Health Support Research Articles

Enhancing perianal disease management with integrated physical and psychological approaches

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the study by Hou et al , focusing on the complex interplay between psychological and physical factors in the post-operative recovery (POR) of patients with perianal diseases. The study sheds light on how illness perception, anxiety, and depression significantly influence recovery outcomes. Hou et al developed a predictive model that demonstrated high accuracy in identifying patients at risk of poor recovery. The article explores the critical role of pre-operative psychological assessment, highlighting the need for mental health support and personalized recovery plans in enhancing POR quality. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating mental health professionals with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialists, is emphasized to ensure comprehensive care for patients. The study’s findings serve as a call to integrate psychological care into surgical practice to optimize outcomes for patients with perianal diseases.

EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SCHOOL HEADS IN DECLINING RETENTION RATE OF STUDENTS IN (DEPED) DEPARTMENT EDUCATION: REASONS IN FOCUS

This qualitative-phenomenological study explores the factors contributing to the declining retention rates of students in public elementary and secondary schools in Pantukan, Davao De Oro, as perceived by school heads. Through in-depth interviews and virtual focus group discussions with 14 school principals, the study identifies five primary reasons for the decline: lack of resources, mental health struggles, family issues, academic challenges, and poor school learning environments. The study also highlights four key themes from school heads' experiences: strengthening stakeholder support, cultivating community engagement, developing retention initiatives, and addressing teacher stress. Coping mechanisms, such as fostering leadership, applying collaborative strategies, and implementing targeted programs, were also identified. The findings reveal that improving retention rates requires a comprehensive approach that includes better resource allocation, mental health support, and family involvement. School heads also emphasized the importance of teacher support, emotional resilience, and community collaboration in tackling retention challenges. The study's insights offer valuable guidance for educational leaders, teachers, parents, and policymakers in addressing the underlying causes of declining student retention. KEYWORDS: Student retention, school leadership, mental health, community engagement, educational resources.

Expanding mental health support: Empowering medical professionals with greater resilience

Expanding mental health support: Empowering medical professionals with greater resilience

The January 2025 Southern California Wildfires: Public Mental Health Impacts and a Call to Action

AbstractThe January 2025 Southern California wildfires, among the most severe in recent years, devastated over 40,000 acres, displacing thousands and causing extensive physical and emotional tolls. Beyond the evident physical and economic impacts, the mental health consequences demand urgent attention. This editorial highlights the psychological repercussions, including acute stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, affecting survivors, first responders, and vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and low-income communities. Prolonged disruptions and repeated wildfire exposures exacerbate these challenges. The editorial emphasizes the necessity of integrating mental health into disaster response and preparedness strategies, advocating for immediate mental health support, long-term care, and resilience-building within communities. By recognizing mental health as a vital component of disaster management and linking it to climate change policies, a comprehensive approach can mitigate the mental health burden of wildfires and enhance societal resilience to future climate-related disasters.

The Dilemma and Breakthrough of Gaming Dream: A Study on the Survival Status and Career Path of Semi-Professional Gaming Youths

With the rapid development of the e-sports industry, semi-professional e-sports youth, as an important but relatively disadvantaged group in the e-sports career ecology, face many difficulties such as economic pressure, narrow career paths, and insufficient social cognition. This study focuses on the survival status and career path of semi-professional e-sports youth, and proposes countermeasures at the macro, meso and micro levels by analyzing the problems they face. That is, at the macro level, to improve industry policies and career protection, and to promote the standardized development of the e-sports industry; at the meso level, to improve the social perception of e-sports, and to strengthen the support of families and communities; and at the micro level, to provide players with guidance on career planning, comprehensive skills training, and mental health support, and to help them achieve sustainable development. The study shows that solving the plight of semi-professional e-sports youth not only helps to improve the career development of this group, but also has important significance for the healthy development of the e-sports industry and the diversification of the social career ecology.

