Prevalence Of Mental Health Problems Research Articles

Emotional - Behavioral Difficulties and Prosocial Behaviour among Vietnamese Adolescents: the Role of Social Support

Background In recent decades, a high prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents has been reported worldwide. In Vietnam, mental health problems such as emotional and behavioural difficulties are relatively common in the adolescent age group. Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of emotional-behavioural problems and prosocial behaviours in Vietnamese adolescents and identify the role of social support in these adolescents’ strengths and difficulties. Methods A population sample of 582 adolescents from sixth to ninth grade from four secondary schools in Vietnam voluntarily participated by completing the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (α = .64) and the Social Support Scale (α = .90). Results The research results revealed that Vietnamese adolescents suffered from considerable levels of emotional-behavioural difficulties and prosocial behaviour problems. Through multible regression analysis, support from their families significantly predicted to decrease students’ emotional and behavioural symptoms (β< 0; p< .05) and increasing prosocial behaviours (β> 0; p < .05). In contrast, friend support only contribute to protecting adolescents from behavioural problems (β = -.18; p < .05) and encouraged prosocial behaviours (β = .22; p < .05) Discussion Family support had a central role in its positive contribution to reducing emotional-behavioural and prosocial behaviour problems. Friend support only decreased behavioural problems and encouraged prosocial behaviours. These results are interpreted that educators could limit adolescents’ emotional-behavioural difficulties and encourage prosocial behaviours through social support from their families and friends.

Mental Health Assistant using Sentiment Analysis through NLP

Given the increasing prevalence of mental health problems and social disruption, quality mental health services are an important issue in today's society. This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the mental health assistant application proposed. By combining insights from psychology, healthcare, and technology, we identify problems arising from existing systems, including barriers to access, limited affordability, and disparities in supply. The system is an Android platform that allows people seeking mental health care to record and use features such as self-diagnosis, taking mental health tests for various conditions such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD and Anxiety, analyzing their daily mood , and sharing one-on-one conversations with mental health professionals. This research contributes by providing opportunities for improving mental health services in the future. Key Words: Mental Health, Android, Personality Tests, One-on-one Conversation

Mental health among ethnic minority adolescents in Vietnam and correlated factors: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to measure the rate of depression, anxiety and stress among ethnic minority adolescents and identify relationships between demographic characteristics, behaviours and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) factors with different mental disorders. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Lang Son province, Vietnam, among adolescents in boarding schools for ethnic minorities. The Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21) and the ACEs Questionnaire were used. Information on age, gender, ethnicity, frequency of home visits, frequency of parental visits, number of people living together, quality of friendship, physical activity, and frequency of Internet use was also collected. Multivariate Logistic and Tobit regression were employed. ResultsAmong 845 students, the rates of stress, anxiety and depression were 24.7 %, 54.4 % and 59.0 %, respectively. There were 48.9 % experiencing at least one ACEs, and the mean number of ACEs was 1.1 (SD = 1.8, range = 0–6). The number of ACEs was positively associated with anxiety score (Coef. = 0.28), stress score (Coef. = 0.28), and depression score (Coef. = 0.16). Having fair or poor friendships was positively associated with anxiety, stress and depression scores. Adolescents using the Internet daily or not using the Internet had a significantly lower anxiety score than those using the Internet at the weekend. Finally, information sources such as friends or television were negatively associated with stress and anxiety scores. ConclusionThis study revealed the high prevalence of mental health problems and ACEs among ethnic minority adolescents in current sample. The present study illustrates an immediate demand for interventions to address ACEs and cognitive issues to improve adolescents’ well-being.

Parenting style and child mental health at preschool age: evidence from rural China

BackgroundMental health problems among children at preschool age are a common issue across the world. As shown in literature, a caregiver’s parenting style can play a critical role in child development. This study aims to examine the associations between a caregiver’s parenting style and the mental health problems (or not) of their child when he/she is at preschool age in rural China.MethodsParticipants were children, aged 49 to 65 months, and their primary caregivers. The primary caregivers of the sample children completed the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire, Short Version, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and a questionnaire that elicited their socio-demographic characteristics. The level of cognitive development of each sample child was assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition. Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and multivariable regression analysis were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe prevalence of mental health problems among sample children at preschool age was high (31.6%). If a caregiver practices an authoritative parenting style, it was found to be negatively associated with the mental health problems of their child. In contrast, a caregiver’s authoritarian parenting style was positively associated with the mental health problems of their child. Compared to those in a subgroup of primary caregivers that used a combination of low authoritative and low authoritarian parenting style, primary caregivers that used a combination of high authoritarian and low authoritative or a combination of high authoritative and high authoritarian were found to have positive association with child health problems. A number of demographic characteristics were found to be associated with the adoption of different parenting styles.ConclusionDifferent parenting styles (including authoritative, authoritarian, and combination of authoritative and authoritarian) of the sample caregivers had different associations with the mental health problems of the sample children. Parenting programs that aim to improve the parenting styles (favoring authoritative parenting styles) should be promoted in an effort to improve the status of child mental health in rural China.

