Health Support Research Articles

Child Suicide News: A Comprehensive Case Study from Turkish Media

This study aims to analyze news on child suicides and suicide attempts in Turkey's high-circulation national newspapers over a ten-year period. This qualitative study systematically content-analyzed news on suicidal behavior in three high-circulation national newspapers in Turkey from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. Data were collected by searching for the keywords "child" and "suicide" and were analyzed. The study found that 60.2% of suicidal children were male, and 39.8% were female, with a mean age of 15.09±2.16 years. The majority were high school (56.2%) and middle school (38.1%) students. Suicidal behavior peaked in 2022, with the highest incidences occurring in winter (29.9%) and spring (26.2%). Depression (30%) was the most frequently reported reason for suicidal behavior, followed by family problems (19.8%) and the Blue Whale Challenge (16.5%). Hanging (47.5%) was the most common method of suicide, followed by jumping from heights (23.8%). The increasing trend of suicidal behavior among children, particularly adolescents, highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies. The findings suggest that mental health support, family interventions, and societal awareness are crucial in addressing this issue. The influence of digital challenges and the need for gender-specific approaches also warrant further attention.

From Today’s Code to Tomorrow’s Symphony: The AI Transformation of Developer’s Routine by 2030

In the rapidly evolving landscape of software engineering, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Software Development Life-Cycle (SDLC) heralds a transformative era for developers. Recently, we have assisted to a pivotal shift towards AI-assisted programming, exemplified by tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which have become a crucial element for coding, debugging, and software design. In this paper we provide a comparative analysis between the current state of AI-assisted programming in 2024 and our projections for 2030, by exploring how AI advancements are set to enhance the implementation phase, fundamentally altering developers’ roles from manual coders to orchestrators of AI-driven development ecosystems. We envision HyperAssistant , an augmented AI tool that offers comprehensive support to 2030 developers, addressing current limitations in mental health support, fault detection, code optimization, team interaction, and skill development. We emphasize AI as a complementary force, augmenting developers’ capabilities rather than replacing them, leading to the creation of sophisticated, reliable, and secure software solutions. Our vision seeks to anticipate the evolution of programming practices, challenges, and future directions, shaping a new paradigm where developers and AI collaborate more closely, promising a significant leap in SE efficiency, security and creativity.

Project Double Barrel: Crime Rate and Experiences of the Implementers in the Municipality of Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay

This study aimed to determine the crime rate in the Municipality of Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay in the calendar years 2013-2015 and 2016-2018. Specifically, this study described the index and non-index crimes prior to and during the implementation of the project double barrel and whether significant differences existed on the crime profiles prior to and during the project. It also aimed to identify the experiences encountered by the imple-menters of the project under CMC 16 2. 2016. Archived data were taken from police blotters and crime statistics given by the PNP Personnel in Diplahan Police Station and employed the qualita-tive design using in-depth interview to generate and explore the experiences of the PNP Personnel and Barangay Captains before and during the implementation of the project. Thematic analysis was then applied to generate codes and themes that described the experiences of the participant-interviewees. Findings re-vealed the decrease in index crimes, which include serious of-fenses like murder, theft, and robbery, suggests an improvement in public safety. The heightened police presence and visibility likely acted as a deterrent to violent and property crimes, con-tributing to a more secure environment in public areas. There is a need for a multifaceted approach to improving law enforce-ment's effectiveness and ethical standards in addressing drug-related crimes. Integration of advanced technologies and en-hanced coordination among agencies to improve operations and monitoring capabilities and collaboration with external organi-zations focuses on rehabilitation and prevention, while inde-pendent oversight mechanisms and regular reviews are also needed to ensure accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement of policies and drug related operations. Stronger collaboration between police, local governments, NGOs, and health organizations is also necessary to reinforce community-based rehabilitation efforts and preventive measures. Providing mental health support for officers is equally important, as it im-proves their well-being, reduces burnout, and fosters ethical de-cision-making under high-pressure situations. Comprehensive training for officers is vital to prepare them for the complexities of the drug campaign, improving operational effectiveness and promoting accountability within the force.

