Prevalence Of Mental Health Issues Research Articles

Living in fear at the unpredictability of mental health issues in the classroom: a phenomenological study of secondary school teachers in encountering students with mental health issues

BackgroundThe prevalence of mental health issues among secondary school students is on the rise. Secondary school teachers, outside the home environment, are often in a prime position to identify adolescents facing mental health challenges. Limited knowledge regarding the experiences and perspectives of secondary school teachers when encountering this particular group of students, particularly in Asian countries.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the lived experiences of secondary school teachers exposed to students with mental health issues in the classroom in a Chinese context.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological approach within the tradition of Husserl was used. A purposive sampling method was used to collect the participants in Changsha, Hunan, China. Sixteen secondary school teachers participated in this study. Individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted, tape-recorded, and transcripted. Colaizzi’s seven-step descriptive phenomenological method was used to do the data analysis.ResultsOne Central theme: Living in fear at the unpredictability of mental health issues in the classroom and four sub-themes emerged: (1) Worried and anxious by the uncertainty of student mental health issues; (2) Scared and afraid by students’ unpredictable behaviors; (3) Afraid of students’ failure and its potential outcome; (4) Students having mental health issues are dangerous.Conclusions and implicationsThe teachers in this study found managing the unpredictability of mental health issues in the classroom deeply distressing and challenging. A comprehensive approach to address the cultural, social, and educational factors influencing secondary school teachers’ experiences is encouraged.

Mental Health, Suicidality, Health, and Social Indicators Among College Students Across Nine States in India

Background: The prevalence of mental health issues among youth is significantly high globally. This article presents findings from a survey that examined psychological distress, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and health and social indicators among college students in India. Methods: The study recruited 8,542 students from 30 universities spanning nine Indian states, utilizing a questionnaire that included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to measure depression and anxiety symptoms. It also examined the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, and other health and social factors. Results: Findings indicate that 18.8% and 12.4% of students had considered suicide over their lifetime and in the past year, respectively, with 6.7% having attempted it at some point in their lives. Among those with lifetime suicidal thoughts, more than one-third (38.1%) reported having previously disclosed these thoughts to someone, with friends being the most common confidants. Furthermore, one-third (33.6%) of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, and one-quarter (23.2%) reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety. Conclusions: The study revealed a significant prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as suicidal thoughts and attempts among college students in India. The study underscores the critical need for interventions aimed at improving mental health and supporting this demographic.

The relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions in college freshmen: a cross-lagged analysis.

The prevalence of mental health issues has been gradually increasing among college students in recent years. Improvements in mental health can be achieved through changes in daily behavior and the use of psychological counseling. This study aims to investigate the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions among college freshmen as they enter the university. It also examines the impact of various sub-dimensions of health-promoting behaviors and other factors on the negative emotions (stress, anxiety, and depression) experienced by college freshmen. Using the Negative Emotion and Health-Promoting Behavior scales, a 7-month longitudinal study was conducted on 4,252 college freshmen, with collection of data at two time points (T1: November 12, 2021; T2: June 17, 2022). Out of this longitudinal study, 3,632 valid samples were obtained. This research aimed to explore the association and impact between negative emotions and the level of health-promoting behaviors among college students during their time at the university. ① There were significant differences in the levels of health-promoting behaviors and negative emotions over the course of 7 months (P < 0.05). Health-promoting behaviors were found to have a significant negative correlation with negative emotions (P < 0.05). ② Negative emotions at T1 significantly negatively predicted health-promoting behaviors at T2 (β = -0.11, P < 0.01), while health-promoting behaviors at T1 significantly negatively predicted negative emotions at T2 (β = -0.12, P < 0.001). ③ Stress management (β = -0.104, P < 0.05; β = -0.087, P < 0.05), self-actualization (β = -0.282, P < 0.01; β = -0.260, P < 0.05), health responsibility (β = -0.057, P < 0.05; β = -0.088, P < 0.05), and interpersonal relations (β = 0.068, P < 0.01; β = 0.138, P < 0.05) were important components in improving stress and anxiety. Self-actualization (β = -0.437, P < 0.001), exercise (β = 0.048, P < 0.001), nutrition (β = 0.044, P < 0.001), and interpersonal relations (β = 0.065, P < 0.001) were important components in improving depression. ④ Gender, place of household registration, and whether the individual is the only child were significant factors affecting negative emotions in college freshmen. The level of health-promoting behaviors is an important indicator for assessing the negative emotional states of college freshmen. Enhancing health-promoting behaviors across various dimensions can help alleviate different types of negative emotions. Gender, place of household registration, and being the only child are significant factors that influence negative emotions.

