“Toughness” in association with mental health symptoms among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans seeking Veterans Affairs health care.

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Jakupcak ◽  
Rebecca K. Blais ◽  
Joel Grossbard ◽  
Hector Garcia ◽  
John Okiishi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Afghanistan War ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Health Symptoms

scholarly journals COVID-19 is having a destructive impact on health-care workers’ mental well-being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Vanhaecht ◽  
Deborah Seys ◽  
Luk Bruyneel ◽  
Bianca Cox ◽  
Gorik Kaesemans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Sources Of Support ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may aggravate workplace conditions that impact health-care workers’ mental health. However, it can also place other stresses on workers outside of their work. This study determines the effect of COVID-19 on symptoms of negative and positive mental health and the workforce’s experience with various sources of support. Effect modification by demographic variables was also studied. Methods A cross-sectional survey study, conducted between 2 April and 4 May 2020 (two waves), led to a convenience sample of 4509 health-care workers in Flanders (Belgium), including paramedics (40.6%), nurses (33.4%), doctors (13.4%) and management staff (12.2%). About three in four were employed in university and acute hospitals (29.6%), primary care practices (25.7%), residential care centers (21.3%) or care sites for disabled and mental health care. In each of the two waves, participants were asked how frequently (on a scale of 0–10) they experienced positive and negative mental health symptoms during normal circumstances and during last week, referred to as before and during COVID-19, respectively. These symptoms were stress, hypervigilance, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, unable to relax, fear, irregular lifestyle, flashback, difficulty concentrating, feeling unhappy and dejected, failing to recognize their own emotional response, doubting knowledge and skills and feeling uncomfortable within the team. Associations between COVID-19 and mental health symptoms were estimated by cumulative logit models and reported as odds ratios. The needed support was our secondary outcome and was reported as the degree to which health-care workers relied on sources of support and how they experienced them. Results All symptoms were significantly more pronounced during versus before COVID-19. For hypervigilance, there was a 12-fold odds (odds ratio 12.24, 95% confidence interval 11.11–13.49) during versus before COVID-19. Positive professional symptoms such as the feeling that one can make a difference were less frequently experienced. The association between COVID-19 and mental health was generally strongest for the age group 30–49 years, females, nurses and residential care centers. Health-care workers reported to rely on support from relatives and peers. A considerable proportion, respectively, 18 and 27%, reported the need for professional guidance from psychologists and more support from their leadership. Conclusions The toll of the crisis has been heavy on health-care workers. Those who carry leadership positions at an organizational or system level should take this opportunity to develop targeted strategies to mitigate key stressors of health-care workers’ mental well-being.

scholarly journals Developing a Framework to Increase Access to Mental Health Services for Children With Special Needs in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tammy L. Hughes ◽  
Cydney Quinn ◽  
Amy Tiberi ◽  
Waganesh A. Zeleke
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Care Access ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Cultural Taboos

The availability and accessibility of Westernized mental health diagnostic processes and evidence-based treatments are limited in developing countries, such as Ethiopia (Kakuma et al., 2011; Hohenshil et al., 2013; Wondie, 2014; Zeleke et al., 2017b). Similar to other developing nations, there is (a) a lack of health care services for mental practices to build on, (b) limited services that are well-suited to the culture (Wondie, 2014; Zeleke et al., 2019), (c) limited scientific literature useful for documenting the needs of the Ethiopian public, and (d) too few mental health professional preparation programs (Zeleke et al., 2019). Whereas Western cultures generally follow the biomedical model conceptualization and treatment of disease, non-Western cultures, such as Ethiopia tend to adhere to traditional and religious views to explain the origin of mental illness (Kortmann, 1987; Jacobsson and Merdassa, 1991). Mental health symptoms may be attributed to supernatural causes or other spiritual crises, rather than a combination of biopsychosocial influences. As such, individuals seeking help with mental health symptoms in Ethiopia are mostly limited to family, friends and local community healers (Zeleke et al., 2017a, 2019). When individuals are brought to the few places providing Westernized mental health care, it is often only after exhausting other traditional and religious alternatives (Bekele et al., 2000). Even when there is a desire to seek Westernized services, socioeconomic circumstance, cultural factors (e.g., a focus on collectivism practices), negative attitudes toward mental illness, along with unfamiliarity and fear of these new practices, are noted barriers to receiving treatments. Beliefs passed down through cultural taboos go on to effect multiple generations. Not only do barriers affect individuals, but they also negatively impact the range of services for children, families and communities. With the ultimate goal of improving mental health care access for children, a full appreciation of the context is essential.