Sensory Deprivation in the Elderly Population of the Republic of Serbia: Sociodemographic Factors as Key to Understanding Sensory Challenges

Background: Sensory impairments, notably hearing loss (68% in those aged 70+) and vision loss (24%-50%), are prevalent in older individuals. We investigated the correlation between visual and hearing impairments in older adults, considering sociodemographic factors, mental health, and social support. Methods: The study is part of The Serbian 2019 National Health Survey, conducted in 2019. Questionnaires were used as the research tool, following the methodology of the European Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess predictors of visual and hearing impairments. Results: Findings revealed a higher prevalence of vision difficulties among women (P< 0.001) and a significant reduction in reported vision issues with increased social support (P< 0.001). Higher education, particularly at the doctoral level, demonstrated a strong protective effect against hearing difficulties (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Education at the doctoral level provides significant protection against sensory difficulties, especially in the case of hearing loss, while a high level of social support positively influences the reduction of vision-related problems. Further research is necessary for a better understanding of relationships and the development of effective support strategies for the elderly population with vision and hearing impairments.

How Does Digital Integration Influence the Mental Health of Low-Income Populations?

Background: In recent years, the growing prevalence of digital technology has transformed every aspect of life, including mental health care and support. Digital integration—referring to both access to digital technology and the utilization of digital tools in daily life—has the potential to alleviate existing health inequalities, a phenomenon that has been labeled the ‘digital divide’. It is, therefore, imperative to gain an understanding of the mental health dynamics of vulnerable groups in the context of the digital age if we are to develop effective policies and interventions. Objectives: The present study aimed to expand the existing knowledge base on the impact of digital integration on the mental health of low-income populations, with a specific focus on its association with social participation and the contextual variations observed between urban and rural settings. Methods: A total of 930 Chinese urban and rural low-income residents (≥18 years old) were included in the study using data from the Comprehensive Social Survey of Urban and Rural Low-Income Populations in Hubei Province, China, 2022. Multiple linear regression, generalized propensity score matching, causal step regression, and bootstrap methods were adopted to assess the direct impact of digital integration on the mental health of low-income populations, as well as to test the mediating role of social participation. Results: Digital integration was positively associated with the mental health of low-income populations, particularly reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among low-income individuals, which remains robust even after accounting for potential selective bias. Social participation played a significant mediating role in the relationship between digital integration and the mental health of low-income populations. Heterogeneity analyses indicated that while digital integration has been demonstrated to markedly enhance mental health outcomes among urban low-income groups, this effect has not been observed in rural low-income populations. Conclusions: The present study contributes to the growing understanding of digital integration as a pathway to reducing mental health inequalities. It is imperative that targeted interventions be implemented to enhance digital integration and, in turn, improve mental health outcomes in low-income communities, particularly in rural areas, where the impact is less discernible.

Examining a brief web and longitudinal app-based intervention [Wysa] for mental health support in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic: mixed-methods retrospective observational study

The COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore led to limited access to mental health services, resulting in increased distress among the population. This study explores the potential benefits of offering a digital mental health intervention (DMHI), Wysa, as a brief and longitudinal intervention as part of the mindline.sg initiative launched by the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation in Singapore. The paper aims to (i) Evaluate the engagement and retention of Singaporean users across the brief intervention on the mindline.sg website and the longitudinal app version of Wysa; (ii) Examine the types of negative thoughts and challenges managed during the pandemic; and (iii) Assess the impact of the conversational agent (CA) in supporting cognitive restructuring across attributional styles and cognitive patterns. A retrospective observational design with a mixed-methods approach was utilized. Website users (N = 69,055) and app users (N = 4,103) from September 1, 2020, to July 25, 2022, were included in the study. Engagement and retention were evaluated through usage data, and T-tests were used to compare engagement and retention between the app and website. A thematic analysis assessed the types of negative thoughts and the success of cognitive restructuring. Logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of restructuring based on negative thought type and attributional style. Users who used the longitudinal intervention after first using a brief intervention demonstrated significantly higher engagement and retention (P < 0.001). In user ratings received for mindline.sg (n = 8,959), 83.03% rated the app 3 or higher (out of 5) on helpfulness. 91.6% of the users (n = 862) who attempted cognitive restructuring (n = 790) on the app successfully reframed a thought. A single conversation with Wysa was also significantly associated with the ability to restructure future-oriented negative thoughts (P < 0.001) and internal, stable and global (P < 0.001) negative thoughts, while other attributional styles required more intervention. Psychosocial challenges managed by users during COVID-19 were also documented through negative thoughts mentioned within the CA. The findings demonstrate that brief interventions can facilitate enhanced engagement with DMHIs and that digital interventions can successfully facilitate cognitive restructuring and improve mental health outcomes. The study provides useful inputs to guide the development of DMHIs and improve their effectiveness.

