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Jones MS, Kevorkian SS, Lehmann PS, Chouhy C, Meldrum RC. Adverse childhood experiences, gender, and suicidality among Florida high school students: Examining intervening mechanisms. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 153:106834. [PMID: 38704885 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) represent a key risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents. However, the intervening mechanisms linking ACEs and suicidality, and whether such processes vary by gender, remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE The present study examines whether the relationships between ACEs and the likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide are indirect through depressive symptoms and low self-control. This study also investigates whether these direct and indirect paths might be moderated by gender. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The analyses make use of data on a statewide representative sample of students enrolled in public high schools in Florida (N = 23,078) from the 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS). METHODS Generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) was used to estimate the direct and indirect effects of ACEs on the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and attempting suicide. The indirect effects were assessed using bootstrapping, and between-gender differences in the coefficients were tested. RESULTS ACEs has direct associations with depressive symptoms, low self-control, and both suicidality outcomes. The effects of ACEs on suicidal thoughts are indirect through both depressive symptoms and low self-control, and the effects of ACEs on suicide attempts are indirect through depressive symptoms. Limited gender differences in these pathways emerge. CONCLUSIONS For male and female youth, ACEs are associated with heightened depression symptoms and reduced self-control, and both of these factors partially explain the previously established relationship between ACEs and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Jones
- Department of Sociology, Brigham Young University, United States of America
| | - Salpi S Kevorkian
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida International University, United States of America
| | - Peter S Lehmann
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Sam Houston State University, United States of America
| | - Cecilia Chouhy
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State Univeristy, United States of America
| | - Ryan C Meldrum
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University, United States of America
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Jewett PI, Taliaferro LA, Borowsky IW, Mathiason MA, Areba EM. Structural adverse childhood experiences associated with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury among racially and ethnically minoritized youth. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024. [PMID: 38651757 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13084] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High rates of suicidal ideation (SI), suicide attempts (SA), and repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among some ethnoracially minoritized United States youth populations may be related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with structural roots. METHODS Using the 2013-2019 Minnesota Student Surveys, we assessed associations of student-reported structural ACEs (parental incarceration, housing instability, food insecurity, and foster care involvement) with SI, SA, and repetitive NSSI within the past 12 months using multilevel logistic regression stratified by ethnoracial group (American Indian/Alaskan Native [AIAN], Hmong, other Asian, Black Latino, other Latino, Somali, other Black/African American [AA], Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [NHPI], and multiracial), and adjusted for sex, grade, ACEs experienced within one's household, mental health treatment, and perceived safety. RESULTS Structural ACEs were strongly associated with increasing SI, SA, and NSSI. At ≥2 structural ACEs, repetitive NSSI rates ranged from 7% to 29% (female), 8% to 20% (male); SA rates ranged from 13% to 35% (female), 10% to 22% (male); and SI rates ranged from 31% to 50% (female), 20% to 32% (male). Black Latino, NHPI, AIAN, and Black/AA students most often reported structural ACE exposures. CONCLUSION Reducing structural ACEs may reduce SI, SA, and repetitive NSSI among ethnoracially minoritized youth populations. Disaggregating diverse youth groups revealed variations in these outcomes that remain hidden when subpopulations are aggregated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Jewett
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lindsay A Taliaferro
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Iris W Borowsky
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Eunice M Areba
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Ibeziako P, Kaufman K, Campbell E, Zou B, Samsel C, Qayyum Z, Caracansi A, Ray A. Reducing Pediatric Mental Health Boarding and Increasing Acute Care Access. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2024:S2667-2960(24)00044-2. [PMID: 38583523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2024.04.001] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been notable increases in pediatric mental health boarding in the United States in recent years, with youth remaining in emergency departments or admitted to inpatient medical/surgical units, awaiting placement in psychiatric treatment programs. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of interventions to reduce boarding and improve access to acute psychiatric services at a large tertiary pediatric hospital during a national pediatric mental health crisis. METHODS Boarding interventions included expanding inpatient psychiatric beds and hiring additional staff for enhanced crisis stabilization services and treatment initiation in the emergency department and on inpatient medical/surgical units for boarding patients awaiting placement. Post-hoc assessment was conducted via retrospective review of patients presenting with mental health emergencies during the beginning of intervention implementation in October-December 2021 and one year later (October-December 2022). Inclusion criteria were patients ≤17 years who presented with mental health-related emergencies during the study period. Exclusion criteria were patients ≥18 years and/or patients with >100 days of admission awaiting long-term placement. Primary outcome was mean length of boarding (LOB). Secondary outcome was mean length of stay (LOS) at the hospital's acute psychiatry units. RESULTS One year after full intervention implementation (October-December 2022), mean LOB decreased by 53% (4.3 vs 9.1 days, P < 0.0001) for boarding patients discharged to high (e.g., inpatient, acute residential) and intermediate (e.g., partial hospital, in-home crisis stabilization programs) levels of care, compared to October-December 2021. Additionally, mean LOS at all the 24-hour acute psychiatry treatment programs was reduced by 27% (20.0 vs 14.6 days, P = 0.0002), and more patients were able to access such programs (265/54.2% vs 221/41.9%, P < 0.0001). Across both years, youth with aggressive behaviors had 193% longer LOB (2.93 ± 1.15, 95% CI [2.23, 3.87]) than those without aggression, and youth with previous psychiatric admissions had 88% longer LOB than those without (1.88 ± 1.11, 95% CI [1.54, 2.30]). CONCLUSIONS The current study shows decreased LOB and improved access for youth requiring acute psychiatric treatment after comprehensive interventions and highlights challenges with placement for youth with aggressive behaviors. We recommend a call-to-action for pediatric hospitals to commit sufficient investment in acute psychiatric resources to address pediatric mental health boarding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Ibeziako
