Self-reported Poor Mental Health Research Articles

The relationship between self-reported poor mental health and complete tooth loss among the US adult population in 2019.

Very little is known about the association between poor mental health and poor oral health outcomes in the United Sates. This study investigated the prevalence of complete tooth loss among those with and without perceived poor mental health in a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults. Using a cross-sectional study design, we analyzed the 2019 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey to determine the unweighted and weighted prevalence of complete tooth loss among adults. Chi-squared and multivariate logit regression with marginal effects were used to measure the association between complete tooth loss and perceived poor mental health, controlling for respondent characteristics. The prevalence of adults (ages 18 and older) experiencing complete tooth loss was 6% (95% CI: 5.6-6.4). Individuals who have perceived poor mental health were 1.90 percentage points (pps) more likely to report missing all their natural teeth (P = 0.006: 95% CI: 0.5-3.3). Other relevant predictors of complete tooth loss included current smoking status (5.9 pps; 95% CI: 4.5 to 7.2) and secondary education (-6.4 pps (95% CI: -7.0 to -4.8). Overall, self-reported poor mental health was found to be associated with a greater likelihood of reporting complete tooth loss. Findings from this study underscore the need for greater integration of care delivery between behavioral health specialists and dental providers.

Socioeconomic Disadvantage among Adolescents: Associations between Having Relatives with Severe Health Conditions, Parental Work Status, and Poor Mental Health

Psychosocial risk factors, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and having close relatives with severe health conditions (RSHCs), may negatively impact an adolescent’s life. This study aimed to investigate the associations between adolescent experiences with RSHCs (no, one or several RSHCs), parental working status (PWS) (both parents working (both PW) or having ≥1 parent not working (≥1 PNW)) and the composite variable of RSCHs/PWS in relation to self-reported poor mental health. In 2020, population-based data on 15–18-year-olds (n = 3509) were collected from schools in Sörmland, Sweden. Relationships between the composite variable of RSCHs/PW and poor mental health were determined through logistic regression analyses in three different models. Odds ratios (ORs) are separately reported for girls and boys. Girls reporting several RSHCs/≥1 PNW displayed an OR of 5.05 (95% CI 2.82–9.04) in comparison with the reference group with no RSCHs/both PW when adjusting for grade and ethnicity. The corresponding OR for boys was 2.26 (95% CI 1.46–3.49). Further adjustments for protective factors for mental health attenuated the associations with poor mental health. In conclusion, adolescents with RSHC experiences in combination with parental unemployment are at increased risk of developing their own poor mental health, making this group particularly vulnerable.

Prevalence and associated factors for poor mental health among young migrants in Sweden: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Young migrants face multiple challenges that can affect their mental, sexual and reproductive health. Objective To assess the prevalence of self-reported poor mental health and its associated demographic, post-migration and sexual risk behaviour factors among young migrants (aged 15–25) in Sweden. Methods Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey conducted with migrants aged 15–65 years old in Sweden between December 2018 and November 2019 (n = 6449). Among these, 990 participants aged 15–25 were eligible for the study. Mental health was measured using the Refugee Health Screener-13. Missing data indicator analysis and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the association between mental health, sexual risk behaviour, demographic and migration-related variables. Results Of the 990 participants, 59% reported poor mental health. Participants reporting poor mental health were more likely to be female (AOR:1.63, 95% CI:1.18–2.25), to have lived in Sweden more than three years (AOR:2.16, 95% CI:1.17–3.97), to engage in any sexual risk behaviour (AOR:1.99, 95% CI:1.25–3.17), and to live alone (AOR:1.95, 95% CI:1.25–3.03) or with friends they already knew (AOR:1.60, 95% CI:1.37–4.91). People arriving from the Americas (AOR:0.54, 95% CI:0.33–0.88), Asia (AOR:0.44, 95% CI:0.22–0.86), Europe (AOR:0.30, 95% CI:0.14–0.61) and Africa (AOR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23–0.60) had lower odds of poor mental health than those arriving from Syria. Conclusion The prevalence of poor mental health among young migrants in Sweden was high, with specific subgroups (women, asylum seekers, people arriving from Syria, and those residing longer in Sweden) being particularly vulnerable. Our results indicate the interconnectedness between poor mental health and sexual risk behaviour in this population. Thus, policies targeting young migrants should ensure that healthcare services screen for both poor sexual and mental health at the same time.

