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Osilla KC, Manuel JK, Becker K, Nameth K, Burgette L, Ober AJ, DeYoreo M, Lodge BS, Hurley B, Watkins KE. It takes a village: A pilot study of a group telehealth intervention for support persons affected by opioid use disorder. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 161:209290. [PMID: 38272117 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid use disorder (OUD) has devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. The Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a Support Person (SP)-focused intervention that aims to increase SPs' communication strategies, positive reinforcement/rewards, and social support. This pilot study, called eINSPIRE (INtegrating Support Persons Into REcovery), adapted CRAFT for delivery via group telehealth. The aims were to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of this intervention on patient buprenorphine retention and SP mental health. METHODS The study recruited patients receiving buprenorphine treatment in a primary care setting across five community health centers with their SP (N = 100 dyads). SP participants were randomly assigned to receive usual care (UC) or the eINSPIRE intervention. We interviewed Patients and SPs at baseline and three months later. The study collected patient buprenorphine retention data from the electronic medical record three months post-baseline. RESULTS About 88 % (656/742) of potentially eligible patients were able to nominate a SP and 69 % (100/145) of nominated SPs were eligible and consented to the study. eINSPIRE groups had low reach (25 % of SPs attended), but high exposure (M = 7 of 10 sessions attended) and acceptability (classes helped them with their patient's OUD). The proportion of eINSPIRE patients (68 %) and UC patients (53 %) retained on buprenorphine at follow-up were similar (p = 0.203). SPs in both conditions reported similar reductions in their depression, anxiety, and impairment symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary data suggest that eINSPIRE groups may not be feasible in primary care without further adaptations for this population. A future study with a larger sample size is needed to elucidate the observed distribution differences in buprenorphine retention. Future research should also explore methods to reduce barriers to SP session attendance to improve the reach of this evidence-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chan Osilla
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | - Jennifer K Manuel
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 675 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States; San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
| | - Kirsten Becker
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
| | - Katherine Nameth
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1070 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
| | - Lane Burgette
- RAND Corporation, 1200 S Hayes St, Arlington, VA 22202, United States
| | - Allison J Ober
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
| | - Maria DeYoreo
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
| | | | - Brian Hurley
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Family Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention and Control 1000 S. Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803, United States
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Aymerich C, Pedruzo B, Salazar de Pablo G, Olazabal N, Catalan A, González-Torres MÁ. Number and nature of psychiatric emergency department visits in a tertiary hospital before, during, and after coronavirus pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1380401. [PMID: 38699456 PMCID: PMC11063275 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1380401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health globally, leading to a deterioration in the overall mental health of the population and changes across all healthcare levels, including emergency departments (ED). However, the evolution of the quantity and nature of psychiatric ED visits in the post-pandemic period remains uncertain. Aims To examine changes in the number and nature of psychiatric emergencies at a general hospital before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods Psychiatric ED visits from a tertiary hospital in the Basque Country (Spain) between January 2019 and November 2023 were investigated. Electronical health registers detailing the number and nature of psychiatric care consultations were analyzed for the study timeframe. Three periods were then compared: pre-pandemic (from January 2019 to February 2020), pandemic (from March 2020 to January 2022), and post-pandemic (from February 2022 onwards). Results 16,969 psychiatric ED visits were recorded for the study period. The number of psychiatric ED visits remained stable from pre-pandemic (269.93 visits/month) to pandemic (264.48 visits/month) periods but experienced a significant rise during the post-pandemic period (330.00 visits/month; t=-6.42; p<0.001), which was not reflected in medical and traumatological visits. The proportion of visits for anxiety (Z=-2.97; p=0.003), suicidal ideation (Z=-5.48; p<0.001), and administrative and social consultations (Z=-5.69; p<0.001) increased over the course of the pandemic. In contrast, visits for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (Z=4.85; p<0.001), as well as unspecified behavioral alterations (Z=2.51; p=0.012), significantly decreased. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath have altered the patterns of urgent psychiatric care, characterized by a sharp increase of average monthly number of consultations and a shift in their nature. Future efforts should focus on characterizing this surge in demand and enhancing both emergency services and outpatient settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Aymerich
- Psychiatry Department, Basurto University Hospital, Osakidetza, Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Organización Sanitaria Integrada (OSI) Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Borja Pedruzo
- Psychiatry Department, Basurto University Hospital, Osakidetza, Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Organización Sanitaria Integrada (OSI) Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, South London and Maudsley, NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nora Olazabal
- Psychiatry Department, Basurto University Hospital, Osakidetza, Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Organización Sanitaria Integrada (OSI) Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
- Neuroscience Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Catalan
- Psychiatry Department, Basurto University Hospital, Osakidetza, Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Organización Sanitaria Integrada (OSI) Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Ángel González-Torres
- Psychiatry Department, Basurto University Hospital, Osakidetza, Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain
- Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, Organización Sanitaria Integrada (OSI) Bilbao-Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Neuroscience Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Garrett C, Qiao S, Tam CC, Li X. Low-Cost Recruitment Approach: Utilizing Facebook Groups to Recruit COVID-19 Long-Haulers. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4078924. [PMID: 38586017 PMCID: PMC10996785 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4078924/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The accessibility of social media (e.g., Facebook groups) presents long-haulers with the ability to connect with others with similar experiences and symptomology that are likely outside of their physical social networks. Social media sites may serve as promising platforms for research recruitment, public health campaigns, or interventions. The present study aims to assess, and comprehensively present, the effectiveness of a low-cost approach to recruitment through groups on Facebook within the context of a broader study of COVID-19 long-haulers. Methods Facebook groups were searched using a variety of COVID-related terminology and included if they were in English, COVID-19 specific, public, and have or were approaching 1,000 or more members. Group administrators were either contacted for permission to post recruitment materials or posts were made and left pending administrator approval, depending on group settings. Group members were able to follow a link to the online survey platform (i.e., RedCap) where they provided informed consent and completed an online assessment of their COVID-19 experiences and psychosocial wellbeing. Upon survey completion participants were able to opt-in to a raffle-based incentive. The characteristics of the Facebook groups and demographic background of participants were assessed. Findings Contacting administrators and posts made between January and March of 2022 within 17 COVID-19 specific groups yielded a sample size of 460 long-haulers. The groups relied upon for recruitment had a mean size of 21,022 (SD=45,645.3), most had three or more administrators (43%), and a majority were state specific (60%). The long-hauler participants enrolled from the posts had an average age of 32 years (SD=6.19), approximately split between men (48.91%) and women (50.22%), a majority white (70%), having earned a bachelor's or postgraduate degree (63.48%), and reporting an annual income between $50,000 and $100,000 (56.09%). Discussion The present study presents strengths and recommendations for survey recruitment through Facebook groups as a low-cost recruitment strategy that is easily targeted to populations with a specific health condition and allows users to complete online psycho-behavioral assessments off-site on a HIPPA compliant survey platform.