PERAN LINGKUNGAN KELUARGA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESEHATAN MENTAL REMAJA

Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person is able to endure the rest of life, work well, and affect society. Mental health does not only mean the absence of mental disorders, but also includes a person's ability to manage their emotions, social and interpersonal relationships, and adapt to change. Conflict in the family can affect children's behavior and mental health, because the family is the closest place for a child. What children see and hear often runs in the family. Therefore, it is a good thing that family activities and the child's personality, behavior and health are influenced by what their parents see and hear. Mental disorders are still common in Indonesia, and it needs to be addressed more, because it is the young generation who will be the children and grandchildren of the country one day. If a teenager has a mental health problem and is left untreated, the child's mental health problem will persist and hinder their development. The purpose of this research is to find out the prevalence of mental health problems among teenagers today, the factors that affect them, and how the family can affect the mental health of teenagers in Indonesia. As you said, the role of the family in supporting children's mental health is very important, because parents are the main source of income for children. They can provide emotional support, create a safe environment, and help children develop problem-solving and social skills. By understanding the role of the family environment, we can better understand how to improve the mental health of the younger generation.  

Cultivating Community Health and Well-being in Open Source: Mitigating Burnout and Prioritizing Mental Health

Purpose: This whitepaper addresses the critical but often overlooked mental health challenges within open-source communities, including stress and burnout. The collaborative spirit of open-source communities has undoubtedly accelerated technological innovation, but the mental well-being of their contributors is frequently neglected. The objective is to uncover the root causes of these mental health issues and evaluate their impact, thereby underscoring the need for supportive and inclusive community practices.
 Methodology: This paper uses the ‘Mixed methods’ research approach, analyzing data from industry surveys and extracting insights from personal narratives and experiences documented by contributors in blogs and forums. This comprehensive strategy allows for a detailed exploration of mental health within the open-source environment, facilitating the identification of key stress factors and mental health challenges associated with community participation.
 Findings: The investigation reveals a direct link between the operational dynamics of open-source projects and the prevalence of mental health problems among participants. Key stressors include high expectations regarding workload, the predominantly volunteer nature of contributions, social isolation, and a lack of formal support structures. Additionally, the study highlights a significant lack of awareness of these issues and the availability of intervention strategies, further increasing the risk of burnout and stress among community members.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice, and Policy: This paper makes a novel contribution to understanding mental health in open-source communities by merging analytical data with qualitative insights from contributor narratives. It offers recommendations for a wide range of stakeholders, from contributors to leaders and policymakers, to cultivate a culture that supports mental well-being, diversity, and sustainability. This paper presents a comprehensive blueprint for nurturing healthier, more resilient open-source communities.

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.

Medical student wellbeing during COVID-19: a qualitative study of challenges, coping strategies, and sources of support

BackgroundMedical students face challenges to their mental wellbeing and have a high prevalence of mental health problems. During training, they are expected to develop strategies for dealing with stress. This study investigated factors medical students perceived as draining and replenishing during COVID-19, using the ‘coping reservoir’ model of wellbeing.MethodsIn synchronous interactive pre-recorded webinars, 78 fourth-year medical students in the UK responded to reflective prompts. Participants wrote open-text comments on a Padlet site. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsAnalysis identified five themes. COVID-19 exacerbated academic pressures, while reducing the strategies available to cope with stress. Relational connections with family and friends were affected by the pandemic, leading to isolation and reliance on housemates for informal support. Relationships with patients were adversely affected by masks and telephone consultations, however attending placement was protective for some students’ wellbeing. Experiences of formal support were generally positive, but some students experienced attitudinal and practical barriers.ConclusionsThis study used a novel methodology to elicit medical students’ reflections on their mental wellbeing during COVID-19. Our findings reinforce and extend the ‘coping reservoir’ model, increasing our understanding of factors that contribute to resilience or burnout. Many stressors that medical students typically face were exacerbated during COVID-19, and their access to coping strategies and support were restricted. The changes to relationships with family, friends, patients, and staff resulted in reduced support and isolation. Recognising the importance of relational connections upon medical students’ mental wellbeing can inform future support.

