleges of Majmaah University, KSA

Background: Depression is a mental condition that is defined by chronic melancholy and a loss of interest in things that a person generally enjoys, as well as an inability to carry out everyday tasks for at least two weeks. "Students cope with a multitude of difficulties at college, including new lifestyle, friends, roommates, exposure to different cultures and alternate ways of thinking, and, at times, financial troubles. Students who do not feel capable or equipped to cope with the unfamiliar atmosphere of a college campus are more likely to develop depression. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among students in medical colleges of Majmaah University, Al Majmaah Saudi Arabia and to measure the rates of depression among students. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study done on the medical students of Majmaah University in year 2019-2020. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), along with a pretested pre-coded Socio demographic, questionnaire was used. Prior ethical approval was taken from the institutional review board. Participants’ anonymity was ensured. Sample Type used was Multi stage Stratified sampling and sample size was 369 students. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 369 students took part in the study out of which 185 (51%) were females and 184(49%) were males. After analysis it was found that only 14.9% of students were free from depression, 49.6% students had symptoms of mild depression, 21.7% had symptoms correlating with moderate depression and 13.8% students had severe depression symptoms. Moreover female students were found to have more percentage of moderate and severe depressive symptoms than the male students. Conclusion: Depression is quite prevalent among students in medical colleges of Majmaah University with more students falling under the category of mild to moderate depression. Females have more symptoms of depression than male students. There is need for proper mental health screening programs at community level to help the students to cope up with depression. Keywords: Depression, prevalence, university students, medical college

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Conditions of COVID-19 Survivors of the Academic Community of Duta Wacana Christian University

The Coronavirus-19 (Covid-19) pandemic had a significant impact on all aspects of human life. The purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of the mental health impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on Dutawacana Christian University (UKDW) academic community. The research design used was cross-sectional, data collection was conducted online using the SRQ-29 and PHQ-9 screening questionnaires. The demographic data of this study indicate that majority of respondents are women (72.2%). Minimum age 19 years, maximum 42 years with a mode of 20 years. The income level is mostly below IDR 5,000,000 per month. The number of family members living in the same house is less than 5 people,married 50%. The results of screening with the SRQ-29 showed 44.4% neurosis; 33.3% psychotic; 55.6% PTSD symptoms. Screening with the PHQ-9 instrument showed 22.2% mild and moderate symptoms of depression; while for moderate-severe and severe depressive symptoms was 5.6%. Depression and anxiety in female survivors were higher than men. As conclusion, COVID-19 pandemic has had a psychological impact on survivors in the UKDW academic community, including the tendency to experience symptoms of depression, psychotic and traumatic experiences.

Associations between mild depression and anxiety and physical inactivity among school-going Ugandan adolescents aged 14 to 17 years

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate associations between physical activity levels and emotional and behavioural problems in school-going adolescents aged 14 to 17 years in Uganda. Methods: Two-hundred and five adolescents [median (interquartile range) age = 16.0 (1.0) years; female = 61.9%] completed the interviewer-administered Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire (GAD-7), and the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) measure. Spearman’s rho correlations and Mann–Whitney U-tests were applied. Results: Among 205 adolescents, 97.1% were physically inactive (PAVS < 420min/week), while 64.4% reported either mild depressive (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) or anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5) symptoms. Higher PAVS scores correlated significantly with lower SDQ emotional problems (ρ = −0.23, p < 0.001), lower PHQ-9 (ρ = −0.26, p < 0.001), and lower GAD-7 (ρ = −0.22, p < 0.001) scores. Those with emotional problems (SDQ ≥ 5) (n = 86) were significantly less physically active than those without (n = 119) [30.0 (62.5) versus 60.0 (105.0) min/week, p < 0.001]. Those with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) were significantly less physically active than those without [35.0 (70.0) versus 60.0 (120.0) min/week, p < 0.001]. Conclusion: Physical inactivity and mental health problems are related important public health concerns in school-going adolescents in low-income countries such as Uganda. The efficacy and effectiveness of school-based mental health literacy programs, including physical activity promotion, should be explored in these low-resource settings.