Cultural context index: A geospatial measure of social determinants of health in the United States

Minority populations will continue to grow in the United States. Such pluralism necessitates iterative, geospatial measurements of cultural contexts. Our objective in this study was to create a measure of social determinants of health in geographic areas with varying ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity in the United States. We extracted geographic information systems data based on community characteristics that have known associations with population health disparities from 2015 to 2019. We used principal component analysis to construct a Cultural Context Index (CCI). We created the CCI for 73,682 census tracts across 50 states and five inhabited territories. We identified hot and cold spots that are the highest and lowest CCI quintile, respectively. Hot spots census tracts were mostly located in metropolitan areas (84.8%), in the Southern census region (41.5%), and also had larger Black and Hispanic populations. The census tracts with the greatest need for culturally competent health care also had the sickest populations. Census tracts with a CCI rank of 5 (‘greatest need’) had higher prevalences of self-reported poor physical health (17.2%) and poor mental health (17.4%), compared to either the general population (13.9% and 14.5%) or to CCI rank of 1 (‘lowest need’) (11.9% and 10.8%). The CCI can pinpoint census tracts with a need for culturally competent health care and inform supply-side policy planning as healthcare and social service providers will inevitably come in contact with consumers from different backgrounds.

Associations Between Medicaid Expansion and Mental Health Among U.S. Racial and Ethnic Groups.

The authors examined associations between Medicaid expansion and self-reported mental health by race-ethnicity, focusing on lagged associations. This retrospective, cross-sectional study used 2011-2019 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The sample included low-income, childless adults ages 25-64 years. Difference-in-differences (DID) analysis was used to estimate associations between Medicaid expansion and self-reported mental health. Lagged associations were examined by separating the postexpansion period into proximal (2014-2016) and distal (2017-2019) periods. In the overall sample (N=327,248), Medicaid expansion was associated with a reduction in the mean number of self-reported past-month poor mental health days (DID=-0.12, 95% CI=-0.21 to -0.03), after adjustment for covariates. The expansion was associated with significant reductions in past-month poor mental health days for the following groups: non-Hispanic White (DID=-0.18, 95% CI=-0.29 to -0.07), non-Hispanic Asian (DID=-1.15, 95% CI=-1.37 to -0.93), non-Hispanic other (DID=-0.62, 95% CI=-1.03 to -0.21), and Hispanic (DID=-0.48, 95% CI=-0.73 to -0.23). The non-Hispanic Black group had a significant increase in past-month poor mental health days (DID=0.27, 95% CI=0.06 to 0.49), and no significant change was noted for the American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) group. Improvements in mental health observed at the beginning of the policy implementation (proximal period) were not sustained over time for some racial-ethnic minority groups. Although Medicaid expansion improved mental health for the overall sample, some racial-ethnic disparities were detected. The negative and insignificant associations for the non-Hispanic Black and AIAN groups, respectively, highlight the need to better understand why the Medicaid expansion affected racial-ethnic groups differently.

A 40-year study of child maltreatment over the early life course predicting psychiatric morbidity, using linked birth cohort and administrative health data: protocol for the Childhood Adversity and Lifetime Morbidity (CALM) study.

Child maltreatment is a major public health issue worldwide. Retrospective studies show a strong association between self-reported child maltreatment and poor mental and physical health problems. Prospective studies that use reports to statutory agencies are less common, and comparisons of self- and agency-reported abuse in the same cohort even rarer. This project will link state-wide administrative health data with prospective birth cohort data (N = 7223) from Brisbane in Queensland, Australia (including notifications to child protection agencies), to compare psychiatric outcomes in adulthood of agency- and self-reported child maltreatment while minimising attrition bias. We will compare people with all forms of self- and agency-reported child maltreatment to the rest of the cohort, adjusting for confounding in logistic, Cox or multiple regression models based on whether outcomes are categorical or continuous. Outcomes will be hospital admissions, emergency department presentations or community/out-patient contacts for ICD-10 psychiatric diagnoses, suicidal ideation and self-harm as recorded in the relevant administrative databases. This study will track the life course outcomes of adults after having experienced child maltreatment, and so provide an evidence-based understanding of the long-term health and behavioural consequences of child maltreatment. It will also consider health outcomes that are particularly relevant for adolescents and young adults, especially in relation to prospective notifications to statutory agencies. Additionally, it will identify the overlap and differences in outcome for two different sources of child maltreatment identification in the same cohort.