Association between weight, weight perception, weight teasing and mental health among adolescents

BackgroundAdolescent mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent, and there are correlations between weight-related concerns and adolescent mental health. The aim of this study is to explore the association between three weight-related factors (actual weight, weight perception, and weight teasing) and mental health problems (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness) in Chinese adolescents.Methods10,070 adolescents between the ages of 11–18 from schools in Shanghai, China were selected using a stratified random cluster sampling method. Self-reported questionnaires were collected to investigate weight-related factors and mental health problems. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms among adolescents were 18.0%, 53.8%, 26.5%, and 12.3%, respectively, with a higher prevalence found in females. After adjusting for weight perception and weight teasing, actual weight had no harmful impact on adolescents’ mental health. Adolescents' perception of being overweight increased the risk of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, while the perception of being underweight had a similar but more profound impact (depressive symptoms OR = 1.590, 95% CI: 1.342–1.883; loneliness OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.353–1.746; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.178–1.589; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 1.780, 95% CI: 1.449–2.186). Experiencing weight teasing more than once a year had a greater effect on adolescents' mental health, especially among adolescents with overweight/obesity (depressive symptoms OR = 2.970, 95% CI: 2.325–3.793; loneliness OR = 3.839, 95% CI: 3.119–4.727; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 2.822, 95% CI: 2.236–3.562; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 5.212, 95% CI: 3.846–7.065).ConclusionsThe prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents was high, especially loneliness. Weight perception and weight teasing, but not the actual weight, independently influenced adolescent mental health.

Perceived anxiety and depression and associated factors among women inmates with a long-term sentence in Thailand.

In Thailand, the growing prevalence of mental health problems among the increasing number of adult female prisoners has emerged as a significant public health concern. However, studies on the health of women prisoners are primarily conducted in Western societies, and studies in other countries are rare. Thailand, a non-western country, is no exception to this. The objectives of this study were to assess the current levels of anxiety and depression among women drug offenders in Thailand and to identify possible associated factors. Data were collected from a sample consisting of 554 women drug offenders serving sentences of eight years or more. Stratified random sampling with proportionate stratification was employed during the data collection. The female inmates were being held in three categories of prisons: correctional institutions, central prisons, and provincial prisons. A single question was used to measure self-perceived levels of anxiety and depression: none, moderate, or substantial. Ordered logit regression was employed in the data analysis. One out of five (21.1%) of the inmates in the sample reported no perceived current anxiety and depression, 61.7% reported moderate anxiety and depression, and 17.1% reported having substantial perceived levels of anxiety and depression. It was found that chronic health conditions or disease, concerns about economic status, and feelings of shame were associated with the perceived anxiety and depression reported by the inmates. The study's findings suggest that integrated mental health services that emphasize a holistic approach that acknowledges the intersectionality of women's mental health and societal gender roles should be provided in prisons. Regular mental health screening and accessible mental health services are essential for all incarcerated women. Empowerment programs during confinement can boost self-esteem and thus lead to better post-release outcomes. The government should also implement programs to alleviate the financial burden on prisoners' households.

O le tagata ma lona aiga, o le tagata ma lona fa’asinomaga (Every person belongs to a family and every family belongs to a person): Development of a parenting framework for adolescent mental wellbeing in American Samoa

American Samoan adolescents experience a high prevalence of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. To complement existing health system efforts, family-based interventions may be a feasible, cost-effective, and relevant opportunity to promote mental health. This community-partnered, qualitative study aimed to: (1) identify potential family-related psychosocial protective factors for adolescent mental health and (2) develop a framework for a parenting program to promote adolescent mental health in American Samoa. Applying the fa’afaletui framework developed for research in Samoan communities, which emphasizes the importance of weaving a range of community member perspectives to reach consensus, semi-structured in-depth interviews with adult key informants (n = 28) were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021. Results were validated through five focus groups with Samoan adolescents (n = 35) between May and June 2022. Adult participants were sampled for diversity in profession, age, gender, education, and region of residence; adolescent participants were sampled for diversity in gender. Participants were recruited using personal networks and snowball sampling; adolescent participants also responded to Facebook advertising. The semi-structured interviews focused on broad topics including common mental health problems, contributors to mental illness, and potential interventions, among others. Transcripts were coded in duplicate and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Themes were collaboratively mapped onto an adapted fonofale model, an existing framework for Pacific Island health research. Six themes described key practices: (1) provide emotional safety and security; (2) provide physical safety and security; (3) encourage sense of self; (4) strengthen intergenerational communication skills; (5) prioritize quality time; and (6) cultivate healthy coping strategies. Participants also expressed the importance of a supportive environment grounded in culture, family and community, and caregiver mental health. These results provide an initial step to identify family-focused factors that promote adolescent mental health in American Samoa and categorize them into a framework to inform intervention development. Drawing on a collaborative and community-partnered process, these findings provide the first evidence-based framework to develop a parenting program to promote adolescent mental wellbeing and resilience in Samoan communities.

