Perceptions Of Mental Health Research Articles

Perception, Attitude, and Treatment Behaviour of The Community Towards Mental Disorders in Banyumas Raya

Introduction: The stigma associated with mental disorders continues to have negative value in Indonesian society, which can influence treatment decisions. This project is aimed at evaluating the public’s perceptions, attitudes, and behavior toward treatment of mental disorders in Banyumas Raya. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study with 410 respondents who had completed questionnaires on mental health perceptions (Mental Health Knowledge Schedule, MAKS), attitude assessment (the Community Attitudes toward Mental Illness, CAMI), and behavior of choosing traditional treatment or medical treatment in October–November 2022. A descriptive analysis was used, and the relationship was assessed using the chi-square test. Result: Descriptive analysis reveals that 273 (66.6%) respondents live in Banyumas, 167 (40.7%) are senior high school graduates, and 175 (42.7%) have an income of Rp. 1,000,000-Rp. 3,000,000. Bivariate analysis revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and behavior (p<0.05; CI. OR: 0.251). Conclusion: Respondents with a high level of knowledge are more likely to engage in medical behavior.

Impact of Biophilic Design on College Student Perception of Mental Health and Environmental Benefits: A Dose-Response Study

Impact of Biophilic Design on College Student Perception of Mental Health and Environmental Benefits: A Dose-Response Study

Changes in mental health and illness perception in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy referred to hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation in comparison to usual care - a randomised-control trial

Abstract Purpose Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex cardiac disorder, that influences patients' physical capacity and quality of life, as well as the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Patients with HCM often experience emotional distress due to the uncertainty of their condition and have a threatening illness perception (the way individuals make sense of their illness, which can have a significant impact on adherence to treatment). Current studies suggest that some HCM patients could benefit from hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation (HCTR) in terms of somatic and psychological status. This study is part of a research project investigating the safety and effectiveness of hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for HCM patients. The specific focus of this part is to evaluate the changes in mental health status and illness perception of HCM patients who have been referred for cardiac telerehabilitation compared to those receiving usual care. Methods An RCT study was conducted, with the inclusion criteria for the study of being above 18 y.o., HCM without LVOT obstruction, NYHA Class II or III, LVEF ≥ 50%, and having CIED. The study involved telerehabilitation (HCTR) and control (CG) groups. Both groups were completing questionnaires assessing illness perception (Brief IPQ) and overall psychosocial distress (GHQ-28) with its 4 domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety, social impairment, and depression. Psychological assessment was performed at the beginning and at the end of telerehabilitation/outpatient care, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after the end of care (T1/T2/T3/T4/T5). Results There was a significant improvement in the overall distress level in the HCTR group (p=0.003) but not in the CG (p=0.559). It remained significant in the HCTR group for the T2 (p<0.001), T3 (p=0.008), and T4 (p<0.001). The positive change was observed in somatic symptoms only in the HCTR group: for T2 (p=0.025) and T3 (p=0.032) compared to the T1. The gradual decrease in anxiety level was observed in the HCTR group, but not in the CG, with a significant difference for T4 (p=0.013) compared to T1. Although there was an improvement in social impairment in both groups (p=0.049 for the CG, and p=0<0.001 for the HCTR group), only in the HCTR group it held a stable pattern after the intervention (p<0.001 for T2; p=0.013 for T3; p=0.032 for T4). There were no changes in the level of depressive symptoms in either of the compared groups. There were also no significant differences in the illness perception (p=0.200 for the HCTR group and p=0.090 for the CG), although the HCTR group showed short-term improvement after three months of HCTR (T2) (p=0.032). Conclusions There are significant benefits of hybrid cardiac telerehabilitation for mental health, level of distress, and illness perception in HCM patients. It is worth noticing that this improvement is short-term, and prolonged effects might require providing additional support during extended care.overall distress in HCTR vs CGsubscales of GHQ_28 in HCTR vs CG