A qualitative study exploring the perceived effects of veterinarians' mental health on provision of care.

Veterinary medicine is a rewarding, yet demanding profession with a myriad of occupational stressors that can impact the mental health of veterinarians. Stress, mental health outcomes, and associated risk factors amongst veterinarians have been well-researched. Much less research has investigated how high stress and/or poor mental health can impact veterinarians' provision of care. One-on-one research interviews were conducted with 25 veterinarians at a Canadian veterinary conference in July 2016 and verbatim transcripts were produced from the audio recordings. The research team collaboratively analyzed the interviews using thematic analysis. Five themes described the perceived impacts of high stress and/or poor mental health: perceived negative impacts on interactions with (1) co-workers and (2) clients; (3) reduced concentration; (4) difficulty in decision making; and (5) reduced quality of care. These results highlight the perceived impacts of self-reported high stress and/or poor mental health on veterinary team dynamics, the potential to impact case outcomes, and possibly endanger patient safety. Interventions to help mitigate the impacts of high stress and poor mental health are discussed.

Association of Depression and Poor Mental Health With Cardiovascular Disease and Suboptimal Cardiovascular Health Among Young Adults in the United States.

Background Depression is a nontraditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data on the association of depression and poor mental health with CVD and suboptimal cardiovascular health (CVH) among young adults are limited. Methods and Results We used data from 593 616 young adults (aged 18-49 years) from the 2017 to 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative survey of noninstitutionalized US adults. Exposures were self-reported depression and poor mental health days (PMHDs; categorized as 0, 1-13, and 14-30 days of poor mental health in the past 30 days). Outcomes were self-reported CVD (composite of myocardial infarction, angina, or stroke) and suboptimal CVH (≥2 cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight/obesity, smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake). Using logistic regression, we investigated the association of depression and PMHDs with CVD and suboptimal CVH, adjusting for sociodemographic factors (and cardiovascular risk factors for the CVD outcome). Of the 593 616 participants (mean age, 34.7±9.0 years), the weighted prevalence of depression was 19.6% (95% CI, 19.4-19.8), and the weighted prevalence of CVD was 2.5% (95% CI, 2.4-2.6). People with depression had higher odds of CVD than those without depression (odds ratio [OR], 2.32 [95% CI, 2.13-2.51]). There was a graded association of PMHDs with CVD. Compared with individuals with 0 PMHDs, the odds of CVD in those with 1 to 13 PMHDs and 14 to 30 PHMDs were 1.48 (95% CI, 1.34-1.62) and 2.29 (95% CI, 2.08-2.51), respectively, after adjusting for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors. The associations did not differ significantly by sex or urban/rural status. Individuals with depression had higher odds of suboptimal CVH (OR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.65-1.95]) compared with those without depression, with a similar graded relationship between PMHDs and suboptimal CVH. Conclusions Depression and poor mental health are associated with premature CVD and suboptimal CVH among young adults. Although this association is likely bidirectional, prioritizing mental health may help reduce CVD risk and improve CVH in young adults.

Ecological Study of Urbanicity and Self-reported Poor Mental Health Days Across US Counties.

Geography may influence mental health by inducing changes to social and physical environmental and health-related factors. This understanding is largely based on older studies from Western Europe. We sought to quantify contemporary relationships between urbanicity and self-reported poor mental health days in US counties. We performed regression on US counties (n = 3142) using data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. Controlling for state, age, income, education, and race/ethnicity, large central metro counties reported 0.24 fewer average poor mental health days than small metro counties (t = -5.78, df = 423, p < .001). Noncore counties had 0.07 more average poor mental health days than small metro counties (t = 3.06, df = 1690, p = 0.002). Better mental health in large central metro counties was partly mediated by differences in the built environment, such as better food environments. Poorer mental health in noncore counties was not mediated by considered mediators.

