Risk Of Mental Health Conditions Research Articles

A systematic review of post-traumatic growth in ambulance personnel: facilitators and prevalence rates

Introduction: Ambulance personnel are exposed to traumatic and stressful situations, which can increase the risk of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). High rates of PTSD have been found in ambulance personnel (Petrie et al., 2018), but no review is available to examine post-traumatic growth (PTG - positive psychological change following a trauma) in this population. This literature review provides an overview of the prevalence rates and facilitators that may contribute to PTG in ambulance personnel.Methods: A systematic search was conducted on EBSCOhost in January 2024 across the following six databases: Academic Search Ultimate, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, ERIC and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Ultimate.Results: Eleven papers were identified for this review. Pooled prevalence of PTG was moderate (52%), and facilitators for PTG were grouped into five categories: coping style/strategies, resilience, personality traits, gender and incident characteristics.Conclusions: Numerous facilitators contributed to the development of PTG, although these did not arise in all papers. The quality of research ranged from satisfactory to excellent. Evidence suggested that adaptive coping style, high levels of resilience, the absence of a personality trait (neuroticism) and being female may facilitate PTG. Further research is needed to support the reliability of findings.

Aidsimpact 2023: “We did more than survive”: lessons learned from studies of risk and resilience of young people growing up with HIV and mental health needs

ABSTRACT Despite advances in HIV-treatment, adolescents and young adults (AYA) with HIV (AYAHIV) face myriad challenges. They are less likely than children and older adults to be virally suppressed and are at higher risk for mental health conditions compared to their peers who do not have HIV. AYA are also developing in the context of numerous biomedical, neurocognitive, and psychosocial developmental changes. Normative challenges during this time can be exacerbated by HIV and can result in significant physical and mental health problems. Yet, many AYAHIV have shown resilience with positive assets and resources and few health or mental health problems. Historically research has had a risk-focused approach to understanding AYAHIV needs. This paper discusses the rationale for a shift from a risk-focused only approach to one that examines AYAHIV needs from both a risk and resilience perspective. This paper presents: (1) epidemiological data on AYAHIV; (2) conceptual models for understanding both risk (e.g., poverty, stress, trauma, limited resources) and resilience/protective factors (e.g., family and peer support, future orientation, problem-solving skills); (3) global data examining risk and protective factors for physical and mental health challenges; and (4) promising interventions that incorporate elements of resilience to improve overall outcomes among AYAHIV.

Implementing supportive supervision in acute humanitarian emergencies: Lessons learned from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) practitioners working in humanitarian contexts are at significant risk of mental health conditions, ultimately hindering the quality and sustainability of their work. Supportive supervision has shown to be effective in improving the wellbeing of MHPSS staff and volunteers and enhancing the effectiveness of MHPSS service delivery. Despite these proven benefits, there is a lack of standardised guidelines to inform supportive supervision within humanitarian contexts. To address this gap, the Trinity Centre for Global Health and the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies' Reference Centre for Psychocosial Support co-developed the 'Integrated Model for Supervision' (IMS) Handbook and supporting tools and led IMS trainings with four humanitarian organisations in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Jordan, and Nigeria from June-August 2021. The subsequent acute humanitarian emergencies that occurred in Afghanistan and Ukraine provided the opportunity to (i) examine the implementation of the IMS in the acute stages of two humanitarian crises and (ii) identify the challenges and lessons learned from this process. This study employed a case study design using semi-structured qualitative interviews with five MHPSS personnel (female: 4; male: 1) who had received training in the IMS and were directly involved in the implementation of supportive supervision using IMS guidelines in either Ukraine or Afghanistan. Results showed that participants identified the key steps needed for the implementation of supportive supervision and reported two significant barriers to implementation including the stress of a humanitarian crisis leading to competing responsibilities and priorities, staff shortages and time constraints as well as the challenge of creating a new supervision structure when none had existed previously. Overall, participants felt that the IMS resulted in improved knowledge, confidence, perceived support, team cohesion, staff wellbeing and was a helpful blueprint to guide the implementation of supportive supervision in humanitarian contexts.