Average volume-assured pressure support versus fixed pressure support in chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rationale: Chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure occurs due to alveolar hypoventilation resulting in carbon dioxide retention. This is commonly managed with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with modalities including fixed pressure support and average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS). However, there is limited information comparing outcomes with these two modes of ventilator support in the management of chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Objective: This review and meta-analysis analyze the outcomes with fixed pressure NIV versus average volume-assured pressure support NIV in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, focusing on patients’ perception of symptom burden and gas exchange based on arterial blood gases. Search methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched; the latest search date was December 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria: randomized control trials and crossover studies in English in adults over the age of 19 with the diagnosis of COPD and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Exclusion criteria: patients less than 19 years old, patients with acute exacerbations, and patients with central respiratory failure or neuromuscular disease. Outcomes included blood gas analysis after use of NIV measured in mmHg and patient perception of mental health, symptom burden, and comfort. Results for each outcome were analyzed in RevMan using an inverse variance statistical method with a fixed effect analysis. The final analysis included 7 studies with 252 participants. Results: The patients were 64 ± 9 years old. Baseline pulmonary function testing showed a forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of 34.6 ± 14.2 % predicted, consistent with severe COPD per GOLD criteria, and a baseline PaCO2 of 55.2 ± 9.2 mmHg. Primary outcomes for ventilation showed no statistical difference between AVAPS and fixed pressure support groups in PaCO2 (Odds Ratio [OR] -1.51; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -3.18, 0.16; p=0.08). Patient perceived outcomes were evaluated using several questionnaires, including St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Comparable results were not available for all studies, but no statistically significant differences were found when comparing study results. Conclusions: There was little or no clinically significant difference between fixed pressure support and AVAPS in gas exchange. There are inadequate data to draw conclusions about the effect of fixed pressure support compared to AVAPS on patient perceived outcomes, such as comfort and symptom burden. No studies evaluated mortality benefit, cost effectiveness, or hospitalizations. Key words: COPD, chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, non-invasive ventilation, average volume-assured pressure support ventilation

Perceptions of Mental Health and Mental Health Care in Luxembourg: A High-Income Country

AbstractMental health care in high-income countries can have various rates of usage due to differences in accessibility, modality of psychotherapy, and potential stigma surrounding mental health (Alonso et al., 2004). This study aimed to explore perceptions of mental health and mental health care, stigma for mental illness, and perceived change in mental health due to COVID − 19 pandemic in a high-income country with relatively easy access to basic mental health care. An anonymous survey was sent to individuals who are 18 years and older and resident of Luxembourg, a small country in Europe (N = 56). Participants were asked a series of open-ended and forced choice questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for forced-choice questions and inductive content analysis was used to analyze the open-ended responses. Participants defined mental health in a variety of different ways, and a majority reported receiving mental health services. There was no significant difference in participants’ ratings of mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health professionals were relatively easy to find and were considered somewhat helpful, though participants also reported some stigma towards mental illness. Benefits and challenges of in-person and virtual therapy showed points of crossover and potential for further research. The current findings inform the broader literature on mental healthcare with implications for improving care in high-income countries.

Effectiveness of Peer Mentoring for the Prevention of Dependency: A Pilot Study in a Rural Setting.

To analyse the effectiveness of an active ageing intervention modality through peer mentoring. A quasi-experimental research study is carried out through three groups, one control (educational workshops on active ageing given by professionals) and two experimental (workshops given by peers with digital or face-to-face exposure). All groups share duration (7 weeks) and content, modifying the route of exposure. The effectiveness of the model is measured through the variables of physical health, mental health and social support. Loneliness and the need for care are also controlled for. The total sample consists of n = 209 people aged over 60 living in a rural context, of which n = 12 form the volunteer/mentor group. Active ageing interventions show an improvement in the perception of physical and mental health among people in need of some form of care, with all three modalities being equally effective. The impact on social support is analysed by controlling for the loneliness and social participation variable; in these cases, the face-to-face experimental group of peers is more effective than the others. The peer-to-peer methodology is as effective as the traditional methodology with a practitioner in maintaining and improving health perception, and the face-to-face methodology with peers is more useful in fostering social support among people experiencing loneliness. Peer mentoring is presented as a good strategy to improve social support for older people and to combat loneliness. To address the prevention of dependency through the promotion of active ageing. Peer mentoring is confirmed to have a significant impact on social support and could be a socio-educational tool applicable to older people experiencing loneliness. This study has adhered to JBI guidelines. JBI critical appraisal checklist for quasi-experimental studies has been used. Volunteer mentors contributed to the design and delivery of the workshops.

Exploring mental health experiences and supports among international engineering undergraduate students – insights to inform university support

ABSTRACT This study explores the mental health perceptions, expectations for mental healthcare, and use of existing mental health services among international engineering students at a Western Canadian university. Employing a phenomenological qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 international undergraduate engineering students to understand their mental health challenges and service usage. The thematic analysis revealed three significant themes: students’ understanding of mental health; their experiences within the engineering programme, and recommendations to enhance and facilitate a positive mental health experience at the university. Findings suggest that mental healthcare for international engineering students should be responsive to the students’ unique needs, providing support and accessible services during their transition from their home countries and recognising the impact of the environmental and cultural factors on their experiences as members of the Faculty of Engineering and the broader university community.

