Health Trends Research Articles

Advance care planning among older adults with cancer in the United States: Findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Advance care planning among older adults with cancer in the United States: Findings from the National Health and Aging Trends Study

Urban and Rural Attitudes toward School Food

AbstractIn the social sciences, it is a classic practice to contrast the development of the countryside and the city as two endpoints of a chain. However, since the beginning of the 21st century, the validity of the rural-urban dichotomy has been increasingly questioned, and we are now talking about two interconnected and complementary systems instead. In examining contemporary school meals, we ourselves observed this close and varied pattern of intertwining between the city and the countryside. Therefore, we believe it is useful to identify rural and urban features in contemporary public catering practices, and to outline mixed models that can be placed between the two endpoints in space and time. All of this can be edifying because urbanized foodways, following current food health and gastronomic trends, sustainability, climate and environmental protection requirements, as well as social considerations, return from time to time to the old village farming practices and foodways in various ways, and utilize knowledge related to traditional farming. Illustrated with specific examples, the study outlines three types of school catering models, from the oldest practice called “rural” to the “urban” (urbanized) type. A comparison of these types of public catering practices reveals the problems observed in today’s public catering.

Global Trends and Correlations in Mental Health Disorders: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1990 to 2019

This original paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence and trends in mental health disorders (n=6,420) from 1990 to 2019. Utilizing a sourced dataset, statistical methods are used to explore the increasing rates of mental health disorders, with a focus on healthcare workers, gender disparities, and geographical variations. The study reveals a significant increase in the prevalence of mental health disorders over the past three decades. Healthcare workers were found to be at a particularly higher risk for adverse mental health outcomes. Additionally, the data showed notable geographical variations, indicating the need for region-specific healthcare policies. Gender disparities were also evident, emphasizing the importance of gender-specific mental health interventions. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider these findings to implement effective mental health programs, especially for at-risk groups like healthcare workers. The study also highlights the need for future research to provide a more comprehensive understanding of mental health trends globally.

BMI and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Demographic Trends in Weight and Health.

Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women in adolescence and reproductive age. The distribution of PCOS across different body mass index (BMI) categories can vary, and research has shown associations between PCOS and weight status. This study tries to evaluate the distribution of PCOS in relation to BMI in women attending the PCOS clinic in a tertiary hospital in eastern India. Methodology This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the gynecology outpatient departmentof a tertiary care center. The study population included all the women in the age group between 15 and 45 years diagnosed as having PCOSusing the Rotterdam definition. The various physical, clinical, and biochemical parameters were measured in the study population and compared among the obese and lean PCOS patients. Results and discussion A total of 143 women were included in the study. The mean age of the study population was 26.8 years. Among these, the underweight and normal weight patients were categorized as lean PCOS patients, 35 in number (24.5%), and overweight and obese patients were categorized as obese PCOS patients, 108 in number (75.5%). All the physical parametermeasures like age (mean = 28.05, SD = 5.722), height (mean = 153.384, SD = 6.679), weight (mean = 68.182, SD = 11.501), waist circumference (mean = 95.135, SD = 10.291), hip circumference (mean = 101.47, SD = 9.320), waist-to-hip ratio (mean = 0.940, SD = 0.0831), and neck circumference (mean = 34.85, SD = 2.445) were significantly higher in the obese group as compared to the lean group. Menstrual irregularity was significantly more common in the obese PCOS patients as compared to the lean PCOS group (p = 0.02). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the obese and lean PCOS patients when the biochemical parameters like fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were compared. There is a strong link between obesity, insulin resistance, and PCOS. Obesity can exacerbate insulin resistance, a common feature of PCOS, leading to increased levels of insulin and androgens. Conclusion The demographic distribution of PCOS in relation to BMI is essential for tailoring interventions and treatments.

Analysis of agreement between measures of subjective cognitive impairment and probable dementia in the National Health and Aging Trends Study.

Subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) measures in population-based surveys offer potential for dementia surveillance, yet their validation against established dementia measures is lacking. We assessed agreement between SCI and a validated probable dementia algorithm in a random one-third sample (n=1936) of participants in the 2012 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). SCI was more prevalent than probable dementia (12.2%vs 8.4%). Agreement between measures was 90.0% and of substantial strength. Misclassification rates were higher among older and less-educated subgroups due to higher prevalence of false-positive misclassification but did not vary by sex or race and ethnicity. SCI sensitivity (63.4%) and specificity (92.5%) against dementia were comparable with similar metrics for the NHATS probable dementia measure against the "gold-standard" Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study-based dementia criteria, implying that population-based surveys may afford cost-effective opportunities for dementia surveillance to assess risk and inform policy. The prevalence of subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is generally higher than that of a validated measure of probable dementia, particularly within the youngest age group, females, Whites, and persons with a college or higher degree. Percent agreement between SCI and a validated measure of probable dementia was 90.0% and of substantial strength (prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa, 0.80). Agreement rates were higher in older and less-educated subgroups, driven by the higher prevalence of false-positive disagreement, but did not vary significantly by sex or race and ethnicity. SCI's overall sensitivity and specificity were 63.4% and 92.5%, respectively, against a validated measure of probable dementia, suggesting utility as a low-cost option for dementia surveillance. Heterogeneity in agreement quality across subpopulations warrants caution in its use for subgroup analyses.

Prostate cancer in a nutshell

Professor Mike Kirby, Editor of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, summarises recent guideline updates on prostate cancer.

Addressing health disparities between men and women

AbstractIn this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, considers the disparities in health outcomes between men and women, and the potential solutions.

Meals On Wheels Clients: Measurable Differences In The Likelihood Of Aging In Place Or Being Hospitalized.

Little is known about how participation in home-delivered meal programs (known as Meals on Wheels), financed in part through the Older Americans Act, relates to the use of health services and the ability to age in place for elder Medicare beneficiaries. Using 2013-20 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, we evaluated the relationship between Meals on Wheels use and two outcomes-likelihood of continued community residence and risk for hospitalization-in the following year for Medicare beneficiaries ages sixty-five and older, overall and by gender, race, Medicaid enrollment, and frailty. Overall, Meals on Wheels users and nonusers were equally likely to still reside in the community one year later; however, continued community residence was more likely among users than nonusers who were Black, were enrolled in Medicaid, or were frail. Program use was marginally associated with increased likelihood of hospitalization in the following year overall, but more strongly so among frail users. Our findings are consistent with the heterogeneity of Medicare-age Meals on Wheels users nationwide and suggest that program benefits differ among specific populations.

Temporal Trends in Mental Health in the United States by Gender Identity, 2014-2021.

Objectives. To examine the temporal trends in the transgender-cisgender mental health disparity in the United States. Methods. We used 2014-2021 US Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey data with logistic and ordinary least squares regression to document temporal trends in the transgender-cisgender disparity in self-reports of the number of poor mental health days in the past month and frequent mental distress. Results. In 2014, cisgender individuals reported a mean average of 3.68 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.65, 3.70) poor mental health days compared with a mean average of 5.42 (95% CI = 4.68, 6.16) poor mental health days among transgender respondents. The size of this disparity adjusted by differences in observable characteristics increased by 2.75 days (95% CI = 0.58, 4.91) over the sample period. In 2014, 11.4% (95% CI = 11.3%, 11.5%) of cisgender adults reported frequent mental distress compared with 18.9% (95% CI = 15.9%, 22%) of transgender adults. By 2021, 14.6% (95% CI = 15.9%, 22%) of cisgender adults and 32.9% (95% CI = 30.7%, 35.1%) of transgender adults reported frequent mental distress. Conclusions. Policies are needed to address the worsening mental health of transgender and gender-nonconforming people in the United States. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(5):523-526. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307603).