Psychological Disorders and Coping among Undergraduate College Students: Advocating for Students' Counselling Services at Kuwait University.

Objectives: The objectives of the current study are twofold. First, it aimed to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms (i.e., psychological disorders) among Kuwait University students. Second, it sought to identify and quantify the associated risk factors as well as the students' coping strategies utilized to address these psychological disorders. Methods: We used a cross-sectional study at Kuwait University and selected students using a multistage stratified cluster sampling design among the 15 faculties of Kuwait University. To serve the study purposes, two cross-cultural and validated instruments were used, including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and the Brief-COPE scale. Descriptive statistics, as well as logistic regression analysis, were used to analyze the study findings. Results: A sample of 1142 students from various faculties participated in this study. We found that 681 (59.6%), 791 (69.3%) and 588 (51.5%) of the participants had depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, respectively. The highest coping strategies for stressors and challenges faced were moderate and high emotion-based coping strategies (n = 1063, 93.1%). Students from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences as well as students from the Faculty of Engineering had significantly higher stress levels compared with students from other faculties (p < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that family problems were consistently a significant predictor of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among Kuwait University students (p < 0.05). We further found that students who presented with stress and anxiety symptoms and those who practiced avoidant-focused coping strategies were substantially more likely to experience depression (ORs ≥ 2.7, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings inferred that the majority of Kuwait University students have a remarkably high prevalence of mental health problems, mainly anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms along with inconsistent coping strategies toward the faced challenges during their studies. Therefore, the most important recommendation of the current study is the establishment of counselling centers in all faculties at Kuwait University. In turn, doing so facilitates the integration of wellness programs and the provision of comprehensive educational seminars, specialized training sessions and self-management techniques for Kuwait University students, leading to desired academic outcomes.

The dhikr and the mental health of the elderly in Aceh, Indonesia.

The ageing population in Indonesia is increasing. However, biological and social changes and declines may trigger mental health problems among the elderly. Existing data show that the prevalence of mental health problems (depression) among the elderly in Indonesia is above 15%. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the Majelis Zikir (dhikr assembly) and the mental health of the elderly. The research was conducted in Aceh Barat District, Aceh Province, Indonesia. This study uses a retrospective cohort design. The study sample consists of individuals aged 60 years or older. The total sample size was 114 (57 exposed and 57 unexposed groups). The research instrument was in the form of a questionnaire. The respondents had an average age of 67.61 years, with more females (63.2%), more educated (67.5%), more unemployed (71.1%) and 61.4% felt that their income was sufficient. The analysis showed that the relative risk value of members of the dhikr assembly was 1.857 (95% CI: 1.266-2.724) and showed a significant relationship between the dhikr assembly and mental health. Dhikr, as one of the forms of religious activities in Islam, has a positive role in older people's mental health. Elderly members of the dhikr assembly are likelier to achieve better mental health. The findings in this study can assist healthcare professionals and policymakers in their efforts to maintain and improve the mental health of the elderly through dhikr.