'You are too much in this modern world, that's why you are like this': Understanding perceptions of mental health among Somali women in London.

This is a qualitative study exploring the perceptions of mental health among Somali women living in London. Participants, over the age of 18, female and identifying as Somali, were recruited from a community centre in West London. Seven participants were recruited and semi-structured interviews were conducted to better understand perceptions of mental health, care-seeking, treatment and different understandings of these issues within the Somali community in London. Interview transcripts were imported into NVIVO version 14 to be coded, and description-focussed coding and thematic analysis were used to interpret key themes. Concerns around judgement, shame and stigma are key issues affecting attitudes towards mental health in this group. Other important issues affecting conceptualisations and attitudes towards mental health were intergenerational differences, isolation from the community, stigma and secrecy. Participants also reported the importance of protective factors, particularly faith and family in their lives. This research adds to existing literature in exploring perceptions of mental health in Somali communities in the UK and such research is helpful in identifying cultural barriers to recognition and treatment of mental health within this community.

Poll: Most people believe suicide can be prevented sometimes

Nine out of 10 people in the U.S. believe that suicide can be prevented at least sometimes, showing an incredible shift in public understanding about suicide from decades ago when society viewed suicide as an inevitable outcome, according to the latest findings from the 2024 Public Perception of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Poll.

Association between Drug Use and Perception of Mental Health in Women Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia: An Observational Study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mental health issues. It affects approximately 1.78% of the general population; an estimated 4:1 ratio between women and men is observed. It significantly impacts quality of life and carries both clinical and social stigma. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between drug use and mental health in female patients with fibromyalgia. This study is prospective, observational, and cross-sectional. A questionnaire was administered to 544 subjects, achieving a representative sample size from a population of 800,000 subjects by using an algorithm for proportion estimation with a known sampling frame. The selection was non-random, making the sampling non-probabilistic. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the effect of drug use on perception of mental health; presence of symptoms such as comprehension and memory problems, insomnia, depression, and anxiety; and severity of cognitive symptoms and non-restorative sleep. To quantify the impact, odds ratios and confidence intervals have been observed. The findings indicate the non-recommended use of medications and reveal the ineffectiveness and adverse effects of drug interactions on mental health. The use of benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics is significantly associated with a negative perception of mental health. Benzodiazepines do not improve symptoms or significantly reduce their severity. SSRI antidepressants do not enhance mental health perception; however, when used exclusively, they are effective in reducing the severity, but not the prevalence, of cognitive symptoms. The results highlight the complexity of pharmacological management in FM and raise concerns about the inappropriate use of ineffective or counterproductive drug interactions affecting patients' mental health. They underscore the need for multidisciplinary and personalized strategies that include close and careful monitoring, as well as the simultaneous use of non-pharmacological treatments that have demonstrated evidence in improving quality of life without negatively affecting mental health, such as patient education, psychological therapy, physiotherapy, and mindfulness.

The integrated behavioral model of mental health help seeking (IBM-HS): A health services utilization theory of planned behavior for accessing care.

This article introduces the integrated behavioral model of mental health help seeking (IBM-HS), a theoretical model for understanding the constructs (e.g., systemic, predisposing, and enabling factors; mental health literacy; illness perceptions; perceived need; stigma; shame; perceived benefits, motivation) that influence people's decision making around seeking professional mental health care and their ultimate access to formal treatment. The IBM-HS is a help-seeking-specific adaptation of the empirically supported integrated behavioral model and integrative model, which are themselves evolutions of the theory of planned behavior and theory of reasoned action. The IBM-HS posits that help-seeking determinants (e.g., structural forces; cultural influences; past help-seeking experience; evaluated need; mental health perceptions, knowledge, and skills; social support) influence help-seeking beliefs (i.e., outcome beliefs, experiential beliefs, beliefs about others' expectations, beliefs about others' behavior, logistical beliefs), which in turn determine their respective help-seeking mechanisms (i.e., attitude, perceived norm, personal agency). These mechanisms collectively influence help-seeking intention, which drives prospective help-seeking behavior, subject to the moderating effects of determinants. Finally, prospective behavior has reciprocal feedback loop effects on certain determinants and beliefs. This article describes the need for the IBM-HS, the model's constructs and their interrelations, measurement considerations, and how the model can be used by scholarly and applied users to systematically understand people's intention to seek professional mental health care services and what helps or hinders them from utilizing this care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of early onset colorectal cancer on mental and physical health: A comparative analysis of self-reported mental and physical health outcomes using the PROMIS framework in the NIH All of Us Research Program.