Time trends in limited lung function among German middle-aged and older adults

Limited lung function represents a serious health impairment. However, studies investigating changes in limited lung function over time are rare. Thus, the current study investigates time-related changes in limited lung function and potential social inequalities. Data from the 2008 and 2017 waves of the population-based German Aging Survey were used in a repeated cross-sectional study design (N = 8778), including participants aged 40 years and older. Lung function was assessed by the peak flow test. Socio-economic indicators included educational attainment, income and occupational group. Additionally, smoking history, occupational exposure to fumes and gases, and physical exercise were used as potentially explanatory variables for the observed changes. We found that the prevalence of limited lung function decreased strongly over time on a descriptive level from 9.0 to 5.4%. In line with these results, a decreasing trend emerged (OR = 0.48) when controlling for age and gender differences. When additionally controlling for changes in socio-economic indicators and explanatory variables there were still significant decreases over time, but the decline was slightly reduced (OR = 0.57). Moreover, similar significant relative decreases over time occurred for middle-aged and older participants, female and male participants, and those belonging to the different socio-economic groups. Thus, limited lung function generally decreased over time. This decrease could partially be explained by beneficial developments in socio-economic indicators, smoking, occupational exposures, and physical exercise. Future studies might investigate how changes in medicinal treatment and prevention efforts have contributed to the observed beneficial trends in lung health.

Exploration of Health Trends: Are systematic injustice and disparities causing unequal consequences?

While most of the world holds a heavy dependence on drug use, addiction affects society’s most vulnerable in an unbalanced manner. Although addicts are dismissed for not taking advantage of resources around them to succeed, it is not widely known how disadvantaged communities are predisposed to fail in the United States from the very moment they are born. America possesses deep, horrifying roots of systematic injustice concerning substance use, seen evidently during the crack cocaine epidemic. It is a common notion that substance addictions lead to one being impoverished; however, historical lack of opportunities and no education leads to poverty, which in turn will lead to addiction. Prevalent mental health illnesses can be associated with drug use used for coping mechanisms when individuals are presented with a lack of better alternatives or education. Creating more accessible resources and education to those who are struggling is one of the first steps in correcting existing disparities caused by historical injustices. Minorities are found to disproportionately have worse mental and physical health, a trend mirrored by history. New models of proactive care have to be implemented to address the growing health gap in our country to prevent the growing problem, most importantly at a young age before individuals follow the trend of society which predetermined some to live unhealthier lives based on social conditions.

Gender Disparities in Health Biomarkers, Lifestyle Patterns, and Nutritional Status among Bank Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Despite the importance of nutritional status and a healthy lifestyle in shaping overall well-being, little is known about examining gender-specific differences and trends in health, lifestyle, and nutritional status. The present study aimed to evaluate blood levels of micronutrients, homocysteine, and CoQ10, as well as physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behavior, among a cohort of Austrian bank staff, with a particular focus on identifying gender differences as well as gender-specific nutritional deficiencies compared to the reference ranges. Materials and Methods: Following a cross-sectional study design, 123 Austrian bank staff (mean age: 43 years; 51% females) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected to evaluate participants' micronutrient status and serum levels of homocysteine and CoQ10. Whole-blood values of macronutrients were compared to gender-specific reference ranges and categorized into three groups: below, within, or over the range. The WHO's Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA levels and sedentary behaviors. Results: No significant difference between males and females was found for diet types, PA levels, sedentary time, homocysteine levels, or CoQ10 values (p > 0.05). A high PA level was reported by 64% of males and 58% of females. 71% of females and 56% of males were found to have a vitamin D deficiency. 63-98% of females and 72-97% of males showed normal blood levels for the remaining micronutrients, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, molybdenum, B6, B9, and B12. Conclusions: The findings highlight the necessity of implementing tailored strategies to foster healthy lifestyle behaviors, thereby enhancing the overall state of health, particularly in the context of occupational health.