The Impact of Linguistic Signals on Cognitive Change in Support Seekers in Online Mental Health Communities: Text Analysis and Empirical Study.

In online mental health communities, the interactions among members can significantly reduce their psychological distress and enhance their mental well-being. The overall quality of support from others varies due to differences in people's capacities to help others. This results in some support seekers' needs being met, while others remain unresolved. This study aimed to examine which characteristics of the comments posted to provide support can make support seekers feel better (ie, result in cognitive change). We used signaling theory to model the factors affecting cognitive change and used consulting strategies from the offline, face-to-face psychological counseling process to construct 6 characteristics: intimacy, emotional polarity, the use of first-person words, the use of future-tense words, specificity, and language style. Through text mining and natural language processing (NLP) technology, we identified linguistic features in online text and conducted an empirical analysis using 12,868 online mental health support reply data items from Zhihu to verify the effectiveness of those features. The findings showed that support comments are more likely to alter support seekers' cognitive processes if those comments have lower intimacy (βintimacy=-1.706, P<.001), higher positive emotional polarity (βemotional_polarity=.890, P<.001), lower specificity (βspecificity=-.018, P<.001), more first-person words (βfirst-person=.120, P<.001), more future- and present-tense words (βfuture-words=.301, P<.001), and fewer function words (βlinguistic_style=-.838, P<.001). The result is consistent with psychotherapists' psychotherapeutic strategy in offline counseling scenarios. Our research contributes to both theory and practice by proposing a model to reveal the factors that make support seekers feel better. The findings have significance for support providers. Additionally, our study offers pointers for managing and designing online communities for mental health.

Developing a Health Support System to Promote Care for the Elderly

In light of the demographic shift towards an aging population, there is an increasing prevalence of dementia among the elderly. The negative impact on mental health is preventing individuals from taking proper care of themselves. For individuals requiring hospital care, those receiving home care, or as a precaution for a specific individual, it is advantageous to utilize monitoring equipment to track their biological parameters on an ongoing basis. This equipment can minimize the risk of serious accidents or severe health hazards. The objective of the present research project is to design an armband with an accurate location tracking system. This is of particular importance for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, who frequently leave their homes and are unable to find their way back. The proposed armband also includes a fingerprint identification system that allows only authorized personnel to use it. Furthermore, in hospitals and healthcare facilities the biometric identification system can be used to trace periodic medical or nursing visits. This process improves the reliability and transparency of healthcare. The test results indicate that the armband functions in accordance with the desired design specifications, with performance evaluation of the main features including fall detection, where a hit rate of 100% was obtained, a fingerprint recognition test demonstrating accuracy from 88% to 100% on high-quality samples, and a GPS tracking test determining position with a difference of between 1.8 and 2.1 m. The proposed solution may be of benefit to healthcare professionals, supported housing providers, elderly people as target users, or their family members.

Shifting from Burden Sharing to Task Sharing: Advancing Community-Initiated Care in MHPSS for Refugee Resettlement

The complexities of refugee resettlement in the U.S. require comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) strategies, yet significant gaps persist due to resettlement policies prioritizing short-term self-sufficiency over long-term mental health and well-being. This study explores the shift from traditional “burden sharing” to “task sharing” models that emphasize community-initiated care (CIC). Using a two-phase qualitative method, 27 refugee leaders and bilingual service providers from 14 refugee communities, including Afghan, Bhutanese, Burmese, Congolese, Somali, and Sudanese communities, across four states participated in focus groups or key informant interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that peer support models play a critical role as bridges between cultures, service sectors, and formal and informal networks. However, peer support remains insufficient without structural reform, as refugees face barriers such as lack of professional development and power imbalances with professionals while managing their own life challenges. This study emphasizes formalizing CIC models that empower refugees to lead the sharing process in collaborative care. Intersectoral collaboration and supportive policy frameworks are necessary to sustain peer support and build long-term leadership capacity. The findings highlight the need for a system-level shift to ensure equitable responsibility for care, fostering sustainable, community-driven MHPSS solutions in refugee resettlement.