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Katy Kaufman
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Campbell
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA
| | - Billy Zou
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chase Samsel
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Zheala Qayyum
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Annmarie Caracansi
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aliza Ray
- Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston, MA
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Musella KE, DiFonte MC, Michel R, Stamates A, Flannery-Schroeder E. Emotion regulation as a mediator in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and symptoms of social anxiety among college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38466343 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2325926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study explored emotion regulation strategies (ie, suppression, cognitive reappraisal, experiential avoidance) as mediators in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and social anxiety. PARTICIPANTS One hundred and ninety-three undergraduate students (Mage = 19.5 years; 83.9% female) were recruited from a public university in the northeastern United States. METHODS Participants completed measures assessing childhood maltreatment, emotion regulation strategies, and social anxiety. RESULTS Structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediation paths. Childhood maltreatment was negatively associated with cognitive reappraisal and experiential avoidance, and positively associated with suppression. Higher suppression was associated with higher social anxiety, and higher experiential avoidance was associated with lower social anxiety. The association between childhood maltreatment and symptoms of social anxiety was mediated by suppression and experiential avoidance, but not cognitive reappraisal. All other paths were nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that treatments for childhood maltreatment should aim to bolster experiential avoidance and minimize suppression to address social anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine E Musella
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Maria C DiFonte
- Anxiety Disorders Center, Institute of Living, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rebecca Michel
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Amy Stamates
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Taussig HN, Fulginiti A, Racz SJ, Evans R, Cary Katz C. Long-term impact of the Fostering Healthy Futures for Preteens program on suicide-related thoughts and behaviors for youth in out-of-home care: A randomized controlled trial. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38436484 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Youth in out-of-home care are at high risk for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors (STB), yet there are no known efficacious interventions that reduce STB for this population. Fostering Healthy Futures for Preteens (FHF-P) is a 9-month community-based mentoring and skills training preventive intervention for children in out-of-home care. A randomized controlled trial enrolled 156 participants aged 9-11 years who were placed in out-of-home care over the prior year. Participants were 48.9% female, 54.1% Hispanic, 30.1% Black, and 27.1% American Indian. Follow-up interviews, conducted 7-12 years postintervention (85.2% retention rate), asked young adult participants, aged 18-22, to self-report lifetime STB as indexed by non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal thoughts, plans, and/or attempts. There was a nonsignificant reduction in the odds of STB for the intervention group at follow-up (OR = 0.74; CI, 0.32, 1.69). However, FHF-P significantly moderated the effect of baseline STB; control youth who reported baseline STB had 10 times the odds of young adult STB (OR = 10.44, CI, 2.28, 47.78), but there was no increase in the odds of adult-reported STB for intervention youth. Findings suggest that FHF-P buffers the impact of pre-existing STB on young adult STB for care-experienced youth. Further research is needed to identify mechanisms that may reduce STB in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather N Taussig
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Kempe Center, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Anthony Fulginiti
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Sarah J Racz
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Rhiannon Evans
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Colleen Cary Katz
- Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY, New York, New York, USA
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Raney JH, Weinstein S, Ganson KT, Testa A, Jackson DB, Pantell M, Glidden DV, Brindis CD, Nagata JM. Mental Well-Being Among Adversity-Exposed Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e242076. [PMID: 38477919 PMCID: PMC10938185 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.2076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Further research is needed to understand factors associated with well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Objective To explore factors associated with improved mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents who have experienced ACEs. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the baseline (2016-2018) and sixth (March 2021) COVID Rapid Response Research (RRR) surveys of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, which includes 21 sites across the US. Adolescents aged 11 to 15 years who completed the COVID RRR mental health measures were included. Data analyses were conducted from June to August 2023. Exposures School-based factors (eg, in-person school) and 8 coping behaviors (eg, exercise). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were adolescent-reported positive affect (PA) and perceived stress (PS). Adolescents were stratified by no ACEs, low-to-intermediate ACEs (1-3), and high ACEs (≥4). Linear regressions estimated associations between factors and mental health, adjusting for potential confounders. Unstandardized beta coefficients (B) were compared with equality of coefficients tests. Results The 4515 adolescents in this study (mean [SD] age, 13.3 [0.88] years; 51% [95% CI, 50% to 53%] female) were racially and ethnically diverse (American Indian/Alaska Native, 2% [95% CI, 2% to 3%]; Asian, 8% [95% CI, 7% to 9%]; Black, 11% [95% CI, 10% to 12%]; Latino or Hispanic, 17% [95% CI, 15% to 18%]; White, 61% [95% CI, 60% to 63%]; other, 1% [95% CI, 0% to 2%]). For youths with high ACEs, caring for one's body (PA B = 4.02 [95% CI, 1.39 to 6.66]; PS B = -0.92 [95% CI, -1.84 to 0.00]), exercising (PA B = 3.19 [95% CI, 0.46 to 5.92]; PS B = -1.41 [95% CI, -2.40 to -0.43]), and engaging in healthy behaviors (PA B = 4.07 [95% CI, 1.28 to 6.84]; PS B = -1.01 [95% CI, -1.98 to -0.05]) were associated with higher PA and lower PS scores. In-person schooling had a greater impact on PA scores for youths with high ACEs (B = 5.55 [95% CI, 2.08 to 9.01]) than youths with low-to-intermediate ACEs (B = 1.27 [95% CI, 0.27 to 2.27]). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that in-person schooling and several coping behaviors (caring for one's body, exercising, and engaging in healthy behaviors) were associated with significantly higher PA and lower PS during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents with high ACEs. Adolescents with high ACEs demonstrated especially greater mental health scores when they reported in-person schooling. Future studies should build on these findings to identify clinical and school-based mental health protective factors for adolescents with high ACE risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia H. Raney
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | - Kyle T. Ganson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Testa
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Dylan B. Jackson
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew Pantell
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - David V. Glidden
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Claire D. Brindis
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Jason M. Nagata
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco
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Iverson IA, Cook NE, Iverson GL. Adverse childhood experiences are associated with perceived cognitive difficulties among high school students in the United States. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1293013. [PMID: 38375116 PMCID: PMC10875032 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1293013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with mental health and cognitive problems, and mental health problems are associated with perceived cognitive difficulties among adolescents. The unique contribution of ACEs to cognitive difficulties after adjusting for poor mental health is not well understood and represents the purpose of this study. Methods The Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey was conducted in 2021 with high school students in the United States. Cognitive difficulty was assessed with: 'Because of a physical, mental, or emotional problem, do you have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?' Four ACEs were examined: sexual violence (lifetime and past 12 months), parental emotional abuse, and parental physical abuse. Students were asked about feeling sad or hopeless (past year), considering suicide (past year), and having poor mental health (past month). Binary logistic regressions examined the association between ACEs and cognitive problems, adjusting for mental health. Results Participants were 6,945 students. Students reporting poor mental health were very likely to endorse difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions (girls = 81% and boys = 67%). Cognitive difficulty was uncommon among students who denied poor mental health (girls = 17% and boys = 12%). For boys [p < 0.001; R2 = 0.22] and girls [p < 0.001; R2 = 0.31], after adjusting for mental health problems, independent predictors of cognitive difficulties included parental verbal abuse and physical abuse. For girls, lifetime forced sexual intercourse and sexual violence during the past year were also independently associated. Conclusion ACEs are associated with perceived cognitive difficulty in both adolescent girls and boys, even after adjusting for poor mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ila A. Iverson
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nathan E. Cook
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Mass General for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Grant L. Iverson
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
- Mass General for Children Sports Concussion Program, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Schoen Adams Research Institute at Spaulding Rehabilitation, Charlestown, MA, United States
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Colpe L, Blair JM, Kurikeshu R, Mack KA, Nashelsky M, O'Connor S, Pearson J, Pilkey D, Warner M, Weintraub B. Research, practice, and data informed investigations of child and youth suicide: A science to service and service to science approach. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2024; 88:406-413. [PMID: 38485383 PMCID: PMC10940730 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide rates for children and adolescents have been increasing over the past 2 decades. In April 2023, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) convened a two-day workshop to address child and youth suicide. PURPOSE The workshop focus was to discuss the state of the science and stimulate a collaborative response between researchers, death investigators, and data collection teams to build a science to service and service to science approach toward understanding - and ultimately preventing - this growing problem of child and youth suicide. HIGHLIGHTS Topics that meeting participants highlighted as worthy of further consideration for research and practice were: increasing awareness among death investigators, medical examiners, and coroners that child suicide deaths under age 10 years do occur and should be investigated and documented accordingly; emphasizing the value of science based protocols for child and youth death investigations to enhance consistency of approaches; and articulating needs for postvention services to suicide loss survivors. OUTCOMES The importance of collecting an accurate and complete cause and manner of death (i.e., unintentional, suicide, homicide, undetermined) among all child decedents, and demographic information such as race, ethnicity, and sexual/gender minority status was underscored as critical for enhanced surveillance. For prevention efforts, approaches to assessing and understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviors among diverse groups of children, and the variability in proximal and distal risk factors are needed to inform opportunities for preventive interventions for diverse communities. The need for consistent measures and processes to improve death investigations, fatality review committees, and coordination between data collection systems and agencies was also raised. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Collaborations among researchers, death investigators, and data collection teams can help to fully describe the child and youth suicide crisis and provide actionable information for new research, and prevention and response efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Colpe
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, United States
| | - Janet M Blair
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, United States
| | - Rebecca Kurikeshu
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, United States
| | - Karin A Mack
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, United States.