National Estimates of Short- and Longer-Term Hospital Readmissions After Major Surgery Among Community-Living Older Adults

Nationally representative estimates of hospital readmissions within 30 and 180 days after major surgery, including both fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, are lacking. To provide population-based estimates of hospital readmission within 30 and 180 days after major surgery in community-living older US residents and examine whether these estimates differ according to key demographic, surgical, and geriatric characteristics. A prospective longitudinal cohort study of National Health and Aging Trends Study data (calendar years 2011-2018), linked to records from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Data analysis was conducted from April to August 2023. Participants included community-living US residents of the contiguous US aged 65 years or older who had at least 1 major surgery from 2011 to 2018. Data analysis was conducted from April 10 to August 28, 2023. Major operations and hospital readmissions within 30 and 180 days were identified through data linkages with CMS files that included both fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. Data on frailty and dementia were obtained from the annual National Health and Aging Trends Study assessments. A total of 1780 major operations (representing 9 556 171 survey-weighted operations nationally) were identified from 1477 community-living participants; mean (SD) age was 79.5 (7.0) years, with 56% being female. The weighted rates of hospital readmission were 11.6% (95% CI, 9.8%-13.6%) for 30 days and 27.6% (95% CI, 24.7%-30.7%) for 180 days. The highest readmission rates within 180 days were observed among participants aged 90 years or older (36.8%; 95% CI, 28.3%-46.3%), those undergoing vascular surgery (45.8%; 95% CI, 37.7%-54.1%), and persons with frailty (36.9%; 95% CI, 30.8%-43.5%) or probable dementia (39.0%; 95% CI, 30.7%-48.1%). In age- and sex-adjusted models with death as a competing risk, the hazard ratios for hospital readmission within 180 days were 2.29 (95% CI, 1.70-3.09) for frailty and 1.58 (95% CI, 1.15-2.18) for probable dementia. In this nationally representative cohort study of community-living older US residents, the likelihood of hospital readmissions within 180 days after major surgery was increased among older persons who were frail or had probable dementia, highlighting the potential value of these geriatric conditions in identifying those at increased risk.

Changing pattern of high blood pressure in Rumuomasi: A semi-urban community in southern Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is the largest contributor to global burden of disease with uncontrolled hypertension rising from 600million to nearly 1billion. Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, is not immune to the trend of global health and is even more vulnerable considering her population growth rate and lifestyle challenges. This study therefore aims to identify the prevalence of high blood pressure in the semi-urban community in southern Nigeria. Methods: 199 subjects participated in this community-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among adults age ≥18 years in an outreach held by GoodHeart and life support initiative in November 2023 at Rumuomasi community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Port Harcourt Rivers state, Nigeria. Biodata was collected and blood pressure was measured using a mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: Of the 199 subjects that participated in this study, 63 (31.66%) were males and 136 (68.34%) females with a mean age of 48.5 ± 14.33 years. The prevalence of high blood pressure in the study population stands at 71.86% (n = 143). Among the hypertensive, 100 were females and 43 males. Early detection and treatment are crucial and should be encouraged, especially in an environment where ignorance and poverty hinder proper health-seeking behavior.

Leveraging big data and analytics for enhanced public health decision-making: A global review

In recent years, the proliferation of big data and analytics technologies has revolutionized various sectors, including public health. This review presents a comprehensive review of how leveraging big data and analytics has enhanced public health decision-making on a global scale. The review encompasses diverse applications, methodologies, challenges, and opportunities within this burgeoning field. Big data analytics in public health encompasses the collection, processing, and analysis of vast datasets from heterogeneous sources, including electronic health records, social media, wearable devices, and environmental sensors. These data sources offer valuable insights into disease patterns, risk factors, healthcare utilization, and population health trends. By applying advanced analytical techniques such as machine learning, predictive modeling, and data visualization, public health officials can extract actionable intelligence to inform decision-making processes. Several case studies highlight the efficacy of big data analytics in various public health domains. For instance, predictive modeling techniques have been utilized to forecast disease outbreaks, enabling timely resource allocation and intervention planning. Social media mining has facilitated real-time surveillance of public sentiment and health-related behaviors, aiding in targeted health promotion campaigns. Additionally, electronic health record analysis has facilitated personalized medicine initiatives and improved patient outcomes. Despite the significant potential of big data analytics in public health, several challenges exist. These include data privacy concerns, data quality issues, interoperability barriers, and the digital divide. Furthermore, ethical considerations regarding consent, transparency, and equity must be carefully addressed to mitigate potential biases and ensure responsible data usage. Looking ahead, the future of leveraging big data and analytics for public health decision-making appears promising. Advancements in data integration, interoperability standards, and artificial intelligence hold immense potential for improving the accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of public health interventions. Collaborative efforts between governments, academia, industry, and civil society are essential to harness the full potential of big data analytics in safeguarding population health and promoting well-being on a global scale.