The pandemic within a pandemic: mental health and wellbeing of racially Minoritised women experiencing domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

BackgroundThe prevalence of domestic abuse is greater in times of humanitarian crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. Considerable evidence indicates that domestic abuse disproportionately impacts the mental health and wellbeing of racially Minoritised women. The present study aimed to explore racially Minoritised women’s experiences of domestic abuse and mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.MethodAn online cross-sectional survey was used with racially Minoritised women (n = 1202) in the UK during the third national lockdown.ResultsResults demonstrate complex interplay of psychosocial factors, such as the roles of autonomy, resilience, self-silencing, family functioning, and social support as predictors of mental health and wellbeing during the ‘shadow pandemic’.ConclusionImplications such as incorporating culturally competent mental health support, exploring the complex and multiple underpinnings of mental health in racially Minoritised victim-survivors of domestic abuse for future pandemic preparedness and support provision are discussed.

Where are all the Services: Mapping Community-Based Services for Canadian Autistic Youth with Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions.

Autistic youth are at heightened risk of mental health issues and face several barriers to accessing appropriate supports. A lack of available services is a common barrier that many autistic youth experience, with only 43% of autistic youth from the US who needed mental health services receiving them. Little is known about the availability of these mental health services in Canada, despite the high prevalence of mental health issues in autistic youth. The current study is one of very few that has reviewed the state of community-based programs and services for the support of mental health challenges in autistic people in North America, and the first such study in Canada. Using an environmental scan methodology, we conducted a search of resource listings on various community websites with a filter for "autism". The resulting websites were then reviewed to find what services providers offer for autistic youth (≥ 25 years) and contacted to complete a survey. 267 listings of mental health supports were identified in the initial search, with 94 sites that specifically mentioned serving autistic youth. 43% (n = 40) of service providers completed a survey about the services they offered, therapeutic approaches, and background training. Providers reported that neurodiversity approaches and multi-disciplinary teams were working well in their practices, yet funding access and society's views on autism were barriers they face. Findings add to the growing body of evidence that availability of services is a systemic barrier that many autistic youth experience when accessing mental health supports.

Knowledge and Skills of Midwives Regarding Perinatal Mental Health and Their Needs for Further Education.

Introduction The literature highlights the crucial role of midwives in assessing and managing perinatal mental health and in providing information to women about related issues. However, research also indicates significant gaps in midwives' knowledge and skills needed to fulfill this role. Data suggest that while midwives are interested in providing mental health support, they lack the confidence, knowledge, and training to do so effectively. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and skills of midwives regarding perinatal mental health, as well as the needs for further education in this area. Methods The study included 223 midwives from across Greece. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with multiple sections. The first section included psychometric tools from the Professional Issues in Maternal Mental Health Scale (PIMMHS), assessing professional issues affecting midwifery practice. The second section used the Mental Illness Clinicians' Attitudes Scale (MICA-4), and the third section used the Perinatal Mental Health Awareness (PMHA) scale. The final section evaluated midwives' learning needs for professional development. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0. Results The findings revealed significant gaps in midwives' knowledge and confidence in managing perinatal mental health, particularly in areas such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. The average knowledge score for perinatal mental health was 52.1%, indicating a moderate level of awareness, while the "Anxiety Worry and Depression" dimension of the PMHA scale had a mean score of 5.3 (range 4-6). Significant correlations were observed between midwives' knowledge and their attitudes, with those possessing greater knowledge exhibiting less stigmatizing views toward mental illness (β = -0.004, p < 0.001). Midwives with higher scores in the "Emotion" dimension of the PIMMHS were also found to hold less negative attitudes toward mental illness (β = -0.01, p = 0.008). Additionally, midwives who frequently cared for women with mental illness had significantly higher knowledge scores (β = 0.18, p = 0.019). The majority of participants expressed a need for additional training, with 171 (76.7%) participants desiring more education on bipolar disorder and 164 (73.5%) on schizophrenia. Conclusions The results highlight significant knowledge gaps and management challenges among midwives in the area of perinatal mental health, primarily due to a lack of education. These findings underscore the need for training programs to improve midwives' knowledge and capabilities in perinatal mental health care.