Recent and Frequent Mental Distress Among Women with a History of Military Service, 2003-2019.

Examining women veterans' self-reported mental health is critical to understanding their unique mental and physical health needs. This study describes self-reported mental distress over a 17-year period among cross-sectional nationally representative samples of women in the USA using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) core national surveys from 2003 to 2019. Nationally representative prevalence estimates of self-reported mental distress were compared between women veterans and their (1) men veteran and (2) women civilian counterparts. In each year examined, women veterans report significantly more days of recent mental distress and significantly higher prevalence of frequent mental distress than their men veteran counterparts. In several years, women veterans also report greater levels of recent and frequent mental distress than women civilians. These findings highlight the long-standing high prevalence of self-reported poor mental health among women veterans and suggest that specific efforts to address mental health among women veterans as a unique population may be warranted.

Abstract 13611: Association of Poor Mental Health With Cardiovascular Disease and Suboptimal Cardiovascular Health Among Young U.S. Adults

Introduction: Depression is a non-traditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data on the association of depression and poor mental health with CVD and suboptimal cardiovascular health (CVH) among young adults are limited. Methods: We utilized data from 593,616 young adults (18-44 years) from the 2017-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative survey of non-institutionalized US adults. Exposures were self-reported depression and poor mental health days (PMHD, categorized as 0 days, 1-13 days, 14-30 days poor mental health in the past 30 days), and outcomes were self-reported CVD (MI, angina, or stroke) and suboptimal CVH (≥ 2 risk factors: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight/obesity, current smoker, diabetes, inactivity, and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake). Using logistic regression, we investigated the association of depression and PMHD with CVD and suboptimal CVH adjusted for sociodemographic factors (and CVD risk factors for CVD). Results: The weighted prevalence of CVD was 2.5% (95% CI 2.4%-2.6%), and depression was 19.6% (95% CI 19.4%-19.8%). CVD was more common among young adults with depression than those without (fully adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.28, 95% CI: 2.10-2.48, Fig. 1A). There was a graded association of PMHD with CVD. Compared with individuals with 0 PMHD, the odds of CVD in those with 1-13 PMHD and 14-30 PHMD were 1.49 (95% CI:1.36-1.64) and 2.26 (95% CI: 2.06-2.48)(Fig. 1B), respectively after adjusting for sociodemographic and CV risk factors. Individuals with depression had higher odds of suboptimal CVH (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.67-1.88)(Fig 1C) compared with those without depression, with a similar graded relationship observed between PMHD and CVH ( Fig 1D). Conclusion: Depression and poor mental health are associated with premature CVD and suboptimal CVH in young US adults. Prioritizing mental health may help reduce CVD risk and improve CVH in young adults.

Prevalence of Poor Mental Health Days and Adverse Childhood Experience Reporting in U.S. Adults Before and After COVID-19

This is the first study of US adults to examine change in the prevalence of psychological burden (i.e., self-reported poor mental health days in the past 30 days, and ACEs recollections) before compared to after COVID-19 started. We analyzed the prevalence of self-reported poor mental health days, and ACEs recollections from 17 states using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Adjusted models identified an increase in prevalence from before compared to after COVID-19 onset in those married or partnered reporting 48% more poor mental health days in the past 30 days; persons of color reporting living with anyone with mental illness during childhood by 73% and reporting more ACEs by 35%; those employed or self-employed reporting childhood sexual abuse by 45%. This ecological-level analysis revealed population-level changes in psychological well-being reporting of U.S. adults from before compared to after the pandemic onset.

