Significant Mental Health Challenges Research Articles

The Birth Experience of Women in the Czech Prison System

BACKGROUND:Evidence regarding the incarceration of women generally indicates significant mental health challenges, particularly elevated depression and reduced self-esteem. However, in the Czech Republic, little research has been undertaken on the birth experiences of women in this population, and indeed, more generally there is little research undertaken on this specific group of women.METHODS:A quantitative questionnaire-based cohort study was undertaken in a major women’s prison in the Czech Republic. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were administered to participants. Comparisons with normative data using the one-samplet-test, comparison between depression screen positive/negative groups using the independentt-test, and correlational analysis were undertaken. A measure of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PP-PTSD) was also administered.RESULTS:BSS-R subscale scores were observed to be either similar or higher than the noncustodial population. High screen positive rates of EPDS-assessed depression were observed, and the study cohort was characterized by low RSES-assessed self-esteem. PP-PTSD levels approximated the noncustodial population.CONCLUSIONS:Women in the Czech prison system report levels of birth satisfaction equal or better than noncustodial women. However, the mental health of this group is comparatively impoverished, thus presenting a complex relationship between birth experience and mental health during the prison sentence. Limitations of the research are discussed, and the direction of future research is indicated.

Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Healthcare Professionals in Mogadishu- Somalia

Introduction. Healthcare professionals have always faced significant mental health challenges due to the demanding nature of their work. These challenges include long hours, high-pressure environments, and the emotional toll of patient care. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified these issues, leading to unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among healthcare workers (HCWs). Method. In a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare professionals in Mogadishu during April, May, and June of 2024, a sample size of 385 participants was recruited using a convenience sampling approach. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 42 (DASS 42) questionnaire was employed to assess mental health, and the data were collected and administered via KoBoToolbox. data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Result. In the study, 69.5% of healthcare professionals scored within the normal range for depression, 7.5% experienced mild depression, 11.8% had moderate depression, 9.2% were classified as having severe depression, and 2.0% were found to have extremely severe depression. For anxiety, 57.0% of healthcare professionals scored in the normal range, 9.2% had mild anxiety, 11.1% showed moderate anxiety, 9.2% were classified as having severe anxiety, and 13.4% experienced extremely severe anxiety. Regarding stress, 70.5% of healthcare professionals scored within the normal range, 8.2% experienced mild stress, 13.1% had moderate stress, 7.2% were classified as having severe stress, and 1.0% were found to have extremely severe stress. Discussion. The study on healthcare professionals in Mogadishu, Somalia, found varying levels of psychological distress, with 69.5% showing normal levels for depression, 57.0% for anxiety, and 70.5% for stress. Compared to during the pandemic, normal levels have increased for depression (53.5%) and anxiety (30.7%) but decreased for stress (84.8%). During the pandemic, a significant percentage of healthcare professionals experienced mild depression (24.9%), anxiety (36.2%), and stress (6.9%), with moderate symptoms also prevalent (Ahmed et al., 2022). Post-pandemic, there was a decrease in mild symptoms but persistent moderate levels of depression (11.8%), anxiety (11.1%), and stress (13.1%). During the pandemic, severe anxiety was prevalent at 10.7%, severe depression at 1.8%, and severe stress at 1.1% (Ahmed et al., 2022). Post-pandemic, severe depression rose to 9.2%, severe anxiety remained at 9.2%, and severe stress increased to 7.2%. Additionally, 13.4% experienced extremely severe anxiety, 2.0% extremely severe depression, and 1.0% extremely severe stress.