Mental health issues associated with the management of tuberculosis in Homabay, Busia and Kakamega Counties, Kenya.

Despite the implementation of patient-centred care, mental health issues remain a significant risk factor and comorbidity for Tuberculosis (TB) disease. Mental health issues being co-morbidities to TB are likely to increase the disease burden of the affected population. This study therefore investigated the prevalence and impact of mental health issues in Tuberculosis (TB) patients. This cross-sectional study design used mixed methods in data collection. The study used structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. 127 TB patients were purposively selected from a group of patients who previously recovered successfully, with a history of relapse or are currently on TB treatment in high-volume facilities in Homa Bay, Busia and Kakamega Counties. 30 Key informant interviews were conducted with Healthcare workers. Quantitative data analysis was done using STATA version 14. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data using NVivo version 10. The findings showed that the most common mental health issues affecting TB patients were anxiety (66%) and depression (55%), which were commonly experienced during the presumptive stage of TB. Qualitative data revealed that stigma was the main barrier that hindered TB patients from accessing care. TB patients articulated the benefits of support structures ranging from positive encouragement, reminders on taking drugs, accompaniment to the clinic, and financial support in TB management. Furthermore, the study established that the majority of Health Care Workers (HCWs) were not prepared to handle TB patients' mental issues, a gap that is likely to impact the quality of care TB patients receive. The study established that mental health issues impact TB treatment outcomes. Healthcare systems should prioritize the integration of mental health care into TB programs to address the high prevalence of mental health issues among TB patients.

Perceived Social Stigma, Family Support and Mental Health Issues in Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS

Background: In Pakistan, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is compounded by significant socio-economic challenges and a pervasive stigma that undermines effective treatment and prevention strategies. The psychological impacts of HIV/AIDS, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, further complicate disease management, affecting patients' willingness to adhere to treatment and disclose their status. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health issues among individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Pakistan and explore the relationships between perceived social stigma, family support, and mental health outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients from Nankana Sahib and Faisalabad districts. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through validated Urdu versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), a discrimination scale, and a family support scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and linear regression models. Results: The results indicated that the mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly high at 66.6980 ± 17.56598. A strong positive correlation was observed between perceived discrimination (DISC) and DASS scores (r = 0.890, p &lt; 0.01), while perceived family support (PFS) was negatively correlated with DISC scores (r = -0.166, p = 0.043). Regression analysis showed that increased family support significantly mitigated mental health issues, reducing the mean stress, anxiety, and depression scores among participants. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of family support in reducing mental health issues among HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan. Enhancing family involvement and reducing social stigma could improve treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.

The influence of early diet quality on the mental health of college students: the mediation effects of height and qi-deficiency.

In China, the prevalence of mental health issues among college students is a significant concern in society. This study aims to investigate the impact of early dietary quality on the psychological well-being of college students and elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which these effects occur, specifically focusing on height and qi-deficiency as mediators according to Chinese traditional medicine (CTM). A total of 655 college students were surveyed in October 2023 using paper-pencil-based questionnaires at four second-tier universities in Sichuan Province. The assessment included mental health, height, and qi-deficiency. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analyses were employed to examine the mediation model and test the hypotheses. The college students exhibited acceptable levels of early diet quality (M = 3.72) and mental health (M = 3.63), while also presenting mild qi-deficiency symptoms (M = 2.25). Their average height was measured at 164.61 cm. Early diet quality demonstrated significant associations with mental health (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), height (r = 0.32, p < 0.01), and qi-deficiency (r = -0.32, p < 0.01). Mental health displayed correlations with height (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) and qi-deficiency (r = -0.49, p < 0.01). The results of linear regression analyses revealed significant associations between early diet quality and mental health (β = 0.31, p < 0.01), height (β = 0.21, p < 0.01), as well as qi-deficiency (β = -0.26, p < 0.01). Furthermore, when early diet quality was included in the regression model, both height (β = 0.21, p < 0.01) and qi-deficiency (β = -0.35, p < 0.01) emerged as significant mediators in the relationship with mental health. The mediation model and hypotheses were strongly supported, demonstrating that early diet quality exerted an influence on the mental health of college students through two distinct pathways: height and qi-deficiency. Moreover, the mediating effect of qi-deficiency was found to be more pronounced than that of height in the relationship between early diet quality and mental health among college students.