Mental health problems, sleep quality and overuse injuries in advanced Swedish rock-climbers – the CLIMB study

ObjectivesTo examine the prevalence of mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress), sleep quality, and disability due to overuse injuries in advanced and elite rock-climbers. The rock-climbers were compared to a group of non-climbing controls.MethodsA self-selected sample of advanced and elite Swedish rock-climbing athletes was recruited through the Swedish Rock-climbing Federation, local rock-climbing gyms and through social media. A control group, matched in size was recruited. Participants in the control group answered an online survey of validated questionnaires, examining symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality. The climbing participants answered the same survey as the non-climbing controls but with additional questions regarding musculoskeletal problems and disabilities related to these. Outcome measures used were the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire.ResultsA total of 183 participants were included in the rock-climbing group, and 180 participants in the control group. In the rock-climbing group the mean age (SD) was 28.2 (8.3) years among women and 30.5 (9.6) years in men. The mean BMI of women was 21.2 (2.2) and 22.8 (2.1) in men. A total of 30.6% of the rock-climbing group (26.7% of men, 35.9% of women) reported at least moderate levels of symptoms of depression and 23.1% (17.2% men, 30.8% women) at least moderate levels of symptoms of anxiety. A total of 48.4% of rock-climbers (39.1% men, and 61.6% women) reported at least moderate levels of symptoms of stress. Among the rock-climbers, 45.0% reported having poor sleep quality. There were no statistical significant differences (p = 0.052–0.96) in mental health problems or sleeping problems between the rock-climbers and the controls. Among rock-climbers, reports of one-week prevalence of injury related problems was: Finger and hand (49.5%), Shoulder (35.2%), Knee (29.1%), Lumbar back (26.4%), Arm (25.3%), Thoracic back and neck (17.0%), and Foot and lower leg (12.1%).ConclusionThe overall results indicate high levels of symptoms of mental health problems and poor sleep quality in both rock-climbers and controls. Although no significant differences between the climbing group and the control group was displayed, symptoms that warrant clinical attention is high. Overuse injuries were commonly reported among the rock-climbers in all examined injury locations. Previous studies reporting mental health problems to be more prevalent among athletes were contradicted in this study. The results display the need for a broader perspective regarding climbers general health and the need to provide structured care and adequate support in order to come to terms with these concerns.

Efficacy of Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Adults for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Systematic Review.

The rise in the prevalence of mental health problems among adults worldwide has raised concerns, highlighting the critical need for evidence-based mental health interventions that are accessible, comprehensive, and effective. Previous research suggests that Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a promising intervention widely used to reduce mental health problems. Nevertheless, the current literature on the efficacy of PMR among adults globally is fragmented, indicating a potential gap in this research area. Hence, this paper aims to systematically compile the research evidence on the efficacy of PMR in adults for stress, anxiety, and depression. The Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from the earliest available evidence to 28th March 2023. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines were followed, and the protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools were used to assess the quality of the included studies. A total of forty-six (46) publications from sixteen (16) countries covering more than 3402 adults were included in the review. The results show that PMR are effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in adults. When PMR is combined with other interventions, the combined techniques have also consistently exhibited enhanced efficacy. Moreover, findings also indicate that the efficacy of PMR is heightened when implemented in conjunction with other interventions, surpassing its standalone efficacy. This research was supported/funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) under the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) (FRGS/1/2020/SS0/UTM/02/23). The review was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF) on the 7th of March 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U2HZP.

Attitudinal Disposition of Correctional Officers’ Towards an Inmates with Mental illness in Agodi Prison, Oyo State, Nigeria

There is a frequently higher prevalence of mental health problems among the incarcerated population in Nigeria. However, their mental health is often neglected, leading to a complex interplay of issues that hinder effective rehabilitation and integration of offenders into society. This study examined the attitudinal disposition of correctional officers towards the mental health of an inmate in Agodi correctional home, Ibadan. This is a  cross-sectional study design and a stratified random sampling technique were used to select 200 correctional officers. A socio-demographic questionnaire and questions focusing on the stigmatization of inmates living with mental health. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test the generated hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that there was a significant relationship between counselling service and inmate mental health (r = .621, n= 200, p &lt; .05), there was a significant relationship between rehabilitation program and inmate mental health (r = .642, n= 200, p &lt; .05), there was a significant relationship between welfare service and inmate mental health (r = .716, n= 200, p &lt; .05), there was a significant relationship  between correctional officers attitude and inmates mental health (r = .731, n= 200, p &lt; .05). This study underscored the potential consequences of negative attitudes, such as stigmatization, discrimination, and inadequate provision of mental health care, which can impede the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates into society. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the attitudinal disposition of correctional officers towards inmates with mental illness is imperative.

"It will always be Temporary": A qualitative study of Syrian young adults expressing histories of collective violence and forced displacement in participatory theatre.