Health Emergency Challenges and Support Strategies: A Qualitative Study on Healthcare Workers

The purpose of this article is to explore the health emergency related challenges (HECs) faced by healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19. Additionally, the study also examines the various practices and support strategies that have helped HCWs deal with HECs. In this qualitative thematic study, the participants were selected using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to understand the subjective evaluations of health emergency (HE) events. Themes covering different areas of challenge and coping mechanisms were identified. Inductive thematic analysis yielded six themes. This study presents possible HECs that can affect HCWs, and there is convincing evidence that support from different agencies can effectively help HCWs in dealing with HECs. These findings are important and can contribute to policymakers in drawing guidelines for managing and supporting HCWs in future HEs.

The mental health impact of repeated COVID-19 enforced lockdowns in England: evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study.

Research shows initial COVID-19 lockdowns increased population mental distress. Yet, the mental health impact of repeated lockdowns in England remains unknown. To: (a) explore changes in population mental health symptoms over the COVID-19 pandemic period (March 2020 to March 2021) in England, comparing this with trends from a decade before (2009-2019) as well as after (2021-2023); (b) compare the mental health impact of each of the three lockdowns in England with periods of eased restrictions, determining who was most affected; (c) examine the impact of demographics and distinct time periods on the prevalence of mental health symptoms. A secondary analysis of a national longitudinal cohort study, utilising data from Waves 1-13 of the UK Household Longitudinal Study and from Waves 1-9 of the COVID-19 Survey. Mental health was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Student t-tests and logistical regressions were conducted. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of mental health during England's pandemic period, encompassing three lockdowns, compared with the average of rates from 10 years before. Rates of reported mental health symptoms were not significantly different across each lockdown, but were significantly higher than pre-pandemic rates, declining with eased restrictions. Rates from the end of lockdown to May 2023 revealed elevated mental health symptoms compared with pre-pandemic. Elevated symptoms were observed for women, people homeworking, those with health conditions, individuals aged 30-45 years and those experiencing loneliness. Repeated lockdowns in England had a substantial impact on mental health, indicating requirements for ongoing mental health support.

Intersectionality of Gender and Age as an Analytical Framework for Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Against Older Women in Colombia

This research article aims to address the critical gap in understanding intimate partner violence (IPV) among older women, particularly those over 60 years of age, in Colombian society. The study explores how IPV manifests during the later stages of life, providing insights specific to this age group. The research used qualitative methodology with 14 urban women who had experienced intimate partner violence in their later life. The study revealed that psychological violence was the most common type of abuse among our sample, followed by economic violence. Conversely, physical and sexual violence was found to decrease in frequency in the day-to-day life of the participants. The research also highlighted deteriorating health, limited emotional and instrumental support, and traditional gender roles as key factors influencing experiences of violence in intimate relationships during this stage of life.

Support groups for family members of older adults in residential aged care: A pilot feasibility study.

There are limited mental health support services in Australia that address the well-being of family members of aged care residents. The aim of this project was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of an online program designed to support residents' families. This one-arm mixed methods project examined uptake, attendance and retention patterns, satisfaction and experience with the service, and pre- and postoutcomes with respect to depressive and anxiety symptoms and loneliness. The sample comprised 38 participants. The uptake, attendance and retention rates were high: 86%, 87% and 95%, respectively. Participants were satisfied with the content and format of the program. The benefits of participation included the following: connecting with peers, developing emotional well-being strategies, and learning about dementia and mental health issues. Suggestions for improving the program included the following: offering additional sessions and an option for meeting face-to-face. Symptoms of depression and anxiety improved significantly from pre- to postintervention time points, but loneliness did not statistically reduce over time. This study found the family support group feasible and acceptable, and showed preliminary indications of effectiveness for improving depressive and anxiety symptoms for families of aged care residents.