Prevalence and correlates of mental health problems among different occupations of medical workers during COVID-19 outbreak in China.

Health workers involved in the fight to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak were exposed to hazards. Detailed information on mental health problems in different medical occupations is crucial. To examined the prevalence of mental health issues in three medical occupations as well as the relationships between mental health problems and correlates in each occupation. This study utilizing the Questionnaire Star program was conducted among medical workers working at medical institutions in China from February 17 to 24, 2020. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess mental health problems. The prevalence of any mental health problems in the three occupations was 43.6, 34.6, and 32.9% for nurses, paramedical workers (PMWs), and doctors, respectively. Three occupations shared some correlates, such as being overworked, not having enough time to rest, support from colleagues, and previous mental health status. There were specific factors for each occupation. For doctors, age, educational level, living status, support from family, and previous physical status were related factors in mental health problems. Working in a designated hospital for treating COVID-19, having COVID-19 event exposures, and receiving support from family were associated with the mental health problems of the nurses. PMWs' mental health problems was linked to educational level and care from supervisors or heads of department. Different medical occupations have distinct impacts on mental health issues. Policy makers and mental health professionals working to prepare for potential disease outbreaks should be aware of multiple factors in different occupations.

Mental health in athletes: Does authentic leadership matter?

Recent research has attested to the prevalence of mental health issues in sport, and the need to identify factors that could promote athletes’ mental health. In this study, we investigated: (a) whether authentic leadership is associated with athletes’ mental health directly and indirectly via psychological capital and prosocial and antisocial behaviour experienced from one’s teammates; and (b) whether the hypothesized model testing these relationships is the same in higher versus lower competitive level athletes. We examined two dimensions of mental health, namely positive mental health and mental illness. A total of 751 athletes (Mage = 22.92, SD = 8.53; 294 female) from a range of sports completed a multi-section questionnaire administered via an online survey. Path analysis showed that authentic leadership was positively related to positive mental health via psychological capital and prosocial behaviour and negatively linked to mental illness via psychological capital and antisocial behaviour. The effects of authentic leadership on positive mental health via prosocial teammate behaviour and subsequently psychological capital, and on mental illness via prosocial teammate behaviour, were stronger in higher compared to lower competitive level athletes. The findings suggest that by adopting an authentic leadership style coaches could strengthen athletes’ positive mental health and protect them from mental illness. This may happen by increasing athletes’ psychological capital and prosocial behaviour within the team and decreasing antisocial behaviour within the team.

The prevalence of and factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers in South Africa.

Healthcare workers globally have experienced increased social and occupational stressors in their working environments and communities because of COVID-19 which has increased the risk of mental health concerns. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety amongst healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Cape, South Africa. In addition, role-related stressors and coping strategies were explored. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses working in public healthcare facilities across the Western Cape, South Africa. Participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), the Professional Quality of Life (PROQL-R-IV), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE-R) scales. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The sample comprised 416 health workers (303 nurses, 113 doctors). Almost 40% of the sample (n = 161) had CES-D scores suggestive of probable depression, and 45.9% (n = 186) had GAD-7 scores suggestive of anxiety. In the logistic regression model, the odds of probable depression were higher for female participants compared to men (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.00-5.10) and for participants who used behavioural disengagement as a coping strategy (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.14-1.97). More time spent working with COVID patients was associated with increased odds of having high levels of anxiety [OR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.02-1.25). Substance use (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.81), venting (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), and self-blame (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.87) were some of the coping strategies used by healthcare workers. High levels of secondary traumatic stress and burnout were found to increase the odds of both depression and anxiety. Findings of this study suggest that there is a high prevalence of mental health issues among healthcare workers, and a critical need to focus on workplace mental health interventions to support these frontline workers.