Does the Introduction of Shared Care Therapists in Primary Health Care Impact Clients' Mental Health Symptoms and Functioning?

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randolph B. Goossen ◽  
J. Douglas Staley ◽  
Michelle L. Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Categories ◽  
Mental Health Therapists ◽  
Health Care Program

This study reports the results of two self-report measures (PHQ & SF-12v2) completed before and at the end of a therapeutic intervention in a shared mental health care program. A significant reduction in symptoms was noted for 5 diagnostic categories, including depression. Statistically significant improvement was found for items assessing general health, interference in activities and work due to emotional problems or pain, feelings of calm and peace, level of energy, depression, and interference with social activities. The results suggest that integration of mental health therapists within primary care practice settings may significantly improve participants' mental health symptoms and functioning.

Mental Health Symptoms, Quality of Life and Barriers to Accessing Health Care in Sickle Cell Disease

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 337-337
Author(s):  
Marsha J Treadwell ◽  
Fernando Barreda ◽  
Kimberly Major ◽  
Valentino Walker ◽  
Wanda Payton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
African American ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Hemoglobin Type

Abstract Abstract 337 Background: Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) face a number of barriers as they attempt to access timely and appropriate health care. We previously reported that adult and pediatric patients with SCD differed on some barriers reported, with adults citing more barriers related to insurance and provider knowledge and attitudes. Patients' emotional status, including worry, frustration and anger, were also reported barriers to accessing health care. However, there has been limited research formally assessing mental health symptoms as potential barriers to accessing health care in SCD. Objective: To investigate the relation between mental health symptoms, quality of life and reported barriers to accessing healthcare. We hypothesized that 1) mental health symptoms would be predictive of reported barriers, for adults with SCD compared with children, and 2) quality of life would be inversely related to the number of reported barriers, for adults and children. Methods: 112 patients with SCD were enrolled in a cross sectional study. Pediatric patients and their parents, and adults with SCD completed screening measures of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 or Children's Depression Inventory) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder- 7 or Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children-10) and were categorized with no, mild, moderate or severe symptoms. They also completed quality of life measures (SF 36v2® or PedsQL®) and a validated checklist of barriers to accessing healthcare for SCD. Results: Participants were 35 children (M age 9.5, 1– 17 years) and their parents, and 77 adults (M age 31.2, 18 – 68 years); 53% female; 75% African American; 71% diagnosed with Hgb SS. Sixty one percent of adults reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, compared with 4% of children (p <.001). Thirty-six percent of adults reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, compared with 12% of children (p <.05). Adults reported significantly worse quality of life in the Physical (M =53.0, SD =23.7) and Mental Health (M =49.4, SD =23.2) domains compared with children (Physical M =65.6, SD =21.4, p <.05 and Mental Health M =66.0, SD =17.9, p <.01). In regression analyses, we found that, with gender and hemoglobin type controlled for, depression was predictive of number of barriers faced for adult (R2 =.27, β = 3.57 ±.88, n = 74) but not pediatric patients (R2 =.26, β = 5.68 ± 2.54, n = 26). Anxiety was predictive of number of barriers faced for adults (R2 =.28, β = 3.99 ±.94, n = 75) but not pediatric patients (R2 =.13, β = 2.13 ± 1.96, n = 26). Greater number of barriers faced was predictive of worse quality of life in the Mental Health domain for both adults and pediatrics, controlling for gender and hemoglobin type (R2 =.19, β = −.98 ±.26, n = 73 for adults and R2 =.28, β = −1.06 ±.36, n = 33 for pediatrics). In the Physical domain, greater number of barriers faced was predictive of worse quality of life for adults but not pediatrics, controlling for gender and hemoglobin type (R2 =.18, β = −.97 ±.26, n = 73 for adults and R2 =.15, β = −1.03 ±.46, n = 33 for pediatrics). Conclusion: Adults with SCD reported a higher prevalence of moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, compared with children with SCD and the general African American population. Mental health symptoms were predictive of difficulties with accessing health care for adult more so than pediatric patients. There is an urgent need to address barriers to health care for patients with SCD; to prevent morbidity in pediatrics that may contribute to impaired quality of life in adulthood; and to improve mental health services available to adults in particular. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The impact of reported direct and indirect killing on mental health symptoms in Iraq war veterans