241 Background: Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) have complex psycho-social needs that can impact their overall health and well-being. With the increasing incidence of EOCRC, it is essential to investigate the effects of this diagnosis on patients' mental and physical health. This study uses the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) framework to compare patients' self-reported mental and physical health perceptions with EOCRC and those with late-onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC). Methods: We utilized the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) All of Us database Registered Tier Dataset v7, which includes 266,520 participants who agreed to share their EHR information, for analysis. Participants completed PROMIS surveys for physical health (PROMIS-PH) and mental health (PROMIS-MH). We categorized patients with colorectal cancer into EOCRC (age at diagnosis <50) and LOCRC (age at diagnosis >=50) using ICD 9/10 codes. We calculated the raw summed scores for PROMIS-PH and PROMIS-MH for each group. We transformed the raw summed score into a T-score. The study compared scores in EOCRC and LOCRC using the Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level of P<0.05. We used the R programming language in the web-based Jupyter Notebook platform for data analysis. Results: Our study revealed 1764 colorectal cancer patients, with 408 cases of EOCRC (mean age of onset: 42.13 years, SD: 7.0) and 1356 cases of LOCRC (mean age: 63.72 years, SD: 8.35). Analysis of PROMIS Global scores showed that EOCRC patients had a mean PROMIS-MH score of 13.90 (SD: 3.42, T-score: 45.8, 95% CI: 38.74-52.86) and mean PROMIS-PH score of 13.95 (SD: 3.38, T-score: 42.3, 95% CI: 34.07-50.53). In contrast, LOCRC patients had mean PROMIS-MH and PROMIS-PH scores of 14.47 (SD: 3.37, T-score: 48.3, 95% CI: 41.05-55.55) and 14.24 (SD: 3.35, T-score: 44.9, 95% CI: 36.47-53.33), respectively. The PROMIS-MH scores were significantly higher in LOCRC than in EOCRC (p-value <0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the PROMIS-PH scores in both groups (p-value= 0.191). Conclusions: The study suggests that patients with EOCRC have a lower level of perceived mental health compared to LOCRC. Also, the EOCRC had a lower level of perceived physical health, although not statistically significant. These findings emphasize the significance of age-specific approaches in cancer research and underscore the importance of focused interventions to meet the unique mental and physical health needs of patients with EOCRC.

Communication, Shared Decision-making and Goals of Care in the ICU through Electronic Health Records: A Scoping Review.

The care of critically ill patients involves communication and shared decision-making with families and determination of goals of care. Analyzing these aspects through electronic health records (EHRs) can support research in ICUs, associating them with outcomes. This review aims to explore studies that examine these topics. A scoping review was conducted through a systematic literature search of articles in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases using MESH terms up to 2024, conducted in ICU settings, focusing on communication with families, shared decision-making, goals, and end-of-life care. A total of 10 articles were included, divided into themes: Records and family, and records in quality improvement projects. Variables based on records with common characteristics were identified. Outcome analysis was performed through questionnaires to family members, healthcare professionals or by analyzing care processes. The studies revealed associations between family members' perceptions and mental health symptoms and documented elements such as communication, therapeutic limitations, social and spiritual support. Studies evaluating quality communication improvement projects did not show significant impact on documented care, except for those that assessed improvements based on palliative care. The analysis of documented care for critically ill patients can be conducted from various perspectives. Processes amenable to improvement, such as communication with family members, definition of goals of care, limitations, shared decision-making, evaluated through EHRs, are associated with mental health symptoms and perceptions of families of critically ill patients. Documentation-based studies can contribute to improvements in patient- and family-centered care in the ICU. de Aquino VW, da Silveira GF, Boniatti MM, Terres MS. Communication, Shared Decision-making and Goals of Care in the ICU through Electronic Health Records: A Scoping Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(10):977-987.