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Grzejszczak J, Strzelecki D, Gabryelska A, Kotlicka-Antczak M. Evaluation of COVID-19 Effect on Mental Health, Self-Harm, and Suicidal Behaviors in Children and Adolescents Population. J Clin Med 2024; 13:744. [PMID: 38337437 PMCID: PMC10856233 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological state of the under-18 population includes an increased risk of psychopathological symptoms development and exacerbation of already present psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health problems in Polish children and adolescents with a focus on suicidal and self-harm behavior with the impact of the pandemic. METHODS The questionnaire collected demographic data, information regarding mental states and psychopathological symptoms, history of self-harm and suicidal behaviors, as well as the experience of psychological, and physical violence, and suicidal self-harm behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS In the final analysis, 782 responses were included. Self-evaluation of general and mental health scores was significantly lower during the pandemic among children (both p < 0.001) and adolescents (both p < 0.001). Moreover, general and mental health scores were lower among adolescents compared to children before (both p < 0.001) and during (both p < 0.001) the pandemic. The frequency of seeking help because of mental health problems increased during the pandemic among children and adolescents, while no changes were observed in the prevalence of psychiatric hospitalizations in either of the populations (p = 0.317 and p = 1.00, respectively). Out of autoregressive behaviors among children during the pandemic period, only the frequency of thinking about death increased (p = 0.038). No suicidal attempts were undertaken by children in either of the evaluated time periods. The presence of all autoaggressive behaviors was greater among adolescents compared to children both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A subjective decrease in psychophysical well-being, an increase in the frequency of seeking mental health help during the pandemic, as well as an increased prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were observed in the under-18 population as a potential consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and related socioeconomic changes. The marked increase in self-harm behavior in the adolescent population (age > 12) and the marked increase in the frequency of death thinking in children (age ≤ 12) suggests the need for greater awareness and easier access to professional help from mental health specialists, particularly in a time of unprecedented stress and social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoda Grzejszczak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Dominik Strzelecki
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Agata Gabryelska
- Department of Sleep Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
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Tsuzuki S, Murata F, Maeda M, Asai Y, Koizumi R, Ohmagari N, Fukuda H. Association between seasonal influenza vaccination and antimicrobial use in Japan from the 2015-16 to 2020-21 seasons: from the VENUS study. J Antimicrob Chemother 2023; 78:2976-2982. [PMID: 37897719 PMCID: PMC10689917 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkad340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seasonal influenza vaccination might be considered an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) countermeasure because it can reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use for acute respiratory infection by mitigating the burden of such diseases. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between seasonal influenza vaccination and antimicrobial use (AMU) in Japan at the community level and to examine the impact of influenza vaccination on the frequency of unnecessary antimicrobial prescription for upper respiratory infection. METHODS For patients who visited any healthcare facility in one of the 23 wards of Tokyo, Japan, due to upper respiratory infection and who were aged 65 years or older, we extracted data from the Vaccine Effectiveness, Networking, and Universal Safety (VENUS) study database, which includes all claims data and vaccination records from the 2015-16 to 2020-21 seasons. We used the average treatment effect (ATE) with 1:1 propensity score matching to examine the association of vaccination status with frequency of antibiotic prescription, frequency of healthcare facility consultation, risk of admission and risk of death in the follow-up period of the same season (from 1 January to 31 March). RESULTS In total, 244 642 people were enrolled. Matched data included 101 734 people in each of the unvaccinated and vaccinated groups. The ATE of vaccination was -0.004 (95% CI -0.006 to -0.002) for the frequency of antibiotic prescription, -0.005 (-0.007 to -0.004) for the frequency of healthcare facility consultation, -0.001 (-0.002 to -0.001) for the risk of admission and 0.00 (0.00 to 0.00) for the risk of death. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that seasonal influenza vaccination is associated with lower frequencies of unnecessary antibiotic prescription and of healthcare facility consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Tsuzuki
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fumiko Murata
- Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Megumi Maeda
- Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Asai
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Koizumi
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Ohmagari
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Fukuda
- Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Fong TC, Yip PS. Prevalence of hikikomori and associations with suicidal ideation, suicide stigma, and help-seeking among 2,022 young adults in Hong Kong. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:1768-1780. [PMID: 37191282 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231174376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults are at elevated risks of hikikomori (severe social withdrawal) under the COVID-19 pandemic, which could lead to psychological distress and suicidal ideation. AIMS The present study aimed to examine the associations among hikikomori, suicide stigma, suicidal ideation, and help-seeking behaviors among young adults in Hong Kong. METHOD This study recruited a large sample of 2,022 young adults in Hong Kong via an online survey at the end of 2021. The participants completed the Hikikomori Questionnaire and validated measures on psychological distress, suicide stigma, and suicidal ideation severity and report their help-seeking behaviors. Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to compare the profiles of the hikikomori groups. Path analysis evaluated the effects of hikikomori and suicide stigma on occurrence and severity of suicidal ideation and their associations with help-seeking behaviors. RESULTS Hikikomori showed significant and positive indirect effects on prevalence and severity of suicidal ideation via psychological distress. Glorification positively predicted hikikomori and suicidal ideation severity among suicidal persons. Hikikomori was associated with reduced help-seeking. Isolation and suicidal ideation were associated with greater barriers to seek help among the non-help-seekers. Perceived helpfulness of sought help was negatively associated with hikikomori and suicidal ideation among the help-seekers. CONCLUSIONS The present findings demonstrated greater prevalence and severity of suicidal ideation and less help-seeking in young adults with hikikomori. Suicide stigma showed differential associations with hikikomori, suicidal ideation, and help-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted Ct Fong
- Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul Sf Yip
- HKJC Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong, China
- Dept of Social Work & Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, China
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Huang R, Peng X, Yu S, Tian Y, Gao C. Attitudes and intentions toward seeking professional psychological help among Chinese healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1223895. [PMID: 37779617 PMCID: PMC10539927 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1223895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been suggested that healthcare workers (HCWs) are experiencing massive stressors that threaten their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, but little is known about their attitudes and intentions toward seeking professional psychological help. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes and intentions of Chinese HCWs toward seeking professional psychological help during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated factors. Methods A total of 1,224 Chinese HCWs working in hospitals were recruited online from 12 hospitals in Hunan province in China for a survey conducted in November 2022. The Chinese version of the attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help scale-short form (ATSPPH-SF) and the general help-seeking questionnaire (GHSQ) were separately used to assess the attitudes and intentions of the respondents toward seeking professional psychological help. Demographic and socio-psychological data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire, the perceived social support scale, the self-stigma of seeking help scale, and the patient health questionnaire-9 scale. Results The 1,208 HCWs in the final analysis showed relatively negative attitudes and low intentions toward seeking professional psychological help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that female sex (p = 0.031), experience of psychological learning (p < 0.001), and social support (p < 0.001) had a positive predictive effect on the attitudes of these HCWs toward seeking professional psychological help, whereas self-stigma of seeking help (p < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) exerted negative effects. Moreover, experience of psychological learning (p = 0.004) and social support (p < 0.001) had a positive predictive effect on the intentions of these HCWs toward seeking professional psychological help, whereas divorced marital status (p = 0.011) and self-stigma of seeking help (p < 0.001) exerted negative effects. Conclusion The overall attitudes and intentions of HCWs toward seeking professional psychological help were not optimistic. Effective interventions targeted at influencing factors should be formulated to promote the professional psychological help-seeking attitudes and intentions of HCWs who are at risk of developing mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Huang
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Xiaoyan Peng
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Shuai Yu
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Yumei Tian
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
| | - Chuanying Gao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, China
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van der Schyff EL, Amon KL, Ridout B, Forsyth R, Campbell AJ. Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior of Male Video Game Players: An Online Survey. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2023; 26:717-723. [PMID: 37540082 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2023.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Video gaming is a popular pastime for young males, having been shown to have both positive and negative effects on players' mental health. The aim of the current study was to ascertain the rate that male video gamers may seek mental health support for mental ill-health generally. The secondary aims were to (a) identify the most prolific barriers to seeking help; (b) determine how confident this group is to seek help; and (c) whether the variance in help-seeking efficacy be explained, in part, by age, hours gamed, self-esteem, and social capital. The survey included sections on demographic information, standardized measures of self-esteem (The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), social capital (The Social Capital in Gaming Scale), help-seeking efficacy (Self-Efficacy to Seek Mental Health Care Scale), and non-standardized measures of help-seeking behavior and help-seeking barriers. The survey of 2,515 participants had a mean age of 21.37 years. The analysis identified that most participants had not sought mental health support for themselves. The most prolific barriers for this cohort to seek help were cost, confidentiality, and trust. Confidence to seek help was rated the lowest for overcoming embarrassment, understanding information, and coping with others' reactions. Help-seeking efficacy was found to be significantly predicted by age, hours spent gaming, self-esteem, and social capital. Low rates of seeking help, coupled with identifying the significant barriers of this group to seek help, may inform researchers aiming to develop targeted interventions for male youth interested in gaming and who are exhibiting mental ill-health to gain initial access, or engage more often, with mental health services when needed. Further research is recommended for investigating male gamers' insights in determining how to overcome the identified barriers for this cohort to improve mental health seeking behavior rather than avoidant behavior. From this, stigma reduction and ease of access to digital mental health services could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L van der Schyff