Depressive symptoms and its multifaceted associated factors among young men who have sex with men facing the dual threats of COVID-19 and mpox in China

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of human beings since 2020, especially the young people and the pre-existing marginalized groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the multi-country outbreak of mpox in 2022 additionally posed a significant stress on the most-affected communities (i.e., MSM). This study investigated the level of depressive symptoms and its multifaceted associated factors among Chinese young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in this unique period. MethodsIn September 2022, a large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted among YMSM aged 18–29 years across six representative provinces in China. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to test the various types of associated factors of depressive symptoms. ResultsAmong the 2493 participants, 65·6 % (n = 1638) reported mild to severe depressive symptoms. The hierarchical regression analysis identified that depressive symptoms was significantly positively associated with unemployment, having substance use in the past 6 months, a higher level of MSM self-stigma, incompletion of COVID-19 vaccination, greater mpox risk perception, and presence of mpox related-like symptoms. LimitationsThis study used the facility-based sampling method to recruit the participants, which may lead to selection bias. ConclusionsChinese YMSM faced significant mental health challenges during the concurrent epidemics of COVID-19 and mpox, which was associated with their socio-economic status, risk behaviors, stigma, and multiple diseases-related variables. Proactive measures may hold promise as effective strategies for mitigating mental distress among marginalized groups during public health crises.

Yoga for Promoting Physical and Mental Health in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global public health burden with significant physical and mental health challenges. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effects of yoga interventions on improving the physical and mental health of patients with CKD. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The systematic search was conducted in January 2023 using Scopus and PubMed, resulting in 99 documents, of which 9 met the selection criteria. The studies explored the effects of different types of yoga interventions on various health aspects in hemodialysis and CKD patients. The durations ranged from 15 days to 6 months. The types of yoga used varied, including Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, and yoga therapy. Outcome measures included dialysis adequacy, fatigue, insomnia, lipid profile, oxidative stress, renal function, blood pressure, and quality of life. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of the yoga intervention and the positive effects of the intervention on health outcomes, such as improved dialysis adequacy, reduced fatigue and insomnia, better lipid profiles, decreased oxidative stress, enhanced renal function, lowered blood pressure, and improved quality of life. Yoga interventions show promise as a complementary approach for managing CKD. The positive effects observed on multiple health outcomes suggest the potential benefits of incorporating yoga into CKD care. However, further well-designed trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base. Healthcare providers should consider including yoga as part of a comprehensive approach to improve the well-being of CKD patients.

A Qualitative Study of Transgender and Nonbinary Perspectives Regarding the Desired Properties of a Peer Support Intervention for the Initiation of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy [ID 2683451

INTRODUCTION: Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) people experience significant mental health disparities and challenges accessing gender-affirming care. Peer support interventions have been shown to improve mental health in other populations and contexts but have not been uniquely tailored to the initiation of gender-affirming hormones. This study aims to identify the desired properties of a peer support intervention for TNB people initiating gender-affirming hormones. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with TNB adults who had initiated or attempted to initiate gender-affirming hormones (IRB: HUM00203630: approved/exempt; gender-affirmation: off-label). Participants were selected by snowball and purposive sampling methods. Interview questions focused on the participants' experiences with peer support and their vision for ideal peer support while initiating hormones. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using reflective thematic analysis with inductive and deductive coding. A TNB community advisory board collaborated in the study design and interviews were conducted by TNB research team members. RESULTS: The ages of the participants ranged from 20 to 52 years (mean=32); 8/18 identified as men or trans men; 4/18 identified as nonbinary; 3/18 identified as women or trans women; 3/18 identified as genderqueer or genderfluid; 10/18 identified as a person of color. Themes include the importance of 1) trans community knowledge in guiding hormone therapy decisions, 2) having support structures attend to intersectional identities, and 3) recognizing barriers to peer engagement, including anxieties about fitting in and internalized transphobia. CONCLUSION: Centering TNB voices is essential in designing a peer support intervention for hormone initiation. Our participants offered nuanced approaches for how to share information about hormones, attend to intersectional identities, and navigate barriers to peer engagement.

Risk factors and consequences of mental health problems in nurses: A scoping review of cohort studies.

Mental health problems in nurses are prevalent and impairing. To date, no literature has comprehensively synthesised cohort evidence on mental health among nurses. This scoping review aimed to synthesise the existing literature on the risk factors and consequences of mental health problems in nurses. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Epistemonikos database, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to March 2023. We identified 171 cohort studies from 16 countries, mostly (95.3%) from high-income economies. This review indicated that nurses worldwide encountered significant mental health challenges, including depression, cognitive impairment, anxiety, trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder, burnout, sleep disorder, and other negative mental health problems. These problems were closely related to various modifiable risk factors such as nurses' behaviours and lifestyles, social support, workplace bullying and violence, shift work, job demands, and job resources. Moreover, nurses' mental health problems have negative effects on their physical health, behaviour and lifestyle, occupation and organisation, and intrapersonal factors. These findings provided an enhanced understanding of mental health complexities among nurses, and shed light on policy enactment to alleviate the negative impact of mental health problems on nurses. Addressing mental health among nurses should be a top priority.