Depression and anxiety in people with kidney disease: understanding symptom variability, patient experience and preferences for mental health support.

Depression and anxiety are commonly experienced by people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to evaluate person- and service-level factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. We sought to also understand utilisation of mental health treatments and preferences for future psychological support. An online survey recruited participants from six UK kidney services with varying levels of psychosocial provision. The survey was also advertised on social media. Participants completed screening questionnaires for depression and anxiety, alongside questions about mental health history, self-efficacy, treatment and support.The study included adults (18years or older) living with CKD (stages 3b and above) or those receiving any form of Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT), including individuals with a functioning kidney transplant. Eligible participants had to complete study measures and be proficient in reading and writing in either English or Welsh, as the survey was administered in these languages.This survey was developed with our Patient and Public Involvement group and was administered from January 2023 until 31st January, 2024 using Qualtrics and RedCap. Four hundred fifty-eight people completed the survey. Moderate-severe symptoms of depression and anxiety were 37.7% and 26.5%, respectively. Over 50% reported a history of diagnosed depression. In addition to depression, sleep problems and fatigue were identified as future support needs, with over a third indicating a preference for in-centre provision. In case-mix adjusted analysis, there was no variability in depression and anxiety symptoms across centres. Centre location and size were unrelated to symptoms. Age, female gender, current mental health treatments, self-efficacy and perceptions regarding opportunity for support, were associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. In sub-analysis, there was a negative association between psychosocial staffing levels and depression symptoms. Patient-related factors and behavioural characteristics were related to variation of these symptoms. There was little evidence of symptom variability across centres, although in a small sub-analysis, psychosocial provision showed a weak negative correlation with depression symptoms. Our findings highlight preferences of future needs which could be helpful for designing future research and service provision.

Examining Health and Social Support Among University Housekeepers: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study.

This pilot, exploratory project examined the relationship among the health, work, and social support of university housekeepers. The first objective was to examine the influence of social support on work-related outcomes among university housekeepers. The secondary objective was to examine the influence of social support on physical and psychological health among housekeepers. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study assessed work-related outcomes and the influence of social support using least square regression models and multinomial logistic regression models. Qualitative data was obtained via one-on-one interviews. Participants (N = 46, 72% female; 87.2% Black) averaged 4.43 ± 0.72 for job satisfaction with stress levels occasionally high for most of the sample (75%). Support was moderate across all three types of support with the highest perceived support in tangible support (2.85 ± 0.52). Four major themes emerged from the interviews, including lack of support and trust from supervisors and administrators; lack of respect from other members of the university community; need for positive recognition; and impact of the job on health. Findings revealed that when housekeepers feel they belong and are appreciated at work, they feel more positive about their jobs and likely do better work. Housekeepers and their work are critical to students, faculty, and staff in the university system. Future research should examine existing health issues and assess for factors contributing to physical or mental health treatment, especially post-COVID. Universities should invest in wellness programming and policies supporting mental health leave to improve overall well-being and stress in this under-resourced population.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Blended School-Based Intervention to Prevent Suicidal Ideation Among Adolescents in Chile: Results from a Randomized Control Pilot Study.

Suicide prevention programs delivered in school settings have been shown to reduce suicide attempts and ideation among adolescents. School-based digital interventions targeting at-risk youth are a promising avenue for suicide prevention, and some evidence has shown that blending digital and face-to-face components may improve the effectiveness. However, further evidence on its acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness is needed, especially in Latin America, where mental health support is limited. Reframe-IT is an internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program to reduce youth suicidal ideation in school settings. We created four complementary face-to-face CBT sessions and, through a pilot study, tested the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a blended intervention (Reframe-IT +) in adolescents (N = 52) from 6 public schools in Chile, randomized into two groups: Reframe-IT + (N = 33) and Control (N = 19). We found that the intervention was acceptable and feasible, with high degrees of satisfaction and adherence. We also observed a significant reduction in suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms in the intervention group compared to the control group at post-intervention. Our results suggest that the Reframe-IT + could be delivered as a suitable, acceptable, and effective intervention to reduce suicide ideation in adolescents in school settings. Further research is needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Exploring the Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Female Suicide in Yasin District Ghizer: Perspectives of Influential Stakeholders