Food sufficiency status and sleep outcomes in older adults: the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)

BackgroundStudies investigating the relationship between food insecurity and sleep among older populations are limited. This study aimed to cross-sectionally examine the associations between food sufficiency status and sleep outcomes in a nationally representative sample of older adults.MethodsOur study included 1,665 older adults (≥ 65 years), using data from the 2013 and 2014 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Food insufficiency was determined via participants’ experience and utilization of food assistance programs (FAP). Sleep outcomes, including nighttime and total sleep hours, sleep latency, and sleep quality, were derived from self-reported data. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between food sufficiency status and sleep outcomes.ResultsIn 2013–2014, 86.1% of older adults were classified as food sufficient without FAP, 9.85% as food sufficient with FAP, and 4.08% as food insufficient. Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, food sufficient older adults with FAP reported more total sleep hours (\U0001d6fd = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.64) than those participants who are food sufficient without FAP. Further adjusting for health factors, food sufficient participants with FAP had more nighttime sleep hours and greater total sleep hours compared to those participants food sufficient without FAP. Compared to those deemed as food sufficient without FAP, food sufficient participants with FAP had lower odds of having longer sleep latency (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.89), after further adjusting for physical function performance.ConclusionsAmong older adults, food sufficiency with FAP is associated with greater total sleep hours, greater nighttime sleep hours, and lower odds of longer sleep latency. Our findings may help inform nutrition food assistance programs targeting older populations.

Vision Impairment and Psychosocial Function in US Adults

Vision impairment and psychosocial function, including symptoms of depression and anxiety and social isolation, are a major cause of morbidity in the US. However, there is a lack of nationally representative studies assessing associations between both objective and subjective vision impairment with psychosocial function following the COVID-19 pandemic. To provide updated national estimates on the associations of vision impairment with depressive and anxiety symptoms and social isolation in US adults 65 years and older. This was a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study round 9 (2019) and 11 (2021), a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. Binocular distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity were tested. Objectively measured vision impairment was defined as having vision impairment in either distance visual acuity (worse than 20/40), near visual acuity (worse than 20/40), or contrast sensitivity (worse than 1.55 logCS). Self-reported vision impairment was defined based on participants' report on their vision status. Data were analyzed in May 2023. Depressive and anxiety symptoms assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire. Social isolation was defined based on living arrangement, communication frequency, and activity participation responses. Among 2822 community-dwelling adults sampled from a population of 26 182 090, the mean (SD) age was 78.5 (5.6) years; 1605 individuals (54.7%) were female; 1077 (32.3%) had objectively measured vision impairment, and 203 (6.4%) had self-reported vision impairment. In adjusted models, all outcomes were significantly associated with objectively measured vision impairment, including depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.81; 95% CI, 1.26-2.58), anxiety symptoms (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.13-2.67), and severe social isolation (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.05-3.87). Similarly, depressive symptoms (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.44-3.88) and anxiety symptoms (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.09-4.05) but not severe social isolation symptoms (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.78-5.49) were significantly associated with self-reported vision impairment. In this study, vision impairment was associated with several psychosocial outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety and social isolation. These findings provide evidence to support prioritizing research aimed at enhancing the health and inclusion of people with vision impairment.