Emotional Labor and Mental Health in Adult Education: Reintegration Among Deported Mexicans in Bilingual Call Centers Post-COVID 19

This study investigates the role of bilingual call centers in Mexico as platforms for reintegration and skill development for Mexicans deported from the United States post-COVID-19. Utilizing a qualitative research framework, we conducted 30 in-depth interviews in Tijuana and Juarez, combined with ethnographic fieldwork, to explore the lived experiences of deported individuals working in these call centers. Our analysis reveals that while call centers provide critical employment opportunities and access to adult education, they also pose significant mental health challenges due to stressful work conditions and frequent exposure to caller abuse. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to improve work conditions and support the mental health of this vulnerable population. This paper contributes to the discourse on migration and adult education by highlighting the complex dynamics of bilingual call centers as both avenues for socio-economic reintegration and sources of psychological stress for deported Mexicans.

Mental Health Burden and Facilitators Among Frontline Healthcare Professionals in Nigeria Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the frontline healthcare providers faced significant mental health stressors. Previous pandemics have revealed the need for psychosocial support and healthy coping mechanisms to mitigate mental health risks. The study aimed to assess psychological impact and supportive mechanisms experienced by frontline healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients in Kaduna State. This study involved 38 frontline healthcare providers mainly from Kaduna State Infectious Disease Treatment Center. Participants' mental health burden was captured through Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Mental health facilitators were assessed through six tools: Ten-Item Values Inventory, healthy defense section of the Defense Style Questionnaire, Existential Anxiety Questionnaire, Brief Resilience Scale, Oslo Social Support Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. The mean age of the study participants was 35.5 ± 6.6 years, with the majority being males (68.4%) and doctors (39.5%). More than a quarter of the participants showed appreciable symptoms of depression and anxiety. Psychosocial facilitators such as moral values, openness to change, self-transcendence, sublimation, anticipation, and humor scored above average for more than half of the participants. Most participants demonstrated moderate resilience and social support, with few experiencing sleep challenges. Comparisons of variables indicated "openness to change" was significantly higher among males, whereas symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with higher levels of existential concerns and sleep challenges. Our study finds that Nigerian frontline health workers experienced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identified specific facilitators linked to gender and psychological burdens, informing the need for tailored support interventions.

The Intersectionality of Food Insecurity, Job Insecurity, Healthcare Insecurity, and Mental Health Challenges in NYC Households During Covid-19

ABSTRACT Our intersectional research explored food insecurity and job insecurity as predictors of healthcare insecurity and mental health challenges among households living in economic instability since the COVID19 pandemic began. The New York City COVID19 Research Team adapted a validated, web based, anonymous survey questionnaire using a Social Determinants of Health Framework. The study oversampled underserved populations with a total of 2,099 participants. We report strong associations between food insecurity and job insecurity among healthcare insecure households, and significant mental health challenges among food insecure and healthcare insecure households. This underscores the need for integrated social policies to protect underserved urban populations.