CREATIVE ARTS INTERVENTION FOR ISOLATED LATINX OLDER ADULTS TO REDUCE TRAUMA SYMPTOMS

Abstract Creative arts is an important form of therapeutic psychotherapy to reduce trauma symptoms in migrant older adults by allowing them to explore what they once connected in their country of origin. This therapeutic modality helps to destigmatize mental health, promote health education, and feel accepted, include social connectiveness with individuals who have suffered similar trauma in their country of origin and have migrated to find a safer living environment. Interventions used have been tailored to Spanish Speaking Older adult immigrant clients that are at higher risk of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. These clients are often hiding in isolation and feel lonely. The main objective was to reduce anxiety due to re-traumatization of symptoms more importantly during pre/post COVID isolation and multiple stressors the country has been going through. For these individuals, their arts are their livelihoods due to their immigration status. It is imperative to encourage our elderly minority community to continue to focus on their crafts i.e., weaving, embroidery, sewing, crochet, cooking, pottery, or any creative arts they pr. This allows the person to have control, autonomy, feel useful and most importantly have a sense of belonging to their community, in a country that they feel displaced from. It is vital to use arts as an option to help our older adults process their life story to support development theories, in this case, Erik Erikson’s final stage of psychosocial development, integrity vs despair.

Composite healthy lifestyle, socioeconomic deprivation, and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective analysis

The adverse psychological and social impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are well characterized, but the role of composite, modifiable lifestyle factors that may interact to mitigate these impacts is not. The effect of socioeconomic deprivation on these lifestyle risks also remains unclear. Based on a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort, we assessed the association between a combination of pre-pandemic lifestyle factors and mental health conditions during pandemic, and the contribution of deprivation to it. Composite lifestyle factors included BMI, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, sedentary time, sleep duration, and fruit and vegetable intake, with lifestyle scores and lifestyle categories calculated for each participant. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, and personal well-being were assessed by validated scales during the pandemic. Socioeconomic deprivation was characterized by both individual-level (income, wealth, and education) and group-level factors (Index of Multiple Deprivation). Of the 5049 eligible participants (mean [SD] age, 68.1 [10.9] years; 57.2% were female) included in the study, 41.6% followed a favorable lifestyle, 48.9% followed an intermediate lifestyle, and 9.5% followed an unfavorable lifestyle. Compared with favorable lifestyle category, participants in the intermediate and unfavorable lifestyle category were at increased risk of mental health conditions, with the hazard ratio (HR) for trend per increment change towards unfavorable category of 1.17 (95% CI 1.09–1.26) for depression, 1.23 (1.07–1.42) for anxiety, and 1.39 (1.20–1.61) for low well-being. A significant trend of lower risk for mental health conditions with increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors was observed (P < 0.001 for trend). There were no significant interactions between lifestyle factors and socioeconomic deprivation for any of the outcomes, with similar HRs for trend per one increment change in lifestyle category observed in each deprivation group. Compared with those in the least deprived group with favorable lifestyle, participants in the most deprived group adherent to unfavorable lifestyle had the highest risk of mental health outcomes. These results suggest that adherence to a broad combination of healthy lifestyle factors was associated with a significantly reduced risk of mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lifestyle factors, in conjunction with socioeconomic deprivation, independently contribute to the risk of mental health issues. Although further research is needed to assess causality, the current findings support public health strategies and individual-level interventions that provide enhanced support in areas of deprivation and target multiple lifestyle factors to reduce health inequalities and promote mental well-being during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Adverse childhood experiences and psychotropic medication prescription among cancer patients