Clustering Iranian women according to their menopausal severity symptoms and exploring the factors associated with severe categories, using baseline category logit model

IntroductionMany studies reported that the factors associated with the intensity of menopausal symptoms vary according to race, culture, and ethnicity. Different instruments, measure severe menopausal symptoms. The present study aims to classify Iranian women between 42 and 60 years according to the similarity of menopausal severity symptoms and then find the risk factors related to allocating in severe symptoms groups.MethodIn this cross-sectional study, 664 women aged 42–60, living in Mashhad, Iran were collected. The Menopause Severity Symptoms Inventory (MSSI-38) was used to collect information about menopausal symptoms. K-Means clustering algorithm was applied to classify women with different menopausal symptoms in separate groups. The baseline category logit model and ANOVA were used to find the associated factors and covariates with clusters.ResultK-Means clustering algorithm, extracted three major clusters based on different menopausal symptoms. The first cluster involved 301 (45%) women with mild symptoms, the second was a cluster of moderate symptoms women with size 131 (20%). The remaining 232 (35%) of women were placed in the third cluster. The baseline category logit model showed that Compared to Cluster 1, Cluster 2 is associated with a higher underlying diseases (OR = 1.51, P-value = 0.03), lack of physical activity (OR = 1.79, P-value = 0.003), having more than five pregnancies (OR = 2.11, P-value = 0.017), and being peri menopause (OR = 1.71, P-value = 0.03). In contrast, Cluster 3 shows an even stronger association with underlying diseases (OR = 3.71, P-value < 0.001), physical activity (OR = 2.46, P-value = 0.001), insufficient income (OR = 3.43, P-value < 0.001, and being peri menopause (OR = 2.09, P-value = 0.029) or post menopause (OR = 2.02, P-value = 0.044) when compared to Cluster 1.ConclusionBased on these findings, women with underlying diseases, varying levels of physical activity, different income levels, different number of pregnancies, and menopause status in the moderate (Cluster 2) and severe symptomatic groups (Cluster 3) exhibited significant differences compared to those in the mild symptomatic group (Cluster 1). These results underscore the necessity for targeted interventions, such as promoting physical activity and providing mental health support, to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Additionally, further research is essential to identify the causal factors contributing to these symptoms, which could lead to improved care and health policies for women experiencing menopause.

Breastfeeding support as predictors of sustainable breastfeeding practices of nursing mothers with common mental disorders in tertiary hospital nurseries in Nigeria: a cross sectional study