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Krestina L Amon
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Brad Ridout
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Rowena Forsyth
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Andrew J Campbell
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Linton S, Xu K, Hossenbaccus L, Botting H, Garvey S, Sunavsky A, Steacy LM, Tripp DA, Ellis AK. Anxiety in adults with asthma during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a Canadian perspective. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 19:73. [PMID: 37612771 PMCID: PMC10463471 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-023-00833-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease that affects millions of Canadians and often contributes to higher levels of anxiety among patients. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a time of increased anxiety and fear among the Canadian population, it was thought that those with asthma may experience heightened anxiety levels due to uncertain access to care, the potential to misinterpret asthma symptoms for symptoms of COVID-19 (or vice versa), and the concern about being treated differently by those around them when experiencing asthma symptoms. Therefore, this study sought to perform a cross-sectional analysis of the asthma-anxiety relationship in adults with and without asthma in the unique context of the COVID-19 pandemic from a Canadian perspective. METHODS This study employed the COVID-19 Associated Anxiety in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma patients Experiencing Symptoms (CAAARES) survey, consisting of COVID-19-specific questions, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (GAD-7) and the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Data collection occurred through the Qualtrics XM platform and data analyses were conducted with the IBM SPSS Statistics 28 software. RESULTS A total of 741 valid responses were collected (asthma group, n = 244; control group, n = 497). 31.6% and 26.2% of respondents in the asthma and control groups, respectively, met the diagnostic criteria for GAD. There was no significant difference (p = .067) in mean GAD-7 scores between the two groups. A Hierarchal Multiple Regression (HMR) model was developed, and neither asthma status nor ACQ-6 score had a significant predictive effect on the GAD-7 score. There was a statistically significant (p < .001) weak positive correlation (r = .22) between GAD-7 and ACQ-6 scores. In a simple mediation (SMM) model, perceived COVID-19 stress of others was not identified as a significant mediator of the relationship between ACQ-6 and GAD-7 (indirect effect β = 0.014). CONCLUSION Our study of a Canadian cohort demonstrates elevated levels of anxiety overall, amongst both asthma and control groups. While AR status was significantly greater in the asthma group, it was not a significant predictive variable of GAD-7 score. Our data suggests that COVID-19-specific factors appear to have a greater contribution to anxiety than asthma status or control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Linton
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston General Health Research Institute-Allergy Research Unit, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston Health Science Centre-KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Kayley Xu
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Lubnaa Hossenbaccus
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston General Health Research Institute-Allergy Research Unit, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston Health Science Centre-KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah Botting
- Kingston General Health Research Institute-Allergy Research Unit, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston Health Science Centre-KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Garvey
- Kingston General Health Research Institute-Allergy Research Unit, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston Health Science Centre-KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Adam Sunavsky
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa M Steacy
- Kingston General Health Research Institute-Allergy Research Unit, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston Health Science Centre-KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Dean A Tripp
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anne K Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Kingston General Health Research Institute-Allergy Research Unit, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Kingston Health Science Centre-KGH Site, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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10
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Kawai K, Tachimori H, Yamamoto Y, Nakatani Y, Iwasaki S, Sekiguchi A, Kim Y, Tamura N. Trends in the effect of COVID-19 on consultations for persons with clinical and subclinical eating disorders. Biopsychosoc Med 2023; 17:29. [PMID: 37559073 PMCID: PMC10410894 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-023-00285-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the risk of individuals developing eating disorders and has exacerbated existing eating disorders. This observational study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with clinical and subclinical eating disorders. METHODS This study was conducted over a period of four years: two years before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. We recorded the number and types of consultations provided by the Eating Disorder Treatment and Support Center coordinator. For subgroup analysis, data were classified by age, body mass index, and source of consultation, including patients, families, and personnel. The Seasonal Decomposition of Time Series by Loess was used for time series analysis. RESULTS The total number of consultations increased after the start of the pandemic and peaked around the beginning of 2022, before subsequently falling despite the increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. A similar trend was observed in patients aged 10-29 years. The study period coincided with social isolation and school/college/university closures. CONCLUSIONS The number of eating disorder consultations increased after the start of the pandemic. Although COVID-19 infections persisted, the pandemic's impact was transient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Kawai
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa City, 272-8516, Chiba, Japan.