Background This study aimed at identifying and characterizing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a sample of cancer patients and subsequently evaluating the relationship between ACEs and prescription of psychotropic medication among them. Individuals with ACEs have a higher risk of mental health conditions and are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications. Methods A sample of 178 adult patients receiving Supportive Oncology & Survivorship (SOS) services at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Utah was obtained. ACEs and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) questionnaires were administered confidentially. A multivariable mixed effect model, adjusting for sex, age, and insurance type while controlling for zip-codes clustering were employed. Results Compared to the prevalence of ACEs in the general population, from the CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACEs Study, we found no significant difference in the prevalence of people who had experienced an adverse childhood event (ACEs score > = 1) between our study of cancer patients and the CDC-Kaiser study (67.4% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.29372), but found a significant difference in the prevalence of people who had experienced severe adverse childhood experiences (ACES score > =4) (25.3% vs. 12.1%, p < 0.00001). Furthermore, this study reveals a significant association between an increase of one unit in the total ACEs score and the odds of psychotropic medication prescription in the past 12 months (OR: 1.233; 95% CI: 1.025, 1.483). Those with a total ACEs score of three or more were found to have 280% higher odds of being prescribed psychotropic medication compared to those with ACEs ≤ 2 (OR: 3.822; 95% CI: 1.404,10.407). Conclusion A significant proportion of cancer patients have a history of ACEs, and thus trauma-informed care approach is essential during their treatment.

Intention to use a mobile phone to receive mental health support and its predicting factors among women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Ambo town, West Shoa zone, Ethiopia 2022

BackgroundMental health problems are the most common morbidities of women during the prenatal period. In LMICs mobile phones have been identified as a good vehicle for monitoring individuals with a high risk of mental health conditions. However, evidence is scarce and the purpose of this study was to assess the intention to use a mobile phone to receive mental health support and its predicting factors among women attending antenatal care at public health facilities in Ambo town, Ethiopia 2022.Methods and materialsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 20th to June 20th, 2022. A total of 715 prenatal women were included and a systematic random sampling technique was employed. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used. Collected data was exported to SPSS version 25 for the descriptive part, and AMOS 26 structural equation modeling was also used to describe and assess the degree and significance of relationships between variables.ResultsA total of 699 (97.8% response rate) responded to complete all the questionnaires. About 530 (77.3%) 95% CI (74%-80.3%) of women intended to use a mobile phone to receive mental health support. The perceived usefulness has a positive effect on attitude (β = 0.391, p < 0.001) and intention to use (β = 0.253, p < 0.001). The perceived ease of use influences perceived usefulness (β = 0.253, p < 0.001) and attitude β = 0.579, p < 0.001). The intention to use is positively affected by attitude (β = 0.662, p < 0.001).Trust has a positive effect on perceived usefulness (β = 0.580, p < 0.001) and intention to use (β = 0.113, p = 0.005). Subjective norm has a direct positive effect on perceived usefulness (β = 0.248, p < 0.001). Attitude serves as a partial mediator between perceived usefulness and intention to use and a complete mediating role between perceived ease of use and intention to use.ConclusionThe level of intention to use a mobile phone among prenatal women is relatively high and attitude, perceived usefulness, and trust had direct positive effects on intention to use a mobile phone. Therefore, hospitals and healthcare providers should take proactive measures to implement the strategies and policies for providing mobile phone-based mental health support to prenatal women in remote areas.