Publish and perish: mental health among communication and media scholars

Abstract Studies point to a significantly higher prevalence of mental health issues among academics compared to most other working populations. However, we know relatively little about the situation within the field of media and communication studies. Based on an international survey of 1028 researchers within this field, we found mental health issues to be widespread. Early career researchers, women, and those in nonpermanent positions were significantly more strongly affected by these issues than scholars in later career stages, men, and those in permanent employment. Academics in our field worry most about structural aspects of their work, most notably about publication pressure and future career prospects. We argue that while our findings are somewhat aligned with results from or across other fields, they are still worrisome. We thus argue for the need to start a conversation about how to reduce the mental burden, especially for young and early career researchers.

Social media use among Australian university students: Understanding links with stress and mental health

Rapid growth in social media use among young adults has raised concerns about its possible impact on mental health and wellbeing, particularly among university student populations where the prevalence of mental health issues is also rising. Using qualitative approaches, this study identified the ways in which social media use may create stress in the lives of Australian university students. Data was drawn from an online health and wellbeing survey undertaken at a large, Australian university. Students were asked about their social media use habits and whether social media creates stress in their lives, with a follow-up question asking them to describe the source of this stress. Participants’ free-text responses were examined using thematic analysis, with 3298 students providing a response for analysis (67.0% female; mean age = 24.5 years). Following data saturation, four main themes and twelve subthemes emerged about the ways that social media use was perceived to cause stress. The main themes identified were negative self-reflection, feeling overwhelmed by constant demands of social media, exposure to negativity, and addiction behaviours. Findings highlight the complex relationship between social media use and mental health among young adults, and may be used to inform development of targeted guidelines for university students on awareness and management of the aspects of SMU that appear to be driving university student distress.

New Athletes Involvement on Team Sports： towards Mitigating Anxiety and Depression

This study explores the potential of new athletes' involvement in team sports as a proactive intervention to mitigate anxiety and depression among 1st and 2nd-year students at Shandong College of Economics and Business. College life, marked by academic challenges and social adjustments, has witnessed a rising prevalence of mental health issues globally. Recognizing the impact of anxiety and depression on academic performance and overall well-being, this research aims to contribute evidence-based insights into the role of physical activity in fostering mental health among college students. Building on the multifaceted benefits of Physical Education (PE) and sports, this study employs a quantitative research design with 280 participants. Descriptive statistics reveal moderate anxiety (M = 15.2, SD = 4.5) and depression (M = 12.8, SD = 3.8) levels. Significantly, actively engaged participants in team sports exhibit lower anxiety and depression than their less-involved peers. Correlation and regression analyses underscore the negative association between hours of team sports participation per week and anxiety/depression levels, emphasizing the potential protective role of sustained engagement .The study contributes to a paradigm shift, advocating for the integration of structured physical activity, particularly through team sports, as a cornerstone in the promotion of mental health among college students. The gender-specific impact highlights the need for tailored interventions, encouraging colleges and universities to prioritize and promote organized team sports programs for holistic student well-being.

The mental health state of extended programme students at a South African university

Due to the widespread occurrence of mental disorders among adolescents, there is globally a recognised need to assess the mental well-being of higher education students. Those in extended programmes, dealing with self-esteem and capability challenges intensified by peer and institutional attitudes, might face heightened susceptibility to mental health issues. Moreover, research suggests that the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic likely worsened students’ mental health difficulties. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health issues among students in a South African university’s extended curriculum programme in 2022 while exploring potential gender differences. Furthermore, by comparing these findings to a 2017 study, it sought to assess the COVID-19 pandemic’s potential impact on the mental health of extended programme students. Paper-based questionnaires evaluated depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among first-year extended programme students in 2017 (pre-COVID, n = 208) and in 2022 (within the pandemic, post-lockdown, n = 202). The results showed consistently high levels of mental health issues for both cohorts, with no statistically significant difference between the cohorts. However, female students in the 2022 cohort faced notably more mental health challenges than their male peers. Universities should enhance mental health education and awareness campaigns and explore new counselling methods to assist the growing number of students in need of support. Further research ought to investigate the factors behind the heightened mental health issues, especially among female students.