Non-binary gender, vulnerable populations and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Data from the COVID-19 MEntal health inTernational for the general population (COMET-G) study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant mental health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations, including non-binary gender individuals. The COMET international study aimed to investigate specific risk factors for clinical depression or distress during the pandemic, also in these special populations. MethodsChi-square tests were used for initial screening to select only those variables which would show an initial significance. Risk Ratios (RR) were calculated, and a Multiple Backward Stepwise Linear Regression Analysis (MBSLRA) was followed with those variables given significant results at screening and with the presence of distress or depression or the lack of both of them. ResultsThe most important risk factors for depression were female (RR = 1.59–5.49) and non-binary gender (RR = 1.56–7.41), unemployment (RR = 1.41–6.57), not working during lockdowns (RR = 1.43–5.79), bad general health (RR = 2.74–9.98), chronic somatic disorder (RR = 1.22–5.57), history of mental disorders (depression RR = 2.31–9.47; suicide attempt RR = 2.33–9.75; psychosis RR = 2.14–10.08; Bipolar disorder RR = 2.75–12.86), smoking status (RR = 1.15–5.31) and substance use (RR = 1.77–8.01). The risk factors for distress or depression that survived MBSLRA were younger age, being widowed, living alone, bad general health, being a carer, chronic somatic disorder, not working during lockdowns, being single, self-reported history of depression, bipolar disorder, self-harm, suicide attempts and of other mental disorders, smoking, alcohol, and substance use. ConclusionsTargeted preventive interventions are crucial to safeguard the mental health of vulnerable groups, emphasizing the importance of diverse samples in future research. LimitationsOnline data collection may have resulted in the underrepresentation of certain population groups.

Exploring the Mental Health Challenges of Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Vietnam: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Vietnamese women. This qualitative study describes and discusses the mental health challenges of women with breast cancer in Vietnam. Two-rounds of semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted among thirteen women with breast cancer and four caregivers from northern and southern Vietnam. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Data was collaboratively analyzed by qualitative content analysis using the Open Code Software version 4.02 and discussed among a team of local and international researchers. Women in the study experienced significant mental health challenges associated with their breast cancer diagnosis. Both psychological and emotional health were adversely affected. Women with breast cancer had profound concerns about how the diagnosis impacted their families. They experienced challenges in spousal relationships as well as facing social stigma and discrimination. Appropriate public health interventions should be implemented to raise society’s awareness and help improve the mental health of women with breast cancer.

Parent-Youth Attachment Insecurity and Informant Discrepancies of Intrafamilial Aggression.

This study investigated how youth attachment anxiety and avoidance are associated with informant discrepancies of intrafamilial aggression within families where youth have clinically significant mental health challenges (N = 510 youth-parent dyads). Using polynomial regressions, we tested whether youth attachment avoidance and anxiety moderated the absolute magnitude of the association between youth- and parent-reports of aggression toward each other. Furthermore, difference scores were computed to test whether youth attachment was associated with the direction of youths' reports of the frequency of aggression relative to parents (i.e., did youth under- or over-report). Dyads' reports of youth-to-parent aggression were more strongly related at high than low levels of attachment anxiety. Results also revealed that youth attachment anxiety was associated with youth over-reporting of youth-to-parent and parent-to-youth aggression (relative to parents), whereas attachment avoidance was associated with youth over-reporting parent-to-youth aggression (relative to parents). These findings highlight the importance of understanding the source of informant discrepancies in social-emotional development and family functioning.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Muslim-American Parents and Young Children

There are limited data available regarding early childhood mental health in the Muslim American population. Nevertheless, the literature has shown that American Muslims are more likely to experience mental health disorders, including being twice as likely to report a history of suicide attempt1 compared to other religious communities.2 Despite these challenges, Muslims in America are often underserved and tend to underutilize mental health services, compared to other minority groups.2-5 The combination of Muslim children with significant mental health challenges and caregivers who underutilize mental health services reduces the likelihood that effective treatments will be used and increases risk of long-term harm for Muslim American children. Research has shown that Muslim American populations may be hesitant in seeking mental health treatment for a variety of reasons, including associated stigma behind mental illness within the community, fears related to past experiences of racism and discrimination in a post-9/11 world, differing way of conceptualizing mental illness and psychological distress that may lead to seeking alternative supports within family and community instead of mental health providers, and lack of knowledge about how to access formal mental health services.6,7 Another plausible reason for the underutilization of mental health services in this population is the concern that mental health treatment may not align with religious or cultural values.3

Psychological Implications of Sexism: A Critical Analysis of Plath's The Bell Jar from Fredrickson's Perspective of Objectification Theory