- Chiba Prefecture Support Center for Eating Disorders, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan.
| | - Hisateru Tachimori
- Endowed Course for Health System Innovation, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Translational Medical Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yurie Yamamoto
- Chiba Prefecture Support Center for Eating Disorders, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health Medicine, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakatani
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa City, 272-8516, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinmi Iwasaki
- Chiba Prefecture Support Center for Eating Disorders, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sekiguchi
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naho Tamura
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa City, 272-8516, Chiba, Japan
- Chiba Prefecture Support Center for Eating Disorders, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
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11
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Bian C, Chen SY, Yan SR, Zhao WW, Wang RX, Cheng Y, Zhang YH. Measurement properties of patient-reported outcome measures of mental help-seeking attitude: a systematic review of psychometric properties. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182670. [PMID: 37539330 PMCID: PMC10394894 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background At present, the phenomenon of patients with mental disorders not seeking mental help is very serious, and the mental help-seeking attitude is the central structure of the help process. However, there is no consensus on which patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) should be used to assess mental help-seeking attitudes. Objective The systematic review aims to critically appraise, compare, and summarize the measurement quality of the all-available PROMs about mental help-seeking attitudes to provide evidence-based guidance and reference for clinical researchers. Methods A systematic search was conducted in 9 databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, APA, CINAHL, Sinomed, CNKI, and WanFang) since the establishment of the database until November 30, 2022 to identify articles on the PROMs of mental help-seeking attitudes. We used the COSMIN guidelines to evaluate the methodological quality and measurement properties of all-available PROMs, and a modified Grading, Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to evaluate the level of evidence supporting each rating. Finally, the recommendation level is given according to the overall quality of each PROM. Results We identified 29 studies representing 13 PROMs out of 2,828 screening studies. The overall quality of the included PROMs varied, with 6 rated as class B, 6 as class C, and only the Mental Help Seeking Attitudes Scale (MHSAS) as class A. Conclusion The measurement characteristics of MHSAS have been the most comprehensive evaluation, and it has good reliability and validity, and high feasibility for clinical application, so it can be temporarily recommended for use, but the above conclusions still need to be supported by more high-quality evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Bian
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Yan Chen
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shi-Rui Yan
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zhao
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ru-Xuan Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Hong Zhang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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12
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McLaren T, Peter LJ, Tomczyk S, Muehlan H, Schomerus G, Schmidt S. The Seeking Mental Health Care model: prediction of help-seeking for depressive symptoms by stigma and mental illness representations. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:69. [PMID: 36627597 PMCID: PMC9831378 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14937-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Only about half the people with depression seek professional health care services. To constitute the different predictors and associating variables of health care utilisation, we model the process and aim to test our hypothesised Seeking Mental Health Care Model. The model includes empirical influences on the help-seeking process to predict actual behaviour and incorporates superordinate (stigma, treatment experiences) as well as intermediate attitudinal variables (continuum and causal beliefs, depression literacy and self-efficacy). METHOD All variables are examined in an online study (baseline, three- and six-month follow-up). The sample consisted of adults with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 sum score ≥ 8), currently not receiving mental health care treatment. To examine the prediction of variables explaining help-seeking behaviour, a path model analysis was carried out (lavaan package, software R). RESULTS Altogether, 1368 participants (Mage = 42.38, SDage = 15.22, 65.6% female) were included, 983 participating in at least one follow-up. Model fit was excellent (i.e., RMSEA = 0.059, CFI = 0.989), and the model