Self-reported well-being of cancer survivor (CS)-caregivers: An analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

e22022 Background: With the advancement in cancer therapies and supportive care, the 5-year survival rate for all cancers combined has surpassed 67%, indicating an increased proportion of CS are going back to their life roles, including providing care to others. Being a caregiver is associated with an increased risk of physical and mental distress, depression, and sleep disturbance. Nevertheless, the well-being of “dual role” CS-caregivers remains unknown. Methods: Data were extracted from the BRFSS survey from 2016, 2018, and 2020. Outcome variables included self-reported poor general health, physical health, mental health, depression, physical inactivity, and inadequate sleep. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds of self-reported well-being comparing CS-caregivers to non-CS caregivers. Results: 20% of CSs were caregivers. Among a total of 18,590 caregivers, 18,124 (weighted N=12,311,109) were non-CSs and 466 (weighted N= 287,807) were CSs. CS-caregivers were significantly more likely to have poorer general and physical health and be physically inactive than non-CS caregivers (Table). Differential impacts on the well-being of CS-caregiver were also observed by the female sex and less than 5 years since cancer diagnosis. Conclusions: One in five CS is a caregiver, translating into 3.4 million CS in the US population. CS-caregivers experience diminished well-being across a variety of measures than non-CS caregivers. These data suggest CS-caregivers may need additional psychosocial support. Future prospective longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the outcomes in this growing and vulnerable population.[Table: see text]

Weekly green space visit duration is positively associated with favorable health outcomes in people with hypertension: Evidence from Shenzhen, China

BackgroundStudies from high income ‘western’ countries indicate that green space visit duration is associated with better health. However, scant comparable research has been done in developing countries with rapid urbanization and on the potential health impacts of specific green infrastructure. ObjectiveAssociations between green space visit duration, green infrastructure and various health outcomes were assessed in hypertensive patients. MethodsA stratified multi-stage cluster random sampling method was applied to select 1116 patients with hypertension aged 35 years or older in Shenzhen, China. Face-to-face survey, physical examination and laboratory biochemical tests were applied to obtain information. Binary logistic regressions with restricted cubic splines were used to explore the degree of linearity in associations between green space visit duration and the following health outcomes: central obesity; diabetes; blood pressure; dyslipidemia; poor physical health; poor mental health. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, occupation, and socioeconomic status. Further analysis was made for presence of the following health promoting green infrastructure: health knowledge promotion areas; walking trails; fitness areas; group exercise venues. ResultsEach additional 30 min green space visitation was linearly associated with lower odds of self-reported poor mental health [OR (95%CI): 0.937 (0.891–0.985)], self-reported poor physical health [OR (95%CI): 0.918 (0.872–0.966)], and central obesity [OR (95%CI): 0.951 (0.907–0.997)]. Odds of poor mental health [OR (95%CI): 0.886 (0.788–0.997)], poor physical health [OR (95%CI): 0.882 (0.782–0.996)] and central obesity [OR (95%CI): 0.855 (0.765–0.955)] were founded to decrease with a greater number of health promoting green infrastructure. ConclusionMore time spent in green space and with more types of green infrastructure were favourably associated with central obesity, and physical and mental health in people with hypertension.

Risk of poor mental health and experience of violence among a young adult population with same-sex sexuality: a cross-sectional study in southern Sweden

ObjectivesTo assess prevalence and correlates of same-sex sexuality and its relationship to poor mental health and experiences of violence among youth and young adults in Sweden. A secondary aim was...

POS1161 A CITIZEN SCIENCE APPROACH TO CAPTURE POOR MENTAL HEALTH RELATED TO COVID-19 IN RHEUMATIC PATIENTS AFTER CONFINEMENT DURING PANDEMIC IN ITALY