2.P. Workshop: Mental health in old age

Abstract Mental health conditions affect people throughout the world, at all ages. Additionally, mental health conditions are associated with social health and with physical health. Applying a body - mind concept of health framework to mental health conditions can add to existing knowledge on mental health conditions in old age. We organized this workshop based on the understanding that mental health and mental health conditions differ according to individual and community factors. The data presented propose that mental health plays a critical role in old age, and as such, deserves greater attention to further understand how who might be at risk for mental health conditions in old age. More specifically, we focus attention on physical health, socio-economic and environmental factors that affecting mental health in old age. First, based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the author examines a reciprocal relationship between functional disability and depression over time and further proposes the potential role of social participation in alleviating depression in old age. Second, mental health of older persons with migrant children will be analyzed across different European regions. Third, based on data from the SHARE study, retirement as a major life event with long term consequences on depression risk is identified. Fourth, the study examines how financial adversity in old age is associated with mental health among older adults who are living in a rural area in Germany. Finally, the associations between loneliness and mental health among Spanish older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic are presented. Based on the presentations, research gaps and promising areas of research, practice, and policy focused on promoting mental health in old age and across the lifespan will be discussed with participants. Key messages • Migration of children, functional disability and financial adversity are related to old age depression. • Loneliness in old age is associated with mental health conditions.

Prevalence of Parent Mental Health Problems in an Interdisciplinary Feeding Clinic: Short Communication.

Parents of children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) often experience high stress and may be at advanced risk for mental health conditions. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 413 parents who completed intake surveys at an interdisciplinary feeding clinic to determine the prevalence and types of mental health conditions among parents; 41.8% of parents reported a mental health diagnosis among the mother and/or father. Of the parents with mental health conditions, the most prevalent conditions reported were anxiety (71.1% for mothers, 50% for fathers) and mood disorders (62.7% for mothers, 40.9% for fathers). For mothers, 21.1% indicated their mental health disorder had a postpartum onset. Parents of children with birth complications were more likely to have a mental health condition (50.9%) than parents of children without a birth complication (38.7%), and parents reporting mental health conditions had children with significantly more co-occurring medical conditions. Since parent stress and mental health can influence parent-child interactions during mealtime, this study suggests the importance of addressing both parent mental health factors and child factors when treating children for PFD. Future studies are needed to develop novel interventions that support the specific mental health needs of parents of children with PFD.

Faith-Based Organizations' Support of Veteran Congregants at Risk for Mental Health Conditions and Suicide: A Qualitative Study of Clergy Experiences in Los Angeles County.

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are often "gatekeepers" to mental health care for congregants at risk of mental illness and suicide, especially U.S. military Veterans, but data to inform better collaboration are needed. We conducted focus groups with clergy in Los Angeles County to understand themental health support FBOs provide and barriers to collaboration with the mental healthcare system. Clergy detailed strategies used to support the mental health of Veteran congregants. Barriers included stigma, limits in clergy training, and incomplete knowledge about community and VA mental health resources. Results suggest strategies to improve collaboration between FBOs and the mental healthcare system in Los Angeles County.

The Human Superorganism: Using Microbes for Freedom vs. Fear

Balanced fear supports human rational decision-making and useful behavioral responses. In contrast, overwhelming, persistent, and unbalanced fear can paralyze the individual and result in heightened anxiety, lack of cognitive flexibility, fear-based public compliance and serious mental health issues. Psychobiotics research has established that a healthy microbiome is required for balanced fear and mental health protection via control of fear extinction. The recent COVID-19 pandemic featured daily, persistent, fear-of-a-single-contagion conditioning on a global scale paired with various behavioral mandates (e.g., lockdowns of the healthy, required wearing of face masks in many locations including schools, isolation from environmental microbes and each other through the closure of beaches and parks, and restrictions on social gatherings including access to family members in hospitals and senior-assisted facilities). Such mandates degraded the human microbiome and isolated us from each other and useful environmental microbes. It also ignored the historic role of secondary bacterial pathogens in pandemic deaths. This narrative review examines how the institutional promotion of fear-of-a-single-contagion, lack of balanced risk communication, and appalling disregard of our fundamental nature (as majority-microbial human superorganisms) resulted in problems rather than solutions. This review illustrates that government-public health-media promotion of pervasive fear and microbiome-degrading behaviors: (1) increased public compliance, (2) reduced cognitive flexibility, and (3) increased risk of mental health conditions. However, a portion of the general public chose a healthier path through their increased consumption of microbiome- and immune-supportive supplements and fermented foods during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. For a healthier future, public health must follow the lead of this population to ensure that human freedom, rather than paralyzing fear, dominates our future.