Sex Differences in Indicators of Mental and Cardiovascular Health in Cannabis-Using Undergraduates

This study investigated sex differences in indicators of mental health (anxiety, depression) and cardiovascular health (e.g., physical activity levels, heart rate, VO2 max) in a sample of cannabis-using undergraduates. The sample included 209 participants (65% female) who completed two daily diaries for 14 days on their mobile devices; half of whom ( n = 100) also wore a Fitbit Charge 4. Females (vs. males) reported significantly more psychological distress at baseline; greater use of cannabis to cope with symptoms of both physical and mental ill-health; and more risks to cardiovascular health. Discriminant function analysis revealed that the variables that significantly distinguished females from males were: 1. Lower VO2 max percentile; 2. Fewer “moderate-to-very active” minutes of physical activity; 3. Higher depression scores plus poorer perceptions of mental health and physical health. Findings from this study suggest that female emerging adults who use cannabis regularly may be uniquely vulnerable to cannabis-related risks.

Perceptions of Academic Performance, Impairment, and Mental Health in University Students With and Without ADHD

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of positive illusory bias (PIB) on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and functioning in college students, with a focus on gender differences. Method: The sample consisted of 195 college students, including 148 with ADHD and 47 without ADHD. Measures of ADHD symptomatology, life satisfaction, affect, gender identity, and impairment were collected, along with cumulative grade point average. Results: ADHD symptomatology was inversely linked to subjective well-being, with PIB acting as a significant moderator. Functional impairment was predicted by ADHD symptoms and subjective well-being, while social impairment and academic functioning were predicted by PIB and well-being. Significant gender differences were found, particularly in the interaction between PIB and ADHD symptoms for non-binary individuals. Conclusion: This study suggests that PIB is relevant for emerging adults with ADHD enrolled in higher education. Subjective well-being and PIB act as buffers against the detrimental functional and social effects of ADHD symptoms in emerging adult college students. The study highlights the importance of considering gender-specific approaches in understanding and supporting the mental health of this population.

Age differences in cannabis-related perceptions, knowledge, and sources of information among adults in the post-legalization era in Quebec, Canada.

Individuals access and perceive information about cannabis differently according to age groups. This study compared differences in beliefs and knowledge regarding cannabis, and exposure to information, advertisement, and prevention messages among emerging (18-24 years old), prime-age (25-44), middle-age (45-64), and old-age adults (65 and over). Participants (n=2,001) completed online questionnaires regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, mental health perception, cannabis use, sources of cannabis information, and exposure to advertisement and prevention messages. Bivariate analyses allowed the detection of differences among the age groups. Emerging adults exhibited more positive attitudes regarding cannabis and were more knowledgeable regarding cannabis facts than their older counterparts. Online media constituted the principal source of information for the overall sample. Health resources were the most trusted information source for all age groups, but only one-fifth of the sample consulted them. A higher proportion of emerging adults were exposed to cannabis advertisements and prevention messages. Old-age adults were more likely to be reached through traditional media. As perceptions and beliefs about cannabis, information access, and exposure to advertisement or prevention messages vary across age groups, effective prevention and education should be tailored accordingly. Health resources and scientific literature about cannabis should become more accessible and understandable to the general population.

Quality of life, depression and anxiety in cerebral amyloid angiopathy: A cross-sectional study.

Data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mood in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a disease characterized by stroke and cognitive decline, are limited. We aimed to investigate the impacted domains of life, value-based HRQoL and the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with CAA. We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with sporadic (s)CAA, lobar dominant mixed CAA and hypertensive arteriopathy (mixed CAA-HTA), or Dutch-type hereditary (D-)CAA, from prospective outpatient clinic cohorts. Participants completed four questionnaires: the EuroQoL 5 dimensions 5-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L; EQ-VAS for visual analogue scale; EQ-Index for index rating), the Short-Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS; -D for depression and -A for anxiety subscales). The EQ-5D-5L assesses the domains mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The SF-36 domains are physical functioning, social functioning, physical role limitations, emotional role limitations, mental health, vitality, bodily pain, and general health perceptions. We compared age- and sex- adjusted HRQoL (SF-36 domain scores; EQ-VAS; EQ-Index) to the Dutch normative population, and estimated the prevalences of current depression (either: history of depression or current use of antidepressants, with high score on CES-D [≥16] and/or HADS-D [≥8]; or high score on both depression questionnaires) and anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8). We included 179 patients: 77 with sCAA (mean age: 72 years, women: 36%), 31 with mixed CAA-HTA (68 years, women: 29%), and 71 with D-CAA (56 years, women: 52%, symptomatic: 35 [49%]). The SF-36 profiles of all patient groups were similar, negatively differing from the norm in emotional role functioning, social functioning and vitality. The EQ-VAS score of patients (mean [SD] sCAA: 76 [16], D-CAA: 77 [15]) was similar to the norm, as was the EQ-Index score. Fifteen patients with sCAA (23%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13%-33%), seven with mixed CAA-HTA (27%; 95% CI 10%-44%) and eight with D-CAA (14%; 95% CI 5%-22%) were noted as having depression. The prevalences of anxiety and depression were equivalent. We found that CAA influenced emotional role functioning and aspects linked to social engagement consistently across its subtypes. One quarter of patients exhibited depressive or anxiety symptoms. Recognizing these impacted domains could enhance overall well-being.