| | - Marcus Nashelsky
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, United States; University of Iowa, United States
| | - Stephen O'Connor
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, United States
| | - Jane Pearson
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, United States
| | - Diane Pilkey
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, United States
| | - Margaret Warner
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, United States
| | - Brendan Weintraub
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, United States
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Suh BC, Gallaway MS, Celaya MF. Supportive Relationships Mitigate the Effect of Cumulative Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences on Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Suicide Considerations-The Arizona Youth Risk Behavior Survey. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:161. [PMID: 38397273 PMCID: PMC10887230 DOI: 10.3390/children11020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Declining adolescent mental health is a significant public health concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders have led to missed social connections with peers and adults outside households, and this has increased the risk of mental health problems in children and adolescents, particularly those with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Studies have shown that strong interpersonal support improves adolescent mental health. We examined the association between ACEs and poor mental health (including stress, anxiety, and depression) and how the presence of interpersonal support from caring adults and friends and school connectedness can mitigate this relationship among adolescents in Arizona. This study analyzed data from the 2021 Arizona Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS; n = 1181), a population-based survey conducted biennially across the United States. The Arizona sample included high school students in grades 9-12 who were enrolled in public and charter schools. This study revealed that nearly three of four adolescents experienced an ACE, and one of five experienced ≥4 ACEs. Compared with adolescents who experienced zero ACEs, those with ≥4 ACEs experienced less interpersonal support from caring adults, friends, and school and more frequently reported poor mental health and suicidal thoughts. However, adolescents with interpersonal support consistently reported lower rates of mental health issues, even with exposure to multiple ACEs. Post-pandemic programs to improve social relationships with adults, peers, and schools are critical, especially for adolescents with multiple adversities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin C. Suh
- Arizona Department of Health Services, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA;
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Jung SI, Lee SY, Kim DJ, Yang CM. Risk Factors and Trends in Adolescent's Suicide Attempt Rates Before and After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e32. [PMID: 38258364 PMCID: PMC10803209 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding adolescents' mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and identifying those most at risk is an urgent public health challenge. This study explored the trend of suicide attempts and the association between loneliness, family financial stress, and suicide attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents. METHODS Data of the 2020 to 2022 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Surveys for adolescents aged 13-18 years were used. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between suicide attempts, family financial stress, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS The trend of suicide attempt rates was lowest in 2020 (1.9%, 1,034 out of 53,534) and it showed an increasing trend with rates of 2.2% (1,159 out of 53,445) in 2021 and 2.5% (1,271 out of 50,455) in 2022. The risk of suicide attempt was higher among adolescents who experienced financial stress (in 2020: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-1.88; in 2021: AOR, 1.63, 95% CI, 1.03-1.54) and felt lonely (in 2020: AOR, 2.19, 95% CI, 1.78-2.70; in 2021: AOR, 2.65, 95% CI, 2.16-3.26; in 2022: AOR, 1.3, 95% CI, 1.04-1.55) than those who did not. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic affected the suicide attempts of adolescents, with financial stress and feelings of loneliness closely linked to this impact. Although the pandemic nears its end, the persistent risk of suicide attempts among adolescents remains a concern. Therefore, it is imperative to implement targeted screening and interventions to address adolescent suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-In Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea
| | - Sang-Yeol Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Dae-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Incheon Chamsarang Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Chan-Mo Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea.
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Qi C, Yang N. An examination of the effects of family, school, and community resilience on high school students' resilience in China. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1279577. [PMID: 38274696 PMCID: PMC10809992 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1279577] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Resilience plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic accomplishments, psychological well-being, and future prospects of high school students. Despite its significance, there is a notable dearth of studies examining the current state and determinants of resilience among high school students in China. Methods This research addresses this gap by assessing and exploring levels of resilience and their interconnections across four key domains-individual, family, school, and community-among Chinese high school students. The study also investigates variations in resilience based on factors such as gender, geographical location, and grade levels. A total of 667 high school students participated in the study, responding to four resilience scales. Results Chinese high school students exhibited generally low levels of resilience, with family resilience ranking the highest and community resilience the lowest. The study revealed that resilience is positively influenced by resilience levels in school, family, and community settings. Consequently, strategies aimed at fortifying resilience should prioritize interventions in familial, educational, and communal environments. Discussion Moreover, the research findings indicate noteworthy disparities in resilience among high school students based on gender, urban-rural divide, and grade levels. Female, urban, and lower-grade students displayed higher resilience compared to their male, rural, and higher-grade counterparts. This highlights the importance of focusing on resilience-building measures tailored to male, rural, and higher-grade high school students, given their increased likelihood of facing significant challenges and stressors in both academic and personal spheres. Conclusion This study contributes to the broader understanding of resilience by investigating the correlations between individual, family, school, and community resilience among Chinese high school students. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance resilience, particularly in specific demographic groups, thereby advancing the efficacy of resilience-building techniques in high school settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Qi
- College of Education, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
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12
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Rosen L, Felice KT, Walsh T. Kids in crisis: The whole health learning solution. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:79-81. [PMID: 37380517 PMCID: PMC10291307 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Rosen
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, United States.