Profiles of historical loss and childhood trauma as predictors of mental and cardiometabolic health in American Indian adults

Cardiometabolic disease and mental health conditions are two major contributors to persistent inequities in health and life expectancy for American Indian adults. The atrocities associated with European colonization are linked to intergenerational psychological and emotional wounding (i.e., historical trauma) and high incidence of childhood trauma. Prior work has examined the independent relationships of childhood trauma and thoughts about historical loss with cardiometabolic and mental health in American Indians. In the current work, we used a data-driven approach to identify profiles of childhood trauma and frequency of thoughts about historical loss, and then examined how these profiles related to cardiometabolic and mental health in a sample of American Indian adults from across the United States (N = 727). We found that a profile characterized by high levels of childhood trauma and high frequency of thoughts about historical losses was associated with the greatest risk for mental health conditions. The profile characterized by the highest levels of childhood trauma and by moderate frequency of thoughts about historical losses was associated with the largest risk of cardiometabolic conditions. The findings represent an important first step towards understanding how childhood trauma and thoughts about historical loss may simultaneously inform enduring inequities in American Indian health.

Addressing the Maternal Mental Health Crisis Through a Novel Tech-Enabled Peer-to-Peer Driven Perinatal Collaborative Care Model

Addressing the Maternal Mental Health Crisis Through a Novel Tech-Enabled Peer-to-Peer Driven Perinatal Collaborative Care Model

Communication, inclusion and psychological wellbeing among deaf and hard of hearing children: A qualitative study in the Gaza Strip.

Deaf and hard of hearing children are at risk of exclusion from community life and education, which may increase their risk of mental health conditions. This study explores the experience of deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip, with particular focus on the factors that contribute to psychological wellbeing and distress. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 deaf and hard of hearing children, 10 caregivers of deaf and hard of hearing children and eight teachers of deaf and hard of hearing children in mainstream and special schools, across the Gaza Strip. Further, three focus group discussions were held with deaf and hard of hearing adults and disability leaders, mental health specialists and other teachers of deaf and hard of hearing children. Data collection was completed in August 2020. Key themes identified in the analysis included lack of accessible communication, community exclusion, negative attitudes towards hearing impairment and deafness and the impact on deaf and hard of hearing children's sense of self, and limited family knowledge on hearing impairment and deafness. Further findings focused on strategies to improve the inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing children and how to promote wellbeing. In conclusion, participants in this study believed that deaf and hard of hearing children in the Gaza Strip are at increased risk of mental health conditions. Changes are needed across community and government structures, including education systems, to promote the inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing children and to support their psychological wellbeing. Recommendations from the findings include increasing efforts to improve awareness and reduce stigma, providing better access to sign language for deaf and hard of hearing children, and offering training for teachers of deaf and hard of hearing children, especially in mainstream environments.

The negative impact of loneliness and perceived stress on mental health during two-month lockdown in Shanghai

BackgroundShanghai undergone COVID-19 lockdown for 2 months in 2022, affecting >25 million population. We aim to find changes in mental health during Shanghai lockdown and if mental health was associated with Shanghai lockdown, loneliness, and perceived stress. MethodsWe conducted two cross-sectional online surveys in China, which were before and at the end of Shanghai lockdown (survey 1 in January 2022, N = 1123; survey 2 in June 2022, N = 2139). Participants reported mental health, loneliness, and perceived stress through the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8), and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). We compared data between survey 1 and 2. We ran a multiple linear regression model to investigate the impact of Shanghai lockdown, loneliness and perceived stress on mental health. ResultsThere's an increase in the proportion of lonely people during Shanghai lockdown (49.77 % to 65.26 %). During Shanghai lockdown, the proportion of lonely people (68.97 % VS. 61.35 %, p < 0.001) and risk for mental health conditions (50.50 % VS. 43.27 %, p < 0.001) were higher among residents in Shanghai than outside Shanghai. Shanghai lockdown (b = 0.556, p = 0.02), higher ULS-8 (b = 0.284, p < 0.001) and higher PSS-10 (b = 0.365, p < 0.001) were associated with higher GHQ-12. LimitationsParticipants reported their mental health status during Shanghai lockdown retrospectively. ConclusionShanghai lockdown had psychological impacts not only on residents in Shanghai but also outside Shanghai. Addressing loneliness and perceived stress accommodated to the lockdown situation should be considered.