Background:A considerable psychosocial burden is one of the relevant consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, quarantine measures have been related to negative psychological effects, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, stress, anxiety, and depression (1). This rise in mental health disorders might be even worse among people more vulnerable to psychological stress such as patients suffering from chronic rheumatic diseases (RDs).Objectives:The present Italian nationwide survey engages patients with rheumatic conditions through eleven associations of RD patients. It is conducted to establish the COVID-19 related self-reported poor mental health symptoms and to identify potential factors associated with these concerns among RDs who experienced the COVID-19 quarantine in Italy.Methods:We collected data from May to September 2020 from RD patients living in Italy during the COVID-19 quarantine by an ad-hoc online survey. By using their mailing list and the related webpage and social network, eleven patients’ associations sent a call to RD patients asking them to complete an anonymous online survey which included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). χ2 tests were performed to detect statistically significant differences in both rating scale scores between groups defined by qualitative variables. Correlation analyses were realized with quantitative variables and rating scale scores. Variables significant in univariate analyses were then inserted in multivariate regression models.Results:In total, 507 RD patients completed to the survey. 375 (73.9%) patients had inflammatory arthritis (243 rheumatoid arthritis, 76 psoriatic arthritis, 49 ankylosing spondylitis, and 7 Still’s disease), and 96 (18.9%) with connective tissue diseases or systemic vasculitis. 31 (6.1%) patients had primary fibromyalgia and 5 osteoarthritis or crystal arthropathies. Self-reported major sources of anxiety are reported in the Figure 1 below.The mean (SD) scores of the PSS-10 and the IES-R were 18.1 ± 8.1 and 29.7 ± 17.5, respectively. With regard to the IES-R subscale scores, the total sample did not show a prominence of one of the three main domains (intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal). Higher PSS scores were significantly associated with younger age (p&lt;0.01), female gender (p&lt;0.01), living outside Lombardy (p=0.03), presence of overweight/obesity (p=0.01), ongoing psychopharmacotherapy (p&lt;0.01), and anxiety for loss of incomes (p&lt;0.01). Female gender (p&lt;0.01) and living outside Lombardy (p=0.02) were associated also with higher IES-R scores, together with the presence of intestinal diseases (p=0.03), anxiety disorders (p&lt;0.01), and worries about health (p&lt;0.01).Conclusion:This nationwide study revealed a high impact of self-reported distress, anxiety, and perceived stress among rheumatic patients after confinement during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Different factors were found to be predictive of poor mental health such as having female gender, younger age, living outside Lombardy, having overweight/obesity, or intestinal diseases, having a history of psychiatric symptoms (e.g. anxiety). Moreover, the lockdown experience worsened psychiatric symptoms and increased the assumption of psychopharmacotherapy in this vulnerable population. Prevention strategies focused on specific variables should be implemented to ameliorate psychological well-being of fragile patients during pandemics.

The association between self-reported mental health, medication record and suicide risk: A population wide study.

Suicide mortality and mental ill health are increasing globally. Mental ill health can be measured in multiple ways. It is unclear which measure is most associated with suicide risk. This study explored the association between self-rated mental health and medication record and death by suicide. The 2011 Northern Ireland Census records of adults aged 18-74 years (n=1,098,967) were linked to a centralised database of dispensed prescription medication and death registrations until the end of 2015. Mental health status was ascertained through both a single-item self-reported question in the Census and receipt of psychotropic medication. Logistic regression models examined the association between indicators of mental ill health and likelihood of suicide mortality. Of the 1,098,967 cohort members, 857 died by suicide during the study period. Just over half of these deaths (n=429, 50.1%) occurred in individuals with neither indicator of mental ill health. Cohort members with both self-reported mental ill health and receipt of psychotropic medication had the highest risk of suicide (OR=6.13, 95%CI: 4.94–7.61), followed by those with psychotropic medication record only (OR=4.00, 95%CI: 3.28–4.88) and self-report only (OR=2.88, 95%CI: 2.16–3.84). Individuals who report mental ill health and have a history of psychotropic medication use are at a high risk of suicide mortality. However, neither measure is particularly sensitive, as both failed to signal over half of subsequent suicides. Some individuals who report poor mental health but are not in receipt of psychotropic medication are at increased risk of suicide, indicating possible unmet treatment need. The combination of the two indicators offers more precision for identifying those most at risk for targeted interventions.