This thesis delves into an in-depth analysis of Sylvia Plath's novel "The Bell Jar," with a specific focus on examining the prevalent sexism within American society during the 1950s. The primary objective is to understand how this deeply ingrained sexism affected the psychological well-being of women during that era. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study critically dissects the dialogues of the characters within the novel, utilizing language and representations to uncover the extent of sexist attitudes. By employing Fredrickson and Roberts' (1997) "Objectification Theory," the research aims to demonstrate how Esther, the novel's protagonist, experiences significant mental health challenges as a direct result of pervasive sexist norms. The thesis also investigates the lasting impact of stereotypes that were pervasive in the 1950s on Esther's mental health. Ultimately, this study offers a nuanced exploration of how the lens of objectification theory can be used to analyze sexism's profound influence on mental health, as seen through the lens of a young student's experiences.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Among Healthcare Workers in India: A Mixed-methods Systematic Review.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of HCWs in India. We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review, which adopts a results-based convergent approach that incorporates quantitative and qualitative data. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in relevant databases: PubMed-Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest. All available full-text studies in the English language that assessed the mental health outcomes (anxiety, stress, and depression) of HCWs during the pandemic and published until 28 February 2022 were included. A total of 31 studies were included in this review (27 quantitative studies, three qualitative studies, and one mixed-method study). The pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among HCWs in India was 32.96%, 29.49%, and 33.47%, respectively. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings using social determinants of health framework resulted in various contributing factors and coping strategies. There is a need for a supportive work environment, mental health support, and mental health policies for HCWs in India.

Screening fathers for postpartum depression in a maternal-child health clinic: a program evaluation in a midwest urban academic medical center

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) impacts fathers as well as mothers, and is estimated to affect between 8 and 13% of fathers. Paternal PPD is a risk factor for worsened quality of life, poor physical and mental health, and developmental and relational harms in the father-mother-child triad. There are no current recommendations for PPD screening among fathers. Paternal PPD screening was piloted in an intergenerational postpartum primary care clinic.MethodsThe pilot was carried out in an intergenerational postpartum primary care clinic located at a Midwest urban academic safety net health system from October 2021 to July 2022. Fathers actively involved in relationships with mothers or infants receiving primary care in the clinic were approached with mothers’ permission. A novel survey instrument was used to collect demographic/social data, as well as mental health history and current stress levels; an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was also administered. Screenings were completed by social workers; data were collected in REDCap and descriptive statistics were calculated in SAS.Results29 fathers were contacted and 24 completed screening (83%). Mean age was 31 years (range 19–48). Most (87%) identified as belonging to a racial or ethnic minority group. Fathers self-reported low rates of stress and preexisting mental health conditions, but 30% screened positive for PPD on EPDS (score of ≥ 8, or suicidal ideation). Gaps in health care were found, as one-quarter (26%) of fathers were uninsured and half (54%) did not have a primary care provider. After screening, two requested mental health services, and three established new primary care with a physician.ConclusionsParticipation was high in a PPD screening pilot for fathers in a primary care setting. This small sample of fathers demonstrated significant peripartum mental health challenges unlikely to have been identified otherwise. For some participants, engaging in PPD screening was an effective tool to prompt their subsequent engagement with general health care. This pilot is a step toward incorporating the health of fathers into models for supporting the health of families. Expanding screening for paternal PPD into routine primary care is necessary to reach more affected fathers.

Risk and resilience in a time of crisis: The experiences of LGBTQ+ youth and young adults participating in a virtual AFFIRMative CBT group (AFFIRM Online) during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020–2022

Introduction: LGBTQ+ youth experience significant mental health challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This empirically explores the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth during COVID and their participation in AFFIRM Online, a digital affirmative CBT intervention. Methods: Thematic analysis of longitudinal qualitative questionnaires explored the experiences of 184 LGBTQ+ youth during waves 1–5 of the pandemic.Result: Three themes emerged: (a) Connecting with Community During Lockdown; (b) Fostering Calm in the Chaos; and (c) Developing Hope and Coping Skills for a “Post-COVID” Future. Conclusion: Digital interventions can help LGBTQ+ youth develop coping skills that support resilience during a significant crisis.