BackgroundThe postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of maternal mental disorders. The combined effect of having the mother's infant admitted to a tertiary hospital in a low-resource setting and the need to exclusively breastfeed the infant may exaggerate this risk. This study aimed to determine the breastfeeding support provided to mothers whose infants were hospitalised in Nigerian tertiary hospital nurseries and the prevalence of common mental health disorders among this population.MethodsThis was a national cross-sectional study involving mothers of hospitalised infants from eleven Nigerian tertiary hospitals between May and August 2022. To assess mothers' mental health and breastfeeding support, we utilised the WHO self-reporting Questionnaire 20 and an adapted WHO/UNICEF ten-step breastfeeding support package.ResultsOf the 1,120 mothers recruited from neonatal nurseries in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, only 895 had a complete dataset for analysis. The mean age of the mothers was 29.9 ± 6.2; with 54.7% belonging to the low-socioeconomic class. Most of the mothers (835, 93.3%) received antenatal care, and 591: 66.0% were delivered at term. Overall, less than half (427; 47.7%) of the mother received optimal breastfeeding support. One in every four, 216; 24.0% of nursing mothers (95% CI: 21.235 to 26.937%) had common mental disorders (CMD). Pre-pregnant mental health disorders were reported in 41; 4.6% of the nursing mothers. Overall, the lowest performing areas of breastfeeding support were family-centred care (198, 22.1%), practical skill demonstration in the ward (n = 279, 31.2%), and antenatal clinics (n = 294, 32.8%). CMDs were significantly associated with the healthcare provider's practical breastfeeding skill demonstration and the provision of storage facilities for breastmilk and family-centered-care. Across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, there was an inverse relationship between optimal breastfeeding support and the proportion of mothers with CMDs. The northern zone provided better breastfeeding support and had fewer CMDs than the southern region of the country.ConclusionCommon mental disorders are prevalent among nursing mothers in Nigerian tertiary hospital nurseries, and they are inversely related to breastfeeding support. Urgently required in tertiary hospitals for improved and sustainable breastfeeding practices are a focus on family-centred care and enhanced health workers’ practical breastfeeding support skills.

Stakeholder perspectives to inform the implementation of a community health worker-delivered home management of hypertension intervention in Zimbabwe

ObjectiveImplementing evidence-based innovations often fails to translate into meaningful outcomes in practice due to dynamic real-world contextual factors. Identifying these influencing factors is pivotal to implementation success. This study aimed...

Economic Impacts of Technology-Facilitated Abuse Among U.S. Young Adults.

Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) can result in long-term financial and mental health impacts on survivors. However, little research has been published to date about the types of costs and the economic burden that survivors of TFA experience. This study presents results from a U.S. nationally representative sample of young adults aged 18 to 35 on financial cost experienced as a result of TFA, including findings of healthcare utilization and associated healthcare costs. Respondents who reported experiencing one or more forms of TFA were asked about the lifetime health and economic impacts of the TFA. Nearly one in five TFA survivors (18.2%) reported experiencing an economic cost from the TFA, with a median total cost of $900 USD. There was a significant difference in the likelihood of reporting a financial cost among TFA survivors by race/ethnicity, TFA exposure, average use of online sites/apps, and the number of sites/apps used. Financial fraud, technology, and housing costs were the most common types of cost reported. More than 1 in 10 survivors (11.3%) reported receiving mental health counseling related to the TFA, with a per-person total cost estimate of $6,228 USD from mental health counseling. A similar proportion (11.6%) of TFA survivors reported taking one or more prescribed medications to manage the impact of the TFA, with an average duration of 37.4 weeks of use. Older age, identifying as non-Hispanic Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino/a/x, identifying as a sexual or gender minority, and greater TFA severity were associated with higher financial cost reported. Findings present novel information on the economic and psychological harms associated with TFA and indicate the importance of access to mental health and financial support services for TFA survivors.

Perceived Health Needs, Social Support, and Depression Among Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality globally. Myocardial infarction (MI), a major type of cardiovascular disease, presents long-term challenges for patients. Recognizing patients' perceived health needs and the factors that influence them is crucial for providing comprehensive care and improving outcomes. This paper explores the perceived health needs, levels of depression, and social support among MI patients, as well as investigates the correlations between these factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Salman Specialist Hospital from March to June 2024, enrolling 244 MI patients through convenience sampling. Data collection was performed using the following three validated questionnaires: the Cardiac Patient Learning Needs Inventory (CPLNI) to assess the learning needs of MI patients, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to evaluate depression levels, and the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3) to measure social support. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 27. Patients aged 40 years or older and those who were employed exhibited greater learning needs (p < 0.001). Female patients were more depressed than males (p = 0.008). Higher social support was reported by the female patients, those with a family history of MI, and those who were employed (p = 0.002, 0.002, and 0.003, respectively). The total mean score for perceived learning needs was 3.72, with the highest needs in "other pertinent information", "medication information", and "anatomy and physiology". Depression was indicated in 45.1% of MI patients, with significantly higher depression levels in female than in male patients. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between social support and perceived learning needs (r = 0.205, p = 0.001), as well as a negative correlation between social support and depression (r = -0.441, p < 0.001). Addressing both the physical and psychological needs is essential for MI patients. Comprehensive educational programs and mental health support services are necessary for improving outcomes. Personalized patient education and routine depression screenings should be integrated into post-MI care. Future research should examine longitudinal changes in learning needs and mental health status.