Application Value of Iodine-131 Combined with Levothyroxine Sodium in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer after Surgery

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of iodine-131 combined with levothyroxine sodium in the treatment of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after surgery. Methods: Prospective randomized controlled studies were conducted. A total of 374 DTC patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy in the Department of Thyroid Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center and Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, from January 2019 to February 2022 were selected and divided into control group (187 cases) and observation group (187 cases) according to random number table method. The control group was treated with levothyroxine sodium after surgery, and the observation group was treated with iodine-131 on the basis of the control group. Gender, age, course of disease, tumor diameter, pathological type, TNM classification, treatment effect, thyroglobulin (Tg) levels before and after treatment, SF-36 health status questionnaires (SF-36), occurrence of adverse reactions after treatment, and recurrence rate of 1-year follow-up were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups. After treatment, the effective rate of the observation group increased by 11.23% compared to the control group, with a statistically significant difference (91.98% vs. 80.75%, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Tg level and scores of SF-36 evaluation including physical functioning, physical problems, vitality, pain, mental health, emotional problems, social functioning, and general health perception between the two groups before surgery (p > 0.05), Tg levels and scores of SF-36 evaluation in all dimensions were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05), and the levels of Tg and scores of SF-36 in all dimensions in observation group were significantly better than those in control group after treatment (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (p > 0.05). The recurrence rate in the observation group was 5.89% lower than that in the control group 1 year after treatment, with a statistically significant difference (2.67% vs. 8.56%, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The combination of iodine-131 and levothyroxine sodium in the postoperative treatment of DTC can improve the therapeutic effect and reduce the postoperative recurrence rate without increasing adverse reactions, which is worthy of clinical reference and promotion.

Children’s and adolescents’ views of health and mental health concepts - A qualitative group interview study

BackgroundDefinitions and perceptions of health and mental health have not remained static over time. This is also true for statistics over Swedish children’s and adolescents’ health and mental health status. The majority of Swedish school-aged children and adolescents report good physical health and good life satisfaction. However, there are some warning signs when it comes to children’s and adolescents’ health and mental health status, for instance, an increased overweight or obesity in children and adolescents, as well as a higher proportion reporting psychological problems and stress. There is also a need for knowing more about the younger population’s voices in this matter. The aim was therefore to explore children’s and adolescent’s conceptualizations and perceptions of health in general, and mental health in particular.MethodsOpen semistructured group interviews with 44 Swedish children and adolescents (10–14 years old) recruited from four schools were conducted. The interviews were conducted between April 2022 and January 2023. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.ResultsChildren’s and adolescents’ conceptualizations of health included aspects of both the body and the mind, with a focus on the latter. Mental health was expressed as a state of being, illustrated by various lived experiences of emotions, moods, and thoughts. The social world was ever present in their understanding of health, e.g., through the lenses of social and gender norms.ConclusionsThis study revealed children’s and adolescents’ recognition of health terms and their ability to observe nuances between mental health problems and everyday struggles. The participants discussed mental health problems to a greater extent than positive mental health. An implication of this study is the highlighted need to focus more on mental health promotion in future preventive programs. These findings might potentially influence how school staff and student health teams communicate with children and adolescents about these concepts.

Changes in quality of life and health across the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods, longitudinal study of older adults

The objective of this study was to identify shifts in older adults’ well-being over the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March 2020 and April 2022, 76 adults aged 65+ from the upper Midwest participated in telephone interviews across five timepoints. Quantitative and qualitative questions focused on perceptions of QOL, physical health and mental health, as well as changes over the two years of interviews. Repeated measures ANOVAs indicated significant changes in self-reported QOL over time, but no significant changes to self-reported physical or mental health. Thematic content analysis revealed relevant themes for each content area. Findings provided a longitudinal view of changes in perceived QOL and health among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite quantitative improvements in QOL and stability in health, qualitative themes indicated nuances impacts including challenges to physical activity and fluctuations in mental health and QOL.