Female suicide in Yasin District Ghizer, Pakistan, is a critical social issue deeply rooted in socio-cultural, economic, and psychological factors. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of influential stakeholders, including a social worker, a media professional, and a police officer, to understand the underlying causes and risk factors associated with female suicides. The findings reveal that traditional gender roles, male dominance, early and forced marriages, and societal expectations significantly restrict women’s autonomy, contributing to depression, social rejection, and suicide. Marital conflicts, domestic violence, and communication gaps further exacerbate vulnerabilities, while cases of honor killings are often misreported as suicides, obscuring the issue’s true extent. Stakeholders emphasized the role of poverty, mental health stigma, and limited awareness of rights in perpetuating these challenges. They called for enhanced community awareness, improved mental health support, and gender-sensitive policies to address systemic inequalities. While this study provides valuable insights, its scope is limited by the small sample size and the exclusion of direct female perspectives. Future research should include broader community participation and prioritize gender-inclusive approaches to develop effective interventions for preventing female suicides in traditional societies like Yasin. This qualitative study investigated the issue of female suicide in Yasin District Ghizer by employing semi-structured interviews to gain in-depth insights. Using purposive sampling, four influential community members were selected as participants. The interviews, guided by a structured framework, explored themes such as socio-cultural roles, socio-economic pressures, community awareness, and law enforcement policies. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with responses transcribed, coded, and categorized to identify recurring themes. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity, were strictly adhered to. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including the small sample size and the absence of direct female perspectives in this phase of the research.

Self-Perceptions of Aging and Physical Activity in Older Adults with Arthritis: Impact of General Health.

How negative self-perceptions of aging relate to physical activity (PA) in older adults with arthritis is unclear. We examined whether general health mediated the relationship between Awareness of Age-Related change (AARC) losses and PA. We analyzed baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of a PA intervention for adults ≥60 years who self-reported PA, AARC, general health, pain, and social support. We evaluated point-biserial correlations between PA and other factors in participants with self-reported arthritis and developed a mediation model incorporating AARC losses, general health, and PA. We observed significant correlations between PA and general health, social support, and AARC losses in this physically active sample. General health mediated the effect of AARC losses on PA. While negative self-perceptions of aging were associated with less PA in older adults with arthritis, their impact was attenuated by general health. PA interventions for this population may benefit by targeting perceived general health.

Unveiling Sociocultural Barriers to Breast Cancer Awareness Among the South Asian Population: Case Study of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.

Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, are 2 densely populated South Asian neighboring regions with many socioeconomic and cultural similarities. In dealing with breast cancer (BC)-related issues, statistics show that people from these regions are having similar problems and fates. According to the Global Cancer Statistics 2020 and 2012 reports, for BC (particularly female BC), the age-standardized incidence rate is approximately 22 to 25 per 100,000 people, and the age-standardized mortality rate is approximately 11 to 13 per 100,000 for these areas. In Bangladesh, approximately 90% of patients are at stages III or IV, compared with 60% in India. For the broader South Asian population, this figure is 16%, while it is 11% in the United States and the United Kingdom.These statistics highlight the need for an urgent investigation into the reasons behind these regions' late diagnoses and treatment. Early detection is essential for managing BC and reducing its impact on individuals. However, raising awareness in diverse societies is challenging due to differing cultural norms and socioeconomic conditions. We aimed to interview residents to identify barriers to BC awareness in specific regions. We conducted semistructured interviews with 17 participants from West Bengal and Bangladesh through Zoom (Zoom Video Communications). These were later transcribed and translated into English for qualitative data analysis. All our participants were older than 18 years, primarily identified as female, and most were married. We have identified 20 significant barriers to effective BC care across 5 levels-individual, family, local society, health care system, and country or region. Key obstacles include neglect of early symptoms, reluctance to communicate, societal stigma, financial fears, uncertainty about treatment costs, inadequate mental health support, and lack of comprehensive health insurance. To address these issues, we recommend context-specific solutions such as integrating BC education into middle and high-school curricula, providing updates through media channels like talk shows and podcasts, promoting family health budgeting, enhancing communication at cultural events and religious gatherings, offering installment payment plans from health care providers, encouraging regular self-examination, and organizing statewide awareness campaigns. In addition, social media can be a powerful tool for raising mass awareness while respecting cultural and socioeconomic norms. Fighting BC or any fatal disease is challenging and requires support from various dimensions. However, studies showthat raising mass awareness is crucial for theearly detection of BC. By adopting a sensitive and well-informed approach, we aim to improve the early detection of BC and help reduce its impact on South Asian communities.