2010 ◽  
pp. n/a-n/a ◽  
Author(s):  
Shira Maguen ◽  
Barbara A. Lucenko ◽  
Mark A. Reger ◽  
Gregory A. Gahm ◽  
Brett T. Litz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Iraq War ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

Killing in combat, mental health symptoms, and suicidal ideation in Iraq war veterans

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shira Maguen ◽  
David D. Luxton ◽  
Nancy A. Skopp ◽  
Gregory A. Gahm ◽  
Mark A. Reger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Iraq War ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Health Symptoms

scholarly journals Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation Among Unpaid Caregivers in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Relationships to Age, Race/Ethnicity, Employment, and Caregiver Intensity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark É Czeisler ◽  
Alexandra Drane ◽  
Sarah S Winnay ◽  
Emily R Capodilupo ◽  
Charles A Czeisler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Hispanic White

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of unpaid caregiving during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify factors associated with adverse mental health symptoms, substance use, and suicidal ideation in this population, which provides critical support in health care systems by providing care to older adults and those with chronic conditions.MethodsIn June 2020, Internet-based surveys with questions about demographics, caregiving responsibilities, and mental health were administered to US adults aged ≥18 years. Demographic quota sampling and survey weighting to improve cross-sectional sample representativeness of age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Prevalence ratios for adverse mental health symptoms were estimated using multivariable Poisson regressions.ResultsOf 9,896 eligible invited adults, 5,412 (54.7%) completed surveys; 5,011 (92.6%) respondents met screening criteria and were analysed, including 1,362 (27.2%) caregivers. Caregivers had higher prevalences of adverse mental health symptoms than non-caregivers, including anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms (57.6% vs 21.5%, respectively, p<0.0001) having recently seriously considered suicide (33.4% vs 3.7%, p<0.0001). Symptoms were more common among caregivers who were young vs older adults (e.g., aged 18–24 vs ≥65 years, aPR 2.75, 95% CI 1.95–3.88, p<0.0001), Hispanic or Latino vs non-Hispanic White (1.14, 1.04–1.25, p=0.0044), living with vs without disabilities (1.18, 1.10–1.26, p<0.0001), and with moderate and high vs low Caregiver Intensity Index scores (2.31, 1.65–3.23; 2.81, 2.00–3.94; both p<0.0001). Suicidal ideation was more prevalent among non-Hispanic Black vs non-Hispanic White caregivers (1.48, 1.15–1.90, p=0.0022).ConclusionsCaregivers, who accounted for one in four US adult respondents in this nationally representative sample, more commonly reported adverse mental health symptoms than non-caregivers. Increased visibility of and access to mental health care resources are urgently needed to address mental health challenges of caregiving.

Mental Health Care For Iraq And Afghanistan War Veterans

2009 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 771-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Audrey Burnam ◽  
Lisa S. Meredith ◽  
Terri Tanielian ◽  
Lisa H. Jaycox
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Afghanistan War ◽  
War Veterans
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