COVID-19 exposure and depression-anxiety levels among Saudi adults in the Jazan region: a study with a predominantly female and undergraduate sample.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant mental health challenges worldwide, as evidenced by numerous studies indicating high levels of depression and anxiety among individuals. However, the extent of mental health disorders following the pandemic and the association between anxiety and depression and COVID-19 exposure levels in the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have received little research attention. A convenience sample of 377 participants, predominantly female (85.4%) with undergraduate education (74.5%) and Saudi nationality (92.8%), was included in the study. The study utilized a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from participants between 1st August and 8th September 2022. The questionnaire consisted of four parts, including demographic characteristics, COVID-19 exposure, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression assessment, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety evaluation. Statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), and regression analysis were employed to analyze the collected data. The mean age of the study participants was 30.97 years (SD = 9.072). The mean score for COVID-19 exposure was 2.98 (SD = 1.48). The mean level of depression was 7.83 (SD = 6.43), with 20% of participants experiencing moderate to severe depression. Additionally, the study found that the mean score of anxiety level among participants was 6.75 (SD = 6.57), with 26% of the participants experiencing moderate to severe anxiety. Independent t-test revealed significant differences in mean depression and anxiety scores between participants with varying COVID-19 exposure levels (p = 0.001). The regression analysis demonstrated that anxiety levels were significant predictors of depression (p < 0.001). There is a significant difference in the depression mean between participants with high levels of anxiety (≥10) compared to others with levels <10. Furthermore, significant predictors of anxiety levels included either student or unemployment status (p < 0.001), increased age (≥35) (p = 0.049), female gender (p = 0.009), marital status of not being married, divorced, or widowed (p = 0.004), low monthly income (p = 0.019), and increased depression level (p < 0.001). This study provides evidence of significant depression and anxiety levels among participants, with higher COVID-19 infection exposure correlating with increased scores for both. Anxiety was identified as a significant predictor of depression. Demographic factors, such as employment status, age, gender, and marital status, played a role in influencing anxiety levels. The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions to address the psychological impact of COVID-19 infection exposure and support affected individuals effectively.

Prevalence of and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among adolescents in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant mental health challenges among adolescents in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress among adolescents of Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a two-stage cluster sampling procedure for collecting the sample. A total of 2030 adolescents were enrolled from urban and rural areas of all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-21 (DASS-21) scale was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents. In addition, data on sociodemographics, parenting style, food insecurity, and anthropometric measures were also obtained. Linear regression was done to measure the risk factors. Results: Depression, anxiety, and stress were identified in 18%, 14%, and 16% of adolescents, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics such as female sex, higher age, urban resident, food insecurity, and poor parenting were significant risk factors for depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, inconsistent parenting has been identified as a significant risk factor for depression only. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh, depression, anxiety, and stress are found quite common among adolescents. Therefore, necessary action is required to prevent the mental health epidemic from spreading.

Experiences of neurodivergent students in graduate STEM programs.

Despite efforts to increase the participation of marginalized students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), neurodivergent students have remained underrepresented and underserved in STEM graduate programs. This qualitative study aims to increase understanding of the experiences of neurodivergent graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM. In this analysis, we consider how common graduate school experiences interface with the invisibility of neurological diversity, thus contributing to a set of unique challenges experienced by neurodivergent students. In this qualitative study, 10 focus group sessions were conducted to examine the experiences of 18 students who identify as neurodivergent in graduate STEM programs at a large, research-intensive (R1) university. We used thematic analysis of the transcripts from these focus groups to identify three overarching themes within the data. The findings are presented through a novel model for understanding neurodivergent graduate STEM student experiences. The findings suggest that students who identify as neurodivergent feel pressure to conform to perceived neurotypical norms to avoid negative perceptions. They also may self-silence to maintain stability within the advisor-advisee relationship. The stigma associated with disability labels contributes a heavy cognitive and emotional load as students work to mask neurodiversity-related traits, navigate decisions about disclosure of their neurodivergence, and ultimately, experience significant mental health challenges and burnout. Despite these many challenges, the neurodivergent graduate students in this study perceived aspects of their neurodivergence as a strength. The findings may have implications for current and future graduate students, for graduate advisors who may or may not be aware of their students' neurodivergence, and for program administrators who influence policies that impact the wellbeing and productivity of neurodivergent students.