Supervisor relationships, peer support and mental health stressors in the Australian building and construction industry

Mates in Construction (MATES) is a multi-faceted strategy developed in Australia to address suicide prevention in the workplace. MATES operationalized a workplace mental health framework consisting of five domains in 2019 in a move toward a broader systems-based approach to workplace mental health in the building and construction work environment. Using job demands-resources (JD-R) theory and a revised version of the People at Work Survey (PAW-Con), the objective of this study is to explore workplace mental health trends within the Australian building and construction industry with the aim of identifying areas of improvement required to mitigate psychosocial hazards at work. A quantitative method of analysis of reported job demands and resources of 1158 construction workers was used to establish correlation and means scores within the building and construction work environment. Industry means scores enabled comparison with existing safe valid mean scores utilizing established JD-R measurements. Data was collected from construction industry workers over a twelve-month period with the findings highlighting concerns related to supervisor conflict, peer support and job control as psychosocial hazards requiring industry wide improvement. Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) and Drive-In Drive-Out (DIDO) work environments demonstrated different hazards in procedural justice, role ambiguity and role conflict. This study demonstrates workplace mental health issues that require attention. Targeted training of supervisors and implementation of workplace plans to address areas of identified concern will reduce rates of mental distress, harm and suicide in a high-risk industry.

Associations of Depression/Anxiety with Technology Use, Discontinued Use, and Nonuse in Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives To examine correlates of the changes in technology use among older adults and the associations of depression/anxiety symptoms with technology use changes. Methods We used the 2019–2021 U.S. National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 3,063; age 70+). We fitted multinomial logistic regression models to examine: (1) correlates of never use and discontinued use versus use of email/texting and the internet during the 3-year study period; and (2) associations of past-month depression/anxiety symptoms in 2021 with use and discontinued use versus never use of email/texting and social network site (SNS). Results The findings show age, socioeconomic, and health barriers to technology use. Email/texting and SNS use in 2021, compared to never use in all 3 years, was associated with a lower likelihood of moderate/severe depression/anxiety symptoms in 2021 (RRR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.37–0.81 for email/texting use; RRR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.33–0.97 for SNS use). Video calls with family/friends were not associated with depression/anxiety symptoms. Conclusions The findings expand the existing knowledge base regarding potential impact of technology use on mental health beyond the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical implications More concerted efforts are warranted to help older adults’ technology uptake and continued use and to promote mental health benefits of technology use.

Application of tele-neuropsychology and tele-mental health before and during COVID-19 era: a bibliometric analysis.

Telehealth use was previously limited by strict regulations and financial constraints. However, the pandemic prompted some countries to ease their telehealth laws. Thus, we conducted a bibliometric analysis and network visualization to gauge changes in tele-neuropsychology (Tele-NP) and tele-mental Health (Tele-MH) trends with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors conducted a literature search on SCOPUS and included relevant articles pertaining to Tele-NP and Tele-MH, which were published before the COVID-19 pandemic (2017-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). The authors presented publication patterns on psychiatric disorders, mode of administration, journals, active countries, authors, affiliations, funding sponsors, keywords, publication, and citation output. Three hundred forty-one articles were included in our study with 80 articles before the pandemic and 261 during the pandemic. Our analysis revealed the greatest increase in publications and citations output was from the year 2020 to 2021. A greater number of journals published tele-NP and tele-MH-related research, with higher frequency, during the COVID-19 pandemic with Telemedicine and E-health leading the way. WHO regional analysis revealed that the Region of the Americas (AMRO) was the leading contributor in terms of publications. Harvard Medical Center remained the number one contributor both before and during the COVID-19- pandemic. Publications by funding sponsors, particularly by those that were US-based, increased twice as much during the pandemic. The increase in research output following the COVID-19 outbreak reflects the growing interest and relevance of telemedicine for the delivery of mental health services.