| | - Kate Tumelty Felice
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, United States
| | - Taylor Walsh
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, United States
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Azarmehr R, Reck AJ, Zhang L, Oshri A. COVID-19-related stress exacerbates the effect of child maltreatment on negative affect via increased identity confusion during adolescence. J Adolesc 2024; 96:18-30. [PMID: 37718632 PMCID: PMC10843095 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to childhood maltreatment may undermine the crucial developmental task of identity formation in adolescence, placing them at risk for developing negative affect. The current study investigated whether COVID-19-related stress intensified the indirect link between child maltreatment and adolescents' negative affect through identity confusion. METHOD Using multidimensional assessments of child maltreatment (threat vs. deprivation), the study included a sample of 124 adolescents (Mage = 12.89, SD = 0.79; 52% female) assessed before (January 2018 to March 2020) and during the pandemic (May to October 2020) in Georgia, United States. The majority of the participants were European American (78.8%), followed by African American (11.5%), Hispanic (3.8%), Asian/Pacific Islander (1.0%), and other (4.8%). We used structural equation modeling to test (a) the mediating role of identity confusion in the link between childhood maltreatment and negative affect and (b) whether COVID-19-related stress moderated these indirect effects. Simple slopes and Johnson-Neyman plots were generated to probe regions of significant interaction effects. RESULTS Threat and deprivation predicted an increase in adolescent identity confusion. Additionally, childhood threat and deprivation were indirectly linked to adolescents' negative affect through increased levels of identity confusion. COVID-19-related stress significantly exacerbated the link between identity confusion and negative affect. CONCLUSION Identity confusion is a mechanism underlying the link between child maltreatment and the development of negative affect in adolescence. Our results inform prevention and intervention programs that aim to reduce negative affect among adolescents who experience threatening and depriving rearing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabeeh Azarmehr
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Dawson Hall, 305 Sanford Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
- Youth Development Institute, University of Georgia, Room 208, 105 Foster Road (Pound Hall), Athens, GA, 30606, United States
| | - Ava J. Reck
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Dawson Hall, 305 Sanford Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
- Youth Development Institute, University of Georgia, Room 208, 105 Foster Road (Pound Hall), Athens, GA, 30606, United States
| | - Linhao Zhang
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Dawson Hall, 305 Sanford Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
- Youth Development Institute, University of Georgia, Room 208, 105 Foster Road (Pound Hall), Athens, GA, 30606, United States
| | - Assaf Oshri
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Dawson Hall, 305 Sanford Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
- Youth Development Institute, University of Georgia, Room 208, 105 Foster Road (Pound Hall), Athens, GA, 30606, United States
- Integrated Life Sciences, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Burns RD, Kim Y, Fu Y, Byun W, Bai Y. Independent and joint associations of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise with mental health in adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis before and during COVID-19 using the 2015-2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Prev Med 2023; 177:107750. [PMID: 37918448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107750] [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] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 led to social isolation that may have compromised adolescent mental health. This study examined the independent and joint associations of aerobic physical activity (PA) and muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) with mental health problems in adolescents. METHODS Participants were US adolescents who completed the 2015-2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 61,298; 45.7% female). Data were collected between 2015 and 2021 and analyzed in 2023. Outcomes were binary response items asking about feeling sad/hopeless, having difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, and having a suicidal ideation. Preventive exposure variables were items asking about frequencies of aerobic PA and MSE with responses dichotomized to align with recommendations. Independent and joint associations were examined using robust Poisson regression with covariates selected using double selection lasso. Structural equation models examined the associations treating PA and MSE as continuous predictors and poor mental health as a latent dependent variable. RESULTS Meeting either recommendation alone associated with a 4-10% lower prevalence of mental health problems (APR = 0.90-0.96, p < 0.05), and meeting both recommendations associated with a 15%-20% lower prevalence of mental health problems (APR = 0.80-0.85, p < 0.001). Although categorical joint associations were stronger in males (p < 0.05), multiplicative interactions were observed in females using continuous variables for PA and MSE (β = -0.09, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Meeting aerobic PA and MSE recommendations associated with lower prevalence of mental health problems. Participation in MSE below recommended levels may be beneficial for females when combined with aerobic PA. Future research should examine these associations by acquiring contextual information and device-based assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Burns
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Youngwon Kim
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - You Fu
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.