Artificial Intelligence and Smart Technologies in Safety Management: A Comprehensive Analysis Across Multiple Industries

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies into safety management is a pivotal aspect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. This study conducts a systematic literature review to identify and analyze how AI and smart technologies enhance safety management across various sectors within the Safety 4.0 paradigm. Focusing on peer-reviewed journal articles that explicitly mention “Smart”, “AI”, or “Artificial Intelligence” in their titles, the research examines key safety management factors, such as accident prevention, risk management, real-time monitoring, and ethical implementation, across sectors, including construction, industrial safety, disaster and public safety, transport and logistics, energy and power, health, smart home and living, and other diverse industries. AI-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, IoT sensor integration, and digital twin models, are shown to proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards, optimize energy consumption, and enhance operational efficiency. For instance, in the energy and power sector, intelligent gas meters and automated fire suppression systems manage gas-related risks effectively, while in the health sector, AI-powered health monitoring devices and mental health support applications improve patient and worker safety. The analysis reveals a significant trend towards shifting from reactive to proactive safety management, facilitated by the convergence of AI with IoT and Big Data analytics. Additionally, ethical considerations and data privacy emerge as critical challenges in the adoption of AI technologies. The study highlights the transformative role of AI in enhancing safety protocols, reducing accident rates, and improving overall safety outcomes across industries. It underscores the need for standardized protocols, robust AI governance frameworks, and interdisciplinary research to address existing challenges and maximize the benefits of AI in safety management. Future research directions include developing explainable AI models, enhancing human–AI collaboration, and fostering global standardization to ensure the responsible and effective implementation of AI-driven safety solutions.

Using creativity and the arts to promote mental health in youth living with HIV in South Africa.

Access to adolescent-friendly, culturally relevant and stigma-free mental health support is essential for reducing the long-term psychological, social and economic challenges of mental illness of youth living with HIV (YLWH). Now more than ever, innovative task-shifting interventions, through which non-mental health professionals provide mental health support to YLWH, need to be explored and supported. While many of these have considered shifting tasks to nurses, tapping into the wisdom and inspiration from artists in the community where YLWH are living could represent a novel and potentially powerful task-shifting strategy. In this opinion piece, we propose that the arts could be explored in future studies as a promising avenue for mental health interventions for YLWH in South Africa. Better Together is a peer-support intervention for youth living with chronic illness, which has been published previously by our team. As part of the discussion, we share feedback about the creative arts component of the Better Together groups provided by Better Together participants themselves. Overall, this feedback yielded several key insights which further underscore the idea that providing youth with opportunities to engage in creative arts in a group setting may represent a promising platform for addressing mental health in YLWH in South Africa. Specifically, we learned that (1) youth enjoyed the opportunity to engage creatively, (2) these experiences helped them connect with others, (3) they gained new insights and perspectives about themselves and their lives, and (4) they experienced a positive impact on their mood and well-being.

Integrated Primary Care Mental Health Service: A Qualitative Exploration of an Integrated Approach to Supporting People with Significant Mental Health Problems in Primary Care.

Individuals with significant mental health problems (SMHP) have historically faced challenges accessing mental health care due to gaps between primary and secondary care services. The National Health Service (NHS) Long Term Plan aims to bridge this gap through the introduction of integrated primary care services that provide holistic, person-centred, multidisciplinary support for people with SMHP. This evaluation aimed to explore the experience of service users, carers and staff working within this new model of care. A qualitative approach was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with N = 123 participants (n = 106 staff, n = 15 service users, n = 2 carers). Thematic analysis identified three themes: 'opening doors and improving experiences', 'tailored and timely care' and 'connected communities'. Findings showed that the Integrated Primary Care Mental Health Service enabled earlier and easier access to mental health support for people with SMHP and supported community engagement and cross-collaboration between the NHS and partner agencies. The findings underscore the value of the Integrated Service in providing accessible, comprehensive, and person-centred mental health support at a primary care level, highlighting the benefits of cross-partnership working.