Exploring Large Language Models Through a Neurodivergent Lens: Use, Challenges, Community-Driven Workarounds, and Concerns

Despite the increasing use of large language models (LLMs) in everyday life among neurodivergent individuals, our knowledge of how they engage with and perceive LLMs remains limited. In this study, we investigate how neurodivergent individuals interact with LLMs by qualitatively analyzing topically related discussions from 61 neurodivergent communities on Reddit. Our findings reveal 20 specific LLM use cases across five core thematic areas of use among neurodivergent users: emotional well-being, mental health support, interpersonal communication, learning, and professional development and productivity. We also identified key challenges, including overly neurotypical LLM responses and the limitations of text-based interactions. In response to such challenges, some users actively seek advice by sharing input prompts and corresponding LLM responses. Others develop workarounds by experimenting and modifying prompts to be more neurodivergent-friendly. Despite these efforts, users have significant concerns around LLM use, including potential overreliance and fear of replacing human connections. Our analysis highlights the need to make LLMs more inclusive for neurodivergent users and implications around how LLM technologies can reinforce unintended consequences and behaviors.

Exploring Socio-Cultural Determinants of Female Suicides: A Qualitative Study of Gahkuch, Gilgit-Baltistan

This qualitative ethnographic study investigates the socio-cultural determinants of female suicides in Gahkuch, District Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, where alarming rates of such incidents have been reported. The research aims to uncover the perceptions of the community, and affected families regarding the underlying causes of female suicides, while exploring the broader socio-cultural and psychological contexts. Data were collected through purposive sampling, employing in-depth interviews with diverse participants, including relatives of victims, community members, land alongside direct observations. Thematic analysis of the data reveals that patriarchal norms, restricted decision-making autonomy for women, domestic violence, forced marriages, and societal rejection of personal choices are pivotal factors driving women toward suicide. Additional determinants include the unavailability of ideal life partners, marital conflicts, societal pressure to conform to traditional roles, and the stigma attached to non-conventional behavior, such as pursuing love marriages or modern lifestyles. The study also identifies cases of honor killings misrepresented as suicides due to societal taboos around disclosing the true causes of death. Psychological stressors, compounded by inadequate acknowledgment of women’s contributions to households and society, were found to exacerbate vulnerabilities. Unique local factors, such as the misuse of technology, excessive salt consumption linked to aggressive behavior, and limited mental health support, were also highlighted as contributing elements. The study concludes that Gahkuch’s traditional and patriarchal social structure, despite progress in education and empowerment, perpetuates systemic inequalities and cultural restrictions that leave women vulnerable. To address these issues, the research emphasizes the need for societal reforms, enhanced religious and mental health awareness, and initiatives promoting gender equality and female empowerment. It further advocates for targeted interventions, including community-based awareness campaigns, institutional mechanisms for addressing domestic violence, and the inclusion of women in decision-making processes, to mitigate the factors leading to female suicides and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the region.