| | - Wonwoo Byun
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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15
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Brewer K, Mantey DS, Thomas PB, Romm KF, Kong AY, Alexander AC. Identifying disparities in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among US adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prev Med 2023; 177:107791. [PMID: 38035944 PMCID: PMC10842713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) became more common among racial and ethnic minorities and sexual and gender minorities (SGM) during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to White and non-SGM adolescents. This study examines associations between pandemic-related stressors and STBs among a nationally representative sample of adolescents to identify vulnerable subpopulations. METHODS We analyzed data from 6769 high school students using the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey. Pandemic-related stressors were assessed via seven items related to negative experiences (e.g., parent job loss; food insecurity) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analyses estimated the association between pandemic-related stressors and four outcomes: (1) sadness/hopelessness; (2) suicidal ideation; (3) suicide planning; and (4) recent suicide attempt (i.e., past 12 months). Interactions were modeled by sex, race/ethnicity, and sexual identity. RESULTS A greater number of pandemic-related stressors was associated with higher odds for sadness and hopelessness (aOR: 1.55; 95% CI:1.44-1.67), suicidal ideation (aOR: 1.48; 95% CI:1.39-1.57), suicide planning (aOR:1.47; 95% CI: 1.36-1.59), and recent suicide attempt (aOR: 1.64; 95% CI:1.42-1.88). Pandemic-related stressors were also more strongly associated with some types of STBs in males (relative to females) and SGM females (relative to heterosexual females). CONCLUSION Study findings indicate that pandemic-related stressors are associated with STBs within the US adolescent population, particularly among male and SGM female adolescents. Researchers are encouraged to use this knowledge to ensure nationwide suicide prevention efforts adequately address inequities in suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khandis Brewer
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, the University of Oklahoma Health Science Centers, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dale S Mantey
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, the University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, & Environmental Sciences, the University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Austin, TX, USA; Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, UTHealth School of Public Health Austin Campus, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Priya B Thomas
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, & Environmental Sciences, the University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Katelyn F Romm
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, the University of Oklahoma Health Science Centers, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Amanda Y Kong
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, the University of Oklahoma Health Science Centers, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Adam C Alexander
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, the University of Oklahoma Health Science Centers, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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16
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Kim K, Jergel A, Bai S, Bradley K, Karim B, Shah A, Suglia S, Ugboh N, Gooding HC. Feasibility of recruiting adolescents into a prospective cohort study of the effects of social isolation during COVID-19. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:191. [PMID: 38001548 PMCID: PMC10668405 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01418-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social connection and loneliness in adolescence are increasingly understood as critical influences on adult mental and physical health. The unique impact of the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 lockdown on emerging adults is therefore expected to be especially profound. We sought to investigate the feasibility of using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and wearable accelerometers to characterize the effects of social isolation and/or loneliness experienced by adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We recruited 19 participants aged 13-18 from an Adolescent Medicine practice in Atlanta, GA. Participants completed surveys at baseline and throughout a 2-week study period using EMA regarding their degree of social isolation, loneliness, family functioning, school climate, social media use, and COVID-19 experiences surrounding their physical, mental, and social domains. Six participants agreed to wear an activity tracker and heart rate measurement device for 14 days to monitor their emotional state and physical health. Participant feedback was collected via open-ended exit interviews. Feasibility of recruitment/retention, adherence, and outcome measures were investigated. Implementation was also assessed by evaluating the barriers and facilitators to study delivery. Associations between the social isolation and loneliness variables and all other variables were performed with univariate linear regression analysis with significance set at p < 0.05. The progression criteria were a recruitment rate of > 30% and a retention rate of > 80%. RESULTS Progression criteria were met for recruitment (76%) of participants, but not retention (38%). Adherence to EMA survey completion was highly variable with only 54% completing ≥ 1 survey a day, and accelerometry use was not feasible. Social isolation was significantly correlated with lower school climate, higher COVID-19 experiences, higher depression scores, and lower sleep quality. Loneliness also showed a significant correlation with all these factors except COVID-19 experiences. CONCLUSIONS EMA and wearable accelerometer use was not feasible in this longitudinal study of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should further investigate barriers to conducting long-term research with adolescents and the potential effects of the pandemic on subject recruitment and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kain Kim
- Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
| | - Andrew Jergel
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Shasha Bai
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Kolbi Bradley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Brianna Karim
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Amit Shah
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shakira Suglia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ngozi Ugboh
- Ross University School of Medicine, 2300 SW 145th Ave #200, Miramar, FL, 33027, USA
| | - Holly C Gooding
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Delaney KR. Taking a broad view of COVID-19, stressors and youth mental health. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2023; 36:267-268. [PMID: 37814944 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Delaney
- Rush College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Community Mental Health and Systems, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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18