Food insecurity and BMI are associated with depressive symptoms among adolescents in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a 1-year longitudinal study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented multifaceted challenges globally, impacting adolescent health. Among these, food security and nutrition are intertwined closely with mental health outcomes. In Indonesia, with its diverse socio-economic landscape, these interconnections may have been exacerbated by the pandemic. This study investigated the relationship between food security, nutrition and adolescent mental health in Indonesia during COVID-19. Longitudinal data were collected from 511 adolescent boys and girls in 2021-2022 in Gunungkidul district, Yogyakarta. Food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the validated Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to measure adolescent depression. Multivariate linear regression and linear mixed-effects regression were employed to explore associations between these variables, while adjusting for sex, age, pubertal status and household income. Overall, food insecurity score was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β: 0·72, 95 % CI 0·52, 0·92), while BMI z-score was inversely associated (β: -0·31, 95 % CI 0·68, -0·03). We found an increase in strength of association between food insecurity and depressive symptoms over time (moderately food-insecure: β: 1·36 (95 % CI -0·10, 2·83) to 4·63 (95 % CI 2·17, 7·09); severely food-insecure: β: 1·89 (95 % CI 0·36, 3·41) to 3·30 (95 % CI 1·50, 5·10). Enhancing food access, improving nutritional status and providing mental health support are crucial components of adolescent health.

Exploring the Overlap: Suicidal Thoughts and Homicidal Acts Among Incarcerated Offenders

ABSTRACT This study explores the intersection of suicidality and homicidality through psychosocial life-history interviews with 18 people convicted of murder or manslaughter incarcerated in Minnesota. During in-depth qualitative life-history interviews about their childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, the participants revealed significant adverse childhood experiences and mental health issues. A majority of them were on the suicide spectrum before committing homicide. Hopelessness and previous suicide attempts were prevalent, highlighting the complex interplay between suicidality and violent behavior. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive mental health support and early interventions to address ACEs, suggesting that integrated care could mitigate the risk factors for both suicide and homicide. This study contributes to understanding the nuanced relationship between these behaviors among perpetrators of homicide and emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches in prevention and policymaking.

Taking Action to Support Nursing Home Resident Wellbeing: Perspectives of U.S. Nursing Home Staff During COVID-19.

COVID-19 negatively influenced resident wellbeing in nursing homes (NHs). We examine perceptions and experiences of U.S. NH staff during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding resident wellbeing. We sampled 68 NHs (out of 13,423) in strata defined by quality ratings, urban/rural location, and whether they served a resident population of <70% White. We enrolled 10 NHs and interviewed 11 nursing staff (8 certified nursing assistants/aides, 3 registered or licensed practical/vocational nurses), 12 managerial staff (4 administrators, 8 Directors of Nursing), and 5 infection preventionists. Thematic analysis identified themes related to challenges of quarantine/isolation, attempted solutions, and lessons learned concerning resident wellbeing. NH managerial, infection prevention and nursing staff described how COVID-19 policies contributed to increased resident loneliness and declines in physical and cognitive wellbeing. Solutions/strategies employed across the U.S. and in low-and high-quality NHs included proactive mental health support, resident-centered family visitation, increased communication and care planning with families and efforts to maintain resident normalcy. Strategies to mitigate and alleviate concerns with resident wellbeing were both structural and made via staff choices. NH leadership needs to proactively plan how to adapt processes and structures that prioritize resident wellbeing along with resident care in times of crisis. Research is needed to outline the planning, implementation, and recommendations required to operationalize these strategies into practice. Determining the most effective ways to implement these structural changes within NH practices and workflows is critical to ensure that staff have sufficient time to spend with residents.