Mutual Influences of Mother’s and Daughter’s Mental Health on the Closeness of their Relationship: an Actor–Partner Interdependence Model

The present study aimed to examine intra- and interpersonal associations between poor mental health and mother–daughter relationship closeness in a sample of 467 dyads. An Actor–Partner Interdependence Model was utilized to examine bidirectional processes between mothers (mean age = 42.64, SD = 6.5) and their adolescent daughters (mean age = 15.37, SD = 1.15). The independent variable was self-reported poor mental health and the dependent variable was relationship closeness. Additionally, communication satisfaction was examined as a potential interpersonal mediator of the pathway between poor mental health and relationship closeness. Daughters’ self-reported poor mental health negatively predicted their own perception of closeness as well as mothers’ perception of closeness. Additionally, we find evidence that perceived communication may explain (i.e., mediate) both the actor effect (one’s own poor mental health on one’s own perception of closeness) and the partner effect (partner’s poor mental health on one’s own perception of closeness). Our results suggest that when daughters’ mental health is poor, relationship closeness as perceived by mother and daughter may be weakened, and that this effect may in part be explained by poor communication between mother and daughter. Strategies to promote family communication, especially for families experiencing mental health problems, may aid in the development of closer mother–daughter relationships. Further, our results suggest the importance of investigating the potential bidirectional influence of mothers’ and daughters’ mental health on parent-adolescent relationship quality within a dyadic unit.

Female sex and food insecurity in relation to self-reported poor or fair mental health in Canadian adults: a cross-sectional study using national survey data.

Background:Women with food insecurity are at higher risk for mental health disorders. This study examined the joint effect of female sex and food insecurity on self-reported poor or fair mental health in Canadian adults.Methods:The analysis was based on data from adults (age ≥ 18 yr) who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2015–2016. We determined past-year food security level (secure, moderately insecure or severely insecure) based on 18 questions. We used log-binomial regression to explore associations of sex and food insecurity with self-reported poor or fair mental health. We measured additive interaction between female sex and food insecurity using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).Results:The overall response rate for the CCHS was 59.5%. Data for 61 446 respondents were analyzed. Poor or fair mental health was reported by 4107 participants (6.1% when weighted to the Canadian population). Increased risk of poor or fair mental health was associated with female sex (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.31), and moderate (PR 2.50, 95% CI 2.21 to 2.82) and severe (PR 4.03, 95% CI 3.59 to 4.52) food insecurity. Significant additive interaction between female sex and severe food insecurity was found for those aged 40–64 years (RERI 1.38, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.47), and the PR for poor or fair mental health for severely food-insecure women was 5.55 (95% CI 4.48 to 6.89) compared to food-secure men of the same age group.Interpretation:Poor or fair mental health is common in the food-insecure population, and there exists synergism between female sex and severe food insecurity among middle-aged people. This suggests the need to develop targeted mental health support strategies for food-insecure people, specifically middle-aged women.

Mental Health Issues in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island: Findings From the Healthy Aging Data Reports

Mental health issues in older adults are prevalent, yet often undetected or untreated and can contribute to poor physical health, increased disability, and higher mortality rates. The current study describes state and local community rates of mental health indicators of older adults 65+ in MA, NH, and RI. Data sources used to calculate rates were: the American Community Survey (2009-2013 RI, 2012-2016 MA and NH), the Medicare Current Beneficiary Summary File (2012-2013 RI, 2015 MA and NH), and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2012-2014 RI, 2013-2015 MA, and 2014-2016 NH). Small area estimation techniques were used to calculate age-sex adjusted community rates for more than 150 health indicators. This research examines disparities in rates for 3 mental health indicators depression, self-reported poor mental health, and self-reported poor/fair health status. Depression rates: MA 31.5% (19.91-48.82%), RI 30% (19.7-38.5%), and NH 28.8% (18.26-40.56%). Self-reported poor mental health: RI 7.5% (4.8-12.5%), MA 7.0% (2.10-16.59%), and NH 6.9% (3.42-10.13%). Self-reported fair/poor health: RI 20.4% (8.6-38.8%), MA 18.0%, (7.2-34.38%), and NH 16.5% (13.31-21.60%). Results showed variability in rates across states. MA had the highest rates of depression, the greatest differences in rates, and access to the most mental health providers. RI had the highest community rates for poor physical and mental health, and the highest percentage of residents age 85+. Understanding the distribution of community rates makes disparities evident, and may help practitioners and policymakers to allocate resources to areas of highest need. Research funded by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.