Given the increased prevalence of mental health problems in Syrian refugee communities, there have been efforts to develop adequate mental health care for their well-being. Herein, clinical literature is increasingly emphasizing the importance of locating refugees' healing at the nexus of personal and social realities, understanding the process of trauma narration within social restorative spaces of witnessing and communal support. Alongside this debate, there is growing interest in the relevance of participatory theatre for refugees. This innovative approach understands how voicing narratives of life histories within a broader social sphere may support personal and socio-political transformation. In this article, we aim to further the understanding of participatory theatre's relevance to these issues, focusing on the reparative dimensions of trauma narration. Based on a case study of a theatre project with Syrian young adults resettled in Belgium, we explore the different ways participants expressed experiences of collective violence and displacement in dialogue with each other, their diasporic and home communities, and their host society, and consider how these processes relate to their construction and meaning and coping with trauma. In a final section, we discuss the implications of our findings, raising questions about the value of participatory theatre as a reparative space and outlining suggestions to introduce and mobilize reparative modes of trauma narration in therapeutic practices in refugee trauma care.

Social networking usage and mental health problems in the Kurdistan region of Iraq during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown

The COVID-19 outbreak, as an international health emergency, led to uncertainty. Pandemics can be stressful and anxiety-producing for community individuals. Moreover, due to lockdown measures implemented to slow down the spread of the disease, an increase in the usage of social media was reported. Therefore, this study aims to find the prevalence of mental health problems and the level of social media usage during the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Kurdistan region, Iraq. Furthermore, the relationship between mental health problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and social media usage is explored. The study was cross-sectional; the data was collected through a snowball sampling method in which 355 participants completed an online questionnaire. Social networking usage questionnaire, Hopkins Symptom Checklist-15 (HSCL-25), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used as measurement tools. The results showed that the level of social networking usage was moderate. As for mental health problems, 76.5% of the respondents showed moderate to high stress levels, 56.4% reported experiencing depression, and 37.4% reported experiencing anxiety. Significant gender differences were found in depression, anxiety, and stress, with females scoring higher in all categories. In the mental health problem domains, only depression scores positively correlated with social media usage. The findings also showed social networking usage is associated with higher depression and anxiety; however, the effect sizes were small. Therefore, more research into this matter is necessary in the cultural context of the Kurdistan region to reach conclusive results.

The Impact of Green Space on University Students’ Mental Health: The Mediating Roles of Solitude Competence and Perceptual Restoration

With the prevalence of mental health problems among college students, perceptual recovery and the sensory dimensions of perception (PSD) have emerged as crucial environment-related factors for psychological well-being. However, there has been relatively limited research on how these factors directly and indirectly impact the restoration experience of college students in green spaces on campuses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of college students’ intrinsic motivation on their psychological well-being when exposed to campus green spaces. Special attention was given to the role of solitude and perceptual recovery in this process. Research Methodology: Based on a literature review and field research, we classified campus green spaces into eight types based on perceptual dimensions. We collected 550 questionnaires on campus, and the data processing involved structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation analysis. Findings: A positive correlation was found between perceived sensory dimensions and the recovery experience. College students’ perceptual recovery and ability to be alone emerged as mediating variables in this process. In essence, this study sheds light on the mechanism through which intrinsic motivation impacts the mental health of college students when they engage with campus green spaces.

Treatment suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic and mental health of infertile patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BackgroundAccess to fertility treatments is considered a reproductive right, but because of the quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic most infertility treatments were suspended, which might affect the psychological and emotional health of infertile patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to review the mental health of infertile patients facing treatment suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.MethodsThis study was conducted based on the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline. The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases were searched by two independent researchers, without time limitation until 31 December 2022. All observational studies regarding the mental health of infertile patients facing treatment suspension including anxiety, depression, and stress were included in the study. Qualitative studies, editorials, brief communications, commentaries, conference papers, guidelines, and studies with no full text were excluded. Quality assessment was carried out using Newcastle–Ottawa Scale by two researchers, independently. The random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of mental health problems. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to confirm the sources of heterogeneity.ResultsOut of 681 studies, 21 studies with 5901 infertile patients were systematically reviewed, from which 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results of all pooled studies showed that the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress in female patients was 48.4% (95% CI 34.8–62.3), 42% (95% CI 26.7–59.4), and 55% (95% CI 45.4–65), respectively. Additionally, 64.4% (95% CI 50.7–76.1) of patients wished to resume their treatments despite the coronavirus pandemic.ConclusionTreatment suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic negatively affected the mental health of infertile patients. It is important to maintain the continuity of fertility care, with special attention paid to mental health of infertile patients, through all the possible measures even during a public health crisis.