The Economic Impact of Mental Health Illness and Public Perceptions: A Critical Investigation of the Nigerian State.

The role of mental health is critical to any economy. With the high incidence of social economic problems within the Nigerian economy, thus leads to high rate of mental health illness. There are very few researches that have investigated the prevalence of mental health issues within the Nigerian economy and critical identify and discuss the prevalence factors impacting the perception of Nigerian public about mental health. This paper examined existing literature on the mental health Issues and illness, identified the critical features of the theory that are relevant to this paper and robustly discuss the impact of mental health issues on the Nigerian Economy. This study spanned the years 2012 through 2023 and a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed, and the research revealed crucial supply chain management and environmental analysis to enable this paper identify suitable articles and journals. A SLR was performed using a sample of 120 research articles chosen from a pool of 350 papers obtained from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ABS journal and, among other sources. The paper concluded that mental health illness is prevalence in Nigeria and without a robust policy implementation, this will impact the Nigerian Economy.

Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and Substance Use Among School-going Adolescents of Tribal Ethnicity: A Preliminary Study from North-East India

Background: Mental health disparities are more pronounced among marginalized and ethnic communities due to a multitude of societal and environmental factors. These include family dynamics, cultural influences, geographic location, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, all of which contribute to increased vulnerability to mental health issues within these populations. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of mental health issues and substance use among adolescents belonging to tribal communities. Methods and Materials: The current research adopts a cross-sectional descriptive study design and was conducted across five Indian states, with a particular focus on the north-eastern region, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. The selection of districts and schools was done based on convenience sampling in the initial phase of the study. From each state, two schools were selected where the tribal population was high. In each district, a list of schools (20 schools) was prepared based on census data where the tribal population was high. Following the selection of schools within the district, a randomized sampling approach, employing the lottery method, was utilized to choose 10 schools from the compiled list. Subsequently, a total enumeration method was employed for the selection of school-going adolescents, ensuring the inclusion of all individuals within the chosen schools. A total of 983 adolescents belonging to tribal communities participated in the study after providing both assent and parental consent. A socio-demographic datasheet, strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), and Brief Screener for Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs (BSTAD) were administered. Results: In the context of school-going adolescents, Arunachal Pradesh exhibited a higher prevalence of mental health issues, including emotional and behavioral problems, at 41.9%, surpassing the rates observed in Assam (32.8%), Meghalaya (31.4%), Nagaland (26%), and Manipur (14.22%). The finding shows that the use of alcohol was higher in Arunachal Pradesh (29.03%) as compared to other states; 29.44% of students from Nagaland sniffed or huffed, which was the highest among the five states; and 28.04% of students from Meghalaya took illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, etc., which was the highest among the five states. Conclusion: Proactive measures are urgently required to tackle the mental health obstacles confronting tribal adolescents. Implementing targeted mental health programs tailored to their specific needs is crucial for ensuring their well-being and fostering resilience within these communities.

Gender differences in the prevalence of anxiety and depression and care seeking for mental health problems in Nepal: Analysis of nationally representative survey data.

Assessing gender disparity in mental health is crucial for targeted interventions. This study aims to quantify gender disparities in mental health burdens, specifically anxiety and depression, and related care-seeking behaviors across various sociodemographic factors in Nepal, highlighting the importance of gender-specific mental health interventions. Data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey was utilized, employing the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales for anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Multiple logistic regression models assessed gender associations with these conditions and care-seeking behaviors. Women had a higher point prevalence of anxiety (21.9% vs. 11.3%) and depression (5.4% vs. 1.7%) than men. Large variations were noted in gender disparities in the prevalence of anxiety and depression, influenced by age, geographical areas, level of education and household wealth. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, women were more likely to experience anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-2.43) and depression (aOR=3.21, 95% CI: 2.53-4.07). However, no difference was observed in the rates of seeking care for anxiety or depression (aOR=1.13, 95% CI: 0.91-1.40). Our findings show a higher point prevalence of mental health issues among women than men, influenced by sociodemographic factors, underscoring the need for gender-focused mental health interventions in Nepal and globally.