Smoking status trajectories, intergenerational socioeconomic mobility and depression: Preliminary results from 107,734 French adults (18 to 75 years) of the CONSTANCES cohort

IntroductionCigarette smoking prevalence is significantly higher among people with mental health problems than among the general population. Smoking accounts for much of the reduction in life expectancy associated with mental illness, why the high co-occurrence of smoking and mental health illness is a major public health concern. Persons belonging to socioeconomical disadvantaged groups have higher risk of mental health conditions and also higher smoking rates.ObjectivesIn this study we aim to examine smoking trajectories among adult smokers between 2012 and 2020. Furthermore, we aim to investigate differences in smoking trajectories by adult depression by taking into consideration participants intergenerational socioeconomic mobility (ISEM).MethodsAnalyses were based on data from CONSTANCES, a French general population cohort conducted from 2012 to 2020. In total were 107,734 participants included after exclusion of never smokers. Depression was measured by the CES-D scale, and depression was classified with a score ≥16. ISEM is based on childhood (maternal and parental occupational grade) and adult socioeconomic position (SEP), and low ISEM includes those with low SEP as child and adult and high ISEM those with consistent high SEP. Group-based trajectories modelling (GBTM) was used to determine smoking status trajectories. To address the association between ISEM and smoking trajectory class we used multinomial logistic regression with former smokers as reference class adjusted for depression, household income, sex and age.ResultsWe identified five smoking trajectories 1) Former smokers (56.6%), 2) Long-term smokers (26.4%), 3) Intermediate smokers (3.3%), 4) Early quitters (5.0%) and 5) Late quitters (8.7%). Preliminary results from multinomial logistic regression showed that persons with low ISEM had higher odds of depression (OR [95%CI]=1.91 [1.77;2.06]) than those with high ISEM. Participants with low ISEM had higher odds of being long-term smoking than former smokers compared to those with high ISEM (ORa [95%CI]=1.55 [1.43;1.67]). Furthermore, those with low ISEM had lower odds of being in any of the other smoking trajectory groups vs. former smokers compared to those with high ISEM (ORa [95%CI]=0.82 [0.69;0.97]) for intermediate smokers, ORa [95%CI]=0.75 [0.66;0.85]) for early quitters, and ORa [95%CI]=0.78 [0.70;0.87]) for late quitters).ConclusionsPreliminary results showed an association between ISEM and smoking trajectories in our study. Persons with low ISEM are more likely to be long-term smokers. Future analysis should consider the effect of depression as a mediating factor on the association between ISEM and smoking trajectories.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Perinatal anxiety and depression amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Pregnancy and COVID-19 increase the risk of mental health conditions. The stress of pregnancy, childbirth, and uncertainty about the global pandemic has negatively impacted the obstetric population. To study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of anxiety and depression (Point Prevalence) in antenatal and postnatal mothers using the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale) scale and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)-7 scale at Dubai Hospital, UAE. Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Of the 784 women approached, 438 gave consent to participate in our survey, and 43.6% of the women screened positive for depression by the EDPS scale with a cutoff of 10 or more as significant. 42% of the women had a GAD-7 score of 5 or more indicating anxiety. 32.4% of the women had both anxiety and depression. 7.5% had considered self-harm in the last 14 days. 15% had COVID-19 during this pregnancy. The 11.87% who had COVID-19, but prior to the pregnancy, had a higher mean EDPS and GAD-7 score than others. Surprisingly, the women who had COVID-19 during pregnancy had statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower EDPS and lower GAD-7 scores. University graduates had significantly (p < 0.05) higher EDPS and GAD scores. Women of middle eastern ethnicity (50% positive for depression and 48.5% positive for anxiety) were more prone to depression and anxiety compared to South Asian (29% positive for depression and 25.2% positive for anxiety) and African women (39.6% positive for depression and 43.4% positive for anxiety). There was no statistically significant difference between antenatal and postnatal patients for the prevalence of anxiety or depression. The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increase in depression and anxiety in pregnant and postnatal women. Women who were more concerned about the effects of the pandemic had higher mean EDPS and GAD scores. Additional psychological support for women is necessary during the pandemic for maternal perinatal well-being.