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Zipursky AR, Olson KL, Bode L, Geva A, Jones J, Mandl KD, McMurry A. Emergency department visits and boarding for pediatric patients with suicidality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286035. [PMID: 37910582 PMCID: PMC10619773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286035] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the increase in pediatric patients presenting to the emergency department with suicidality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the subsequent impact on emergency department length of stay and boarding. METHODS This retrospective cohort study from June 1, 2016, to October 31, 2022, identified patients ages 6 to 21 presenting to the emergency department at a pediatric academic medical center with suicidality using ICD-10 codes. Number of emergency department encounters for suicidality, demographic characteristics of patients with suicidality, and emergency department length of stay were compared before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unobserved components models were used to describe monthly counts of emergency department encounters for suicidality. RESULTS There were 179,736 patient encounters to the emergency department during the study period, 6,215 (3.5%) for suicidality. There were, on average, more encounters for suicidality each month during the COVID-19 pandemic than before the COVID-19 pandemic. A time series unobserved components model demonstrated a temporary drop of 32.7 encounters for suicidality in April and May of 2020 (p<0.001), followed by a sustained increase of 31.2 encounters starting in July 2020 (p = 0.003). The average length of stay for patients that boarded in the emergency department with a diagnosis of suicidality was 37.4 hours longer during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The number of encounters for suicidality among pediatric patients and the emergency department length of stay for psychiatry boarders has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for acute care mental health services and solutions to emergency department capacity issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Zipursky
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Karen L. Olson
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Louisa Bode
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics of TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Alon Geva
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James Jones
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kenneth D. Mandl
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrew McMurry
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Craig A, Mapanga W, Mtintsilana A, Dlamini S, Norris S. Exploring the national prevalence of mental health risk, multimorbidity and the associations thereof: a repeated cross-sectional panel study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1217699. [PMID: 37920573 PMCID: PMC10619674 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1217699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective and methods South Africans were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant economic hardships. As a result, mental health within this region may have worsened. Therefore, using large scale nationally representative data, we repeated the cross-sectional panel study to investigate mental health risk post COVID-19 to explore mental health and multimorbidity and to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and comorbid health conditions in South African adults (aged 18 years and older). Results Post-pandemic, 26.2, 17.0, and 14.8% of the South African respondents reported being probably depressed, anxious and had suffered high exposure to early life adversity, respectively. Nationally, the prevalence of mental health across the country remained alarmingly high when compared to Panel 1. The prevalence of multimorbidity (2 or more chronic morbidities) among the South African population was reported at 13.9%, and those with 2 or more morbidities were found to have increased odds of early adversity, irrespective of differing socio-demographics. Furthermore, early adversity was also associated with multimorbidity partly via mental health. Conclusion This repeated cross-sectional national study reiterated that the prevalence of mental health across South African adults aged 18 years and older is widespread. Mental health remains worryingly high post-pandemic where more than a quarter of respondents are probably depressed, nearly one in every five respondents are anxious, and 14.8% reported high exposure ACEs. Public health interventions need to be upscaled with efforts to reduce the incidence of early adversity that may have the ability to lower adverse health outcomes and mental ill-health in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Craig
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Witness Mapanga
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Asanda Mtintsilana
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Siphiwe Dlamini
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shane Norris
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Grabbe L, Duva I, Jackson D, Johnson R, Schwartz D. The impact of the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) on the mental well-being of youth at risk for violence: A study protocol. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2023; 46:121-126. [PMID: 37813494 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2023.08.002] [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] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assess the effect of a brief, somatic awareness resiliency training, the Community Resiliency Model (CRM)®, on the mental well-being of incarcerated youth. SPECIFIC AIM 1: Explore the relationship between youth demographics and justice history to baseline well-being scores and response to treatment. Q1: How do personal variables, including length of time in juvenile justice, relate to baseline mental health scores and response to the wellness skills intervention? SPECIFIC AIM 2: Examine the mental health scores over time to determine effectiveness of participating in CRM training while incarcerated. Hypothesis 1: Well-being scores will increase after CRM training. Hypothesis 2: Emotional distress will decrease after participating in a CRM training. Hypothesis 3: Pro-social feelings and behaviors will increase after participating in a CRM training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Grabbe
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Ingrid Duva
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Douglas Jackson
- Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, United States of America
| | - Rufus Johnson
- Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, United States of America
| | - David Schwartz
- Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, United States of America