confirmed most of the hypothesised predictions. Intermediary variables were significantly associated with stigma and experiences. Depression literacy (ß = .28), continuum beliefs (ß = .11) and openness to a balanced biopsychosocial causal model (ß = .21) significantly influenced self-identification (R2 = .35), which among the causal beliefs and self-efficacy influenced help-seeking intention (R2 = .10). Intention (ß = .40) prospectively predicted help-seeking behaviour (R2 = .16). CONCLUSION The Seeking Mental Health Care Model provides an empirically validated conceptualisation of the help-seeking process of people with untreated depressive symptoms as a comprehensive approach considering internal influences. Implications and open questions are discussed, e.g., regarding differentiated assessment of self-efficacy, usefulness of continuum beliefs and causal beliefs in anti-stigma work, and replication of the model for other mental illnesses. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00023557. Registered 11 December 2020. World Health Organization, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1264-9954. Registered 16 February 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas McLaren
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lina-Jolien Peter
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University Leipzig, Semmelweisstr. 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Samuel Tomczyk
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Holger Muehlan
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georg Schomerus
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University Leipzig, Semmelweisstr. 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Semmelweisstr. 10, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Silke Schmidt
- grid.5603.0Department of Health and Prevention, Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Robert-Blum Str. 13, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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13
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Yamauchi T, Shimazaki T, Yanagisawa H, Suka M. Formal and informal help-seeking intentions/behaviors among students and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. Environ Health Prev Med 2023; 28:53. [PMID: 37743523 PMCID: PMC10519802 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Students and workers have been subjected to increased levels of psychological distress due to the quarantine policy and containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review aimed to present an overview of published evidence regarding formal and informal help-seeking intentions/behaviors for non-mental health-related issues as well as mental health-related issues among students and workers during the pandemic. METHODS In June 2022, we searched MEDLINE, APA PsycNet, and CINAHL for articles reporting the state of help-seeking intentions/behaviors among students and workers during the pandemic. Peer-reviewed original articles published in English were selected. RESULTS In total, 150 articles were identified, and 12 articles were selected for final analysis after removing articles that met the exclusion criteria. Three studies targeted university students, and nine targeted healthcare workers. Study settings were restricted to Western countries and China. Of the 12 studies, 11 were observational and predominantly cross-sectional studies. Two longitudinal studies using student samples suggested that university students became more reluctant to seek help from both formal and informal sources during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before, despite the increased need for support during the pandemic. Among healthcare workers, the proportions of those who sought help from formal sources in person were low (7-26%), even among those with mental health issues, despite the increase in the need for mental health services. One randomized controlled study reported that a brief video-based intervention increased treatment-seeking intentions among healthcare workers in the intervention group compared with the non-intervention group. CONCLUSIONS The present review revealed that, although most studies included in the final analysis were cross-sectional, intentions/behaviors to seek help from both formal and informal sources decreased among university students, even those with mental health issues. Among healthcare workers, while the frequency of help-seeking from formal sources in person was low, a brief online intervention was suggested to be useful for promoting help-seeking from formal sources. During public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, system and infrastructure development of online help-seeking services could potentially promote formal and informal help-seeking intentions/behaviors for diverse issues, including non-mental health-related issues, among university students and healthcare workers/providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamauchi
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimazaki
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yanagisawa
- The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Machi Suka
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
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