The Relationship between Sense of Coherence and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among First-Year Students in Princess Nourah University

Since Saudi Arabia is committed to improving education and is interested in understanding factors affecting students’ academic achievement, this study aims to assess first-year students’ baseline assessment scores for depression, anxiety, stress, and sense of coherence (SOC) to help with the prescription of an individualized mental health intervention. Additionally, the study assesses the correlation between students' evaluation scores for depression, anxiety, stress, and SOC as well as the likelihood that these scores will predict students' SOC. A cross-sectional questionnaire structure was utilized to measure the scores of 364 first-year college students for SOC, depression, anxiety, and distress. SOC and students’ depression, anxiety, and stress scores are significantly correlated. SOC has a negative predicting ability on depression, anxiety, and stress (F (1,442) = 388.65, p &lt; .001, and R2 = .47), whereas a high SOC has been linked to low stress, emotional distress, and anxiety ratings. The present study explored the impact of an individualized mental health intervention on DASS-21 and SOC for the students at Princess Nourah University. Also, it identified some prevalence of mental health issues among university students and reported nonadherence to psychiatric medical use and the prevalence of psychological pressure among university students.

Emotional Support and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Focus on Gender and Sexual Identities

Emotional support is essential to health outcomes, especially for marginalized communities. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic increased the prevalence of mental health issues and thus increased the need for emotional support, particularly for sexual minoritized people. The authors applied minority stress theory and the stress process framework by drawing on a population-based data source of 3,642 respondents, the National Couples’ Health and Time Study, which oversampled sexual minoritized people during the pandemic. The authors examine three sources of emotional support (friends, family, and partners) and their association with three mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and loneliness) separately for cisgender men and cisgender women. The authors find that emotional support plays a larger role in the association between sexual identity and mental health for cisgender men than cisgender women. Regardless of gender, bisexual individuals have consistently higher levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness across all models, and this difference is not attenuated by emotional support.

The Role of Gratitude in Psychological Well-Being across Gender and Educational Strands

This study utilizes a quantitative approach to examine the impact of gratitude on psychological well-being across respondents of different genders and educational backgrounds. The research methodology employed is correlational and descriptive. Data was gathered from 164 participants with the use of the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21). The study began with conducting a descriptive analysis to estimate the distribution of gratitude. This was followed by performing correlational analysis and multiple regression to investigate the association between gratitude and well-being. The findings demonstrate a strong inverse relationship between gratitude scores and DASS-21 outcomes, highlighting gratitude as a valid indicator of psychological well-being across many demographic groups. Cultural and experiential characteristics, rather than gender or educational level, appeared to have an impact on the differences in how gratitude is expressed. The study’s methodology, which utilizes self-report measures, has several limitations. To address these limitations, future research should adopt a longitudinal strategy and employ different data-gathering methods. The findings underscore the significance of gratitude in fostering psychological well-being, emphasizing its capacity as a moral gauge, motivator, and enforcer in social settings. This emphasizes the importance of gratitude in promoting communal unity and personal well-being, underlining its value in academic discourse on happiness. Considering the increasing worldwide prevalence of mental health issues, these observations provide significant viewpoints on the cultural dynamics of gratitude and its potential application in educational and therapeutic environments. Keywords: Gratitude, psychological well-being, gender, educational strands

Status of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress among the Pre-Clinical Students of Dentistry in Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

Background: Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression are increasingly recognized as significant challenges among dental students globally. These issues can impact their academic performance and overall well-being, necessitating a deeper understanding within the context of dental education. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among pre-clinical dental students at the Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, and to explore any potential gender differences in these mental health parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling to recruit first and second-year BDS students, both male and female, aged 18-22 years. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was employed to evaluate the participants. Data was collected through Google's online software, ensuring confidentiality of participants' information. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were utilized for data analysis, using SPSS version 24. Results: The study included 186 students, with an average age of 20.73±1.24 years. The gender distribution was 41% male and 59% female. The findings revealed that 87% of students had extremely severe anxiety levels, 45% had extremely severe depression, and 31% experienced extreme levels of stress. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between gender and levels of depression (P=0.333), anxiety (P=0.786), or stress (P=0.363). Conclusion: The study highlighted a high prevalence of mental health issues among pre-clinical dental students, with particularly severe levels of anxiety. Despite no significant gender differences, the overall elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression point to the need for targeted mental health interventions in dental education programs.