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Hurel C, Ehlinger V, Molcho M, Cohen JF, Falissard B, Sentenac M, Godeau E. Life satisfaction in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic among middle school adolescents in France: findings from a repeated cross-sectional survey (EnCLASS, 2012-2021). Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1204171. [PMID: 37614904 PMCID: PMC10443644 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1204171] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have reported a decrease in adolescents' well-being. We aim to describe life satisfaction over the last decade and examine the factors associated with its variations between 2020 and 2021 among French students in their last year of middle school (around 14-15 years old). Methods Data were drawn from a repeated biennial cross-sectional national survey conducted in French schools over the last decade (EnCLASS study), using a self-administered questionnaire. After describing life satisfaction trends between 2012 and 2021 using the Cantril ladder, we examined individual changes in life satisfaction between 2020 and 2021 and their associations with housing and studying conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown, using multinomial logistic regression analysis (decrease, increase, no change as reference). Results Among the 17,686 survey respondents, an overall slight decrease in the prevalence of adolescents reporting high life satisfaction (i.e., Cantril score ≥6) was observed since 2012 with the lowest proportion reported in 2021 (77.4%). Between 2020 and 2021, 16.3% of French adolescents experienced an improvement in life satisfaction, while 17.7% experienced the opposite. Decrease in life satisfaction between 2020 and 2021 was more likely experienced by adolescents living in reconstructed families [aOR 2.09 (95%CI, 1.58-2.77)], those who did not have their own room [aOR 1.58 (1.16-2.15)], nor access to the Internet to interact with their friends during the lockdown [aOR 1.47 (1.09-1.98)]. Interestingly, more girls than boys were represented in both those reporting increase and decrease in life satisfaction [aOR 1.82 (1.40-2.37) and 1.43 (1.14-1.79), respectively]. Conclusions This study shows that the way adolescents experienced the first 2020 lockdown in France was not uniform, and that one must consider sex as well as housing and studying conditions when interpreting adolescents' life satisfaction decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Hurel
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, EHESP School of Public Health, Rennes, France
- Rennes University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Rennes, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Rennes, France
| | - Virginie Ehlinger
- UMR 1295 CERPOP, Inserm, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Team SPHERE, Toulouse, France
| | - Michal Molcho
- Department of Children’s Studies, School of Education, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jérémie F. Cohen
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, AP-HP, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Falissard
- Paris-Saclay University, UVSQ, CESP, Inserm U1018, Paris, France
- Public Health and Epidemiology Department, AP-HP, Hôpital du Kremlin Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Mariane Sentenac
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Obstetrical Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team, EPOPé, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Godeau
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, EHESP School of Public Health, Rennes, France
- UMR 1295 CERPOP, Inserm, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Team SPHERE, Toulouse, France
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Brown C, Ray A. Substance Use Disorders and Medication-Assisted Therapies: Current Practices and Implications for Nursing. Nurs Clin North Am 2023; 58:165-181. [PMID: 37105652 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnur.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, the opioid epidemic and COVID-19-related substance use have exacerbated the overall incidence of substance use disorders (SUDs). Medication-assisted therapy (MAT), or cognitive and behavioral therapy that combines medications that reduce substance use or acute withdrawal symptoms, has dramatically improved outcomes for SUD patients, including preventing mortality. With recent US Congressional funding for MAT, patients presenting for acute care on MAT-related medications will continue to increase. Nurses should be aware of these medications' mechanism of action, typical side effects, and implications on treating acute pain to optimize their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Brown
- Novant Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA; Department of Academic Nursing, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA.
| | - Anisa Ray
- Emergency Room, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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23
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Anderson KN, Johns D, Holland KM, Chen Y, Vivolo-Kantor AM, Trinh E, Bitsko RH, Leeb RT, Radhakrishnan L, Bacon S, Jones CM. Emergency Department Visits Involving Mental Health Conditions, Suicide-Related Behaviors, and Drug Overdoses Among Adolescents - United States, January 2019-February 2023. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:502-512. [PMID: 37167103 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7219a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The U.S. adolescent mental and behavioral health crisis is ongoing,* with high pre-COVID-19 pandemic baseline rates† (1) and further increases in poor mental health (2), suicide-related behaviors (3), and drug overdose deaths (4) reported during 2020-2021. CDC examined changes in U.S. emergency department (ED) visits for mental health conditions (MHCs) overall and for nine specific MHCs,§ suicide-related behaviors (including suspected suicide attempts), and drug-involved overdoses (including opioids) among children and adolescents aged 12-17 years (adolescents) during January 2019-February 2023, overall and by sex. Compared with fall 2021, by fall 2022, decreases in weekly ED visits were reported among all adolescents, and females specifically, for MHCs overall, suicide-related behaviors, and drug overdoses; weekly ED visits among males were stable. During this same period, increases in weekly ED visits for opioid-involved overdoses were detected. Mean weekly ED visits in fall 2022 for suicide-related behaviors and MHCs overall were at or lower than the 2019 prepandemic baseline, respectively, and drug overdose visits were higher. Differences by sex were observed; levels among females were at or higher than prepandemic baselines for these conditions. These findings suggest some improvements as of fall 2022 in the trajectory of adolescent mental and behavioral health, as measured by ED visits; however, poor mental and behavioral health remains a substantial public health problem, particularly among adolescent females. Early identification and trauma-informed interventions, coupled with expanded evidence-based, comprehensive prevention efforts, are needed to support adolescents' mental and behavioral health.
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24
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Sliwa SA, Wheaton AG, Li J, Michael SL. Sleep Duration, Mental Health, and Increased Difficulty Doing Schoolwork Among High School Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E14. [PMID: 36927707 PMCID: PMC10038092 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.220344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We estimated the prevalence of short sleep duration (<8 h/average school night) among high school students (grades 9-12) during the COVID-19 pandemic by using data from the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (January-June 2021; N = 7,705). An adjusted logistic regression model predicted prevalence ratios for more difficulty doing schoolwork during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic. Most (76.5%) students experienced short sleep duration, and two-thirds perceived more difficulty doing schoolwork. Students who slept less than 7 hours per school night or experienced poor mental health were more likely to report increased difficulty doing schoolwork. Addressing students' sleep duration could complement efforts to bolster their mental health and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Sliwa
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30341
| | - Anne G Wheaton
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jingjing Li
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shannon L Michael
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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