Trends in comorbid physical and mental health conditions in children from 1999 to 2017 in England.

Children with long-term physical health conditions (pLTCs) are at increased risk of mental health conditions but less is known about time trends in the mental health of this group of children. We used data from three comparable, population-based surveys of children conducted in 1999, 2004, and 2017. We examined whether the proportion of children aged 5-15years old with comorbid mental health conditions (measured using the multi-informant Development and Well-being Assessment tool) and pLTCs (measured using parental report) in England increased from 1999 to 2017 using linear regression analysis. Our analysis used data from 8662 (1999), 6401 (2004) and 6219 (2017) children, respectively. The proportion of children with comorbid pLTCs and psychiatric disorders was 0.050 (95% CI = 0.045, 0.055) in 1999, 0.054 (95% CI = 0.049, 0.060) in 2004, and 0.059 (95% CI = 0.053, 0.065) in 2017. The linear regression model revealed a non-significant effect of time on the proportion of children with comorbid pLTCs and psychiatric disorders from 1999 to 2017 (B = 0.0004785; SE = 0.0001256; p = 0.163). The estimated prevalence of school-aged children with comorbid pLTCs and mental health conditions in England remained stable since 1999, highlighting the need to prioritize mental health resources for children with physical health comorbidities.

The Impact of Covid-19 on the Mental Health of Ophthalmology Trainees

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an increased interest in the mental health and wellbeing of doctors. Traditionally, doctors have been viewed as being immune to mental health problems, however it has become evident that they are actually at an increased risk of suicide compared to most other professions. In the times of Covid-19, frontline healthcare workers are considered to be at a much higher risk for mental health conditions, due to a combination of risk of infection, greater responsibilities and excess workload [1].

Virtual group-based mindfulness program for autistic women: A feasibility study.

Autistic women experience life differently than autistic men. For example, autistic women tend to be diagnosed significantly later than autistic men, they experience a higher number of traumas, and are at increased risk for mental health conditions. Given gender-specific life experiences, autistic women may benefit from gender-specific group-based supports. Virtual mindfulness has been shown to be helpful in improving well-being among autistic adults; however, limited research has explored the impact of virtual mindfulness when it is delivered to a group of autistic women only. The aim of this article is to describe a preliminary evaluation of a virtual mindfulness group piloted for autistic women. Five key areas of feasibility were assessed in the current study: demand, implementation, acceptability, practicality, and limited efficacy testing. Twenty-eight women participated in a 6-week virtual autism-informed mindfulness program and were asked to complete measures assessing psychological distress, self-compassion, and mindfulness at pre and post. Participants were also asked to complete a satisfaction survey after the program. Results showed that the program was feasible in terms of demand, implementation, practicality, and acceptability. While quantitative results showed there were no changes in psychological distress, self-compassion, and mindfulness from pre- to post-program, qualitative results showed some benefits. Given the unique challenges that some autistic women experience, offering groups to autistic women may have some value and it would be important to continue exploring this topic area.